How to find small craft fairs

[Former_Member]

Hi,
I'm having the HARDEST time finding smaller craft shows in my area (Upstate New York)
I'm looking for smaller craft shows, like churches, schools, and small town ones, but only seem to find the information on them until the week they're occurring.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I've searched and searched online and talked to a few people, but don't really have any leads for smaller venues. Thanks :)

[Former_Member]

Hi. Contact your city hall and those of the cities closest to you. Also check your local churches, etc. You can always be the person to set up the craft fair as well.

[Former_Member]

Let all your friends know that you are looking for smaller shows.

I've found that the local newspaper is a great place to find shows, especially the smaller papers.

[Former_Member]

look on craigslist, sometimes they are listed in there. its free advertising.

[Former_Member]

hey i'm also in ny in hudson valley and don't want to my first fair to be in the city ...that would be terrifying... but I came across this site has full list of fairs thought it might help good luck. http://festivalnet.com/fairs_and_festivals/index.php?State_local=NY

[Former_Member]

zapplication.com

Juried shows throughout the United States. Resources and files for you to store your bio, images and the shows you've applied to.

More upper end shows, but still affordable.

[Former_Member]

I recommend joining a local team on Etsy and post questions about upcoming shows. That's how some opportunities opened up for me.

What's great is you get the inside scoop you wouldn't get on the vendor website. :)

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone fo the great advice!!

[Former_Member]

Try looking up the NY Arts Counsel or Board or something like that. The Wisconsin version publishes a book of fairs like this all over the state. If you do come across one and it's too late to enter, I suggest stopping by the fair itself to see if it something you'd like to do next year. You can gather contact info or put yourself on the mailing list, or maybe you'll realize the event is hideous and then you'll save some money!