2025 Holiday MADE fair // Artist

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HOLIDAY MADE FAIRS

The MADE fair is a modern artist and handcrafted market celebrating creativity while giving back to the community. Featuring local and regional artists, our juried events showcase up to 200 skilled artisans alongside a select group of non-profits. Each fair is carefully curated to present a vibrant mix of unique, high-quality handcrafted goods.

Our shows are highly anticipated, well-attended, and enthusiastically supported by the community. Through our VIP events, we enhance this impact by donating all ticket proceeds to local non-profits, ensuring your participation uplifts artisans and directly benefits organizations making a difference.

At HandMADE Montana, giving back to the communities that support our events is a top priority. Last year alone, we raised over $32,000 for Montana non-profits through VIP ticket sales. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to showcase your work to thousands of holiday shoppers eager to support local artisans and meaningful causes.

Helena // December 5-6 // Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds

The Helena Holiday MADE fair continues to grow in popularity, bringing together artisans, non-profits, and the community for a festive celebration of creativity. This year, we’re excited to return to the spacious Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds, featuring 30,000 sq. feet of space showcasing over 175 talented local and regional artisans.

VIP passes provide a unique opportunity for both artists and shoppers. On Friday evening and Saturday morning, VIP ticket holders enjoy exclusive early access to shopping in a quieter, more intimate setting. This dedicated time allows shoppers to connect personally with artists, increasing visibility, fostering meaningful interactions, and boosting potential sales.

In partnership with a local non-profit, we’re offering VIP shopping times on Friday, 5 pm–8 pm, and Saturday, 9 am–10 am, allowing attendees to support local businesses while contributing to the community.

Missoula Holiday MADE Fair // December 14 // Adams Center

The Missoula Holiday MADE fair returns to the Adams Center, featuring over 200 booths spread across the arena floor, balcony, and upper gyms. This beloved holiday shopping event is a testament to the incredible community support, making it one of the most competitive shows for artisans to join. Shoppers can enjoy free parking, ample space to explore, and a carefully curated selection of high-quality handcrafted goods. With a $15 VIP Pass offering exclusive early access from 9 am–11 am and free entry from 11 am–5 pm, the MADE fair creates a festive atmosphere that celebrates creativity and local talent. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of this highly anticipated holiday tradition.

The MADE fairs are presented by HandMADE Montana— a professional organization for art & handcrafted goods. We organize events (MADE fairs & workshops), provide resources to artists, and encourage growth and support in our community efforts.

APPLICATION PROCESS

We’ve established clear criteria for acceptance, focusing on products handcrafted by individuals or small groups of artisans to help them grow. While we love seeing businesses succeed, we believe making room for emerging artists as they find their way is essential. To maintain the freshness and excitement of the MADE fairs for shoppers, we prioritize handmade items designed and created by the artist—not mass-produced. We feature local and regional artists, and all applications are carefully considered during jurying.

This is a competitive, juried show, so please keep this in mind when submitting your application. The jury will look for unique products that align with the MADE fair's modern, fun, and functional vibe and the variety and quality of work. High-quality images are crucial to showcase your work in the best light. Please ensure the photos display your pieces' details and craftsmanship, as they play a key role in the jurying process. The MADE fair aims to raise awareness of handmade goods as an alternative to mass-produced items and support local and regional small craft businesses by offering a platform to sell their creations. The jury consists of four members: Team HandMADE Montana (Carol Lynn and Courtney), two rotating members, one artist, and one community member.

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Fill out the online application.
  2. Upload images (5 product shots, 1-3 process images (how you make the items) , and one booth (a set-up of what your goods look like))
  3. Pay the application fee. 

There is a non-refundable $10 for one show and $ 18 for both application fees to have your work juried for the MADE fair. All pictures MUST be included with your application to be considered. If you are a non-profit looking for a booth, we have a separate application available.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • May 1  Accepting applications
  • October 1: Deadline for submissions
  • October 10: Accepted and declined artisans notified by email
  • October 20:  Artists booth fees due

BOOTH FEES // SET-UP // EVENT HOURS

  • 10’ x 6’   $125 + Electric ($15)  + Table ($12)
  • 10’ x 10’   $205 + Electric ($15)  + Table ($12)   
  • 20’ x 6’   $215 + Electric ($15)  + Table ($12) 
  • 20 ’x 10’   $375 + Electric ($15)  + Table ($12)


  Corner upgrades are available for an additional $25 and are limited. If you are interested, please indicate so on your application. Booth sizes are listed in width x depth. Chairs are provided, electricity access is available for an additional $15, and tables can be rented for $12 each. Electricity is available for all booths in Helena but only for 10x10 and 20x10 for Missoula.
 

 HELENA HOLIDAY MADE FAIR // DEC 5-6 // LEWIS & CLARK FAIRGROUNDS

  • SET-UP:  FRIDAY DEC 5  11 AM-5 PM 
  • SHOW HOURS:  FRI DEC 5 $10 VIP 5 PM-8 PM // SAT DEC 6  9 AM-10 AM $5 Early Bird, 10 AM -4 PM FREE
  • TAKE DOWN// 4 PM-8 PM

 MISSOULA HOLIDAY MADE FAIR // DEC 14 // ADAMS CENTER    We will have access to set up the evening before but won't know until closer to the date and will have a $15 additional fee for those wanting this option.  

  • SET-UP:  SATURDAY DEC 13  TBA*
  • SHOW HOURS:  SUN DEC 14  9 AM-11 AM $15 VIP, 11 AM- 5 PM FREE 
  • TAKE DOWN:  5 PM-8 PM
  • * We are again planning on offering a Saturday afternoon/evening set-up option and will provide more details as soon as we have them.

ARTIST BENEFITS 

 For many, our shows are the season's highlight, and we promote our artists extensively on our website and social media. Our customers love to pre-shop and plan their day, which is an extra benefit compared to other handmade markets. This is just one of the many things that sets us apart!

As an artist at our event, you’ll enjoy:

  • Exposure to over 5,000 customers eager to buy handcrafted products and meet you, the artist
  • Product image, business name, and links featured on our website
  • A dedicated landing page with detailed information about your business, including links to your website, Facebook, and Instagram
  • Promotional event graphics you can share on your Instagram, Facebook, or website
  • A listing on a printed and digital floor plan for easy customer navigation
  • A name tag and other great swag
  • Additional promotional opportunities via featured artists and raffles.

PROMOTION    Our events consistently draw large crowds, and we put a lot of effort into attracting diverse customers. In addition to promoting through our website, Facebook, and Instagram, we use the following methods to advertise well in advance:

  • Printed media: 1,000 postcards, 500 posters, and 2,500 mini cards
  • Advertisements in local newspapers and magazines
  • Radio spots
  • Social media ads on Facebook and Instagram
  • Calendar listings in newspapers, online, and magazines
  • Digital and printed floor plan maps to help guide customers to your booth

We ensure our events are widely promoted to maximize visibility and foot traffic for our artists!
 

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