Craft Fairs & Farmers Markets in Missouri

Held in Springfield during December's First Friday Art Walk, the $100 and Under Art Market features roughly 40 local artists selling original handmade work—all priced at $100 or less, making it ideal for holiday gift shoppers. The free event draws a curated crowd looking to support local makers and buy directly from them.

Large indoor holiday market (200+ vendors) presented by Midwest Events & Promotions; Santa photos.

Recurring farmers + craft market with maker vendor stalls.

Annual carnival with food & craft vendors, rides, music, pageants, parade.

Apple Butter Makin' Days is held each October on the Lawrence County courthouse square in Mt. Vernon and draws 100,000+ visitors for its 60th year. The main draw: massive copper kettles cooking apple butter using century-old methods over open fires on the courthouse lawn from dawn through mid-afternoon. Expect 350+ craft vendors (hand-crafted items, demonstrations encouraged) and food vendors — concessions run exclusively through local nonprofits like churches and youth clubs, making this a serious fundraiser for the community. The festival also features a large Saturday morning parade, contests (terrapin races, wiener dog races, apple pie eating, beard competitions), live entertainment, and a carnival atmosphere for kids. Craft applications open each March.

Downtown Ironton festival with dedicated craft & food vendor program; registration form posted.

Held each Saturday morning from May through October at Arnold City Park, Arnold Farmers Market brings together 80 vendors selling produce, eggs, honey, USDA-inspected frozen meats, cottage foods, baked goods, soaps, candles, and artisan crafts. A relaxed neighborhood market with strong breakfast and coffee culture.

Columbia Art League marquee juried fine-art festival, 100+ artists.

Held in North Kansas City, the 9th Annual Mistletowne Market is an indoor holiday shopping event featuring local artisans and makers selling fine art, ceramics, soaps, jewelry, candles, and one-of-a-kind pieces. Live holiday music, baked goods from North Kansas City Seniors, and a mimosa bar round out the experience. Applications open in early August.

Running for more than 40 years, Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street is one of the Midwest's longest-running fine arts festivals. Held each May on Historic Walnut Street in Springfield (adjacent to Missouri State University and downtown), it brings together 110+ juried artists and 20,000+ attendees. Jury is anonymous and scores on originality, craftsmanship, cohesion, and professional presentation. All work must be original and created by the artist—AI-generated work is not permitted. Artist perks include drive-up load-in, booth sitters, complimentary meals, and on-site support from the Springfield Regional Arts Council. Over $5,000 in awards available, including Best of Show ($1,000) and People's Choice ($500).

Augusta AVA marquee harvest festival on the town square; live music, street food, parade, vendors.

Held in Aurora on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, May through August. All products must be homemade or homegrown—fresh produce grown within 75 miles, baked goods, handcrafted items, honey, meats, dairy, eggs, and value-added goods. The market prioritizes local and regional producers and enforces strict vendor conduct standards. Seasonal vendors given priority for location assignment.

Large juried arts & crafts festival in historic downtown Branson; 100+ makers, music, food; DBBA.

Grower/maker market on the square; all items grown or made by vendor (no resale).

Barry County ag fair; livestock, exhibits, commercial/craft booths, food vendors.

County youth/ag fair with livestock, exhibits, food concessions.

Held in Belton at the Belton Assembly of God Church parking lot (613 E. North Ave), this Thursday evening market runs May–September. Vendors must sell homemade, homegrown, or home-baked products; the market limits vendors with duplicate offerings to maintain variety. More than 20 vendors bring fresh produce, baked goods, and homemade items, with food and drink available most weeks.

A Missouri Botanical Garden signature event, the Best of Missouri Market draws more than 25,000 shoppers over three days in October. Participation is by invitation only — the market curates a balanced mix of food vendors, artisans, and producers, with priority given to Missouri makers though guest artisans from other states are welcome. Sustainable product requirements apply.

Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival is the 53rd annual downtown festival, running each September and drawing approximately 20,000 people during the parade alone. The event spans three days and includes vendor booths (craft and food), a community stage with free performance slots, a parade themed "Around the World," and a car show. Food trucks welcome — vendor insurance required (three-day coverage). Applications accepted through early September or until booth spaces sell out.

Boone County Fair draws over 14,000 mid-Missouri residents each July in Columbia. The fair seeks food vendors, craft vendors, and businesses; you can set up for one day or the full week. Vendor spaces are pre-selected and payment secures your location. Food vendors must pass Health Department inspection on-site. All food vendors need a certificate of insurance ($2M, naming the fair as additional insured) and a temporary City of Columbia business license. Note: carnival operates an exclusivity agreement—cotton candy, fresh squeezed lemonade, funnel cakes, and corn dogs cannot be sold by outside vendors.

Boonville Farmers Market brings together over 60 vendors selling local produce, baked goods, pastured meat and poultry, plants, crafts, and value-added products. Seasonal booth slots are available for the 2026 season — vendors can commit to the full season or arrange daily slots by contacting the Market Manager. Local sourcing and homemade goods are the standard; items beyond produce, baked goods, and crafts require prior product review.

Held in Boonville each June, Heritage Days has been celebrating the city's heritage since 1989. Organized by the Boonville Area Chamber of Commerce, the festival features a parade, carnival, arts and craft booths, food vendors, free entertainment, a car show, beer and wine gardens, a quilt show, and more. Voted one of the "Best Festivals In Central Missouri."

Held inside the Branson Convention Center in downtown Branson, Branson Market Days is a juried event seeking antiques, collectibles, handmade jewelry, repurposed décor, crafts, boutique clothing, and home goods. Vendors are chosen based on product originality, quality, and display design — photos are required with your application, though experience isn't necessary. Setup happens Wednesday or Thursday; vendors must stay through the entire show and restock Saturday. Booth-side loading dock with staff assistance, electricity available, and creative display required beyond just tables and cloths.

Held in Kansas City's historic Brookside neighborhood, the 40th Brookside Art Annual brings nearly 180 juried artists from across the country — working in jewelry, painting, clay, photography, and a dozen other mediums. Consistently ranked in the top 25 shows nationally by ArtSource, it's Kansas City's first outdoor art show of the year and draws serious collectors and arts enthusiasts. Artists are selected through an extensive jurying process that refreshes the mix each May while retaining award-winning veterans.

Brookside Farmers Market is a producer-focused neighborhood market held Saturdays in Kansas City's Brookside neighborhood, running through October. Vendors include local farmers selling fresh produce and makers of locally made goods. Market is held at HJ's Community Center.