Discover Unique Handmade Treasures at Bead Fest’s Artisan’s Alley

This year will be my first trip to Bead Fest and I’m excited to shop at the marketplace, and in particular to shop with the artists in Artisan’s Alley. Bead Fest is back in full swing for its 20^th year in Lancaster, PA, and this special area of the Marketplace Expo is back, too. You can shop Thursday, August 18 through Saturday, August 20 from 10am to 6pm, meet the artists, and find one-of-a-kind treasures.

The Marketplace Expo will include 100+ artisans and exhibitors from all over the world, more than any other bead and jewelry show in the US. And Artisan’s Alley features artist-owned booths. Whether you are browsing, or looking for a specific bead or tool, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you will find something you’ll love. Be sure to plan a visit as part of your experience!

Visit Artisan’s Alley

In the Bead Fest Marketplace Expo, there is a special area called Artisan’s Alley. Over the course of the show, you can meet the artists and shop their latest works. You’ll find beads, pendants, tools, handmade jewelry, and more in this unique area. Many shoppers plan to visit this area first to get first crack at these handmade items. Some artisans will also be teaching workshops, so this gives students and shoppers an opportunity to meet the teachers.

Handmade Treasures 

The artists who offer their work in Artisan’s Alley travel cross-country and everywhere in-between to meet their customers face-to-face. You can ask your questions directly to the makers, get advice, and buy their handmade ceramics, glass, metalwork, tools, and more. After a couple of years apart, they’re eager to get back together and see their fans at Bead Fest.  

Shopping Tips 

Be sure to plan your trip to the Bead Fest Marketplace Expo. Find out which vendors you’d like to visit and bring a list of items you need to help prioritize what you purchase, but also give yourself some wiggle room. Unexpected purchases are always a fun surprise! Bead Fest is not just for shopping, but for learning as well. Make sure to spend some extra time in the Artisan’s Alley to learn and shop with the artisans. 

Buy your tickets for Bead Fest today!

Thanks to our Bead Fest PA 2022 sponsor, Cool Tools.