STEP 1
Submit your application
Complete the online application by 11:59 PM on Friday, April 10.
Rustic Fair Vendor Application
Join Us at the 2026 Rustic Fair – A Celebration of Rustic Art & Design
The Rustic Fair is the Adirondack Experience’s longest-running and largest annual event. What began in 1987 as a small demonstration featuring six local Makers has grown into a beloved Adirondack tradition.
Each year, we welcome Makers from near and far to our museum campus in Blue Mountain Lake to share exceptional rustic craft with thousands of visitors.
At the Rustic Fair, we call our participating artists and craftspeople “Makers.” (In plain terms: if you make rustic work and sell it at the Fair, you’re a Maker!)
What Type of Work is Shown at the Rustic Fair?
The Rustic Fair features furniture, furnishings, architectural elements, and artwork crafted in the rustic style.
ADKX defines “rustic” as an aesthetic style rooted in organic, naturally sourced materials — emphasizing woodworking and the use of trees, stone, metal, legally obtained animal products, and flora to create works evocative of the natural world.
To participate all work must be:
- Your original design
- Handcrafted by you
- Made using natural materials as defined above
Examples of rustic materials include (but are not limited to):
- Bark, twigs, seeds, cones, branches, burls, leaves, stumps, logs
- Stone
- Metal
- Legally obtained animal products (bone, skin, fur, hair, antler, horn, etc.)
- Flora
Additional materials may be incorporated as long as they are integral to the piece, including lumber, antique/historic objects, glass, mirror glass, hardware, and felt.
What Is NOT Allowed?
To keep the Rustic Fair true to its mission and standards, the following items are not accepted:
- Individual antiques
- Factory-made or mass-produced pieces
- Standalone taxidermy not integral to the structure of a piece
- Obscene, harassing, racist, malicious, or otherwise inappropriate materials
Who Should Apply? Am I Eligible?
You should apply if:
- You are a New Maker (this is your first time applying), OR
- You have not participated in the Rustic Fair for three (3) consecutive years or more and need to reapply (2022 or EARLIER)
Still not sure?
Please email Liz at ebelyea@theadkx.org and we will provide guidance.
Important Dates:
- Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM on Friday, April 10, 2026.
- To ensure fairness, late applications will NOT be considered.
- Applicants will be made aware of their status no later than May 8, 2026.
- We share decisions by May 8 so you have plenty of time to plan your season, prep inventory, and make travel arrangements.
Applications Close In:
What to Expect if You Are Accepted
The Rustic Fair is an outdoor event held on the central portion of the Adirondack Experience’s campus. It takes place primarily on grass, with some paved areas. The terrain is not perfectly level, and Makers should plan accordingly.
Click on the topics below to learn more:
Outdoor weather is part of the weekend
Rain (and even snow) has happened before, and the Rustic Fair continues. Makers should come prepared with rugs, mats, protective coverings, and anything else needed to protect their work.
Booth spaces and displays
A booth refers to the space where you set up your display. Booth spaces are available in the following sizes:
- 10’ x 10’ ($300)
- 10’ x 20’ ($600)
- 20’ x 20’ ($850)
Makers may provide their own tent for a discounted booth rate, or rent a tent from the Adirondack Experience for the rates listed above.
Electricity
Adirondack Experience will make electrical service available to Maker booths as part of the Rustic Fair. Electrical service is provided on an as-available basis and is not guaranteed to be uninterrupted, particularly if we are dealing with inclement weather. The Adirondack Experience will make every reasonable effort to ensure access to electricity is consistently available throughout the event.
Sales and Taxes
Makers are solely responsible for all retail sales conducted at the Rustic Fair, including pricing, payment processing, and collection and remittance of any applicable taxes. Adirondack Experience does not process sales, collect payments from customers, set prices, or act as a sales agent or intermediary.
Shared Space Expectations
The Rustic Fair takes place on a busy public museum campus. No smoking, no pets, and no outside alcohol are permitted. These policies are strictly enforced to ensure safety and a positive experience for everyone.
Questions?
If you have questions about eligibility, materials, or the application process, please contact Liz at ebelyea@theadkx.org. We’re happy to help.
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