photos: Dick Brown
Central Virginia’s premier juried arts and crafts festival in Crozet, a beloved twice-a-year, family-friendly tradition in the Blue Ridge foothills.
The Quick Facts
- What it is: A juried outdoor arts and crafts festival with more than 120 artists, plus food, music, and children’s activities.
- When: Twice a year, each May and October (confirm the exact weekend on CrozetFestival.com).
- Where: Claudius Crozet Park, in Crozet, VA 22932, tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Admission and parking: A gate admission helps support Claudius Crozet Park; parking is at the park. Check the festival site for current details.
- Best for: Families who love the outdoors, art and makers, live music, and an easygoing community day; all ages welcome.
CROZET ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
40 Plus Years of Art in the Foothills
For more than 40 years, the Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival has been Central Virginia’s premier juried arts and crafts event, drawing more than 120 fine artists and contemporary craft artisans from around the country to one of the prettiest park settings in the region. This isn’t a card-table flea market; it’s a curated, juried show, held twice a year against a Blue Ridge backdrop, and it’s grown into a genuine local tradition.
Why Families Love It
The festival is built to be enjoyed by the whole family, not just the grown-up shopping for original art. Kids have their own dedicated children’s activities, so everyone has something to do while you browse booths of pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, and more. Craft demonstrations let children actually see how things are made, which is half the magic. There’s local food to graze on, Virginia wine and beer for the adults, and live music from Charlottesville-area performers setting the mood all day. And because the festival benefits Claudius Crozet Park, every visit doubles as support for a beloved community green space. It’s a CharlottesvilleFamily Family Favorite four years running, in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
What to Expect
Plan for a relaxed few hours outdoors. Stroll the artist booths at your own pace, stop to watch a craft demonstration, let the kids dig into the children’s activities, grab something from the local food vendors, and find a spot to enjoy the live music. Since it’s an outdoor park event, dress for the season: comfortable shoes, sunscreen or layers depending on whether it’s the May or October festival, and be ready for grassy, stroller-friendly terrain. Bring a way to pay the artists directly if something catches your eye. Before you go, check CrozetFestival.com for the exact dates, hours, and this season’s lineup.
SERVICES
More than 120 fine and contemporary craft artists • Craft demonstrations • Live music from area performers • Local food vendors • Virginia wine and beer • Children’s activities
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