Craft Fairs & Farmers Markets in Southport, North Carolina

Long-running holiday arts & crafts show organized by Southport Baptist Church with 70+ vendors (Christmas decor, woodworking, jewelry, photography); recruits crafters via paid booth rentals.

Held in Southport each July, N.C. 4th of July Festival's Arts and Crafts show has grown from a street fair into a established community event now anchored in Franklin Square Park. The market seeks handmade-only arts and crafts vendors alongside a separate food-vendor track. Food vendors must secure a Brunswick County TFE permit and City of Southport Food Vendor Permit; Fire Inspection Permit may also be required.

Southport Arts MAY-nia is the second annual free event held in downtown Southport on the Brunswick Community College Arts Lawn, drawing around 100 arts and craft vendors — painting, pottery, photography, metals, and more. The event features live demonstrations by art instructors, a plant and herb sale by the Southport Garden Club, educational garden programming, and live music from Cape Fear Radio. Last year drew attendees from across the county and region.

Long-running City of Southport spring festival recruiting arts/craft, produce, home decor, and on-site food vendors via application; preference to Southport businesses.

Held every Wednesday in downtown Southport through August, then resuming in late September through November, Southport Summer Markets features locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and prepared foods. Built on the motto "Home Grown & Home Made," the market prioritizes local growers and crafters—all arts and crafts must be handmade or hand-crafted. Spaces fill quickly; early applications recommended.

Held each December on Bay Street in downtown Southport's historic waterfront district, this vendor-friendly market draws roughly 140 artisans, farmers, and bakers selling handmade arts and crafts, locally grown winter vegetables, cut flowers, homemade baked goods, honey, and pickles. Sponsored by the City of Southport and Downtown Southport, Inc., the event is designed as a direct-sales platform where creators sell directly to consumers. Part of the larger Winterfest celebration, which encompasses holiday events throughout the week.

Held each November in Southport, the Southport Wooden Boat Show celebrates the region's maritime heritage and wooden boat craftsmanship. The show draws wooden boat builders, owners, and maritime vendors alongside food, live music, boat tours, and hands-on activities—rope-making, children's boat-building, and construction demonstrations from Cape Fear Community College. Named a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Festival & Event winner, it's grown into one of Southport's largest festivals. Vendors should focus on nautical and maritime-themed goods.