Valdese Annual Craft Shows

April Craft Market - April 27th, 2024 - Download the vendor application HERE!

Over 60 handmade crafting vendors will be spread across Temple Field behind the Old Rock School each April. Sponsored by the Historic Valdese Foundation and Valdese Community Affairs, the community is invited to come out and enjoy a great day of crafts, live music, and wonderful eats- all wrapped up in the fresh air of the Western North Carolina Spring day.

2024 will be the second consecutive year the event will be held at Temple Field after originally being moved to allow for more social distancing post COVID-19. The record attendance proved the location switch to be such a success the event was permanently moved outdoors. Drawing in vendors from all across the state, the market will host a wide variety of handmade goods: woodwork, pottery, jewelry, goat cheese, handmade candles, all-natural bath and body products, accessories, home décor, yard art, toys, and so much more! Attendees can also enjoy a live music performance from local musicians and a delicious menu of refreshments courtesy of the Valdese Pilot Club.

“Our craft markets are truly a crowd favorite, and this year, the timing is perfect for Mother’s Day gifting!” states Morrissa Angi, Director of Community Affairs and Tourism for Valdese. “Every year, we are blown away by the unique talent displayed by our vendors. We aim to always keep a wide variety of handmade goods at this event, so there is something for every shopper- no matter your age or interest!”

Several local businesses will also have booths at the event. Craft market attendees and vendors alike are encouraged to enjoy all downtown Valdese offers during this Spring celebration. Enjoy lunch from one of 12 locally owned restaurants, shop the boutiques, or enjoy one of the charming downtown parks or many art installations.

Christmas in November Craft & Gift Show - November 8 & 9, 2024 - Vendor Applications are available in July each year.

Enjoy an indoor event with over 75 handmade craft vendors offering unique items! The 2-day event is hosted by Valdese Community Affairs in partnership with Historic Valdese Foundation and the Rock School Arts Foundation. The event is held annually at the Old Rock School and offers a unique variety of handmade gift items in time for the Holiday Season.

More about the event: The annual Christmas in November Craft and Art Show, presented by the Historic Valdese Foundation in partnership with Rock School Arts Foundation, will be held on November 8 & 9, 2024. Friday, the event will be open to the public from 4pm to 8pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm. This popular one-day craft show has turned into a two-day event! That’s two times the shopping, two times the fun, and two times the chance to go home with some awesome door prizes.

Over 75 handmade crafters will sell their items including hand-carved wood crafts, soaps, holiday décor, and more! The show has expanded into the RSAF Art Galleries upstairs at the Old Rock School. Not only did the days double, but the vendors and space have greatly increased! Various prizes will be raffled off! To qualify, attendees will be given a passport at the door with the list of vendors, and they must visit each booth to have their passport stamped for a chance to win. “This event continues to be one of my favorites! From the home decor to the sweet treats, the event truly provides something for all to enjoy. We are so excited to partner with the Rock School Arts Foundation to expand the event into two additional rooms offering amazing handmade items,” states Morrissa Angi, Community Affairs Director for the Town of Valdese. “This event continues to grow and grow in the best way – boasting over 1,400 attendees in 2023,” Angi continues.

Faith Community Church will also be there to provide shoppers with a delicious variety of baked goods throughout the day on Saturday, along with snacks to eat while shopping! Waldensian Style Wines will be there both days giving samples of their famous Peach Bellini, as well as selling their wine by the bottle.

Those who attend the annual event will also have the opportunity to visit the Piedmont and Western Railroad Museum. Founded in July of 1988, the Piedmont & Western Model Railroad Club has combined the talents and passions of local railroad enthusiasts to create a fictitious rail line serving Western North Carolina. The HO-scale railroad runs from Marion, NC to Leadvale, TN, carrying loads across the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The layout fills two rooms in the Old Rock School and is entertaining for all who visit. The mainline is mostly single-track and is approximately 250 feet long. The total track covers over 1,000 feet.

The event is handicap accessible. Admission is $1.00 per person or free with the donation of a canned food item. Shoppers will receive a free Christmas in November commemorative tote with entry while supplies last.

Applications available in July 2024

Friday, November 8th 4-8:00 P.M. | Saturday, November 9th 9-2:00 P.M.