Call for Fine Heritage Craft Artisans for the 82nd Waterford Fair
Organization: Waterford Foundation
Location: Waterford, VA
Key Dates:
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Artist Notification: May 16, 2026
About this opportunity
WHERE: Historic Landmark Village of Waterford, Virginia
WHEN: October 2-4, 2026 | 10 am – 5 pm Daily
NOTE:
Limited to 85 Artists
Attendance 15,000+
100 Best Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows by Sunshine Artist magazine
Thursday Set-Up
Indoor and Outdoor Booth Space
Vehicle unloading/loading at building or tent space
Free Artisan parking
Complimentary Artisan ticket to the Friday Night Welcome Dinner
Free Local Lodging (first come) in the Village and Local Communities
Designated Area Chairperson on-site, from check-in to the end of Fair
Set up & break down assistance & booth sitting by volunteers
Ticket discount code for Artisan to share with their patrons
Artisan Referral Program
Extensive PR and Marketing
Jury Fee: $40
Booth Fee: Starts at $500 (10’x10′) | Limited Indoor Starts at $750
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Artist Notification: May 16, 2026
Booth Payment: August 15, 2026
Visit our website at WaterfordFairVA.org
Email inquiries to [email protected] or call 540-882-3018 x 4
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A Tradition of Craft and Community: The Waterford Fair is held within the National Historic Landmark village of Waterford, Virginia.
This 18th-century Quaker settlement provides an unparalleled backdrop for 85 select heritage and contemporary artisans to demonstrate their craft, sell to a sophisticated audience, and build lasting relationships with a dedicated collector base. Over 15,000 visitors attend annually to experience the village’s historic homes, curated demonstrations, and high-quality juried wares across eleven media categories.
The Fair began as a small local craft show and fundraiser in 1943 dedicated to preserving the village’s historic Old Mill. Since those early days, it has grown into a premier destination for traditional and modern craft, while remaining true to its mission. Today, participation in the Fair directly supports the Waterford Foundation, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to the preservation of the Landmark and the education of the public regarding traditional crafts and history.
Nestled in the heart of D.C.’s Wine Country, Waterford sits within the most affluent region in the U.S. Target Demographic: Loudoun County consistently ranks as the #1 county in America for median household income ($173,655+), with neighboring Fairfax County holding the #2 spot.
Artisans benefit from an educated, affluent, and loyal clientele who value the provenance and quality of handmade goods. and are supported by an enthusiastic network of villagers and volunteers. For those seeking an authentic immersion into the community, we offer an Artisan Homestay program.