Craft Shows & Art Festivals in Sun Valley & Ketchum, Idaho
Sun Valley and Ketchum sit at the center of the Wood River Valley's resort-town arts culture, hosting two major summer art festivals that draw professional artists from across the country. Craft shows in Sun Valley and Ketchum are anchored by the Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival at Atkinson Park — now in its 57th year, with 126 professional artists from 27 states — and the Ketchum Arts Festival in July. The Sun Valley Center for the Arts supports year-round programming, and the Wood River Valley Artist Studio Tour opens private studios to the public each August. For a community of roughly 3,500 residents, Ketchum hosts one of the most concentrated fine art festival seasons in the Mountain West.
Sun Valley & Ketchum Art Festival Scene
The Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival runs August 14-16, 2026 at Atkinson Park in Ketchum. This juried outdoor fine arts show features 126 professional artists from 27 states working in painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, woodwork, metalwork, and jewelry. Food trucks, live music, and kids' activities round out the weekend. Admission is free. The festival's 57-year history makes it one of the longest-running art events in Idaho.
The Ketchum Arts Festival runs July 10-12, 2026 — Friday through Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. This annual celebration of Idaho art takes place in the shadow of Baldy Mountain, with fine art and craft exhibitors in a resort-town setting.
The Wood River Valley Artist Studio Tour runs August 21-23, 2026. Artists across the valley open their working studios to the public for a free, self-guided tour. This is an opportunity to see artists in their creative spaces, ask questions about process, and purchase directly from makers — a format that complements the festival weekends.
The Sun Valley Center for the Arts anchors year-round arts programming in the Wood River Valley, with exhibitions, lectures, and events that sustain the arts community between summer festival seasons. Hailey, 12 miles south, has a growing arts scene and serves as the valley's service town.
County Fairs & Regional Events
The Wood River Valley does not host a traditional county fair. The Idaho State Fair at Expo Idaho in Boise (150 miles southwest) runs in late August and is the nearest major agricultural fair. The resort economy of Sun Valley and Ketchum supports arts-focused events rather than traditional agricultural programming.
Best Times to Visit for Craft Events
July and August are the peak months. The Ketchum Arts Festival runs in mid-July. The Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival fills Atkinson Park in mid-August. The Wood River Valley Artist Studio Tour closes out August. The Sun Valley Center for the Arts offers programming year-round. Winter brings skiing rather than craft events, though the resort community supports gallery exhibitions through the ski season.
Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Boise — ~150 miles southwest; Capital City Public Market (Saturdays April-December, up to 150 vendors); Idaho State Fair (late August)
- McCall — ~130 miles northwest; Payette Lakes Fine Art & Craft Fair (August, free since 1990); McCall Winter Carnival (January-February)
- Sandpoint — ~310 miles north; Arts & Crafts Fair (August, juried show, free admission)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival?
The Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival runs August 14-16, 2026 at Atkinson Park in Ketchum. It features 126 professional artists from 27 states, food trucks, live music, and kids' activities. Admission is free. The festival is in its 57th year.
What types of art are at Sun Valley craft shows?
The Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival and Ketchum Arts Festival feature juried fine art and fine craft including painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, woodwork, metalwork, and jewelry. Artists apply through a juried process, and many are nationally recognized professionals.
Are Sun Valley art festivals free?
Yes. The Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival and the Wood River Valley Artist Studio Tour are both free. The Ketchum Arts Festival is also free to attend.
Is there art in Sun Valley outside of summer?
The Sun Valley Center for the Arts maintains year-round programming with exhibitions, lectures, and community events. Local galleries in Ketchum and Hailey remain open through the ski season. The summer festival season (July-August) has the highest concentration of outdoor art events.
Find Events in Sun Valley & Ketchum
CraftShow Events covers art festivals, craft shows, and market listings in Sun Valley, Ketchum, and across Idaho. Search by date and event type to find the Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival, Ketchum Arts Festival, studio tours, and more.