Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair

The Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair is a big craft show held twice a year at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. About 180 makers from all over the country come to sell things they made by hand, like pottery, wood carvings, jewelry, quilts, and paintings. Many of them show you how they make their crafts right at their tables. There's live music too, and since it's all indoors, it's fun in any weather.

When is the Craftsmen's Fair?

The summer fair

The summer fair is in July and usually lasts about ten days. It's a little less crowded than the fall fair, and the cool, indoor hall is a nice break on a hot day.

The fall fair

The fall fair runs for most of October, when the leaves are changing colors. It's the busier of the two because lots of people visit Gatlinburg in the fall.

The dates change every year, so check craftsmenfair.com before you plan your trip.

What you'll find

Every maker at the fair is picked by a panel that checks their work first. That means everything is handmade by the person selling it. Nothing is mass-produced in a factory. Here's what you can shop for:

Pottery and wood

Bowls, mugs, and vases made on a pottery wheel, plus wood carvings, furniture, and home decorations.

Jewelry, leather, and metal

Handmade jewelry, leather wallets and bags, and art made from copper and other metals.

Quilts and art

Quilts, woven pieces, paintings, and photos, including pictures of the Smoky Mountains.

Candy and treats

Local candy makers and food vendors have tables too.

Watch the makers and hear live music

One of the best parts of the fair is watching the makers work. You might see a potter shaping clay on a spinning wheel or a woodcarver at work. There's also a stage with live bluegrass, country, and gospel music. The summer fair usually has a craft area where kids can make something of their own.

Tickets

Adults pay to get in, and kids 17 and under get in free with an adult who has a ticket. You buy tickets at the doors of the Convention Center, and they usually take cash only, so bring some with you. Check craftsmenfair.com for the current price.

Getting there and parking

The Gatlinburg Convention Center is at 234 Airport Road, right off the Parkway at traffic light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg. Parking garages nearby fill up fast on busy fall weekends, so get there early or ride the Gatlinburg Trolley. See our tips for parking in downtown Gatlinburg.

Tips for your visit

Go early — mornings are less crowded, especially on fall weekends.

Bring cash — for tickets and for makers who like cash.

Give yourself time — plan on two or three hours to see it all.

Shop for gifts — the fall fair is a great place to get a head start on holiday shopping.

Ask about shipping — many makers can mail bigger items to your home.

More handmade shopping in Gatlinburg

If you love the fair, visit the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. It's an eight-mile loop of artist shops outside downtown that's open all year, with its own craft shows at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Downtown, you can explore The Village Shops or watch taffy being pulled at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen.

Nearby

The Convention Center is at traffic light #8, close to the Gatlinburg Space Needle, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. See all Gatlinburg events and things to do in Gatlinburg.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair?

Twice a year, in July and October. Check craftsmenfair.com for this year's dates.

Where is the Craftsmen's Fair?

At the Gatlinburg Convention Center, 234 Airport Road, right off the Parkway at traffic light #8.

How much does it cost?

Adults pay at the door, and kids 17 and under get in free with an adult. Bring cash, and check craftsmenfair.com for the current price.

Is this the same as the Arts and Crafts Community?

No. The Craftsmen's Fair is a show held twice a year at the Convention Center downtown. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a loop of artist shops outside town that's open all year.

Is the fair inside?

Yes. It's all inside the Gatlinburg Convention Center, so rain or heat won't spoil your day.

Is it fun for kids?

Yes. Kids get in free with an adult, and the summer fair usually has a craft area just for them.