8 Small Art Fairs in Upstate New York

Upstate New York has a way of blending community and creativity. Beyond the big city shows, smaller art fairs pop up in towns and villages, giving local artists a stage and visitors a chance to see work that often feels more personal. I’ve wandered through quite a few, and these are the ones that stand out for their character and sense of place.

1. LARAC June Arts Festival (Glens Falls)

There’s a certain buzz that arrives in Glens Falls every June. The LARAC June Arts Festival transforms City Park into a patchwork of tents and creative energy. I always notice how the familiar downtown backdrop becomes a gallery, where regulars linger and new visitors settle in for a day.

Booths brim with paintings, handmade jewelry, textiles, and gifts you won’t find in big-box stores. Many artists travel in from neighboring towns, yet the conversations always feel local. You can ask about technique or even commission a custom piece on the spot.

Live music from the gazebo adds to the welcoming mood. Sometimes you’ll catch school kids performing, other times a local folk group. There’s a sense of everyone pitching in, vendors, volunteers, and even the city staff making sure the day runs smoothly. I’ve found it to be the kind of event that makes a small community feel big, if only for a weekend.

Whether you’re searching for art or just a sunny stroll, the LARAC Festival brings together the best of Glens Falls’ creative spirit and warmth.

2. Ithaca Artist Market (Ithaca)

You might hear laughter echoing beneath the pavilion before you see the art. The Ithaca Artist Market feels like a summer gathering of old friends. It takes place right on the waterfront, with the lake breeze drifting in and stalls lined with ceramics, glasswork, and paintings.

I like how artists make time to chat, often stepping out from behind tables to greet you. There’s a practical side to the market, too, many people come looking for gifts, but it’s just as common to see collectors hunting for statement pieces.

The setting is unbeatable. Sitting on a bench by the water with a cup of locally roasted coffee, you can watch the sun set over Cayuga Lake while musicians play nearby. The relaxed pace means you won’t feel rushed. Each visit feels a bit different, shaped by the weather and the mix of artists showing that year. Ithaca’s creative community shows up here, in every sense.

3. Beacon Open Studios (Beacon)

Instead of rows of tents, imagine peeking behind the doors of working studios. Beacon Open Studios invites you to roam the town, map in hand, discovering creative spaces tucked in every corner. I’ve always liked how the format erases any sense of hierarchy, you might visit a painter, sculptor, or ceramicist in the same afternoon.

Walking from studio to studio feels like a treasure hunt. Some artists host impromptu demonstrations, explaining their process or letting you handle tools and materials. The conversations feel less scripted and more like real exchanges.

There’s no rush to buy, though plenty of visitors do. Instead, the focus lands on the exchange of ideas. You leave with a better sense of what goes into the making, and sometimes even new friendships. Beacon’s commitment to the arts comes through in the open, welcoming atmosphere. It’s different each year, but that’s part of the appeal.

Beacon Open Studios doesn’t always run every single year, so it’s best to check the current schedule before planning a visit. When it does, the experience is exactly as described, immersive, creative, and welcoming.

4. Saratoga Arts Celebration (Saratoga Springs)

Congress Park comes alive when the Saratoga Arts Celebration arrives. I remember the first time I wandered through, surrounded by white tents set against old shade trees. There’s something special about browsing art while hearing the carousel spin nearby.

This fair attracts painters, photographers, and sculptors with a range of experience. The jury process means every booth offers something distinctive. If you’re looking for a standout piece, there’s no shortage of possibilities.

I like the manageable size, you can see everything without feeling overwhelmed. Many attendees pair the fair with time spent exploring Saratoga’s downtown, popping into coffee shops or taking a break in the park itself. Artists are happy to describe their work, whether you’re new to collecting or just curious. The relaxed pace invites you to linger and chat.

5. Clothesline Art Festival (Rochester)

There’s a reason the Clothesline Art Festival has stuck around since 1957. The sight of hundreds of tents scattered across the Memorial Art Gallery’s lawns is a tradition for many locals. I always enjoy seeing families weaving through the crowds, stopping for ice cream or to watch a painter at work.

The selection is broad, from contemporary paintings to wearable fiber art. Some artists have shown here for decades, while others are newcomers. You’ll find spaces where the crowds thin out, often along quieter side paths, filled with unexpected treasures.

Local food stands and live music keep things lively, and the museum’s doors are open for visitors who want to step inside. It feels like a citywide celebration of creativity, one that manages to stay friendly despite its size. Even if you leave empty-handed, you get the sense you’ve witnessed something lasting.

6. Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts (Buffalo)

If community energy could be bottled, Buffalo’s Elmwood Avenue Festival would be the place to do it. The festival stretches along the avenue, packed with visual art, live performances, and hands-on workshops. Local musicians play everything from blues to indie rock as visitors drift between booths.

I’ve noticed how this event feels woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. Residents participate as artists, volunteers, or just enthusiastic supporters. There’s a whole section for kids to create their own masterpieces, making it a real family event.

You’ll come across work by painters, woodworkers, and even puppeteers. Food vendors serve up regional favorites, and the chance to talk to artists keeps every visit fresh. Every block offers something new, and the sense of belonging lingers long after you leave. Elmwood’s creative spirit is impossible to miss.

The Elmwood Avenue Festival has occasionally paused or scaled back in recent years, depending on funding and logistics. When active, it remains one of Buffalo’s most energetic and community-driven art events.

7. Kingston Artists Soapbox Derby & Fair (Kingston)

Nothing says Kingston like the mash-up of art and playful competition found at the Artists Soapbox Derby & Fair. Imagine a parade of hand-built carts rolling down the hill, cheered on by neighbors in costumes. The fair alongside this event brings together artists and makers whose work often shares the same whimsy.

Walking the fair, I’ve seen everything from functional pottery to wild, one-of-a-kind sculptures. The crowd is just as creative as the art, with families and friends gathering to celebrate local talent.

There’s an openness to experiment here. You’ll see crafts you’ve never imagined, and the artists love explaining the inspiration behind their work. The day feels less like a polished show and more like a neighborhood block party, one where everyone’s invited. Kingston’s individuality shines through every detail.

8. Central New York Art Guild’s Summer Show (Utica)

Utica’s Central New York Art Guild Summer Show offers a quieter, more personal experience. The venue is usually a community hall or similar space, filled with natural light and the gentle sounds of conversation. I’ve always appreciated the way artists take their time with visitors.

Most of the art comes from within the region, including painting, drawing, and handcrafted gifts. There’s no rush to move on, and you’ll have the chance to learn the story behind each piece. Many attendees are local regulars, and you start to feel like part of the circle after a few visits.

The relaxed pace sets this show apart. It’s easy to ask questions, make connections, or simply enjoy a quiet afternoon surrounded by creativity. For anyone looking to support regional art or meet the makers, it’s a rewarding stop.