The Arts Festival is fine art. The Craft Fair is handmade everything else. Third weekend in October, 400+ crafters fill Donnelly Park and the streets around it.
This is where you buy the stuff you actually use. Hand-poured soaps, cutting boards, metal yard art, crocheted everything, jams, hot sauce, jewelry made from spoons. It’s less “gallery” and more “I made this in my garage and it’s awesome.”
The quality is high because the jury is strict. No MLM, no buy-sell imports. If it’s in a booth, someone made it. You can meet the maker, hear the story, and watch demos. Glass blowers fire up torches. Wood turners throw shavings. Potters let kids try the wheel.
It started in 1985 as a fundraiser. Now it’s the unofficial kickoff to holiday shopping. Locals buy gifts here and hide them until December. You’ll see the same family vendors every year. Their kids grow up and take over the booth.
Admission is free. Parking is not. The city runs shuttles from remote lots. Or get there by 8am and grab a spot near the library. By 11am, it’s a hike.
Local Tip: Bring a wagon and small bills. Crafters appreciate exact change. And eat before you go — food lines are longer than craft lines.