For generations, the people of Gatlinburg have passed on a rich heritage of artists and craftsmen, making the Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community what it is today. If you want to admire and browse hundreds of handcrafted items all in one place, you’ll definitely want to visit one of the craft fairs in Gatlinburg TN happening throughout the year. Keep reading to get all the details!
Great Smoky Arts & Craft Shows
Where & When
There are 3 main craft shows put on by the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community during the year– at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Admission is free, and these craft fairs in Gatlinburg TN are located at the Gatlinburg Convention Center and highlight some of the best local artisans in the Smoky Mountain region.
What To Expect
If you’re tired of the same old mass-produced imported items in stores, you’ll unique handcrafted gifts than you ever thought possible at a Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Show. If you have a favorite type of craft, you are bound to find it, but you’ll also discover new kinds of crafts that you’ve never seen before. Not only will you be able to view these authentic Appalachian items, but you can also talk to the people who make them. You may even be able to watch some of them at work! Many handcrafted wood products are available, including stools, bears, and birdhouses. Soaps and candles, artwork, glass, crystal, and stone jewelry, pottery and ceramics, canes and hiking sticks, quilts, straw brooms, leather belts, wallets, and vests, stuffed animals, dolls, and woven baskets are some more examples of what you’ll find at a Gatlinburg craft fair.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Where & When
The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair takes place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in the fall and in the summer each year, typically in July and October. There is an admission fee at the door, and those ages 17 and younger are free with a paid adult. Because there is so much to see, you might not be done in just 1 day, but you can get a multi-day pass for free and only pay the admission ticket price once.
What To Expect
With over 200 booths at the 15,000-square-foot facility, this craft fair in Gatlinburg TN features not just local artisans but also independent artists and craftsmen from all over the U.S. Concessions and live music and entertainment are included, making this event something the whole family can enjoy. Many take this opportunity to do their holiday shopping, as you’ll have access to a myriad of gift items, from copper art and pottery to woodworking and so much more.
More Places to Shop in Gatlinburg
Other popular shopping spots include The Village Shops and the Mountain Mall. At The Village, you can enjoy a hot coffee and donut from the Donut Friar as you stroll through the European-style shops, ranging from jewelry and clothing to hiking gear, home decor, and so much more. At the Mountain Mile, experience multiple levels of unique stores, from hot sauce to toys, as well as learn about the history of Gatlinburg. And don’t forget to toss a penny down the indoor waterfalls for good luck before you leave!
Now you know all about the craft fairs in Gatlinburg TN! Want to read about even more local shops to explore? Take a look at our complete Gatlinburg shopping guide!
