During this Holiday season, the Sugarloaf Craft Festival is a great opportunity to shop for the most unique and inspired gifts directly from the crafters who made them. Over 450 artists and crafters showcase their latest work in a 3 day Holiday Show each year. The festivals are among the nation's largest and best shows of their kind and are hosted in 5 locations in the Mid-Atlantic area.
These festivals have been an attraction in my area since the very first Sugarloaf Craft Festival in Gaithersburg, MD in 1976. The focus of these shows has always been on contemporary crafts and fine art. I can't believe this was the first year I visited in my 38 years as a Montgomery County resident! I enjoyed this event so much, I will definitely be attending annually going forward!
I attended the Sugarloaf Craft Festival Holiday Show at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds location in Gaithersburg, MD. The Montgomery County event is an indoor/outdoor event set up with numerous tents displaying the artwork and cratfs. We had great weather this November when I attended, but don't worry, there are several indoor buildings that are also packed with vendor displays to stay warm on a cooler day. Don't let the colder weather stop you from visiting!
Many of the artisans are on hand to talk about what inspires their work, so the tents/buildings were filled with chatter from a LOT of shoppers. I loved meeting the artists behind the arts and crafts and hearing about their passions and describing their work!
Stroll the booths while admiring the top quality work and shopping for gifts, apparel, and gourmet foods that you can't find anywhere else. Some of my favorite vendors were -
(Shingle Springs, California)
Photo courtesy of Sugarloaf Crafts
The Art of Thread
(Pennsylvania)
Artwork made out of THREAD! Amazing!
Mexica Crafts
(New York)
We walked into the tent where The Herb Lady was located and were blown away by the most delicious scents of Holiday florals! We found her booth all the way down the aisle.
(South Carolina)
These cell phone speakers are awesome! Great sound. He had something for every price point. I got a few of the small hand-carved wood speakers as gifts for only $25 - perfect for small spaces like music in the shower ;)
Simon Tarasiewicz / The Toy Tree, LLC
(Birch Run, Michigan)
Thomas Phelps
(Floyd, VA)
Enjoy a close-up glimpse of art in the making at one of the many live artist demonstrations.
Photo courtesy of Sugarloaf Crafts
Sample the delicious gourmet artisan foods like jams, dips, spiced nuts, homemade chocolates, infused vinegars and oils, baked goods, biscottis, candy and old school sodas, and more!
Indulge in fair food, such as funnel cakes, popcorn, hot dogs, french fries, turkey legs, etc..
Have a free wine tasting from a local winery. At the Gaithersburg show, this was Far Easton Shore Winery. I loved their Autumn and Dragonfly wines.
If you missed the Montgomery County festival in November and are in the MD/DC/No. VA area, you are in luck as there is another Holiday Show THIS WEEKEND in Chantilly, VA (December 8, 9, and 10, 2017). Tickets are available to purchase online at Sugarloaf Craft Festivals. If you pre-purchase online, they are $8.00. At the door, the price goes up to $10.00.
But you are in luck! I was able to purchase discount tickets on Groupon when I went in November and I have found another Groupon for the Chantilly Holiday Show for you!! Tickets through Groupon are $10.50 for admission for two and $17.50 for admission for four. Definitely a good deal! Just click the link for Groupon above.
And the best part about your ticket is that it is good for the entire weekend. So, you can either go back again the next day OR pass along your tickets to other family members and friends so that they can also go and enjoy!
Parking is free!
I managed to do quite a bit of Christmas shopping at the festival this year. You'll find something unique for all of those on your shopping list at all different price points.
Happy shopping!
- Meredith