Craft Shows & Fairs in Topeka, Kansas
Topeka's craft show calendar is anchored by one of the more credentialed juried art fairs in Kansas. The Mulvane Art Fair at Washburn University has brought nationally juried artists to the campus each early June for over 30 years — 32nd annual in 2026 — with a beer garden, food trucks, live music, and children's art activities alongside 90+ artist booths.
Beyond the Mulvane: Cider Days (Northeast Kansas's largest arts and crafts festival), a 4th of July show at Lake Shawnee, a growing arts district north of the Kansas River, and a dense holiday market season.
Topeka's Craft Show Scene
The Mulvane Art Fair runs the first weekend of June on the Washburn University campus in west Topeka. Artists apply through a national jurying process; accepted artists work across ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Admission supports the Mulvane Art Museum — Topeka's only dedicated art museum. The beer garden and live music make it a full-day outing for visitors who aren't there to buy.
Cider Days at the Stormont Vail Events Center is Northeast Kansas's largest arts and crafts festival — multiple vendor categories, a petting zoo, live entertainment, live history re-enactments, and craft vendors across a September weekend.
Other key shows:
- Spirit of Kansas Arts and Crafts Show — Lake Shawnee, Tinman circle; 4th of July weekend; free entertainment; alongside car show and blues festival
- Holiday Food & Gift Mart — annual; hundreds of merchants; handcrafted goods, home décor, gourmet foods; large indoor format
- Shawnee County Parks Holiday Celebration — annual; craft exhibitors, commercial vendors, 10 food booths; family holiday market
The NOTO Arts District — North Topeka, north of the Kansas River — is the city's emerging creative corridor. Galleries, studios, and specialty shops in a revitalized industrial neighborhood; gallery walks and pop-up markets throughout the year.
The Kansas Capital Quilters Guild (est. 1986, 150+ members) adds quilt shows and fiber arts events to Topeka's annual calendar.
Country Fairs & County Events Near Topeka
The Shawnee County Fair runs at the county fairgrounds with 4-H, livestock, and home arts programming. Lake Shawnee's park system gives Topeka's fair culture an outdoor park setting — the Spirit of Kansas show uses this location for its 4th of July run.
The Hutchinson Art Fair (Kansas State Fairgrounds, May, 60+ years running) is a day-trip option for serious fine art collectors. The Kansas State Fair itself runs in Hutchinson (~90 miles southwest) for 10 days each September.
Lawrence (26 miles east) draws Topeka-area visitors for Art in the Park each September. The two cities' anchor events — Mulvane Art Fair (June) and Art in the Park (September) — function as companion shows for Northeast Kansas art fair audiences who travel for quality craft events.
Best Times to Visit Topeka for Craft Events
June is the prestige window — the Mulvane Art Fair runs the first weekend at Washburn University. Bring comfortable shoes for the campus grounds and time to walk the full show. July 4th weekend brings the Spirit of Kansas Arts and Crafts Show at Lake Shawnee — free entertainment, outdoor park setting, alongside a car show and blues festival. September brings Cider Days (Northeast Kansas's largest arts and crafts festival) and Art in the Park in nearby Lawrence (26 miles east). November–December is the highest-volume period:- Holiday Food & Gift Mart (hundreds of merchants)
- Shawnee County Parks Holiday Celebration
- NOTO District holiday markets and gallery events
Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Lawrence — ~26 miles east; Art in the Park (September, since 1964, 130+ artists, free); City Artisan Fairs (Spring, Fall, Holiday)
- Manhattan — ~53 miles northwest; Pumpkin Patch Arts and Craft Show (September, 150 vendors); Riley County Fair (late July)
- Wichita — ~140 miles southwest; Old Town Farm & Art Market (weekly Saturdays, April–December); ICT Artisan Expo
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Topeka, Kansas?
The Mulvane Art Fair at Washburn University (first weekend of June) is Topeka's premier juried fine art and craft event — 90+ nationally juried artists, beer garden, live music. Cider Days at the Stormont Vail Events Center is the largest event by vendor volume. The Spirit of Kansas show at Lake Shawnee offers a free outdoor option 4th of July weekend.
When do craft shows happen in Topeka?
Mulvane Art Fair: first weekend of June. Spirit of Kansas show: 4th of July weekend. Cider Days: September. Holiday markets peak November–December (Holiday Food & Gift Mart, Shawnee County Parks, NOTO District events). NOTO has year-round gallery and pop-up activity.
Are there country fairs near Topeka?
The Shawnee County Fair covers Topeka's home county — 4-H, livestock, home arts. Lake Shawnee park also hosts craft events through the county parks system. The Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson (~90 miles southwest) runs 10 days each September. Lawrence (26 miles east) hosts the Douglas County Fair with strong home arts exhibit programming.
Is there a handmade market scene in Topeka?
Yes. The NOTO Arts District in North Topeka is the most concentrated independent artisan area — galleries, studios, pop-up markets. The Kansas Capital Quilters Guild (est. 1986, 150+ members) runs workshops, shows, and events year-round. The Mulvane Art Museum provides institutional backing for the juried fair and year-round programming.
Find Events in Topeka
CraftShow Events covers craft shows, artisan fairs, and market listings in Topeka and across Kansas. Search by date to browse the Mulvane Art Fair, Cider Days, holiday markets, and all upcoming events.