Everything You Need to Know About the Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival

In Fairhope, it doesn’t really feel like spring until we’re counting down the days to our favorite annual springtime event: the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. Now in its 72nd year, this downtown celebration is a tribute to everything we love about spring on the Eastern Shore – blooming flowers, beautiful arts and crafts, warm and sunny weather, live music, and tons of family fun. Although it now attracts more than 250,000 people to our scenic Fairhope streets, the festival still feels like a slice of small southern charm. Whether it’s your first time attending or your latest family tradition, here’s everything you need to know about the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival.

Festival Details

The 72nd annual Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival will be held on March 15, 16, and 17 from 10am to 5pm each day. It is free to attend. The event spreads across the streets of downtown, which close for the weekend with limited parking (but you can catch the shuttle service to and from the event.) This year’s theme is “Fairhope in Bloom, ”a fitting tribute to our flower-lined streets and the promise of new growth and timeless traditions. For a full map of festivities, download the festival map here.

What To Expect

According to the website, the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival has a strong historical purpose: “to promote good will, to exhibit for show and sale the highest quality artwork and craftsmanship available and to showcase Fairhope — one of the loveliest and friendliest places in the world.” The event achieves this goal with an entire weekend of fun, fine arts, local foods and live music, and more. Here’s what you can expect to enjoy this year.

Arts and Entertainment

Over 200 artisans will take to the streets of downtown Fairhope to showcase and sell their best original works of fine arts and handmade crafts. As you stroll through block after block of tents and vendor booths, you’ll find an array of creative mediums from paintings and sculptures to jewelry, photography, textiles, and more.

Orange Beach artist Nick Cantrell is one of 200 artists and craftspeople whose art will be on display and for purchase at the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival.

Beyond arts and crafts, attendees can enjoy live entertainment from local and regional acts on the central entertainment stage. From live bands and instrumentals to belly dancers, performance arts and more, the weekend is packed with entertainment for all to enjoy. View the full festival schedule and plan to attend to your favorites.

Kids Activities

Each year, the Kids Art Tent draws in our tiniest festival-goers for hands-on fun led by local art experts. This year, the lineup of free activities includes crafts like birdhouses, sand art and sunflower pots; face painting; finger painting and jumbo flowers; and other artistic delights. The Kids Art Tent is open each day from 10am to 4pm and free for the public.

Festival Merch

Don’t forget to swing by the official merchandise tent to purchase festival swag as a token of your trip! Featuring an original design by local artist Elisabeth Hays, items include everything from t-shirts and hats to wall prints, notecards, and tumblers. It’s a great way to commemorate your time at our spring celebration!

Food and Drink Vendors

Come hungry, leave happy! The festival is full of local food and drink vendors ready to satisfy your every craving. From authentic southern BBQ and fresh-squeezed lemonade to craft and domestic beers, frozen treats, sweet kettle corn and traditional festival foods, you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy. You can also pop into a number of local businesses that will be open all weekend long with special menus and indoor seating for a quick and refreshing break.

The Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival is a can’t-miss spring event that captures everything we love about life on the Eastern Shore. Join us for a weekend of wonder and celebration as you stroll our downtown streets and get a taste of our local arts and crafts scene, our picturesque coastal town, and our southern charm. And if accidents do happen, Urgent Care of Fairhope is not far away with a full team of medical professionals ready to help you return to peak health! Visit our website to check our waitlist and learn more about our services.

*Image Courtesy of Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival Facebook.