Craft Shows & Fairs in Ventura, California
Ventura sits on the California Gold Coast between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 W Harbor Blvd is the central venue for multiple major shows throughout the year — including the Harvest Festival and the Holiday Craft & Gift Festival.
Ventura's Craft Show Scene
Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show — September
The Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show at Ventura County Fairgrounds is one of Ventura's anchor events.
- Held in September (September 11–13 in 2026)
- Juried show — vendor quality is consistently high
- Venue: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W Harbor Blvd
Categories include:
- Photography, fine jewelry, blown glass
- Wood art, metalwork, vintage wares
- Specialty foods
- Entertainment, kidzone, food vendors
Holiday Craft & Gift Festival — November
The Holiday Craft & Gift Festival (late November at Ventura County Fairgrounds) is the dedicated holiday season craft event (November 21–23 in 2025; November 22–24 in 2024).
Holiday categories:
- Ornaments, stockings, and clothing
- Ceramics and candles
- Photography and jewelry
- Specialty foods
February Home Improvement & Outdoor Living Expo
The Highway 101 Craft Festival could not be confirmed on the fairgrounds' events calendar; the fairgrounds' 2026 Home Improvement & Outdoor Living Expo ran February 20–22 (check the calendar for craft vendors).
- Home Improvement & Outdoor Living Expo at the fairgrounds (February 20–22, 2026)
- Free admission ($10 parking)
- Expo hours in 2026: Friday and Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 10am–4pm
Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival
A family-friendly event with dual programming:
- Street painting by chalk artists (check the organizer for current dates)
- Craftsman marketplace with artisan works for purchase
Ventura County Fair — Summer (July–August)
The Ventura County Fair is the county's summer fair (July 29–August 9 in 2026):
- Annual, typically July–August
- Arts, crafts, and home arts competition
- Livestock, carnival rides, and entertainment
- Venue: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W Harbor Blvd
Year-Round Artisan Retail
- Ventura Harbor Village — year-round shopping and artisan-friendly retail; seasonal pop-up markets
- Main Street Ventura — boutique shops, galleries, artisan retail; periodic street fairs
County Fairs & County Events Near Ventura
The Ventura County Fair at Ventura County Fairgrounds is the county's own agricultural fair. Ventura County's agricultural heritage covers:
- Avocados, citrus, and strawberries
- Lima beans and flowers
- Very active 4-H and FFA programs
The fairgrounds' year-round multi-event use — Harvest Festival, Holiday Craft & Gift Festival, the February home expo, county fair — makes it a busy venue for craft shoppers.
Best Times to Visit Ventura for Craft Events
Ventura has craft events across the year:
| Season | Event |
|--------|-------|
| February | Home Improvement & Outdoor Living Expo (check for craft vendors) |
| Check dates | Art & Street Painting Festival (craftsman marketplace) |
| July–August | Ventura County Fair |
| September | Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show |
| November | Holiday Craft & Gift Festival |
The Mediterranean coastal climate makes outdoor events viable nearly year-round. Spring and fall are the most comfortable for outdoor browsing.
Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Santa Barbara, CA — about 25 miles northwest; weekly Sunday Arts & Crafts Show on Cabrillo Boulevard, year-round
- Ojai — about 12 miles north; artisan and gallery community with strong handmade retail
- Oxnard — about 9 miles southeast; Harbor events and seasonal market activity
- Camarillo — 15 miles east; growing craft fair scene with access to Ventura and LA County events
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Ventura, CA?
Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd) is the center of the craft calendar. The Harvest Festival (September) and Holiday Craft & Gift Festival (late November) are the two highest-profile dedicated craft events. Ventura Harbor Village and Main Street Ventura have artisan retail year-round.When do craft shows happen in Ventura?
Every season: February (Home Improvement & Outdoor Living Expo), Varies (Art & Street Painting Festival), July–August (Ventura County Fair), September (Harvest Festival), November (Holiday Craft & Gift Festival). The fairgrounds at 10 W Harbor Blvd serves as the venue for most of these.
Are there county fairs near Ventura?
The Ventura County Fair at Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W Harbor Blvd) is the city's own county fair, annually July–August. Santa Barbara County Fair in Santa Maria (~80 miles northwest) and LA County Fair in Pomona (~70 miles east) are both within regional range.
Is there a handmade market scene in Ventura?
Ventura has a well-established artisan community supported by the Ventura County Arts Council. Beach and surf culture drives local craft aesthetics — surfboard art, macrame, woven textiles, shell jewelry, and coastal-inspired ceramics. Annual craft shows at the fairgrounds, including the juried Harvest Festival, give local and regional makers consistent selling opportunities. Mission San Buenaventura and the Channel Islands influence heritage and nature-inspired craft traditions.
Find Events in Ventura
CraftShow Events tracks craft shows, artisan fairs, and handmade markets across Ventura and Ventura County. Search by date to find the Harvest Festival in September, Holiday Craft Festival in November, the February home expo, and the Ventura County Fair in summer.