Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair Returns Labor Day Weekend for Its 45th Year

Labor Day Weekend in New Paltz means one thing for art lovers: the Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair. The 45th edition returns September 5-7 to the Ulster County Fairgrounds, bringing together over 300 independent artists from across the country in one of the region's most beloved handmade festivals.

What Makes This Fair Different

This isn't a craft fair with vendor after vendor selling the same mass-produced goods. The Woodstock-New Paltz fair is a juried show, meaning every artist applies and is selected based on the quality and originality of their work. You'll find work in over ten media categories — ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, fiber arts, painting, photography, glass, metalwork, and more.

The setting is part of the draw. The Ulster County Fairgrounds sit at the base of the Shawangunk ridge, with Mohonk Mountain rising behind the vendor tents. On a clear September day, with the air starting to turn crisp, it's one of the most scenic art fair settings in the Northeast.

What You'll Find

Expect handmade jewelry in silver, gold, and alternative metals. Hand-thrown pottery from regional ceramic artists. Original paintings and prints in a range of styles. Hand-turned wooden bowls, cutting boards, and furniture. Handmade leather goods, woven textiles, blown glass, and one-of-a-kind clothing.

Many of the artists return year after year, and regular visitors develop favorites. If you're looking for something specific — a gift, a piece for your home, something unusual — the sheer volume of work means you're likely to find it.

Music, Food, and Family

Live music plays throughout the weekend on an outdoor stage, featuring regional bands across folk, rock, and world music genres. Food vendors offer festival staples alongside Hudson Valley favorites — think local sausage, fresh-squeezed cider, and homemade baked goods alongside the standard fair food.

Kids under 12 attend free, and there are typically family-friendly activities on site. The fair runs rain or shine, so bring an umbrella if the forecast looks iffy — but September in the Gunks is usually gorgeous.

Practical Details

The fair runs September 5-7 (Labor Day Weekend) at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz. Hours are 10 AM to 5:30 PM each day. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and free for children under 12.

Parking is on-site at the fairgrounds. If you're coming from out of town, New Paltz is about 90 minutes from New York City via the New York State Thruway (exit 18) and another 15 minutes from the fairgrounds.

The village of New Paltz is right there if you want to extend your visit. Main Street has restaurants, cafes, and shops. The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail starts at the village and is perfect for a bike ride. Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park offer hiking if you want to make a full weekend of it.

More New Paltz Events This Fall

The Art & Crafts Fair kicks off a busy fall season in New Paltz. The Ulster County Fair wraps up the same weekend. The Shawangunk Grit Gravel Ride takes place November 7 at Mohonk Preserve. Fall foliage peaks in mid-to-late October, making the Shawangunk Scenic Byway one of the most stunning drives in the region.

Discover what makes New Paltz special. Subscribe to ExploreNewPaltz.com for weekly stories about the people, places, and events that make this community unique.