Craft festival season is upon us
Above: Renee Becker's Ribbon Wall Light, part of JamFactory's exhibition G2 Power Surge to be shown as part of Adelaide Design Week. Photo: Connor Patterson
Here’s round-up of some of the amazing craft festivals and gatherings taking place in some parts of Australia within the next month.
Sydney Craft Week Festival
Sydney Craft Week Festival kicks off 9 October and runs for 10 days until 18 October. This event was an initiative of the now defunded Australian Design Centre, first produced by ADC in 2017. In 2026, the 10th annual Sydney Craft Week Festival will be presented by UNSW Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture, School of Art & Design. More than 90 events are on offer, including markets, exhibitions, open studios and workshops. Many events are free to visit, and suitable for all the family. Find out more
Adelaide Design Week
Adelaide Design Week has at least 88 events to explore and enjoy. The program lists everything from exhibitions and installations to conversations, open studios, tours, workshops and more. The events run from 14–18 October, learn more here.
Events in Tasmania
From 23–25 October craft and art aficionados can get up close and personal with creators via the Huon Valley Studio Art Trail. This is a self guided opportunity to meet local artists, witness live demonstrations and discover the region’s vibrant creative community, food and hospitality.
Following on at the top end of Tasmania, ‘Australia’s largest working craft fair’ runs from 30 October to 1 November. The Tasmanian Craft Fair takes place across Deloraine with shuttle buses operating from Launceston. It claims to offer ‘fine art displays, craft stalls, gourmet food, entertainment and children's activities as well as working craft exhibits’. Tickets and information available from the fair website.
Craft + Design Canberra Festival
The nation’s capital is the next stop on what might a grand month of craft touring. Craft + Design Canberra Festival takes place from 5–15 November. There are ‘more than 130 activations involving 500+ creatives – plus a month-long series of exhibitions’. Included are hands-on workshops, open studios, architecture and heritage tours, public art and performances and craft markets.