Boardman River Fall Art & Craft Show Sept 12-13, 2026 Traverse City

Overview

This boutique Art & Craft show features creatives and artists along the lawns of Medalie Park off Boardman River, allowing for less competition, less crossover booths, and more potential opportunities to connect with shoppers. Focus is on handmade and artist-designed items, unique/creative gift ideas, authors, inventors, and designers. There is no music, no booze, and no food, putting the focus solely on art, craft, and unique gifts. Limited to 80 booths.

Key Dates

• Event: September 12–13, 2026, 10am–5pm (Saturday & Sunday)
• Setup: Saturday 6:30am–9:30am
• Artist notification: December 4, 2026
• Application deadline: September 17, 2026

Eligibility

Open to artists of all levels. You may apply in up to 2 categories. Each event is juried separately; you may apply to one or all.

Eligible Applicant Types

• Artist - made by my hands
• Artist - production/studio work (no more than 2 assistants)
• Artist - studio work with more than 2 assistants
• Craft - made by my own hands
• Craft - production/studio work (no more than 2 assistants)
• Inventor - created an innovative concept that is put into production
• Designer - creates all designs and images that may be utilized in final creation
• Other - includes fair trade and anything NOT made by your hands
• Sponsor - (starting $600) All other service businesses looking to sell a service or product

Application & Fees

• Application Jury Fee: $15 (if paid before July 13) or $25 (if paid after)
• Booth fee: $275 (if paid before July 13) or $325 (if paid after)

Booth Requirements

Booth spaces are approximately 10' wide by 10' deep with at least 2 feet between booths. Booth and a half and double booths are also available on a limited basis. All artist exhibitor tents must be white (no exceptions); no cheap camping tents. Pop-up tents are not recommended; if used, a minimum of 40 pounds per leg (160 pounds total) is required. Displays must be professional and pleasing to the eye, with no hand-made signs. Your display should reflect the photos sent for jurying (no exceptions). Categories are capped with no more than 25% jewelry.

Load-In & Setup

Easy load-in and load-out next to booth (weather permitting). Setup is Saturday 6:30am–9:30am. All vehicles must be off the festival footprint by 9am. There is NO day-before setup. Booth numbers are given out at check-in. Setup email will be sent about 30 days before the event.

Booth Display Rules

You must display within your allocated space and not infringe on neighbors without show director approval. No chairs in walkways or obstructing neighbors or art show flow. If your booth display changes after jurying, you must send updated photos. Booth checks will be done Friday morning.

Vendor Amenities

• Participating artists listed on Facebook event page
• Designated reserved unloading area
• Staff support on-location throughout event
• Marketing & advertising: social media ads, posters, rack cards, local tourism websites, local area signs, and print ads