Craft Fairs & Farmers Markets in Ohio

2nd Street Market in Dayton is a year-round food-focused market operated by Five Rivers MetroParks with 200,000+ annual visitors. Farmers are the top priority, followed by baked goods, sauces, jams, specialty foods, and limited prepared-food vendors. A small number of artisan-goods vendors round out the mix. Most vending happens outdoors May–October; permanent indoor spaces are rare and competitive, typically going to existing part-time vendors. Acceptance is curated by committee based on market needs, product quality, and business fit.

Recurring open-air maker event by 720 Community Markets; makers/bakers/brewers/growers

Held in Canton at Plain Township's Oakwood Square, 720 Holiday Market is a three-weekend outdoor European-village market in November. A rotating mix of up to 30 seasonal, artisan, and food vendors sets up in sheds and tents, with a different lineup each weekend. Mulled wine, craft beers, live artist demos, make-and-takes, and Santa appearances round out the experience. Warmed by fire pits and indoor restrooms. Oakwood Square shares the venue with restaurants and breweries. Free entry. Runs regardless of weather, though severe conditions may impact setup or activities.

Held in downtown Xenia at the Greene County Expo Center, A World A'Fair is organized by Dayton International Festival, Inc. and involves 35 ethnic groups who make up DIFI's membership. It's held the first weekend in May. Important for vendors: booths are exclusively from organizations representing over 35 countries, all of which are non-profits. The festival showcases the food, dancing, music, costumes, and cultural exhibits representing ethnic backgrounds and cultures of Dayton and the greater Miami Valley. There is live entertainment with performances from local, regional, national, and international performing groups. The festival has a long history, being one of Ohio's oldest international festivals.

In its 47th year, the Akron Art Expo held in July at Hardesty Park welcomes over 100 juried artists from around the country. The show features ribbon and cash awards, food, interactive children's activities, and entertainment. Medium mix includes glass, clay, metal, mixed media, jewelry, and photography. Work must be original and completely finished; at least 60% originals and 40% reproductions are permitted. Mass-produced work via commercial kits, molds, patterns, or craft kits will not be permitted. The designer/maker must be principal of the business and present at the show with photo ID—no dealers or reps allowed. Choose from four categories: Ornamental, 2-Dimensional, Functional, or 3-Dimensional. Jurying is blind, scored on originality, execution, creativity, design, workmanship, and media display. Vendor perks: artist breakfast both days, free onsite parking, 24-hour security during setup and show, and booth sitters. Booth spaces are 14x15 feet.

Akron Bazaar is a juried handmade market run by the Cleveland Bazaar team, hosting multiple seasonal shows throughout the year in downtown Akron. The holiday market takes place around Thanksgiving weekend and draws 50+ makers selling locally-made goods. Apply via Submittable.

Carroll County Historical Society heritage festival with craft and food vendors

Since 1851, the Allen County Fair has been the premier showcase for agriculture in West Central Ohio. The fair draws more than 200,000 visitors and runs each August at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima. Events include the Kewpee Showcase of Bands, the Rough Truck Competition and Tug-A-Truck, harness racing, demolition derby and a cheerleading competition —plus big name entertainment throughout. The fairgrounds accepts food vendors, craft vendors, and commercial exhibitors; contact the fair office for vendor application materials.

Held on Medina's historic Public Square, An Affair on the Square brings together 140+ juried handmade vendors — crafts, flowers, and food trucks. Strong foot traffic in a picturesque downtown setting; a solid fit if you're looking for an August event with an established local audience.

Running in its 62nd year, the Annie Oakley Festival in Greenville celebrates the legacy of Annie Oakley with craft vendors and food concessionaires. Separate camping area available for vendors. Mail-in application required; contact the Annie Oakley Committee for details.

Held in Burton each October at Century Village Museum, Apple Butter Festival & Ox Roast draws the whole Geauga County community for a two-day celebration of fall tradition. Vendors and crafters set up alongside demonstrations of copper-kettle apple butter made over open fire, ox roast sandwiches, and family activities like pumpkin carving, train rides, and balloon art. The festival has deep roots in the region — for generations, the second weekend of October has meant the aroma of apples simmering and families gathering for a day made for all ages.

Running since 1972, the 55th Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival is held each October in historic Roscoe Village near Coshocton. This is a curated event — artisans and food vendors are thoughtfully selected to fit the village's character. Expect blacksmithing and chainsaw carving demonstrations, live bluegrass and jazz, craft beer, local food, canal boat rides, and kids' programming. All proceeds support the Roscoe Village Foundation.

Art in the Village with Craft Marketplace is the 35th annual juried fine-art festival and craft marketplace held in June at Legacy Village in the Lyndhurst/Beachwood area. A free admission event drawing established local crowds and shoppers intentionally seeking handmade goods and original art.

The Artisan Marketplace connects small businesses and shoppers through Cincinnati vendor events, flea markets, and festivals, held in Over-the-Rhine at Washington Park. The recurring pop-up series gives small businesses face-to-face access to customers, featuring handcrafted goods including candles, knitwear, and wellness products. Vendors come from across the tri-state to support the #buylocal513 campaign.

Held in Grove City each September, Arts in the Alley is the 36th annual festival featuring 5 specialty art shows (craft, fine art, photography, quilt, and youth), a community parade with live music and floats, and performances throughout the day. In-person art show registration happens week-of the festival. The craft show spotlights textiles, jewelry, crochet, knitted pieces, and home decor; fine art includes sculptures and ceramics; photography and quilt shows round out the lineup.

Recurring operator-run farmers market with vendor onboarding page

Ashland County Fair runs in late September in Ashland and features a full week of grandstand events — harness racing, rodeo, motocross, tractor pulls, and demolition derby — alongside commercial vendor and concession booth spaces. The fairgrounds also host events throughout the year beyond the fair itself.

Marquee county festival recruiting craft & food vendors

Running since 1846, Ashtabula County Fair in Jefferson draws 30,000+ annual visitors for a week of livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, and fair food. The fair welcomes food vendors and concession operators alongside traditional agricultural competition. Free parking on the fairgrounds.

Held in Ashville each early July, this five-day Independence Day celebration runs June 30–July 4 and centers on a famous fish fry (2,500+ lbs of perch), live entertainment across multiple stages, a Grand Parade, fireworks, midway rides, and food vendors. The event draws a strong community crowd and established local audience — solid fit if you're looking for a holiday-season festival with consistent foot traffic and a family-oriented atmosphere.

Back for its 15th year, Asian Food Fest returns to Court Street Plaza in Cincinnati drawing nearly 100,000 attendees over two days. The event attracts food vendors representing diverse Asian cuisines and is produced by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber in partnership with Asianati. Selection prioritizes food authenticity, quality, and ability to handle high-volume crowds—expect to serve 750+ orders across the weekend. Vendors must be established food operations (restaurants, food trucks, catering) demonstrating authentic regional representation and proximity to Cincinnati.

171st annual Athens County Fair, running August 7–15 in Athens. The fair draws harness racing, rodeo, demo derby, truck and tractor pulls, and school bus demolition competitions — plus carnival rides from Chicketti Family Amusements. Seeks commercial vendors and food concessionaires.

Athens Farmers Market is an established weekly farmers market in Athens accepting produce, food, and craft vendor applications. New applicants must pass inspection and meet all state and local health department requirements plus Ohio Department of Agriculture standards. Growers must submit a map of their proposed growing area with their application.

Auglaize County Fair is held each August at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds in Wapakoneta and features a week-long program of grandstand entertainment, carnival midway, 4-H and FFA exhibitions, food vendors, and general admission attractions. The fair draws families across the county and offers vendor space for food and commercial exhibitors.

Austintown Farmers Market is a weekly Wednesday farmers market running June through August. Part of the Mahoning Valley Farmers Markets network, it accepts cash, credit/debit, and Ohio Direction Card and ProducePerks. WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits are honored.