Biggest Handicraft and Local Art Exhibitions Around the World
Handicrafts and local art exhibitions provide a window into the cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity of different regions. Whether you’re a collector, an artist, or simply an admirer of traditional and contemporary crafts, these events showcase intricate handmade products, indigenous techniques, and stunning artistry from around the globe.
Here’s a guide to the biggest and most prestigious handicraft and local art exhibitions worldwide, where you can discover unique pieces, witness live demonstrations, and even meet master artisans.
1. Santa Fe International Folk Art Market (USA)
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Date: July (Annual)
The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market is one of the largest and most renowned global handicraft markets. It brings together artists from over 50 countries, showcasing traditional textiles, pottery, beadwork, wood carvings, and jewelry. This event supports artisans by providing them with direct access to international buyers.
Highlights:
Handmade crafts from around the world
Live artisan demonstrations
Cultural performances and storytelling
2. Surajkund International Crafts Mela (India)
Location: Haryana, India
Date: February (Annual)
Held in India, the Surajkund Mela is one of the biggest handicraft fairs, featuring artisans from across India and several international participants. This vibrant festival celebrates regional crafts, folk performances, traditional cuisine, and handmade textiles.
Highlights:
Authentic Indian and global handicrafts
Traditional dance and music performances
Artisans showcasing age-old craftsmanship techniques
3. Maison&Objet (France)
Location: Paris, France
Date: January & September (Biannual)
Maison&Objet is a premier interior design and handicrafts exhibition, attracting designers, artisans, and collectors from all over the world. It features a mix of handmade and high-end decorative pieces, homeware, and textile crafts.
Highlights:
Cutting-edge home decor and craftsmanship
Innovative designs merging tradition with modern aesthetics
A global platform for artisans and designers
4. International Folk Art Fair (Nepal)
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Date: October (Annual)
This festival showcases Nepal’s rich handmade textiles, pottery, Thangka paintings, and woodwork. It also features artisans from neighboring countries, promoting cross-cultural craftsmanship and artistic exchange.
Highlights:
Traditional Himalayan crafts
Workshops on ancient art forms
Sustainable and eco-friendly handmade goods
5. London Craft Week (UK)
Location: London, UK
Date: May (Annual)
London Craft Week blends tradition with contemporary creativity, featuring master artisans, emerging artists, and heritage crafts. It highlights handmade jewelry, ceramics, glass art, and textiles from all over the world.
Highlights:
Interactive workshops and live craft-making sessions
Showcases from world-renowned designers and artisans
Exhibitions across galleries, museums, and studios
With all that fear, it’s much easier to stay at home in our comfort
zones than to break out and travel.
6. The African Craft and Design Expo (South Africa)
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Date: September (Annual)
This event highlights the rich and diverse artistry of Africa, featuring handwoven textiles, beadwork, tribal masks, and sculpture. It is a great platform for African artisans to connect with global buyers and art lovers.
Highlights:
Authentic African tribal art and handmade crafts
Live beadwork and weaving demonstrations
Eco-friendly and sustainable artisan products
7. Tokyo International Art Fair (Japan)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Date: June (Annual)
While known for contemporary art, Tokyo International Art Fair also features traditional Japanese crafts such as origami, ceramics, and kimono weaving. It is a fusion of modern creativity and traditional craftsmanship.
Highlights:
Blend of modern and traditional Japanese art
International artist participation
Unique handmade paper art and ceramics
8. REVELA-T (Spain)
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Date: September (Annual)
For lovers of photography and traditional printmaking, REVELA-T focuses on handmade photographic processes, analogue art, and experimental crafts. It attracts artists from around the world, making it a must-visit for photography and design enthusiasts.
Highlights:
Handmade photography prints and darkroom techniques
Alternative printing workshops
Exclusive artisan photo exhibitions
9. The American Craft Show (USA)
Location: Various cities (Baltimore, Atlanta, San Francisco)
Date: Multiple times a year
Hosted by the American Craft Council, this show brings together skilled artisans specializing in handmade jewelry, ceramics, metalwork, and furniture. It is a great place to purchase one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces directly from artisans.
Highlights:
Handmade American crafts and folk art
Artisan-led workshops and live demos
Focus on sustainable and ethical handmade goods
10. Chiang Mai Design Week (Thailand)
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Date: December (Annual)
Chiang Mai is a hub for traditional Thai handicrafts, silk weaving, wood carving, and ceramics. This design festival highlights local craftsmanship fused with contemporary design, making it a must-visit for art lovers and collectors.
Highlights:
Handmade Thai textiles and woodwork
Craft tours and artisan-led workshops
Traditional meets modern in design innovation
Learn more in related article: Staying with a local family on Bali
“The Professional Hobo”
“Never Ending Footsteps”
5. Oaxaca Guelaguetza Handicrafts Market (Mexico)
Location: Oaxaca, Mexico
Date: July (Annual)
Held alongside the Guelaguetza Festival, this event is one of Mexico’s largest handicraft fairs, featuring Zapotec and Mixtec textiles, handwoven rugs, black pottery, and alebrijes (painted wooden animals).
Why Visit?
Experience Oaxaca’s indigenous art and craft heritage.
Buy handwoven textiles and pottery from local artisans.
Enjoy colorful traditional dances and celebrations.
7. Tokyo International Art Fair
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Date: June (Annual)
• One of Japan’s largest art fairs, featuring handmade crafts, traditional Japanese arts, and contemporary works.
• Includes calligraphy, ceramics, origami, woodblock printing, and textile arts.
• A mix of local and international artisans presenting unique handmade pieces.
- Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Date: Year-round exhibition
• A permanent exhibition and shop that showcases handmade crafts from all over Japan.
• Features pottery, lacquerware, textiles, and bamboo crafts made by certified traditional artisans.
- Mingei Folk Art Festivals (Various Locations)
Locations: Tokyo, Kyoto, and other cities
Dates: Vary by region
• Inspired by the “mingei” movement, which promotes traditional Japanese folk crafts.
• Focuses on handmade ceramics, textiles, paper, and woodwork.
• Some of the most famous locations include the Mingeikan (Japan Folk Crafts Museum) in Tokyo and various craft markets in Kyoto.
Why Visit These Exhibitions?
Support Local Artisans – Directly contribute to preserving traditional crafts.
Discover Unique Handmade Pieces – Find rare, handcrafted artworks and decor.
Experience Cultural Diversity – Learn about different cultures through art.
Participate in Live Workshops – Gain hands-on experience in traditional crafts.
These exhibitions not only celebrate the beauty of craftsmanship but also help sustain centuries-old traditions. If you love handmade art, cultural exploration, and unique souvenirs, these events are a must-visit on your travel bucket list!
Which of these exhibitions would you love to visit? Let us know in the comments! 
Loretta Shelton
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, usu ut perfecto postulant deterruisset, libris causae volutpat at est, ius id modus laoreet urbanitas. Mel ei delenit dolores.
Myra Hunt
Te natum nihil propriae pro. Et mei modus sanctus mnesarchum. Affert nominavi atomorum mea ut, has agam iisque impedit ut, omittam.
Jimmy Roy
Ad causae vocibus nam, sit doming senserit pericula ut. Eum sanctus labores te.