7 Best Resources for Craft Fairs in Long Island (2025 Guide)

Long Island is abundant with unique, handcrafted items, and its lively craft fair scene offers the perfect opportunity to explore them. From expansive street festivals in Nassau County to carefully curated artisan markets in Suffolk, locating the best events can sometimes be daunting. Whether you're a seasoned fair-goer in search of distinctive gifts, a family looking for weekend activities, or a local artist seeking your next venue, understanding the diverse world of craft fairs in Long Island requires a dependable guide.

This article simplifies the search. We've gathered a list of the top seven resources for discovering upcoming and recurring craft fairs throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. You will find a detailed look at the best websites and event organizers, complete with direct links, to help you plan your outings and support local artisans. We'll cover everything from large-scale event aggregators like Eventbrite to specialized schedules from organizations like Nassau County Fairs and the Art League of Long Island. This guide equips you with the tools you need to stay informed, uncover hidden gems, and find those perfect handmade creations.

1. Eventbrite – Long Island craft-fair listings

Eventbrite is a leading digital platform for discovering a wide range of craft fairs in Long Island. As a major self-service ticketing platform, it offers a large volume of timely listings. Organizers, from small community groups to large event companies, post their fairs directly, ensuring the information is up to date and sourced directly. This makes it an invaluable tool for anyone planning their weekend around local artisan markets.

The platform's user-friendly interface allows for efficient searching. You can filter events by date, specific locations like Nassau or Suffolk County, and even by price, making it easy to find free-to-attend fairs. This level of control saves time and helps you zero in on the events that perfectly match your schedule and interests.

Key Features and User Experience

Eventbrite provides a seamless experience from discovery to attendance. The platform consolidates all the critical details you need into one place: dates, times, venue address with a map, a description of the event, and often a list of featured vendors. If an event requires tickets, the secure online checkout process is straightforward, and your tickets are delivered digitally to your email and the Eventbrite app.

One of its most practical features is the ability to contact event organizers directly through the platform with any questions. This is particularly useful if you have specific inquiries about accessibility, vendor participation, or event policies.

How to Use Eventbrite Effectively

To get the most out of Eventbrite, create a free account and "follow" your favorite Long Island organizers or venues. This customizes your homepage and ensures you receive notifications about their upcoming events, so you never miss a local fair.

• Set Location Alerts: Save a search for "craft fairs" in "Long Island, NY" to get email updates.

• Use the "Like" Feature: Save events you're interested in to a personal list for easy reference.

• Check Organizer Profiles: Clicking on an organizer’s profile often reveals a full calendar of their other markets and events.

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2. LongIsland.com – Craft Fairs & Shopping Events calendar

LongIsland.com serves as a local resource dedicated exclusively to events happening across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Its dedicated craft fairs in Long Island and shopping events calendar is ideal for residents seeking authentic, community-based markets. Unlike global platforms, its strength is its detailed focus, often featuring smaller, charming fairs held at local parks, schools, and community centers that might not appear on larger sites.

The platform aggregates a diverse mix of listings, from annual street festivals to boutique artisan pop-ups. Because event organizers can submit their own listings for free, the calendar frequently includes unique, grassroots events. This provides a direct line to the heart of Long Island's creative community, making it an essential bookmark for anyone who wants to shop local and support area artisans.

Key Features and User Experience

LongIsland.com offers a straightforward user experience focused on discoverability. The craft fair section allows you to filter events by date, ensuring you can quickly find what’s happening this weekend or plan for the upcoming month. Each listing typically provides essential details such as the date, time, admission cost (many are free), and a direct link or contact information for the event organizer.

One of its most valuable aspects is the breadth of family-friendly events it lists. You’ll find holiday markets, seasonal festivals, and more, making it a great tool for planning family outings. For those looking for more weekend activities, you can find a guide about places to visit over Memorial Day weekend in Nassau County to complement your craft fair adventure.

How to Use LongIsland.com Effectively

To maximize your search on LongIsland.com, check the calendar regularly, as new user-submitted events are added frequently. The platform is best used as a primary discovery tool for uniquely local fairs.

• Check Both Counties: Browse listings for both Nassau and Suffolk to get a complete picture of the weekend’s events.

• Verify Details: Since some listings are user-submitted, it's a good practice to click through to the organizer's website or social media page to confirm final details before you go.

• Submit an Event: If you know of a local craft fair not listed, use their free submission form to help support the community.

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3. NassauCountyFairs.com – Promoter with a large annual LI craft/street-fair schedule

NassauCountyFairs.com is the online home for one of the most active organizers of craft fairs in Long Island. Rather than being an aggregator of all events, this website serves as a dedicated portal for the extensive schedule of fairs produced by a single, well-known promoter. This focus offers a reliable, curated calendar of well-advertised and widely attended street fairs and craft markets specifically within Nassau County. The events are mainly free to the public and designed to be family-friendly community gatherings.

This platform is ideal for residents and visitors who appreciate recurring, seasonal events held in familiar town centers like Rockville Centre, Merrick, and Wantagh. It provides a clear, year-long schedule that allows you to plan your visits to local arts and crafts showcases well in advance. The site consolidates all essential information, making it a one-stop-shop for this specific series of popular Long Island fairs.

Key Features and User Experience

The user experience on NassauCountyFairs.com is straightforward and event-focused. The main feature is the comprehensive schedule, which lists each fair with its date, location, hours, and a brief description. The website is also a crucial resource for potential vendors, providing easy access to applications and detailed information on participation rules and fees.

For attendees, the site includes important logistical details, such as policies on weather-related cancellations, ensuring you can check the status of an event before heading out. While the design is simple, its functionality is effective for its purpose: to clearly communicate the promoter’s event calendar. These community-focused events contribute greatly to the local atmosphere, a sentiment you can explore further in this look at Nassau County community progress.

How to Use NassauCountyFairs.com Effectively

To maximize the site’s utility, treat it as your primary calendar for this specific promoter's series of events. Bookmark the schedule page and check it periodically, as details can sometimes be finalized closer to the event dates.

• Plan Seasonally: Review the full annual schedule to mark your calendar for fairs in your favorite towns.

• Check for Updates: Before attending, visit the site to confirm hours and check for any weather-related announcements.

• Explore Vendor Info: Even as an attendee, browsing the vendor application section can give you a better sense of the types of artisans and products you can expect to find.

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4. PreferredPromotions.com – Long Island arts & crafts fair organizer

PreferredPromotions.com is the direct online presence for a long-standing promoter specializing in juried craft fairs in Long Island. Unlike large aggregate sites, this platform offers a curated selection of events, focusing exclusively on the arts and crafts fairs they personally organize across both Suffolk and Nassau counties. This direct approach ensures a high standard of quality, as vendors are typically juried to guarantee that offerings are handmade, unique, and of fine craftsmanship.

The website serves as a reliable calendar for those who appreciate a more focused, artisan-centric market experience. It provides clear schedules for seasonal boutiques and larger fairs, making it a trusted resource for discovering high-quality, local events without the noise of other listings.

Key Features and User Experience

The primary strength of PreferredPromotions.com is its simplicity and authority. The site lays out its entire season of events in a straightforward schedule, providing essential details like dates, venue addresses, and hours of operation. As the direct organizer, their communications regarding any last-minute changes, cancellations, or new date announcements are definitive and trustworthy.

While the website design is more traditional, its functionality is clear. Users can easily see the lineup of upcoming fairs and get a sense of the type of vendors and atmosphere to expect. The focus remains squarely on delivering accurate information for their specific, curated events.

How to Use PreferredPromotions.com Effectively

The best way to stay informed about their exclusive Long Island craft fairs is to join their mailing list. This ensures you receive direct notifications about new schedules and important updates.

• Check the Schedule Regularly: Before a new season (like spring or fall), visit the site to see the updated calendar of fairs.

• Note Venue Details: Pay close attention to the specific venue for each date, as they host events in various towns across the island.

• Follow on Social Media: If available, following their social channels can provide more immediate updates and vendor spotlights.

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5. The Long Island Fair at Old Bethpage Village Restoration (lifair.org)

The official website for The Long Island Fair offers a direct gateway to one of the most historic and beloved annual events on the island. While the fair encompasses a broad range of agricultural and family activities, its dedicated artisan and vendor craft area is a significant draw, making lifair.org an essential bookmark for those seeking a traditional craft fair in Long Island. The site serves as the primary source for all event-related information, directly from the organizers themselves.

This platform's primary function is to provide definitive details for the yearly fair, which typically takes place over a single weekend in September. It is the most reliable place to find official dates, purchase tickets in advance to avoid lines, and view the schedule of events. This ensures visitors can plan their trip to Old Bethpage Village Restoration with confidence, knowing they have the most accurate information.

Key Features and User Experience

The Long Island Fair website is straightforward and event-focused, designed to give attendees all the necessary information quickly. You will find clear sections for purchasing tickets, viewing photo galleries from previous fairs, and accessing exhibitor information, including the official vendor handbook. This makes it a valuable resource not just for attendees but also for local artisans interested in participating.

A key benefit of using the official site is the ability to buy tickets online. This guarantees entry, which is especially important for a popular, time-sensitive event. The website also features an email signup form, allowing you to receive direct notifications about next year's dates and announcements as soon as they are released.

How to Use lifair.org Effectively

To maximize the site's utility, plan your visit well in advance, as the fair is a limited-time event. Check the website in late summer for the official September dates and ticket-sale announcements.

• Buy Tickets Early: Purchase your tickets online through the website to secure your spot and potentially benefit from early-bird pricing.

• Review Exhibitor Info: If you are an artist or crafter, download the vendor handbook to understand the application process and requirements for participating.

• Sign Up for Alerts: Join the email list to be the first to know about future fair dates, ensuring you don't miss this annual tradition.

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6. Art League of Long Island (ALLI) – Juried craft/art fairs and markets

The Art League of Long Island (ALLI) offers a more curated and prestigious option for discovering craft fairs in Long Island. As a non-profit visual arts center, its fairs are juried events, meaning vendors are selected based on the quality, originality, and craftsmanship of their work. This focus on artistic merit ensures that attendees experience a high-caliber market showcasing unique, artisan-made goods rather than mass-produced items, making it a destination for serious shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind treasures.

Based primarily in the Dix Hills area, ALLI's website serves as the central hub for information on their signature events, such as their well-regarded Holiday Fine Art & Craft Fair. The site provides clear details on dates, times, and admission, creating a straightforward resource for planning a visit to these distinguished markets.

Key Features and User Experience

What sets ALLI apart is its commitment to elevating craftsmanship, which is reflected in its juried selection process and the awarding of prizes to exhibitors. For attendees, this translates to a reliably high-quality shopping experience. The website is clean and organization-focused, with a dedicated events calendar that makes it easy to find information on upcoming fairs.

The platform provides comprehensive details for each event, including location, hours, and any admission fees. For aspiring vendors, the site offers clear guidelines, application forms, and deadlines, reinforcing its role as a central resource for the local artisan community. This focus on artistic integrity is similar to the care seen in the design philosophy of Zakka, where everyday objects become tiny works of art. You can learn more about the Zakka art style on 516update.com.

How to Use the ALLI Website Effectively

To stay informed about ALLI's exclusive fairs, regularly checking their online calendar is the most direct approach. Since their events are less frequent but highly anticipated, planning ahead is key.

• Check the Events Calendar: Bookmark the "Events" or "Calendar" page and visit it periodically, especially leading up to the holiday season.

• Sign Up for the Newsletter: Subscribe to the ALLI email newsletter to receive direct notifications about upcoming fairs, calls for artists, and other organizational news.

• Follow on Social Media: ALLI's social media channels often provide visual previews of participating artists and timely reminders about event dates.

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7. LI Fairs (lifairs.com) – Regional producer/promoter listings with craft-vendor bazaars

LI Fairs serves as a dedicated online portal for some of Long Island's most popular outdoor street fairs and community festivals, many of which feature extensive craft fairs in Long Island as their main attraction. As a regional event producer, the site provides a centralized calendar for its own and partner events, focusing heavily on family-friendly open-air markets that bring together local artisans, food vendors, and entertainment in towns across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The website's primary strength is its focus on large-scale, multi-vendor bazaars that often take over entire main streets. This makes it a fantastic resource for those seeking a lively, festive atmosphere alongside their craft shopping. Information is presented clearly, with dedicated pages for each upcoming fair detailing dates, locations, and rain contingency plans.

Key Features and User Experience

Navigating LI Fairs is straightforward, with a clean layout that prioritizes its "Upcoming Events" schedule. Each event page provides a concise description of what to expect, from the types of vendors participating to special attractions like live music or kids' activities. This is particularly helpful for families planning a full day out.

For aspiring vendors, the site is equally useful, offering direct access to contact information and downloadable vendor applications. This transparency streamlines the process for local crafters looking to participate in these well-attended community events. The focus remains on the core details needed to attend or participate, making for an efficient, no-frills user experience.

How to Use LI Fairs Effectively

To maximize your experience with LI Fairs, it's best to check the site regularly during the spring, summer, and fall, as this is when the majority of their outdoor street festivals are scheduled.

• Plan Ahead: Review the "Upcoming Events" section at the start of each season to mark your calendar for fairs in your favorite towns.

• Check Rain Dates: Since most events are outdoors, always note the provided rain date or contingency plan before heading out.

• Follow on Social Media: For last-minute updates, vendor spotlights, and photos from past events, following their social media channels can provide extra insight.

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Long Island Craft Fair Platforms Comparison

Your Next Handcrafted Discovery Awaits

Long Island's vibrant artisan community is more accessible than ever, and you now have a curated toolkit to explore it fully. We've navigated the digital landscape together, from the expansive event listings on Eventbrite and LongIsland.com to the focused schedules managed by dedicated promoters like NassauCountyFairs.com and Preferred Promotions. Each resource offers unique benefits, ensuring you can find the perfect event, whether you're seeking a large street festival or an intimate, juried art show.

The key to discovering the best of craft fairs in Long Island lies in a proactive and strategic approach. By bookmarking these websites and subscribing to their newsletters, you transform from a casual attendee into a savvy local explorer, always informed about the next opportunity to discover something special. Remember that the most rewarding experiences often come from planning ahead and aligning your visit with your specific interests.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your Search

To make the most of this guide, consider which resource best fits your immediate needs. Your choice will depend on what you're looking for in a craft fair experience.

• For a Comprehensive Overview: Start with Eventbrite or LongIsland.com. These platforms are ideal for getting a wide look at what's happening across Nassau and Suffolk counties on any given weekend. They are your go-to for casual browsing and spontaneous day trips.

• For Promoter-Specific Events: If you enjoy the consistent quality and atmosphere of fairs organized by a single group, head directly to NassauCountyFairs.com or LI Fairs (lifairs.com). These sites offer reliable, year-long schedules of street fairs and vendor bazaars, perfect for long-term planning.

• For High-Caliber, Juried Art: When you are searching for fine art and gallery-quality crafts, the Art League of Long Island (ALLI) is your main destination. Their juried events promise a curated selection of exceptional works from vetted artisans.

• For a Traditional, Family-Friendly Experience: Nothing compares to The Long Island Fair at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. This is more than a craft fair; it's a historic event that offers a unique, immersive experience for all ages.

Final Thoughts on Supporting Local Artisans

Ultimately, attending these events is about more than just shopping. It's an investment in local creativity, a celebration of handcrafted quality, and a direct way to support the small businesses that give Long Island its unique character. Each purchase tells a story and keeps the spirit of local artisanship alive in our communities. By using these tools to plan your next outing to one of the many craft fairs in Long Island, you are actively participating in and enriching our local culture. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready to be inspired. Your next treasured, handcrafted find is waiting.

Ready to discover even more of what Nassau County has to offer? For the latest on local events, community happenings, and hidden gems, make 516 Update your trusted source. Visit 516 Update to stay connected and never miss out on the best of Long Island living.