79th Summer Edition Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands

Where: Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Downtown Asheville, NC
When: July 16–19, 2026 (Fall: October 15-18, 2026)
Hours: 10 AM–5 PM, Thursday through Sunday
Admission: $12 Adults | Free for Children under 12
Info: craftguild.org/craftfair | 828-298-7928

ASHEVILLE, NC — For four days each July and October, downtown Asheville comes alive with the finest handmade craft in the region. The 79th Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands will once again fill Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville with the work of more than 100 juried artists from across the Southern Appalachian region.

Now in its 79th year, the Craft Fair is more than just a marketplace... it's an immersive experience, rich with history. Visitors can explore a variety of craft media, including pottery, sculpture, furniture, textiles, apparel, jewelry, and mixed media. Crafts rooted in Appalachian tradition sit beside contemporary designs, showcasing the evolution of American handmade art.

The Craft Fair emphasizes process as much as product. Throughout the event, attendees can watch live demonstrations by master craftspeople. These interactive moments invite visitors to slow down and appreciate the skill, time, and legacy behind each handmade object. Bluegrass and traditional music will be performed on the downstairs stage on Saturday and Sunday.

This year’s Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands will also spotlight the Guild’s Emerging Artist Program, featuring 10 emerging artists at each fair alongside more than 100 juried Guild members. The program offers rising makers the opportunity to showcase their work in a professional fair setting while connecting with collectors, galleries, and longtime craft supporters. In addition to artist booths, visitors can explore educational and community-focused exhibits from regional partners including Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program, Local Cloth, and other organizations dedicated to preserving and advancing craft traditions in the Southern Highlands.

While at the fair, visitors can enter to win a handcrafted piece from one of the exhibiting artists in the fair raffle, with proceeds supporting the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s educational mission.

All participating exhibitors are juried members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, representing the highest level of excellence in the Appalachian region. The Guild’s membership, founded in 1930, spans nine states from Maryland to Alabama, and has long served as a cultural and economic anchor for craftspeople across the Southern Highlands.

The fair is member-run and reflects the mission of the Guild to educate, market, and support makers through community events and outreach. For those interested in joining the Guild, applications and mentoring opportunities are available year-round. Aspiring members may now purchase a booth and be juried on-site at the fair.

To learn more or apply for Guild membership, visit craftguild.org/join or contact [email protected] to register for a mentoring workshop.

Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has long been a haven for craft and culture. Its architectural charm, vibrant arts scene, and eclectic restaurants make it the perfect backdrop for this iconic fair.

The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands is presented by the artist members of the Guild and proudly sponsored by The Laurel of Asheville and Explore Asheville.

About the Southern Highland Craft Guild
Founded in 1930, the Southern Highland Craft Guild is a nonprofit, educational organization that brings together craftspeople of the Southern Highlands to share resources and preserve traditions. Through its shops, events, and educational programs, the Guild continues to support and elevate the region’s craft economy. Learn more at craftguild.org.