Pennsylvania is one of the oldest states, and the region was one of the first to be settled by the Europeans that arrived on the continent. It is also the cradle of American democracy and a purveyor of American culture and values. For these reasons, Pennsylvanian arts and crafts are historically rich and varied.
While Pennsylvania's major cities present many unique, out-of-the-ordinary craft experiences, country towns are truly where the commonwealth's craft treasures are to be found. From the Pennsylvania Dutch region to the rural Appalachian Mountain areas, the countryside is full of small shops, markets, and annual festivals. Particularly for antique aficionados, the craft festivals and flea markets are full of amazing finds.
Metro Events
Visitors to Philadelphia can attend the annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. The event takes place each November in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and its profits go toward purchasing arts and crafts for the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Hosted by the event are 195 of the most talented craft artists from around the country, selected from more than 1500 applicants. Additionally, each year, the show hosts a group of artists from a selected world country. Admission to the four-day show is affordable, and the area around the convention center includes restaurants and shops.
In the Pittsburgh area, suburban Monroeville hosts the annual Spring Fever Festival. Taking place over a three-day weekend at the end of March, the festival is hosted indoors at the Monroeville ExpoMart, about 10 miles outside of Pittsburgh. Attendees to the event can browse nearly 200 arts and crafts booths, which include furniture, textiles, hand-painted crafts, sculpture, children's toys, paintings, jewelry, and more. Admission to the festival is low, and children under 6 get in for free.
Also close to Pittsburgh, the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival takes place at Twin Lakes Park in the city of Greensburg. Since 1964, the festival has been held annually over several days running up to the July 4th holiday. It features live music, ethnic foods, a petting zoo, and storytelling, as well as hundreds of professional craftspeople and artisans displaying their goods. In addition, the event has many activities designed for children of all ages. The festival runs from morning to evening, and it is free to attend.
Rural Crafting
For a unique, rural craft experience, the annual Colonial Festival is held over Labor Day weekend in the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds outside of Greensburg. The city of Greensburg is located approximately 25 miles southeast of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Colonial Festival provides attendees with an opportunity to see what life was like in the year 1776, with artisans and craftspeople dressed in period clothing. More than 200 booths offer a variety of crafts for sale, including jewelry, functional and decorative wood, and stained glass. Additionally, the festival has a colonial military encampment, living history performances, craftmaking demonstrations, live music, and crafts activities for children. This festival is great for the whole family.
Another unique rural crafts festival is the Bucks Country Covered Bridges Festival, which takes place at Tinicum Park in the eastern Pennsylvania town of Erwinna. In addition to tours of the area's covered bridges, the festival also features several hundred arts and crafts booths, with vendors from all over the commonwealth and region. The festival has live music, magic performances, children's shows, animals, hot air balloon rides, and plenty of food. The family-friendly event works to give visitors a sense of the region's long history.
Toward the eastern side of the commonwealth, the Historic Bethlehem Partnership conducts the annual Blueberry Festival at the city of Bethlehem's Burnside plantation. The festival takes place over a three-day weekend in July. With an auto show, a parade, garden tours, a petting zoo, cooking demonstrations, a pie-eating contest, face painting, a fruit and pie sale, and a juried craft show, the event has plenty to offer for every member of the family. The craft show focuses specifically on eastern Pennsylvania crafts, though vendors from all over are welcome. Also associated with the festival is Music in the Meadows, featuring performances of traditional folk music, Celtic music, and Native American storytelling. The music portion of the festival requires tickets.
In northwest Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest, the Tall Oaks Stores organization conducts the annual Autumn and Christmas Shopping Fest. With events held every weekend in September and October, the Fest is hosted at the eight Tall Oaks Stores locations throughout the national forest. The Fest features crafts from this rural portion of the commonwealth, as well as craft professionals from all over. Of course, one of the biggest draws of this event is that visitors are afforded an opportunity to explore the Allegheny National Forest, known for its black cherry and maple trees, as well as its numerous deer.
Finally, for a taste of the Pennsylvania Dutch folk life, visitors can attend the Kutztown Festival, which takes place at the Kutztown Fairgrounds over a week spanning July 4th. Prominently featured at the festival are handmade Amish quilts, along with craft displays and sales in weaving, woodcarving, blacksmithing, pottery, clothing, and much more. The festival also offers foods, storytelling, and special activities for kids.
While in the Amish country, visitors will also find many small markets and shops for handmade goods. For other festivals, craft shows, and events in Pennsylvania, check local listings to find variety of urban and rural crafting events sure to entire any craft lover.
Learn about the arts in Pennsylvania.
