Old Deerfield Craft Fairs: Vendors & Visitors Guide
Old Deerfield Craft Fairs are a 50-year-old fine craft fair series produced by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association (PVMA), the historical society that runs Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield, Massachusetts. The series features three meticulously juried shows each year — a Spring Sampler in March, an outdoor Fall Arts & Crafts Festival in September, and a Holiday Sampler in November — together drawing collectors and artisans from across New England.
Why Visit Old Deerfield Craft Fairs?
PVMA's commitment to juried selection means every vendor meets rigorous standards. Unlike casual craft markets, these fairs emphasize original design, skilled technique, and artistic vision. The fall festival's setting on the Old Deerfield village green — a picturesque village frozen in 18th-century charm — creates an immersive backdrop for browsing contemporary craft. Visitors consistently report that the fair's curated vendor roster makes it easier to discover new makers and build relationships with favorite artisans.
The Three Shows: Spring, Fall & Holiday
Spring Sampler — March
The Old Deerfield Craft Fairs - Spring Sampler runs March 7–8, 2026. Despite the name, the Spring Sampler is held indoors at the Eastern States Exposition (1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA) — PVMA uses the ESE facility for their indoor winter and late-fall shows. Expect 50–70 juried artisans plus selected commercial vendors. Admission is free.
Fall Arts & Crafts Festival — September
The flagship outdoor event is the Old Deerfield Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, September 19–20, 2026. This is the only show actually held in Old Deerfield village, on the green at Memorial Hall Museum. It's the largest of the three shows and the one that draws regional foliage-season visitors. Admission is free; the surrounding 18th-century historic district is open for tours.
Holiday Sampler — November
The Old Deerfield Craft Fairs - Holiday Sampler runs November 7–8, 2026 — also indoors at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. The holiday-themed show is timed for early gift shopping; vendors typically feature ornaments, gift sets, and seasonal pieces. Free admission.
Two Locations, One Producer
A point of frequent confusion: PVMA produces all three shows under the "Old Deerfield Craft Fairs" brand, but only the September festival is physically held in Deerfield. The Spring and Holiday Samplers are held at the Eastern States Exposition's indoor facility about 35 miles south, in West Springfield. PVMA uses ESE for the winter/late-fall dates because the village green is impractical outdoors that time of year.
Getting to the September Fall Festival (Old Deerfield village):
- From I-91 north or south, take Exit 24 to Routes 5 & 10
- Old Deerfield village is on Memorial Street; parking is free and on-site
Getting to the March and November Samplers (Eastern States Exposition):
- 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA 01089
- From I-91, take Exit 13B to Route 5; ESE has its own ample parking
For up-to-date hours, vendor lists, and any year-to-year date changes, check deerfield-craft.org — PVMA updates the official site as each show approaches.
Vendor Tips: How to Prepare
Before the Fair
Visit deerfield-craft.org for the current vendor list. PVMA publishes confirmed vendors a few weeks before each show. If you're looking for a specific maker, email PVMA directly — they can confirm whether that artist is showing this season.
What to Bring
- Cash and cards: Most vendors accept both, though smaller makers sometimes offer cash discounts
- Comfortable shoes: You'll cover ground between vendors for 2–3 hours
- A list of sizes/measurements: If you're shopping for specific items (home décor, jewelry, clothing), jot down what you need
During the Fair
- Arrive early (first hour): Best-selling pieces and limited editions go quickly
- Chat with makers: Craft fairs are opportunities to ask about technique, custom orders, and future shows
- Ask about off-list items: Many vendors take commissions or pre-orders if you describe what you're seeking
Visitor FAQ
Q: Are these fairs family-friendly? A: Yes. The shows are accessible for strollers and welcome children, though most booths are best suited to older kids who enjoy shopping and learning about craft.
Q: Where exactly is each show held? A: The September Fall Festival is in Old Deerfield village. The March Spring Sampler and November Holiday Sampler are at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA — about a 35-mile drive south from Deerfield.
Q: What's the difference between PVMA's Old Deerfield Craft Fairs and ESE's own craft shows? A: PVMA rents indoor space from ESE for the Spring and Holiday Samplers, but PVMA produces and juries the events. ESE itself produces separate craft shows and exhibitions throughout the year — those are different events with different vendor pools.
Q: Do vendors take custom orders? A: Many do. Ask directly at booths.
Q: Are there food and restrooms on-site? A: At Old Deerfield village (September), there are seasonal food vendors and the village has nearby restaurants. At ESE (March, November), the facility's permanent food court is open.
Q: When should I plan to visit? A: Mid-morning offers a balance: vendors are settled and talkative, inventory is strong, but crowds aren't overwhelming yet. Afternoon tends to be quieter for deeper conversation with makers.
Inside the Fair: What You'll Find
The PVMA jury selects across categories each year. Expect to see:
- Fine jewelry: Contemporary designs, enamel work, metalsmithing, stone setting
- Ceramics & pottery: Functional ware, sculptural pieces, wheel-thrown and hand-built
- Textiles: Hand-dyed fabrics, woven goods, fiber art, fashion accessories
- Wood & furniture: Turned pieces, boxes, small furniture, cutting boards
- Printmaking & paper: Original prints, hand-bound books, letterpress
- Painting & sculpture: Watercolor, acrylic, mixed media
- Leather & accessories: Belts, bags, journals, functional leather pieces
- Glass: Blown glass, fused pieces, sculptural work
Market Insights: Pricing & Availability
Old Deerfield Craft Fairs skew toward serious collectors and gift-givers willing to invest in quality. Price ranges are moderate to premium: roughly $20–150 for jewelry and small functional pieces, $80–300 for textiles and ceramics, and $150–500+ for furniture and larger works. Limited editions and custom pieces are priced accordingly.
Availability is highest at the September Fall Festival; the indoor Samplers are smaller and stock can be more limited. If you're seeking a specific maker, contact PVMA 4–6 weeks ahead.
Related Reading
- Craft Fairs in Massachusetts 2026: A Vendor's and Visitor's Guide — the Massachusetts pillar covering all major MA craft fairs
- Paradise City Arts Festival: Vendor's and Visitor's Guide — Northampton's juried arts festival, another premier Western MA craft event
- Boston Metro Craft Fair Circuit 2026 — urban Massachusetts craft venues year-round
- Cape Cod and Berkshires Craft Fair Circuit 2026: Complete Regional Guide — Cape and Berkshires regional craft fairs
Final Word: Why Collectors Return
PVMA's Old Deerfield Craft Fairs earn their reputation through consistency. Vendors are vetted, the juries are serious, and the focus stays on artist-made work. If you value quality over quantity and want to discover emerging makers while supporting established artisans, all three Old Deerfield shows deserve a spot on your annual craft fair calendar.
Next Steps
- Mark your calendar: Spring Sampler (March 7–8), Fall Festival (September 19–20), Holiday Sampler (November 7–8)
- Check vendor lists at deerfield-craft.org in the weeks before each show
- Plan to arrive early for the best selection
- Bring business cards if you want to follow up with favorite makers
Last updated: April 2026
