Craft Fairs & Farmers Markets in Gainesville, Florida

Held each March in Newberry at the Alachua County Ag & Equestrian Center, this free annual fair is an educational platform for Alachua County 4-H and FFA youth (ages 8–18) exhibiting livestock, poultry, crafts, and farm products. The event draws both youth exhibitors and vendors — expect a mix of agricultural focus, youth projects, and commercial booths alongside a livestock show and sales component.

In its 45th year, Downtown Festival & Art Show is held each November in historic downtown Gainesville and draws 40,000+ visitors. The juried fine-art category (oils, acrylics, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics) competes for $17,000+ in cash prizes; a separate non-competitive fine-craft category sits in Bo Diddley Plaza. No buy/sell or mass-produced work permitted in either. Emerging artists have a dedicated track. Artists retain all sales, get free parking passes, booth sitting, an on-site hospitality room, and overnight security.

GLAM Craft Show brings 70+ local vendors to Gainesville each December — handmade jewelry and accessories, silk-screened apparel, home decor, hand-spun yarns, amigurumi, and more. A spring show rounds out the year. Shoppers come specifically to buy direct from makers and support local makers. Food trucks and local beer on-site.

Haile Farmers Market is a year-round Saturday market in Gainesville's Haile Village neighborhood that enforces a strict producer-only model — vendors sell only what they grow or make themselves, and seasonal farm inspections keep the market accountable to its mission of supporting local farm families. Farm vendors are welcome to apply. Food and craft vendors currently have no available booth space and will be placed on a waiting list. New applications are processed monthly via board vote; the market prioritizes fit and capacity over volume.

Held in Gainesville each April, the 54th annual Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival features 120+ artist booths, student performers, live music and dance, and children's activities. Juried artists compete for cash and prizes alongside community and student artists. Expect jewelry, sculptures, ceramics, fiber arts, glass, wood, photography, mixed media, oil and watercolor paintings, printmaking, graphics and digital art. Food truck court features regional and international cuisines. Free parking and RTS shuttle service provided.

Recurring craft festival at UF's O'Connell Center; handmade vendor booths.

Downtown farmers market at Bo Diddley Plaza; active/closed status needs confirmation.