Art fairs, like beach days, bicycle rides, and ice cream, remind us why we love summer in Michigan.

Held outdoors in parks or along the waterfront, art fairs support local and traveling artists as well as local organizations. You can feel good about your purchase and take home an authentic piece of jewelry or a Michigan-esque poster or painting.

Hitting up an art fair – or two – is a fun way to spend a Saturday or Sunday and enjoy the Sleeping Bear Dunes region’s vibrant coastal communities. You can shop and explore an art fair nearly every weekend.

Start planning your trip or add these art fairs to your itinerary:

Artists’ Market, Leland, July 13

Old Art Building Artists MarketThe Old Art Building’s 26th annual Artists’ Market runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 13. This art fair offers over 70 booths of original work from artists and makers around the Midwest.

Visitors can peruse the various artists on the Old Art Building Lawn, inside the OAB, and along Cedar Street in Leland.

"Many of our vendors return year after year because they love this show so much,” says Old Art Building Executive Director Sarah Mills. “The quality of our artists and the wide range of mediums they represent make this a really engaging experience for attendees."  

The Artists’ Market includes fine art, photography, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, metal art, and other craft and artisan goods. The market also has Kid’s Booths and other activities. Information: oldartbuilding.com

While in Leland, stop by Fishtown’s Art Shanty open through Oct. 14. This is a pop-up space located off the lower level of the historic Ice House where artists, craftsmen, and makers display their work for a week at a time. Meet all the artists, see how they transform the space, and shop for new art each week. fishtownmi.org/art-shanty-2024

Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair, Glen Arbor, July 17

Glen Lake Art FairSupport the local community and walk to the Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair in the heart of Glen Arbor. The 52nd annual art fair runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, July 17 at Glen Arbor Township Hall.

The fair features artists carefully selected to represent a wide variety of original art. You’ll find pottery, painting, textiles, woodworking, and jewelry in a scenic setting. The juried, one-day fine arts fair provides college scholarships for local high school students. Information: glenlakewomansclub.org/art-fair

Summer Art & Craft Show, Northport, July 20-21

Take a drive up to Northport for the Summer Art & Fine Craft show at Haserot Park on the waterfront. The two-day event runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 20-21 and supports FEED. Guests are asked to bring a canned or non-perishable item to support local food banks. 

The show returns for the second year and emphasizes handcrafted creations. Vendors include painters, sculptors, jewelers, woodworkers, fiber artists, and more. Information: daniellesblueribbonevents.com

Coastal Caravan Art Fair, Frankfort, July 20

The Nephews Frankfort Coastal CaravanThe Coastal Caravan Art Fair is part community celebration, part juried art fair held on the grounds of Oliver Art Center. The fair is free and open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 20 with food, drinks, and music.

Visit with participating artists and craftspeople for an authentic shopping experience on the shores of Betsie Bay. This is a chance to support local artisans and take home a unique piece. Head inside for ceramic studio demos and gallery exhibits at Oliver Art Center.

Come early for the OAC Bloody Mary Bar at 10 a.m. and enjoy Brethren-based band The Nephews from 12-2 p.m. Red Top Hot Dogs Food Truck will serve gourmet and veggie dogs and tasty sides all day. Information: oliverartcenterfrankfort.org/coastal-caravan-art-fair

CSA Arts & Crafts Fair, Frankfort, July 24

The Congregational Summer Assembly (CSA) will host its annual Arts & Crafts Fair 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, rain or shine. This art fair takes place at Assembly Ball Field, M-22 at Crystal Lake, 2128 Pilgrim Highway.

Over 90 participating artisans from across Michigan and beyond will be there, offering decorative art, pottery, paintings, wood crafts, wearable art, jewelry, and Petoskey stone art. Children’s items include toddler and American Girl doll clothes, pillows, and blankets, plus handcrafted soaps, baskets, furniture, and more.

The Cottage Treasures Sale runs 9 a.m.-1 p.m. inside the CSA Assembly Building. Grab lunch at the Crystal View Café across M-22 and open for take-out from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The CSA Arts & Crafts Fair is sponsored by the CSA Women’s Association to raise funds to support local charities and projects to enhance the CSA. Information: summerassembly.org/art-fair/information.html

Suttons Bay Art Festival, Suttons Bay, Aug. 3-4

Many people plan a visit to Suttons Bay the first weekend in August for the Suttons Bay Art Festival. This community tradition returns for the 44th year in a beautiful outdoor setting next to Suttons Bay Marina Park. Art festival hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4.

Spend an art-filled day in Suttons Bay and join in the fun! There is plenty to see and buy with more than 100 artists and vendors and other activities. Community booths, a library book sale, food vendors, and children's crafts make this a tradition for many.

A committee of volunteers helps select the visiting artists. Proceeds from the event support arts-related education programs and scholarships. Information: suttonsbayartfestival.org

Frankfort Art Fair, Frankfort, Aug. 16-17

Frankfort Car ShowThe 47th annual Frankfort Art Fair is another popular event people look forward to at Market Square Park. The art fair runs 1-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. 

The outdoor fine art fair features artists from across the state, along with community booths, food, and other festivities. Start with shopping in the park and spend the afternoon at the beach.

Also, enjoy collector and vintage cars from near and far 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 17 in the Mineral Springs Park. Come early for the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings near the park.

Local farmers, artisans, and crafters set up off Main Street overlooking Betsie Bay. The market includes fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jewelry, arts and crafts, soap, nursery plants, and more. Information: cca.frankfort-elberta.com/EvtListing.aspx

The art fair schedule continues into the fall if you’re visiting in September or October.

Beyond the art fairs, don’t forget to explore local art galleries and business districts during your visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes. You may also discover craft vendors at area wineries and breweries. Enjoy a “shop local” vibe and take home something truly original.  

Marla R. Miller is a freelance travel writer who enjoys exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Visit her website at marlarmiller.com.