2026 Holiday MADE fair // NP

HOLIDAY MADE FAIRS

The MADE fairs are modern artist and handcrafted markets that celebrate creativity while giving back to the community. Featuring local and regional artists, our juried events showcase up to 200 skilled artisans alongside a small, intentional group of non-profits. Each fair is thoughtfully curated to present a dynamic mix of high-quality, original handcrafted goods in an engaging, welcoming environment.

Our Holiday MADE fairs are highly anticipated, well attended, and strongly supported by the communities they serve. Through our VIP programs, we deepen this impact by donating a portion of VIP ticket proceeds to local non-profits, ensuring that participation in the MADE fairs supports both artists and organizations doing meaningful work across Montana.

At HandMADE Montana, giving back is central to everything we do. Last year alone, we raised over $31,000 for Montana non-profits through VIP ticket proceeds. The Holiday MADE fairs offer artists an exceptional opportunity to showcase their work to thousands of holiday shoppers who are actively seeking to support local makers and community-driven causes.

The MADE fairs are presented by HandMADE Montana, a professional organization dedicated to supporting artists and makers of handcrafted goods. Through juried fairs, workshops, and community partnerships, we work to foster growth, connection, and long-term sustainability within Montana’s creative economy.

Helena Holiday MADE Fair December 4–5 // Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds

The Helena Holiday MADE Fair features approximately 175 local and regional artists in a festive, well-curated marketplace. Held at the Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds, this two-day event attracts enthusiastic holiday shoppers seeking high-quality, handcrafted goods and locally made gifts.

VIP shopping hours take place on Friday from 5–8 pm and Saturday from 9–10 am, offering early access in a calmer setting while benefiting a local non-profit through a portion of VIP ticket proceeds.

Missoula Holiday MADE Fair December 13 // Adams Center

The Missoula Holiday MADE Fair is the largest and most competitive MADE event of the year, featuring 200+ artists across three levels of shopping—the arena floor, balcony, and upper gyms. Hosted at the Adams Center, this one-day show draws thousands of shoppers and is known for its energy, scale, and exceptional quality.

Due to high demand and limited space, this is the most competitive MADE fair to be accepted into. VIP shopping runs 9–11 am, followed by free entry from 11 am–5 pm, with a portion of VIP ticket proceeds supporting a local non-profit.

  APPLICATION PROCESS 

Community support helps make all of our events great. Nonprofits play a significant role in creating opportunities, educating, and fighting the good fight all across Montana. They are often the building blocks for what makes our cities great. For the last five years, we have offered booths to local non-profits at a reduced rate to allow them to meet directly with the public they serve.  We are excited to continue offering space for non-profits at all our shows. We strongly encourage some hands-on activity to engage both children and adults who visit your booth.  We will be jurying all non-profits that apply to ensure they are a good fit for our event. HOW TO APPLY   1. Fill out the online application   2. Upload images & logo IMPORTANT DATES MAY 1 : Accepting applications October 1 : Deadline for submissions October 10: Accepted and declined artisans were notified by email. October 20: Booth fees due NON-PROFIT BOOTH FEES // SET-UP // EVENT HOURS   10’ x 6’ $60 + Electric ($15)  + Table ($12)   10’x10’ $100 + Electric ($15)  + Table ($12) 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.

HELENA HOLIDAY MADE FAIR // DEC 4-5 // LEWIS & CLARK FAIRGROUNDS

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

 MISSOULA HOLIDAY MADE FAIR // DEC 13 // 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 12  TBA*
• SHOW HOURS:  SUN DEC 13  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.

NON-PROFIT 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 set us apart!

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

• Exposure to over 7,000+ 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!