Grand Traverse Bay Summer Art & Craft Show, August 15 & 16, 2026

This 5th annual boutique art and craft show is set in a highly visible location on the road into Traverse City, visible from both the road and water during peak tourist times. The event is within an hour of major tourist destinations such as Sleeping Bear Dunes, Petoskey, and Glen Arbor. The show features a maximum of 80 artists, allowing for less competition and more opportunities to connect with shoppers. The event runs Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with setup on Saturday morning from 6:30am to 9am.

The focus is on handmade and artist-designed items, but the jury will consider unique creative gift ideas, authors, inventors, and designers. Artists are selected through a review of their work by a panel of experts. The show accepts various categories including artist-made work, production/studio work, crafts, inventors, designers, and other creative concepts. Applicants may apply in up to two categories, and each event is juried separately. Early bird pricing offers $50 savings if paid before June 16 ($275), with regular pricing at $325 after that date.

All exhibitor tents must be white, and displays must be professional and pleasing to the eye. Booth spaces are approximately 10' x 10' with at least 2 feet between booths. The show encourages emerging artists of all levels and provides staff support throughout the event, marketing and advertising, designated unloading areas, and participating artists are listed on the Facebook event page.