Your Guide to the 2026 Piedmont Craftsmen Fair
Meet the makers, shop handmade gifts, and see fine craft in action, Nov. 21–22.
Holiday shopping gets a creative head start at the Piedmont Craftsmen Fair, which returns to the Benton Convention Center in downtown Winston-Salem the weekend of Nov. 21–22.
Now in its 63rd year, this longtime local tradition brings together more than 100 fine craft artists from across the country for a weekend of shopping, demonstrations, and conversations with the makers themselves. Whether you’re searching for a memorable gift, adding to a collection, or simply curious about how things are made, there’s plenty to explore.
Keep reading to learn what makes the fair worth a visit.
Why the Piedmont Craftsmen Fair is One-of-a-Kind
Quality Over Quantity
The fair’s appeal starts with the work itself. Presented by Piedmont Craftsmen, a nonprofit guild founded by artists and collectors, this is a juried show: participating artists are selected through a review process that considers craftsmanship, originality, and design. That care shows up in the details, from the finish on a wooden bowl to the texture of a woven jacket. Artists work in clay, wood, glass, fiber, metal, leather, printmaking, photography, and mixed media, offering plenty of reasons to linger.
Returning visitors will find fresh perspectives, too. Organizers expect more than a dozen new artists at the 2026 fair, adding new work and creative voices to the mix. You can find details on the artists coming to the 2026 fair by visiting the fair website.
Craftsmanship in Action
Meeting the person behind a piece is part of the experience. Ask a potter about a glaze, a furniture maker about a favorite wood, or a jewelry artist how a design came together. Those conversations can change the way you see an object you might otherwise have simply admired.
Live demonstrations offer another look at the skill and patience behind the finished work. For curious kids, aspiring makers, and anyone who enjoys watching an expert at work, it’s a chance to slow down and see the process. Piedmont Craftsmen is planning a new, special educational demonstrations for 2026, with more details to come as the fair approaches. Check the fair website for announcements and the latest lineup.
Creative Gifts With a Story
Held the weekend before Thanksgiving, the fair is well timed for holiday shopping. Browse handwoven clothing, distinctive jewelry, pottery, furniture, ornaments, and decorative pieces, with options for everyday use as well as special occasions.
You might find a serving bowl for someone who loves to host, an accessory that feels unmistakably like its recipient, or something for your own home that you’ll enjoy long after the holidays. Talking with the maker adds a personal connection to whatever catches your eye.
“You can pick something up, touch it, feel it, try it on, and even chat with the person who made it,” furniture maker and longtime fair artist Bayley Wharton told us. “You aren't just buying a gift; you're getting a story.”
There’s also a free raffle featuring handcrafted work by participating artists, giving visitors another opportunity to take home something special.
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Piedmont Craftsmen FAQ
The 2026 Piedmont Craftsmen Fair takes place, Nov. 21–22. Public hours are Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday, noon–5 p.m.
The fair takes place in the lower-level Main Exhibition Hall at Benton Convention Center, 301 W. Fifth Street, in downtown Winston-Salem. Restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels are nearby, making it easy to pair your visit with lunch, dinner, or a weekend downtown.
One-day admission is $13 for adults and $11 for seniors ages 65+ and college students with ID. A $20 weekend pass covers both public days. Children under 18 and K–12 educators with valid school ID receive free admission.
You can purchase tickets on the fair's website, at the Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery, and at the door. Use the updated Craft Fair page for ticket purchases and event information.
Yes! A special Preview Night takes place Friday, November 20, 6–9 p.m., before the fair opens to the public. Visit the fair's website or contact Piedmont Craftsmen directly for details about attending this donor event.
New for this year, NC Museum of Art is visiting the fair as part of their monthly NCMA Field Trip series. The event takes place Sunday, November 22, 12:30–2 p.m. This free outing includes fair admission, an introduction from Piedmont Craftsmen staff, and a tour highlighting artists’ booths and live demonstrations. Like all NCMA Field Trips, the event is free to attend but advance registration is requested.
Can't Attend the Fair? Visit the Gallery
If you can’t make it to the Piedmont Craftsmen Fair, fear not! Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery & Shop is open year-round in the Downtown Arts District, offering a taste of the fair whenever you’re in town. Inside, browse colorful glass, handwoven clothing, sculptural woodwork, distinctive jewelry, and pottery that brings a little artistry to everyday routines. Regular hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. You can browse in person, explore the current exhibitions, or shop online whenever inspiration strikes.
The gallery also hosts rotating exhibits and artist spotlights, giving repeat visitors something new to explore alongside its selection of functional and decorative fine craft. Its 2026 exhibition schedule includes a Holiday Extravaganza in December.
Celebrate the Season in Winston-Salem
The Piedmont Craftsmen Fair serves as the kickoff to the city's holiday festivities, but there's plenty more to see, do, and experience. Explore our Holidays page for annual traditions and festive must-dos. Then browse our Events Calendar for concerts, markets, and seasonal happenings to round out your visit.
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