If you love arts and crafts, especially those with an Appalachian focus, then you probably already know about Gatlinburg’s thriving arts and crafts scene, and the famous Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community. But did you know about the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair? There are actually two fairs each year, the Summer Craft Fair in July and the Fall Craft Fair in October. Come see your favorite artists and craftsmen from Gatlinburg as well as from around the country.
The Fair
Twice a year, for slightly over a week, the 150,000 feet exhibit hall in the Gatlinburg Convention Center, located downtown, overflows with authentic mountain arts and crafts. You can watch exhibitors’ demonstrations, talk to the artists and craftsmen, browse unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, and more. Artists and craftsmen from the Appalachia area as well from all over the country exhibit at the fair, and this double art fair is one of the most popular art events in the country.
Besides traditional artwork, you can browse handmade jewelry, pottery and ceramics, wood carvings, leather goods, and more. There are always plenty of tasty homemade pastries, jams, jellies, and candy to sample and purchase too!
And you can bring the kids along too. There’s a kids’ corner with DIY arts and crafts hosted by Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. Your kids can make sand art, paintings, and more to take home with them.
There are daily live music events too, at noon and 3 pm. Enjoy country, gospel, and bluegrass music as you stroll through the booths or take a seat near the stage while you enjoy some of your culinary purchases. This year’s bands are The Dennis Lee Band, Misty River, Po’ Ramblin Boys, and Monroeville.
A Few More Details
Daily and multi-day passes are available. At this time, admission is only $10/adult, and kids 17 and younger get in free with a paying adult. Hours of admission are 10 am to 5 pm daily. Visit the fair’s website for up-to-date information on exact fair dates, participating artists and craftsmen, becoming an exhibitor, general FAQs, and Covid-19 protocols.
Whether you’ve come to Gatlinburg for one of the popular Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fairs, to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or both, you’ll need a great vacation rental while you’re here. Luckily, the Cabin Rental Store has a wide variety of vacation rentals to choose from, from cozy mountain cabins to luxurious Alpine chalets and estates, and everything in between. Give us a call today!
