2026 Holiday MADE fair // Artist

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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

We’ve established clear acceptance criteria focused on products handcrafted by individuals or small artisan groups. While we love seeing businesses grow and succeed, we believe it’s equally important to make space for emerging artists as they find their footing. To maintain the freshness and excitement of the MADE fairs for shoppers, we prioritize work that is thoughtfully designed and created by the artist, not mass-produced. We feature a mix of local and regional artists, and every application is carefully reviewed during the jurying process.

Supporting Montana’s creative economy is central to our mission. For highly competitive shows, priority is given to artists who live and work in Montana. While we welcome applications from exceptional regional makers, our goal is to ensure strong representation of Montana artists and to create meaningful opportunities for local creatives to grow their businesses and connect with their community.

This is a competitive, juried show, and applicants should keep this in mind when applying. The jury looks for unique products that align with the MADE fair’s modern, fun, and functional aesthetic, as well as overall quality, craftsmanship, and variety within the show. High-quality images are essential, as they play a key role in the jurying process—photos should clearly showcase the details and construction of your work.

The MADE fair exists to raise awareness of handmade goods as a thoughtful alternative to mass-produced items and to support local and regional small craft businesses by providing a professional platform to sell their work. Jurying is conducted by Team HandMADE Montana (Carol Lynn and Courtney), along with rotating guest jurors, including an artist and a 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:  Booth fees due

BOOTH FEES // SET-UP // EVENT HOURS

  • 10’ x 6’   $125 + Electric ($15)  + Table ($12)
  • 10’ x 10’   $210 + Electric ($15)  + Table ($12)   
  • 20’ x 6’   $225 + Electric ($15)  + Table ($12) 
  • 20 ’x 10’   $385 + 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 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.

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 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!

We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.
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