RI’s Best Holiday Gift & Craft Fairs
Friday, November 12, 2010
It's time. An incredible season of holiday gift, craft, and art festivals is upon us, and we've got the best baker's dozen from one end of the state to the other (and several every weekend leading up to the holidays). Get a jump on your shopping, support local artists, and snag a few cups of hot cider and snacks along the way. Shoppers, start your engines.
Portsmouth: November 12-13
19th Annual Cornucopia Professional Fine Arts and Crafts Sale
The Pennfield School, 110 Sandy Point Ave, Portsmouth
This is a fantastic assortment of more than 55 local artists and artisans featuring woodworking, jewelry, clothing, pottery, photography, home decor, and other crafts. Special highlights include non-profit organizations that display and sell crafts, plus "Gifts from Pennfield," featuring talented school parents' works. An Artists' Palate Cafe will be open all day on Sat serving breakfast and lunch. Preview Friday 6-8pm, $25 donation for hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer. Saturday 9am-4pm, $2 for adults, children free. 849-4646, or online, here.
Tiverton: November 13-14
Christmas Craft Fair 2010
Knights of Columbus Hall, 28 Fish Road, Tiverton
Old-style craft-fair fun, with more than 40 crafters and vendors, plus Santa for photographs at 11 and 2. Baked goods, crafts for the kids, 50/50 raffles, and special Sunday appearance by balloon artist Sean Dale from 1-3pm. Proceeds benefit Hasbro Children's Hospital. 10am-4pm each day, free admission.
Pawtucket: November 14
Craftopia: the Holiday Edition
Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St, Pawtucket
Day-long event filled with gorgeous handmade clothing, jewelry, handbags, paper arts, housewares, and the unexpected and humorous. Not to mention a DJ and food vendors. 10am-5pm, cost $1, for more information go online here.
Cranston: November 15
Arts and Crafts Show
Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Cranston
This is the supertanker of craft shows: 100+ artisans showing everything from country crafts and gel candles, to floral arrangements, dolls and bears, jewelry and woodcrafts. 978-939-2317, or online here.
Providence: November 21
106th Annual Little Pictures Show and Sale
Providence Art Club, Thomas St, Providence
Warwick: November 26-27
Ocean State Artisans 20th Annual Holiday Craft Festival
CCRI, Knight Campus, 400 East Ave, Warwick
Celebrating its 20th year, the locally sourced show has a track record of showcasing artisans who live in RI or within 25 miles of the state line. Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm. For more information, check online, here.
Woonsocket: November 27-28
Winter Carnival
St Ann Arts and Cultural Center, 84 Cumberland St, Woonsocket
Expanded this year with more crafters and vendors... attractions, games, food and entertainment. 9am-5pm, Sunday noon-5pm. 356-0173 or online, here.
Pawtucket: December 2-12
Twenty-Eighth Foundry Artists Gala Holiday Art Sale
Pawtucket Armory, 172 Exchange St, Pawtucket
This is a must-do, and the long run makes it workable for hectic holiday weekends. This holiday cultural institution is in its 28th year that includes art, innovative design, inspiring creations in wood, ceramics, jewelry, home decor and much more. 65 of NE's finest artists and artisans. See Web site for times, cost is free.
Smithfield, Providence, Portsmouth, Wakefield: December 4
Audubon Holiday Craft Fair
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Rd, Smithfield
Holiday spirit with local artisans' selections of nature and wildlife-related wares, jewelry, children's items, ornaments, stationery, and locally made jams and jellies. Sip warm cider, nibble goodies. Raffle for one of the handcrafted items. 10am-4pm, free, 949-5454, or online, here.
RISD Alumni Holiday Art Sale
RI Convention Center, 1 Sabin St, Providence
Always amazing, top notch. What do you expect from alums of the finest art school in America? Shop thousands of items designed and created by RISD alums from all over the country... and world. Fine art, home accessories, greeting cards, jewelry, paintings, furniture, rugs, clothing, photographs, glass and ceramics. Admission $7, children under 14 + current RISD students with ID are free, go here for more information.
The Spirit of Christmas Arts & Crafts Festival
St Philomena School, Portsmouth
Festive, elegant, featuring local artists and artisans as well as NE exhibitors. Santa will be on hand from noon-2pm to hear Christmas wishes.10am-4pm, free admission and parking. 846-9809 or here for more.
Peace Dale School Holiday Fair
Peace Dale Elementary School, 109 Kersey Rd, Wakefield
Super family-oriented, this craft fair features 45 vendors and crafters plus gourmet treats, raffles, and a children's shopping area. Add in a Scholastic Book Fair, and entertainment by the South Kingstown music students, and it doesn't get much more wholesome. 10am-4pm, free admission.
Pawtucket: December 11
The Junior League of RI Holiday Marketplace
Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St, Pawtucket
Take a picture with Santa and browse local vendors in a family environment in one of the final fairs of the season. Now it's back to the shops for last-minute purchases! 10am-3pm, free, visit here for more information.
