The Best Craft Shows and Maker's Markets in Fargo, North Dakota

The Craft Show Scene in Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo, North Dakota might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about where to find great craft shows, but this mid-sized city in the Midwest actually has a thriving arts and crafts community. From seasonal craft fairs to weekly makers markets, there are plenty of opportunities for crafters and artisans to sell their wares, and for shoppers to find unique handmade items in Fargo.

Popular Recurring Craft Shows

Some of the most popular craft shows in Fargo happen year-round or seasonally on a regular basis. These shows often have the same vendors signing up again and again, so shoppers can develop relationships with their favorite local artists and stock up on handmade goods. Some of the can't-miss recurring shows include:

• Unglued Craft Fest - This show happens twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. With around 100 vendors, it's large enough to offer variety but still has an intimate, friendly feel. What makes Unglued stand out is that it feels more like a party than a traditional craft fair, with food trucks, cocktails, live music, and crafting workshops.
• Fargo Moorhead Artisan Holiday Market - Occurring right before Christmas, this indoor winter market has a cozy, holiday feel. It takes place inside a renovated historical building and features only handmade items from local artisans. From woodworking to pottery, painting, jewelry, textiles and more, it's a great place to find unique gifts made locally.
• Junk Hunt - Junk Hunt stops in Fargo twice a year, once in May and once in October. It's a recurring event centered around vintage, repurposed, and upcycled finds. Beyond just crafts, this show encompasses antiques, furniture, home decor, architectural salvage, clothing, and more. The vintage vibes make it popular for hunters of all things nostalgic and unique.

Seasonal Craft Fairs

In addition to regular craft shows, Fargo also has some much-anticipated seasonal fairs and markets, usually corresponding with holidays or times of year. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

• Fargo Fall Arts Festival - Occurring for two days every September in downtown Fargo, this massive event includes over 300 exhibitors selling jewelry, pottery, glasswork, textiles, wood items, artwork, and more. Local bands provide live music as visitors browse the stalls.
• Fargo's Fall into the Holidays Craft Show - Taking place in October at the Fargo Civic Center, this show kicks off the holiday shopping season. With free admission, ample parking, and various mediums like ceramics, painting, metalsmithing, photography, quilting, and sculpture, it's a crafter's paradise.
• NoCo Holiday Markets - Short for North of Normal, NoCo hosts pop-up maker's markets around the holidays in November and December. The location changes, but is always centrally located in the Fargo area. Handmade gifts span all craft mediums like knitting, crochet, quilting, ceramics, jewelry, paper goods, baked goods, artwork, and beyond.

Weekly and Monthly Events

For crafters and handmade shoppers who like reoccurring events, Fargo also has some weekly and monthly options. These maker's markets are smaller in scale but allow you to regularly find unique locally-made items.

• Nerdery Night Market - Every Wednesday night from May to August, this outdoor market sets up shop in downtown Fargo. Each week features different maker vendors as well as food trucks and live music.
• Unglued Pop Up Shop - The organizers of Unglued Craft Fest host monthly pop-up maker's markets throughout the year. Locations vary, but it's reliably a great place to discover local artists and handmade goods in Fargo.
• The Brylcreem Holiday Market - Happening every Saturday in December at 46 North Design Co., this holiday market features a wide variety of gift-worthy items from local artists and makers. Expect to find art, photography, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, baked goods, and more.

Supporting the Local Craft Community

From seasonal fairs to weekly markets, Fargo has no shortage of events for crafters to sell their wares and shoppers to find great handmade items. By attending these local craft shows, fairs, and maker's markets, you support small businesses and the arts in Fargo. Meeting local artists allows you to find unique items and gifts with a story behind them, often made sustainably and ethically right in your own community. So get out and explore the thriving maker scene that Fargo's craft shows have to offer!

FAQs

What are some of the most popular craft shows in Fargo?

Some of the most popular recurring craft shows in Fargo include Unglued Craft Fest, Fargo Moorhead Artisan Holiday Market, and Junk Hunt. These shows happen annually or semi-annually and attract large crowds looking for handmade goods.

When is the best time of year to find craft shows in Fargo?

The holiday season from fall through winter is a great time for craft shows in Fargo, with events like Fargo's Fall into the Holidays Craft Show and NoCo Holiday Markets. Summer and early fall also have excellent craft fairs like Fargo Fall Arts Festival.

Where are craft shows located in Fargo?

Craft shows take place at venues throughout Fargo, including downtown Fargo, the Fargo Civic Center, the Red Raven Espresso Parlor, 46 North Design Co., and other local shops, parks, and community centers.

What kinds of items can I expect to find at Fargo craft shows?

Craft shows in Fargo feature a wide variety of mediums like jewelry, pottery, glasswork, paintings, photography, textiles, clothing, paper goods, baked goods, furniture, upcycled items, and more - all handmade locally.

How can I find out about upcoming craft shows in Fargo?

Check the websites and social media accounts of popular Fargo craft shows to learn about upcoming dates. Local events calendars and flyers posted around town are also great resources.