This listing is organized by the month of the event, NOT the application deadline. Make sure you research the show well ahead of the event date in order to apply in a timely manner. If you would like to contribute a new listing or submit your own comments about existing shows, please e-mail RVAartisans [at] gmail [dot] com.
Keep in mind each vendor has a different assessment of a show's success based on what they're selling (the medium, quality, and price-range of their wares), intended audience, and what they consider a "good" financial take-away. Keep this in mind when assessing shows. Opinions on shows are greatly appreciated. Please e-mail or leave a comment on the blog and we'll add it to the Notes section.
Pop-Ups and Seasonal Markets with Varying Dates
Name: fleaVILLE
Website: http://www.flea-ville.com/
Location: Upper level of IX Art Park in Charlottesville, VA
Founded: 2013
Founded: 2013
Date of Show: Once a month, May through September. In 2015, the remaining show dates are July 11th, August 8th, and September 12th from 10 am - 2 pm.
Application Deadline: Until filled.
Juried: Yes.
Booth Fee: $40.
Art Categories: Handmade and vintage.
Number of Exhibitors: 35 vendors at most, depending on how many apply.
Attendance: I would guess around 250 people came to the June 2015 show.
Notes: I just vended at my first fleaVILLE event yesterday. My sales for the day made the hour-long trip to Charlottesville worth it to me (I took my boyfriend and we went to a lake afterwards to make it into a day-trip), but I would probably wait to give this event more steam before vending again. The event takes place once a month from late-Spring thru September. The organizers have been trying to promote this event more and get new vendors in, and from what other customers told me, the June event was the biggest one they've seen so far, with at least 32 vendors. There was a small but steady stream of people walking over to the IX Art Park (very cool artsy place, by the way). Someone told me a farmer's market goes on at the same time, so I'm assuming most people came from the farmer's market nearby. There is not any foot traffic besides people randomly visiting the park, so I would assume that the people who came knew about it already. It was an insanely hot and humid day, so perhaps more people will come in the future if the weather is better. I spoke to other vendors, and I think it was fairly quiet in terms of sales for most. One crafter remarked that it was more of a "crafty" event and less suited for the higher-end fine jewelry which she sold. I did well selling notecards, so I would agree with her that lower-priced items (like $20 or below) might do better at this event. She and I thought the $40 fee was a little high for the amount of customers the event brought in, however, I think this show has potential and will do better in the future with more promotion and word-of-mouth. I also made some nice contacts (including a small wholesale order from a local frame shop) so even if sales are not super-high, it's always good to make connections and reach an audience outside of your norm (for me, that's Richmond).
This listing updated: 6-14-15 by Aijung
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Name: MYSTERY MART
Website: https://www.facebook.com/rvayartsale
Location: Richmond, VA, in varying locations. In the past it has been at the South of the James Farmer's Market, Hardywood Brewery, and Quirk Gallery parking lot.
Founded: ?
Founded: ?
Date of Show: Varies. Join the Bizarre Market e-mail list to be notified of upcoming events: bizarremarket [at] gmail [dot] com
Application Deadline: Until filled.
Juried: Sometimes this event is curated, but not always.
Booth Fee: Varies depending on event.
Art Categories: Handmade
Number of Exhibitors: Varies
Attendance: N/A
Notes: Mystery Mart is the newest incarnation of the previous Bizarre Market (which is still called that name for the holiday edition at Chop Suey Books in Nov-Dec). Their events take place at varying times, so join the e-mail list to be notified of this and other vending opportunities. In the past, this show has consisted of the organizers collecting wares from artists and taking a percentage of sales, as well as events where artists come and set up themselves for a flat low fee. Number of vendors and fee depends on the location and event. Because they are pop-up events, attendance can vary depending on time of year, promotion efforts, location, etc. Sometimes it can be a pretty good show, sometimes a little quiet, so keep this in mind when anticipating sales. Another good show for beginners to try out with low booth fee risk.
This listing updated: 6-14-15 by Aijung
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Name: WELL WORN MARKET
Location: Varying locations in Richmond, VA
Founded: 2014
Founded: 2014
Date of Show: Varies. Join the e-mail list to be notified of upcoming events: yhvintage (at) gmail (dot) com
Application Deadline: Until filled.
Juried: Yes.
Booth Fee: Varies.
Art Categories: Handmade and Vintage (with emphasis on vintage clothing)
Number of Exhibitors: Varies
Attendance: N/A
Notes: These shows are very well-promoted and draw a lot of customers. Sometimes they are vintage-focused or handmade-focused, and sometimes a mix of both. The shows are run by Drew of Yesterday's Heroes Vintage. Contact him to be notified of future events.
This listing updated: 8-26-15 by Aijung
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Name: yART SALE
Website: https://www.facebook.com/rvayartsale
Location: Richmond, VA (So far, their last two shows were outdoors at Hardywood Brewery, but I'm not sure if this is a permanent location)
Founded: ?
Founded: ?
Date of Show: Varies. Join the yArt Sale e-mail list to be notified of upcoming events: rvayartsale [at] gmail [dot] com
Application Deadline: Until filled.
Juried: No
Booth Fee: None!
Art Categories: Handmade
Number of Exhibitors: Varies
Attendance: N/A
Notes: This show was created to foster a sense of community and allow artists of any experience level to participate. There is no regular show schedule, so get on their e-mail list to be notified of events. There is no booth fee, but vendors are strongly encouraged to promote the event themselves since there is no budget for the organizers to promote with. The first time I did this event was in October 2014. While I wouldn't describe it as bustling, there were a fair number of attendees and my sales were pretty decent for a small show, in fact a bit better than I expected for a pop-up event. I think the fact that it was at Hardywood gave it a built-in customer base. The second time I did this show was on Mother's Day 2015. There weren't as many customers this time (possibly due to the holiday), and it seemed like folks on the left side of the parking lot did better than on the right (where I was). There also weren't quite as many vendors on the right side, so that may have something to do with it.
I think this show is good for a grassroots show, especially for beginners who want a taste of what a craft show is like, but I would guess that attendance may vary depending on how well the vendors promote themselves. However, during the last two shows there has been a real problem with wind. The shows took place at the Hardywood parking lot, which is a pretty open lot. The October show was windy the whole time (one of my displays was knocked over) and in May there was a freak windstorm right at the end which knocked over most of my displays and almost sent my tent flying if not for the other 3 people who were helping me to hold it down. I had not brought weights for my tent - BAD IDEA. Because many of my wares are paper, I will not be doing an outdoor show at Hardywood again because I've had such bad luck with wind there.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS: Because this show attracts a lot of first-time showers, I would recommend the following tips:
- If it's an outdoor show like it has been in the past and you don't have a tent, bring an umbrella for shade. At the very least, bring sunscreen! There were a lot of sunburned people at the last show.
- Bring paperweights for light items that might blow away.
- You must bring your own tables and chairs (or some means of displaying your art). You're not required to bring a tent, but if you do, bring weights. You can buy or make weights, but the recommendation is 40 lbs per tent leg (160 lbs total).
- While normally crafters should not leave before the event is over, if you feel like there will be a problem with wind in the Hardywood lot, I suggest you pack up your wares or at least take down your tent preemptively. I wish I had done this last time. Some of my wares were destroyed in the windstorm.
I think this show is good for a grassroots show, especially for beginners who want a taste of what a craft show is like, but I would guess that attendance may vary depending on how well the vendors promote themselves. However, during the last two shows there has been a real problem with wind. The shows took place at the Hardywood parking lot, which is a pretty open lot. The October show was windy the whole time (one of my displays was knocked over) and in May there was a freak windstorm right at the end which knocked over most of my displays and almost sent my tent flying if not for the other 3 people who were helping me to hold it down. I had not brought weights for my tent - BAD IDEA. Because many of my wares are paper, I will not be doing an outdoor show at Hardywood again because I've had such bad luck with wind there.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS: Because this show attracts a lot of first-time showers, I would recommend the following tips:
- If it's an outdoor show like it has been in the past and you don't have a tent, bring an umbrella for shade. At the very least, bring sunscreen! There were a lot of sunburned people at the last show.
- Bring paperweights for light items that might blow away.
- You must bring your own tables and chairs (or some means of displaying your art). You're not required to bring a tent, but if you do, bring weights. You can buy or make weights, but the recommendation is 40 lbs per tent leg (160 lbs total).
- While normally crafters should not leave before the event is over, if you feel like there will be a problem with wind in the Hardywood lot, I suggest you pack up your wares or at least take down your tent preemptively. I wish I had done this last time. Some of my wares were destroyed in the windstorm.
This listing updated: 6-14-15 by Aijung
January
February
March
April
Name: SPRING BADA BING
Location: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Richmond, VA
Founded: 2005
Founded: 2005
Date of Show: Saturday, April 11, 2015
Application Deadline:
Juried: Yes.
Booth Fee:
Art Categories: Handmade Fine Art and Crafts
Number of Exhibitors: 40+
Attendance: ?
Notes: This show is well-organized by the Richmond Craft Mafia, which also puts on the Handmade Holiday in December (see December listings). I have done this show a couple of times in the past, but I've had schedule conflicts during the last few show dates. It is much less lucrative in terms of sales than the December show (which is to be expected of spring shows in general), and I believe competition to apply is less fierce as well. But it's a good quality show and I'd apply again in the future.
This listing updated: 8-26-15 by Aijung
May
Name: ARTS IN THE PARK
Location: The Carillon in Byrd Park
Founded: 1972
Founded: 1972
Date of Show: Saturday, April 30th from 11-6 pm and Sunday, May 1st from 11-5 pm, 2016.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2016
Juried: Yes.
Booth Fee: Non-refundable jury fee of $15. If accepted, non-refundable booth fee $200 for 10' x 10' outdoor booth space.
Art Categories: Handmade Fine Art and Crafts
Number of Exhibitors: 425+
Attendance: ?
Notes: I have not attended or vended at this show yet (!) so I really have no first-hand observations. However, I've been told that since this is such a huge show, sometimes it takes customers a couple times of seeing your work over the years before they buy something - if people walk away, they sometimes can't find your booth or simply don't return. A crafter friend told me she thought people with some lower-priced items might do well for impulse-shopping, but higher items might require a customer getting used to what you sell. I would guess that with the sheer number of exhibitors and customers, it must be successful for some vendors, depending on what you sell. I'll update with more notes if I hear about the show from other vendors.
This listing updated: 8-26-15 by Aijung
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Date of Show: Third weekend in May.
Application Deadline: February 5th, 2016
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Name: STOCKLEY GARDENS SPRING ARTS FESTIVAL
Location: Stockley Gardens Park in the Ghent section of Norfolk
Founded: 1984Date of Show: Third weekend in May.
Application Deadline: February 5th, 2016
Juried: Yes. Awards also given to winning artists.
Booth Fee: $20 Jury Fee, $250 (10' x 10'), $375 (10' x 15'), $500 (10' x 20')
Art Categories: Fine Art
Art Categories: Fine Art
Number of Exhibitors: 138
Attendance: 25,000 - 30,000
Notes: I have not attended or vended at this event, but according to their website, it is one of the best outdoor festivals in the area. There are cash awards given to winning artists, an artist's receiption on Saturday night, and the event benefits the Hope House Foundation which supports people with disabilities. Stockley Gardens also has a Fall show in October.
This listing updated: 6-14-15 by Aijung
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Date of Show: Saturday, May 14, 2016, 12 - 4:30 pm
Application Deadline: ?
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Name: STRAWBERRY STREET FESTIVAL
Location: Hanover Street in the Fan, Richmond, VA
Founded: 1979Date of Show: Saturday, May 14, 2016, 12 - 4:30 pm
Application Deadline: ?
Juried: No.
Booth Fee: ?
Art Categories: Handmade, information booths, etc
Art Categories: Handmade, information booths, etc
Number of Exhibitors: ?
Attendance: ?
Notes: This cute festival benefits the William Fox Elementary School and takes place on the block surrounding the school. Lots of kid-friendly activities including a bounce house, games, raffles, food vendors and strawberry shortcake! One street is lined with the craft vendors.
I do just okay in terms of sales, but it's nice to get out and about in the spring time and support the school.
I do just okay in terms of sales, but it's nice to get out and about in the spring time and support the school.
This listing updated: 8-26-15 by Aijung
June
July
August
September
Name: CRAFTY BASTARDS ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR
Location: Union Market, Washington, D.C.
Founded: 2004
Founded: 2004
Date of Show: Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, 10 - 5 pm
Application Deadline: July 5th, 2015
Juried: Yes.
Booth Fee: $20 Application Fee, 2-day craft vendors pay a $420 booth fee and 1-day craft vendors pay a $260 booth fee
Art Categories: Handmade
Number of Exhibitors: 170
Attendance: 35,000
Notes: The FAQ page for the event described the show as a well-curated "real-life Etsy," with over 500 applications for the 170 available booths. $5 admission is charged for attendees of the show, so they are likely serious buyers.
This listing updated: 5-22-15 by Aijung
October
Name: RVA MAKERFEST
Website: http://rvamakerfest.com/
Location: Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond, VA
Founded: 2014Date of Show: Saturday, October 3, 2015 12-6pm
Application Deadline: July 12th, 2015, Notifications by August 3rd, 2015
Juried: Yes.
Booth Fee: $10 Application Fee, $50 for makers who sell merchandise, makers who are just showing demos pay no additional fee
Art Categories: Makers in science, technology, robotics, engineering, sustainability, art, fashion, crafts, music, agriculture
Number of Exhibitors: 70+
Attendance: 4,500 for their inaugural event
Notes: This was a fantastic event and extremely well-promoted and well-organized. For the 2014 event, they had a meeting session before the event to ensure that everything went smoothly. Not exactly a craft show, but you can sell your work here. It's for makers of all kinds, including sign-makers, blacksmiths, robotic engineers, etc. Last year this event drew a huge crowd. Emphasis is given on the process or technique of making something (anything!), so you will be favored in your application if you provide a demo of your work. This event was super-busy and full of very interested people, including lots of children. I was doing a demo of linocut printmaking and sold a LOT of my crafts (linocut prints, cards, zines) at the show. I have heard from other vendors that sales varied, so maybe my location right near the front entrance helped me. I highly recommend that you bring a helper to this show. I wish I'd had even more helpers so I could've seen the rest of this show and the huge diversity of makers!
This listing updated: 5-22-15 by Aijung
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Name: ARTS AROUND THE LAKE
Location: Outdoors around Westhampton Lake on the University of Richmond campus, Richmond, VA
Founded: 1979
Founded: 1979
Date of Show: Sunday, October 4, 2015
Application Deadline: June 30th, 2015
Juried: Yes. Artists are juried every four years for a space to exhibit and sell their work. New artists are then juried to fill any remaining spaces.
Booth Fee: N/A
Art Categories: Handmade
Number of Exhibitors: 75
Attendance: N/A
Notes: I have not tabled at this show, but I looked at a list of the vendors from last year's show and it seems to be filled with very high quality artisans. A crafter friend told me that it is a good show.
This listing updated: 5-11-15 by Aijung
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Name: CRAFTED: INDIE ARTS AND CRAFT MARKET
Website: http://www.craftedva.com/
Location: O'Connor Brewing Company, Norfolk, VA
Founded: N/ADate of Show: Saturday, October 10, 2015 12-6 pm
Application Deadline: June 30th, 2015
Juried: Yes.
Booth Fee: $75 for a 6' x 5' outdoor booth under a huge provided tent
Art Categories: Handmade
Number of Exhibitors: ~50
Attendance: 500(ish?)
Notes: 2014 was the first year for the Crafted Indie Market, and I was really impressed for a first-time show - it was well organized, well-promoted, and very well-attended, with a great mix of vendors. Norfolk has a vibrant local arts scene (lots of small business owners were there looking for wholesale and consignment opportunities), and the organizers made a solid choice by hosting the event at O'Connor Brewery - in addition to the crowd that was there for the show, there was a steady stream of people visiting the brewery who came through. The show was held in the lot next to the brewery, and thanks to the live music, food trucks, and craft beer, there were many people who made a day of it. Everyone was underneath a large tent, which in addition to making things weatherproof (being a paper vendor, this is always something i'm concerned about), really helped encourage visitors to walk down each row of vendors. There were no real lulls throughout the day, but never so busy that it felt difficult to vend on my own - it was a very pleasant kind of busy. All in all this was one of my favorite craft shows of 2014, and one of my most anticipated for 2015 - friendly and fun visitors and vendors, a great atmosphere, and good business.
This listing updated: 7-29-15 by Clara Cline of Clara Works
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Name: RICHMOND ZINE FEST
Website: http://richmondzinefest.org/
Location: Richmond Public Library, Richmond, VA
Founded: 2007Date of Show: Saturday, October 10, 2015
Application Deadline: Open now!
Juried: No.
Booth Fee: $10 for half table, $20 for full table, or $35 for two tables
Art Categories: Zines and crafts
Number of Exhibitors: N/A
Attendance: N/A
Notes: As a zinester, this is one of my favorite annual events in Richmond. While the emphasis is on zines and self-published printed matter, you can also bring arts and crafts to the show. The tablers are usually eclectic, with a wide range of zine content. The vibe is truly one of community, sharing, and non-judgement. The show has been at the Gay Community Center of Richmond in the past, but this year they're moving it to the Main Library! Hopefully that will attract an even more diverse crowd of people who might not have planned to go to the event.
This listing updated: 5-22-15 by Aijung*
Name: STOCKLEY GARDENS FALL ARTS FESTIVAL
Location: Stockley Gardens Park in the Ghent section of Norfolk
Founded: 1984Date of Show: Third weekend in October. For 2015: Saturday, October 17th from 10 - 5 and Sunday, October 18th from 12 - 5.
Application Deadline: July 20th, 2015
Juried: Yes. Awards also given to winning artists.
Booth Fee: $20 Jury Fee, $250 (10' x 10'), $375 (10' x 15'), $500 (10' x 20')
Art Categories: Fine Art
Art Categories: Fine Art
Number of Exhibitors: 138
Attendance: 25,000 - 30,000
Notes: I have not attended or vended at this event, but according to their website, it is one of the best outdoor festivals in the area. There are cash awards given to winning artists, an artist's receiption on Saturday night, and the event benefits the Hope House Foundation which supports people with disabilities. Stockley Gardens also has a Spring show in May.
This listing updated: 6-14-15 by Aijung
November
December
Name: GINTER PARK HOLIDAY SHOW
Website: N/A - See Notes for contact info.
Location: Lewis Ginter Recreation Association, Richmond, VA
Founded: 2004Date of Show: Saturday, December 5th, 2015
Application Deadline: ?
Juried: Yes.
Booth Fee: $60
Art Categories: Handmade
Art Categories: Handmade
Number of Exhibitors: 40+
Attendance: ?
Notes: This was a great show for me, and my best in terms of sales last year. It has a very friendly atmosphere - many of the artists have been friends for a long time and many of the customers have been going to the show for years. It's in the Ginter Park neighborhood, so it has a neighborly vibe. Lots of great artists, and the show is not so big that people get lost. There is also space between vendors, so it is nice and not cramped. This year they will be expanding the setup at the Lewis Ginter Recreation Center to include the gym (last year it took place on two floors of the building.) Contact Diana Vicenti at: sewdianavicenti (at) gmail (dot) com. Potential artisans must send photos of their work for jurying, no jewelers please.
This listing updated: 9-3-15 by Aijung
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Name: HANDMADE HOLIDAY
Location: Currently at Hardywood Brewery, Richmond, VA
Founded: 2005Date of Show: N/A
Application Deadline:
Juried: Yes.
Booth Fee:
Art Categories: Handmade
Art Categories: Handmade
Number of Exhibitors: 40+
Attendance: ?
Notes: This is one of my best shows, but I haven't been accepted for the past two years. Competition for this show is fierce! Excellent vendors, lots of customers, and very well-organized.
This listing updated: 8-26-15 by Aijung
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