Two woodworking brothers’ local dream has grown into one of the most treasured craft traditions in America. Over forty years after Neil and Scott Rubinstein first envisioned a show that focused on artists themselves, the New Paltz Craft Fair, formally known as the Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair, is still going strong. As a result, tens of thousands of people from all over the Northeast come to see the unique pleasure of art being created, exhibited, and shared outdoors in the Hudson Valley of New York twice a year.
Handmade, sustainably produced goods have become increasingly popular in recent years, which is in perfect harmony with the fair’s original purpose. The rise of the “conscious consumer”—buyers seeking connection, narrative, and authenticity—is apparent in lifestyle blogs and Instagram feeds. That is exactly what the New Paltz Craft Fair offers, providing a setting where the process is valued just as highly as the final product. Its live demonstration model, where artists actively create, is especially inventive. This allows fairgoers to witness firsthand how a ceramic vase takes shape or how fiber artists hand-dye each individual thread.
Key Information About the New Paltz Craft Fair
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair |
| Founders | Neil and Scott Rubinstein |
| First Year Held | 1982 |
| Location | Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz, NY |
| Recurring Schedule | Memorial Day & Labor Day weekends annually |
| Admission Fee | $10.00–$12.00 |
| Nearby Landmarks | Mohonk Mountain, Bletchley Park, Woburn Safari Park (within driving distance) |
| Website | quailhollow.com |
| Highlights | 200+ juried exhibitors, live demos, local food vendors, kids’ activities, fine crafts |
Similar fairs have attempted to follow the model over the last ten years, but few have been as successful as the Rubinsteins’ family-run event. The harmony between community and curation seems to be their key. Each craftsman is evaluated by a jury, guaranteeing excellence in over ten media categories, ranging from woodworking and ceramics to wearable fiber, blown glass, and photography. However, the fairgrounds maintain a cozy, small-town vibe that continues to be incredibly successful in attracting not only seasoned collectors but also families with young children, art students, and tourists looking for something more soulful and less commercial.
The fair, which takes place at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz, is encircled by Mohonk Mountain’s breathtaking scenery. The grounding energy of the fair itself is further enhanced by that backdrop, which is especially beautiful in late May and early September. The location, which is only an hour and a half north of New York City, is remarkably accessible and remarkably free of the bustle of the city. There is plenty of parking, and lodging options in neighboring towns like High Falls and Rosendale suit both weekend visitors seeking boutique charm and those on a tight budget. The goal of the New Paltz fair is not to please everyone. Rather, it emphasizes what it does best, which is to celebrate intimacy in the vendor-customer relationship, authenticity in storytelling, and excellence in craftsmanship.
The fair’s unique culinary offerings are not to be overlooked. Run by the founders’ wives, Ilene and Marsha, I & M’s Pita Palace began with pita sandwiches and has since grown into an impressive array of handcrafted food stalls. Ilene continues to serve homemade ice cream today, and Marsha displays her well-known ceramics in one of the indoor booths. These unique family contributions draw attention to the fair’s roots, which are particularly resilient. This festival has significantly improved over the years by strengthening its familial tone rather than moving away from it, whereas many festivals suffer from outgrowing their original vision.
The topic of encouraging local craftspeople has gained more attention in recent years. The allure of buying directly from artists is particularly evident in light of the strain on global supply chains and the abundance of mass-produced knockoffs in digital marketplaces. The guarantee of quality, provenance, and the backstory of each item becomes a part of the purchase for attendees of the New Paltz Craft Fair. Visitors also strengthen a cultural commitment to slower, more meaningful production models by supporting these makers. It feels especially good as a countertrend to fast fashion and mass-produced home décor, both financially for small businesses and emotionally for a generation weary of algorithmic overconsumption.
The fair’s remarkable focus on family engagement is another unique feature. Children’s drop-off tent provides unstructured creative programming that allows young artists to experiment with various media with minimal constraints and practical guidance. In the meantime, parents are free to peruse while children are entertained by interactive performers. A potentially stressful outing is transformed into a peaceful family experience by that careful planning.
It’s interesting to note that in previous years, some well-known designers and celebrities have been seen stealthily walking through the fair. The event has evolved into a low-key go-to for tastemakers who wish to support small makers without the typical glare, from stylists finding one-of-a-kind statement pieces to TV personalities endorsing independent jewelers.
Additionally, even though names are rarely mentioned, there is a noticeable change in energy when a designer purchases from a young ceramicist. Similar to how Hollywood started promoting sustainable fashion brands on red carpets, influencers in the design and art industries help legitimize these platforms through strategic attendance and personal support.
Despite the cancellation or reduction of major festivals during the pandemic, the New Paltz Craft Fair showed incredible tenacity. The Rubinsteins and their team expanded booth spacing, accommodated vendors with flexible scheduling, and modified operations to comply with health regulations. These behind-the-scenes initiatives maintained continuity, highlighting the fair’s continued high regard among exhibitors and attendees. By incorporating pandemic lessons and paying close attention to the needs of artisans, the event team improved rather than weakened relationships.
FAQs
When is the New Paltz Craft Fair held?
Twice yearly—on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Where does the event take place?
At the Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz, New York.
How much is the entry fee?
Tickets range from $10.00 to $12.00, with children often free or discounted.
Who organizes the fair?
The fair is run by Quail Hollow Events, founded by woodworkers Neil and Scott Rubinstein.
What makes this fair different from others?
It focuses on juried, handmade work from artists, live demos, family engagement, and an emphasis on artisan storytelling.
Are food and drinks available onsite?
Yes, there is a curated selection of specialty food vendors, craft beer, and regional wine.
Is the fair kid-friendly?
Very much so. There’s a drop-off art tent for children and live kids’ entertainment throughout the day.
Can I buy directly from the artists?
Absolutely. Artists sell their own work, and many accept card payments.
Are pets allowed?
Policies vary year by year. It’s best to check directly on quailhollow.com for pet policy updates.
Is the event accessible for those with mobility concerns?
Yes, the fairgrounds are accessible and designed to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
