The Ultimate List of Hudson Valley Maker Markets and Craft Fairs for Makers and Artisans

Creativity thrives in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, where there’s no shortage of artisan craftspeople, gourmet food purveyors, and artists of seemingly every stripe. But, because it’s not always easy to find locally handmade items and art, seasonal craft fairs and year-round maker markets offer the opportunity for everyone from woodworkers to jewelers, painters to picklers to showcase and sell their goods.

We asked Ashley Ruprecht, co-Founder Laurel & Ash Farm who makes some of the best maple syrup we’ve tasted, to share her take on the benefits of participating in Hudson Valley maker markets and craft fairs.

“This is a hard one because there are so many. Regularly participating in maker markets has been incredibly beneficial for our business. Firstly, it’s a great way to connect with our customers on a personal level. Meeting them in person creates a human connection and gives us immediate feedback on our maple products and packaging. We can learn about customers preferences and gather valuable suggestions that we can use to make our products even better. We can also guide customers to the correct product for their culinary needs. Maker markets also introduce us to a whole new audience. Some of these potential customers may not have discovered our products otherwise. This not only boosts our sales but also increases brand recognition in the community.”

“Additionally, being a regular participant in these events has connected us with a wider community of makers and artisans. It’s like being part of a supportive network where we all share our experiences and help each other grow.”

This post is for the artisans, small-batch makers and artists looking for a list of some of the region’s most popular markets and fairs, what they entail, and how to be a part of the action.

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FIELD + SUPPLY | WEBSITE 
WHERE: Hutton Brickyards, Kingston
WHEN: Spring MRKT (Memorial Day) and Fall MRKT (October)

This outdoor market brings 250 vendors to Kingston’s waterfront twice each year during Memorial Day weekend and early October. Each event features live music, food, family-friendly activities, workshops, and a highly curated selection of makers and artists to peruse. According to PR spokesperson Kelly Sinatra,

“Field + Supply selects vendors for their various events through an invitation process. While they do not accept applications, they always love to learn about new brands. Brands interested in selling with Field + Supply can submit their information on the vendor interest form HERE.”

HUDSON VALLEY FARM AND FLEA | WEBSITE
WHERE: Museum Village, Monroe
WHEN: Spring and Fall Markets

With a mission of bringing together independent local farmers with crafters, artists, designers, and vintage sellers, Hudson Valley Farm and Flea aims to curate a uniquely Hudson Valley experience through markets that bring more than 50 vendors to iconic regional sites. Vendors can apply here. In March 2024, an event will be hosted at City Winery Hudson Valley in Montgomery.

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PHOENICIA FLEA | WEBSITE
WHEN: June-October weekends
WHERE: Various locations

Highlighting makers and merchants from the Catskills and Hudson Valley, this traveling marketplace features weekly popups at various locations from Dobbs Ferry, to Callicoon, to Kingston, between June and October. This year’s season wraps up on October 14-15 at Nat’s Mountain House in Tannersville. To be considered for inclusion in future markets, vendors can contact [email protected].

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THE FARMHOUSE PROJECT | WEBSITE
WHEN: Holiday Markets:
WHERE: Various locations
UPCOMING: Holiday Markets: November 11-12 at The Delaware Youth Center & Apple Barn, Callicoon, and December 15-16 at Senate Garage, Kingston

The Farmhouse Project Makers Market is an annual artisan craft fair, with two holiday markets coming up this season, featuring 60 vendors, food and drink purveyors, live music, and more. For sponsorships or collaborations contact [email protected]; vendors can apply online.

HUDSON VALLEY HULLABALOO | WEBSITE
Where: Andy Murphy Neighborhood Center, Kingston
When: November 18-19, 2023; annually in November

This annual indoor market features about 75 designers, artisans, and handmade crafters in a fun and lively setting. Whether you’re visiting or vending, don’t forget to stop by the photo booth for a fun memory. Vendors can apply here before September 22; For more info, email Danielle at [email protected].

 

We asked Daniel Bliss of Wishbone Letterpress, which markets were her favorite:

“Well… I organize the Hudson Valley Hullabaloo, which I began in 2013 after participating in similar events up in Maine and NYC. I wanted to organize the type of event that I wanted to sell at. We aim for it to be well curated with a diverse selection of wares, in a super fun environment. We want everyone to feel comfortable shopping there, with all price points, music, food, portrait opportunities galore. And we have a bear mascot that makes its appearance in the photo booth. And I would have to say that it’s my favorite.”

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QUAIL HOLLOW EVENTS | WEBSITE
WHEN: Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend at Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz
September 30-Oct. 1, 2023 (or early fall) at Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
WHERE: Various locations
UPCOMING: November 25-26, 2023, 51st Annual DCCF Holiday Craft Fair

Typically twice a year, Quail Hollow hosts some of the region’s largest arts and crafts festivals. The Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every Memorial and Labor Day weekend. Vendors can apply here. Handcrafted Octoberfest at Rhinebeck is themed around Germanic traditions and local harvests, but with a vendor market focused on handmade items. Sellers can apply here. This year, Quail Hollow will also host a special event for the Dutchess Community College Foundation — the 51st Annual DCCF Holiday Craft Fair takes place November 25-26, 2023. Interested crafters can apply here.

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CRAFTS AT LYNDHURST | WEBSITE 
WHERE: Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown
WHEN: Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend

This long-held tradition brings together makers of furniture, fashion, jewelry, home decor, gourmet specialties, and art of various media, on the grounds of Lyndhurst’s historic estate. After shopping, guests can walk the grounds or request a tour of the mansion. Vendors can get info and apply via Artrider here.

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BASILICA FARM & FLEA | WEBSITE
WHERE: Basilica Hudson in Hudson NY
WHEN: May Spring Market and Holiday Market during Thanksgiving weekend
UPCOMING: Holiday Market November 24th -26th, 2023

With over 10,000 square feet of raw space, Basilica Farm & Flea is one of the the only markets of this scale in the region, welcoming thousands of attendees throughout the weekend. Born Thanksgiving Weekend 2013 as an antidote to big box Black Friday, Basilica Farm & Flea is part timeless flea and farmer’s market and part 21st century craft and design fair. Each market features a diverse group of regional vendors selling their wares alongside locally-sourced, farm-fresh foods. Vendor applications are here.

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HV MAKER FAIRE AT GARNER ARTS | WEBSITE
WHERE: GARNER Historic District, Garnerville
WHEN: Spring 2024\

Located in the Hudson Valley, but featuring makers from the Tri-State area, this massive artisan and technology market takes place at a sprawling repurposed 1800’s former textile mill complex. The weekend features artists and makers of various stripes, workshops and demonstrations, open artist studios, local gourmet offerings, and live entertainment. A call-for-makers will be announced, otherwise, inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

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NYACK SPRINGFEST | WEBSITE
WHERE: Downtown Nyack
WHEN: Early April

Presented by the Nyack Chamber of Commerce, this annual street festival takes place on Main Street and Broadway in Downtown Nyack with hundreds of vendors, live bands, food vendors, and more. Interested participants can contact organizers Woodwill for more information.

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STORMVILLE ANTIQUES SHOW | WEBSITE
WHERE: Stormville Airport, Stormville
WHEN: Select dates between April-November

Featured on HGTV, this massive flea market, vendor fair, and antiques show takes place at the Stormville Airport and features artisans, merchants, and retailers of nearly everything under the sun. Interested vendors can apply here.

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BETHEL WOODS HARVEST FEST | WEBSITE
WHERE: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
WHEN: Weekends, late August through early October

In its 25th year, the Harvest Festival is an annual fall farmer’s market, craft fair, and concert series at Bethel Woods spread out over six weekends, from late-summer to early fall. Each week features a different theme and special activities, from ax-throwing to circus performers, and more. Inquiries for vendors can be made via [email protected].

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WICKHAM WORKS LOVE LOCAL MAKER MARKET | WEBSITE
WHERE: Lewis Park, Warwick NY
WHEN: May Spring Market / October Fall Market in October, November Holiday Market

A curated market of locally handmade goods by artists and artisans under the beautiful canopy of Lewis Park in historic downtown Warwick. Vendor Application forms can be found on their site.

“Our favorite fair of the year is definitely Warwick’s annual Applefest. It’s been around for years and there is nothing like being in your hometown and feeling that support from your regulars, but also so exciting to meet so many newbies and introducing them to your products. It’s an added bonus that the organizers are the sweetest people and the turnout is consistently in the 10’s of thousands each year.” – Michelle Foster, Founder and Maker, 17&Orchard

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ALBANY TULIP FESTIVAL | WEBSITE
WHERE: Washington Park, Albany
WHEN: Mother’s Day Weekend

Come for the 100,000 tulips, stay for the craft vendors, art exhibits, gourmet specialties, and multiple stages of acclaimed live music. The Annual Albany Tulip Festival has been an ongoing celebration of Albany’s Dutch Heritage since 1949. Vendors can apply here.

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Stephen and Alice of Wndrmade shared a criteria when selecting markets:

“One of the first things we have to check is if the market is dog friendly. One very important member of our team is our dog Sofi, and she accompanies us at every event.”

 

Thank you to all the makers, artisans, small-batch brands and artists that help shape and promote the Hudson Valley and Catskill Region as a hub for creativity and deliciousness!
Let us know if we missed any of your favorite Hudson Valley based Markets and we’ll add them to our roundup!