About 185 carefully selected artists and makers, twice a year, at Harrah's Cherokee Center in downtown Asheville. The story of The Big Crafty and how to plan your visit.
The Big Crafty is Asheville's beloved indie art and craft fair, held twice a year with about 185 makers selling handmade art and craft. It's the kind of show where a juried prize-winner might be set up next to a first-time maker, and that mix is the point. Mountain Xpress readers have voted it the best arts and crafts fair every year since it began.
Who Runs It and How It Started
The Big Crafty was founded in 2008 by Brandy Bourne and Justin Rabuck. The first show was held at The Grey Eagle, and the fair later spent years at the Asheville Art Museum and Pack Square Park before moving to Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville. The fair describes itself as a celebration of a human-scale economy and community-building creative work, and it has grown into a small family of projects, including Big Love Fest, The Big Day, and the art shops Horse + Hero and CODA at Citizen Vinyl in Asheville and HollerHouse in Bristol.
It has been voted Western North Carolina's favorite art event for 17 years running.
When It Happens
The Big Crafty runs twice a year: a summer show in July and a holiday show in early December, each over a Saturday and Sunday. In 2026 the summer show was July 11 and 12, and the holiday show is Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, from noon to 6 p.m. The dates box at the top of this page shows the next show, whichever season it falls in.
Where It Is
Both shows are held at Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville in downtown Asheville, so you're indoors no matter the weather.
Tickets
December 2026 admission: Saturday is a $10 preview day, with tickets sold online or at the door, and Sunday is a free community day. Kids attend free.
What to Expect
- About 185 carefully selected artists, from juried prize-winners to brand-new experimenters.
- Local food and drink: fare from Harrah's plus Cooperative Coffee Roasters, The Hop Handcrafted Ice Cream and Pop Bubble Tea.
Why Makers Love It
The Big Crafty matters as much to the artists as to the shoppers. One maker quoted on the fair's website describes a do-it-yourself energy and an "anything is possible" feeling at the show, and calls it their primary fundraiser, the event whose supporters let their work reach far beyond Asheville. That's the community the founders set out to build: a welcoming place for basement and backyard artists alongside established, award-winning makers.
Getting There and Parking
The City of Asheville runs the Harrah's Cherokee Center garage at 68 Rankin Avenue, along with the Rankin Avenue and Wall Street garages nearby. During events at Harrah's Cherokee Center, those garages charge a $12 special event fee on entry (Visa or Mastercard), good until 7 a.m. the next day.
Tips
- Shop the December show for gifts. Handmade work from local artists makes for presents you won't find in stores.
- Come Saturday for first pick, or Sunday to shop for free.
- Follow your favorite makers. The fair's newsletter shares event and artist updates.
- Grab a coffee or ice cream. The local food vendors are part of the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Big Crafty?
Twice a year, in July and early December, over a weekend. Check the dates box at the top of this page for the next show.
How much does it cost?
At the December 2026 show, Saturday admission is $10 and Sunday is free. Kids attend free.
Where is it held?
At Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville in downtown Asheville.
How many vendors are there?
About 185 artists and makers.
Who started The Big Crafty?
Brandy Bourne and Justin Rabuck founded it in 2008.
Looking for more local makers? Asheville's River Arts District is the next place to explore.
Details about businesses mentioned in this article (hours, offerings, atmosphere, and more) may change or may not be fully accurate. Spot something that needs a correction? Let us know and we'll fix it right away.
