20 Top Art Fairs in Michigan: Michigan Art Fair Calender
The Michigan Art Fairs season is upon us! Whether you’re an artist yourself, or simply someone who apperciates art, this is the time of year to get crafty.
We’ve rounded up some of the top art fairs in Michigan throughout the state, so if you’re looking for an art fair or festival near you, you’re in luck.
Read on to discover some of the top art fairs in Michigan!
Michigan Art Fairs in June
Festival of the Arts
When: June 3 – June 5, 2022
Where: Grand Rapids, MI
June 3rd through the 5th be sure to head to Grand Rapids, Michigan for their Festival of the Arts! With West Michigan’s most diverse group of artists, a beer and wine tent (for those 21+), and plenty of food booths and trucks to go around, how can you resist? There is so much to do, you will be eager to come back again.
Whether you’re in the mood to try a new cuisine, listen to Jazz ensembles, comedy, music, or poetry, this event has it all. And the best part is, you can do it all! Grand Rapids has a host of different hotels close by, so make it a long weekend and don’t miss a thing!
Petoskey Spring Art and Craft Show
When: June 4 – June 5, 2022
Where: Bayfront Park 101 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770
With free admission on June 4th and 5th, Petoskey Spring Art and Craft Show is calling your name! Even if you’re heading up to the U.P. for the weekend, make sure to stop by, you won’t regret it.
Local artists are there to present their hard work in hopes that a piece will reach you in a way that mass manufactured paintings can’t quite do. From metal art, paintings, pottery, and more, this art fair has it all! Did I mention jewelry, yard art, and wearable art? You’ll find that here, too.
Don’t be like me, and remember to stop by!
Palmer Park Art Fair
When: June 4 – 5, 2022
Where: 600 Merrill Plaisance, Detroit, MI 48221
Detroit’s Palmer Park Art Fair offers a truly unique experience. Home to many authors, people gather to listen to readings from local Detroit authors and poets. Many genres are represented and each author would be happy to discuss and sign their work for you.
After you get your book signed, grab a bite to eat. Speciality food trucks, including dessert, will be available. A signed book and dessert? How can it get better? Well it can!
Participate in sketching, art in motion, making an instrument, or making an art project. Or explore the park and see art by young Detroit artists. The best yet, join the 2pm drum circle with your own instrument or if you forget it, or are trying it out for the first time, there are improvised drums available.
Last but not least, don’t forget to check out the 2D, 3D, or wearable art! Buy yourself a one of a kind ring or a hand painted landscape for your living room. Mark your calendars, this art fair is June 4th and 5th!
Art on the River
When: June 10 -12, 2022
Where: 500 Merchant Street, Port Huron, MI 48060
Three days full of art and music in Port Huron, Michigan? Sounds great to me! Along the St. Clair River, take a minute, or two, to look at the beautiful scenery. If you get sick of looking at that, don’t forget about the work from local artists and crafters. Or, close your eyes, listen to the live music, and picture you’re anywhere in the world. Except, why wouldn’t you want to be exactly where you are? I can’t think of a reason!
This art fair is family friendly and has lots of events that will keep the kiddos happy. From hands-on art activities to workshops, the family will go home with new decor and the kids will go home with new skills.
However, if you choose to fly solo, go with a friend, or shop with your significant other, there are plenty of things for adults to do as well. From picking out unique birthday gifts, to collecting handcrafted pieces that make a house a home, or even grabbing a quick refreshment at the beverage tent.
PRO-TIP: Michigan’s Blue Thumb Coast is truly one of the most underrated spots on Lake Huron. Plan some extra time to drive north of Port Huron along M-25 and take in some some gorgeous scenery. Lake Huron turns the most gorgeous shade of aqua here, and you’ll find some nice beaches for rock-hunting for Petoskey Stones. Don’t miss the charming beachtown of Lexington, MI.
Traverse City Sunset on the Park Arts and Crafts Show
When: June 18 – June 19, 2022
Where: Sunset Park, 635 E. Front Street, Traverse City
Located in a beautiful park on the shores of West Bay in downtown Traverse City, you’ll want to be sure and plan to attend this fun art show. You’ll find 50 booths featuring top local artisans: what’s better than browsing on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay?
PRO-TIP: If you’re going to be in town for a while, be sure and use our guide to the top places to eat in Traverse City. We’ve got you covered or breakfast, lunch and dinner!
St. Clair Art Fair
When: June 25 – 26, 2022
Where: Palmer Park along the Saint Clair River in St. Clair, MI
One of the oldest art fairs in Michigan, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to go to the St. Clair Art Fair on June 25th and 26th. Walk one of the largest boardwalks in the world and scope out your next art fair purchase. From paintings, photographs, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, and if you can imagine it, even more!
After you shop til you drop, or find a few knick knacks to take home, relax at the park for a few hours and enjoy the fresh air.
Michigan Art Fairs in July
South Haven Art Fair
When: July 2 – Jul 3, 2022
Where: Stanley Johnston Park, 202 Dyckman Ave, South Haven, MI 49090
Need plans for the Fourth of July weekend? Check out the South Haven Art Fair! Not only is the location beautiful, with Lake Michigan’s shoreline beaming across the charming downtown, but this art fair will add some spice to your summer!
From local to regional, or even to national artists, you are sure to find a unique piece that will bring back fond memories for years. Whether you prefer oil based paintings, pastel, acrylic, watercolor, or art made of wood, glass, clay, there are plenty of options. Other options include drawings, sculptures, or wearable art.
Looking for an event for the whole family? We have you covered: there’s food and group art projects awaiting you and your family.
West Shore Art Fair
When: July 2- July 3, 2022
Where: Rotary Park, Ludington, MI
One of the top fine art fairs in Michigan, you’ll want to make sure you add the West Shores Art Fair in Ludington, Michigan to your bucket list this summer. Locals know the quality of this fair, but it was also recognized as one of Sunshine Artist Magazine’s 200 Best Fine Art and Fine Craft Fairs!
Whether you want a relaxing day looking at art or a day for the family, you can find both here! With kids crafts, live music, and food stations, there are plenty of things to check out besides the art. Heck, it’s even on a holiday weekend, July 2nd and 3rd, so why not go to the beach while you’re there!
But if the art is your main reason for going, there is plenty of that too! Check out the pieces made of clay, wood, leather, or metals for a unique piece to take home. Also, don’t forget about the paintings, jewelry, photographs, and mixed media pieces that are also available.
Art in the Park
When: July 8 – Jul 10, 2022
Where: Plymouth, MI
With over 400 artists, Art in the Park is a must see art fair this summer. Not to mention, it is also Michigan’s 2nd largest art fair. You will have plenty to browse through, from sculptures, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, photography, and much more. Check it out on July 8th-10th!
Nearly 300,000 people attend this art fair each year! If that doesn’t tell you that it is worth checking out, I don’t know what else will. Maybe that a mother and daughter duo organize this art fair every year? And that the mother started it back in 1980? Their passion truly shines through as the food, art, and live music of the art fair get better each year.
Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff
When: July 8 – July 10, 2022
Where: 707 Lake Blvd, St Joseph, MI 49085
Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff is celebrating 60 years of art fair success this year. Join the celebration on Friday July 8th to kick the weekend off with a block party. Spend Saturday and Sunday hanging out with the 172 artists from across the United States that came to St. Joseph, Michigan just for this art fair. Don’t forget to do some sightseeing while you’re there. Lake Michigan is always a beautiful place to watch a sunset.
Richland Art Fair
When: July 16, 2022
Where: Gull Meadow Farms, 8544 Gull Road, Richland, MI
If you have ever been to Gull Meadow Farms, that might just be enough to convince you to stop by the Richland Art Fair, because you know it will be good! While Gull Meadows may only be on your Fall radar, why not check it out this summer too?
For 48 years this art fair has allowed artists to showcase their work, spanning from fine art to handmade crafts. While there are limited spaces available, that just ensures that each artist and their work is handpicked for you to see.
In addition to its beautiful location and the opportunity to take a unique piece, or pieces (if you’re lucky) home, the proceeds of the art fair help the local community. This includes residents of the Gull Lake Community School District who may need medical, educational, dental, or emergency funds and support.
So, a fine art fair with a great cause? What more do you need to know! Check it out on July 16th!
Glen Lake Women’s Club Art Fair
When: July 20, 2022
Where: Glen Arbor, MI
An art fair in the middle of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? Yes, Please! Head to beautiful Glen Arbor for this annual juried Art Fair. Now in it’s 51st year, this northern Michigan art fair features artists carefully selected to represent one-of-a kind art pieces for sale at the Glen Arbor Township Hall. The Art Fair features artisans in many mediums including pottery, painting, textiles, woodworking, and jewelry.
PRO-TIP: Glen Arbor is home to amazing and iconic restaurants. Use our Guide to the Best Places to Eat in Glen Arbor for more information.
Art on The Beach in Oscoda
When: July 25-July 26, 2022
Where: Downtown Oscoda, MI
Featuring original artwork from artists across the state, this popular event is held on the shores of Lake Huron in downtown Oscoda, a top Michigan beachtown.
You’ll find a true art festival atmopshere here, with over 100 artisnas displaying ad sellign their handmade arts and crafts.
Plan some time to spend on the beaches of Oscoda: they’re among some of the best in Michigan.
Art on the Rocks
When: July 30 – July 31, 2022
Where: Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park, 200 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI
Named one of the “Top 200 Art Shows in the United States” by Sunshine Artist magazine, this juried art fair on the shores of Lake Superior is one of the top summer events in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Held in the gorgeous Mattson Lower Harbor Park, this is the 56th year for this amazing annual event that showcases more than 175 artists!
Plan to stick around Marquette for a couple of days to be sure and see everything. This popular art fair draws crowds of 10,000. There are a lot for fun things to do in Marquette, too, including exploring Marquette’s famous Black Rocks cliffs.
August Michigan Art Fairs
Island Art Fair
When: August 6, 2022
Where: Grand Ledge, MI
Have you ever been to an art fair on an island? If not, check out Island Art Fair in Grand Ledge, Michigan! It is one day only, August 6th, so you better mark your calendars now!
Take a ride on the riverboat, try out some new foods and beverages, and even buy a craft or two! Artists come from all over Michigan to make this a truly special occasion, wanting to show you the quality art they pour their souls into.
There is one thing for sure, a day of exploring and trying new things awaits you on this island!
Tawas Bay Water Front Fine Art Festival
When: August 6 – August 7, 2022
Where: Shoreline Park, 429 W. Lake Street, Tawas City, MI
This festival on the shores of beautiful Tawas Bay is now in its 61st year. You’ll find painters, potters, sculptors, jewelry makers including seaglass jewelry on silver, photographers and authors at this juried art show.
This a fun, family-friendly event, too. Watch for a children’s make-and-take tent, a sandcastle building contest and food vendors as well as live music in the gazebo.
Blueberry Festival Craft Fair
When: August 13 – 14, 2022
Where: Stanley Johnston Park, South Haven, MI 49090
Want an art fair that dually serves as a fundraiser? Look no further than the Blueberry Festival Craft Fair in South Haven, Michigan! Proceeds help raise funds for the Chamber and the local Blueberry Festival.
Do you dream of drinking a glass of wine while pondering about a fine piece of art? If so, you might fall in love with a handmade piece from a local vendor.
Do you also dream of a painting that feels like love, smells like laughter, and brings a smile to your face every time you get home? If yes again, you are equally likely to find a unique piece that fits the desires of this specific dream.
Don’t miss out! The dates are August 13th and 14th.
Charlevoix Art Fair
When: August 13, 2022
Where: East Park Downtown Charlevoix
I know where you will be on August 13th, at the Charlevoix Art Fair! Don’t worry, I’ll be there too! With a limited number of spaces available, this art fair truly attracts fine art. Chosen from hundreds of applicants, you can be sure that the pieces you come to see are of high quality and dedication.
Since 1958, this prestigious art fair has always had a goal in mind, to bring fine arts and crafts to Northern Michigan. Artists range from locals, to Michiganders, to people who live thousands of miles away. With that kind of variety, you are sure to find a multitude of personalities and cultures within the work.
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the beautiful scenery and enjoy your time in downtown Charlevoix, Michigan.
Shelby Township Art Fair
When: August 13 – 14, 2022
Where: 5700 22 Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI 48317
If travel stresses you out, this art fair is the one for you. At Shelby Township Art Fair, there are an abundance of spots in the free parking lot, and if it happens to be further away than you’d like, complimentary shuttle buses are available. So, your only worry will be how many paintings can fit in your car!
The dates to remember are August 13th and 14th when planning your trip over to Shelby Township. Get ready for an abundance of crafts, live music, and an interactive mural. Children will have a fun filled day with kids crafts and bouncers! Don’t miss out!
Roundup Family Fair/Art in the Village
When: Sep 5, 2022
Where: Franklin Road between 13 and 14 Mile
Roundup Family Fair, or more commonly known as, Art in the Village, is the art fair I am personally most excited to go to during this year’s Labor Day Weekend. With lots of family fun events, such as pony rides, a magician, and a parade, every person in the family is sure to have fun.
For those who are looking more on the fine art side of things, there is plenty for you to do as well. They have outstanding works in furniture, fiber, pottery, glass, metal, wood, and wow! The list truly goes on forever. But that’s not a bad thing, it just means you are sure to find something worth taking home or giving to someone special.
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About the Author-
Allie Horning is a current undergraduate Senior studying Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science at Michigan State University. She has had a passion for writing since elementary school and hopes to continue writing throughout her life, whether it be for fun or for work. Or, if the two overlap that would be even better! Currently she is figuring out her post-graduation plans and enjoying her last true summer.