Southern Highland and Craft Guild Fair

October 19 & 20th

Located five miles outside of Asheville in the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center, the Southern Highland Craft Guild has for seven decades promoted crafts made by artists living in the mountainous regions of the South.

The Folk Art Center is home to Allanstand, the nation’s first craft shop, which opened in 1895. One of four Guild shops, Allanstand showcases an exciting array of work from traditional mountain folk art to contemporary American craft made by the Guild’s over 900 member artists.

During your visit, you can also see two changing exhibitions as well as the new Permanent Collection Gallery, learn more about craft history in the resource library, or participate in one of several special theme-based community events held throughout the year where families can come and learn more about a specific craft medium or subject—and have fun doing it. Daily craft demonstrations April through December are on-going in the lobby of the Folk Art Center.

Twice a year, in July and October, the Guild hosts the four-day Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands in downtown Asheville. It is the leading event of its kind in the Southeast. The Fairs attract thousands of visitors who come to the mountains for the scenic views, and leave with a piece of our craftmaking heritage.

Southern Highland Craft Guild at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center, Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway

828.298.7928