Buy Local Art & Gift Fair

Artist Applications now open June 1- September 30 for the 2026 Fair!

Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am – 4 pm

Free admission to the Fair and trails all day!

Get ready for the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s Buy Local Art & Gift Fair with unique booths from top local artisans. The quality and variety of work, friendly artists, and festive atmosphere have made this an annual tradition you don’t want to miss! Find one-of-a-kind, creative gifts for everyone on your holiday list. If you work up an appetite, Grampa’s Pasties is serving up delicious breakfast and lunch options or frozen varieties to go. Enter the Buy Local Raffle for a chance to win gift baskets filled by our talented artists and vendors. All raffle proceeds support KNC. Check back in early October for the artist list.

The Members-only Jingle Mingle is Friday, December 4 from 5:30-8 pm
Registration opens in October for this fun, festive event especially for KNC Members. Learn more >

Artist Applications are open June 1- September 30 for the 2026 Fair.

Artists are selected for participation in the juried event based on the diversity and quality of work they bring to the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s Buy Local Art & Gift Fair. Read more about the artist guidelines below.

Artist Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in participating in the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s holiday art events! We’re excited to showcase talented local artists and makers while creating a fun and welcoming experience for our community.

Event Dates

Jingle Mingle (KNC Member Event) Friday, December 4, 2026 | 5:30–8:00 pm

Buy Local Art & Gift Fair (Free Public Event) Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 9:00 am–4:00 pm

Important Dates & Fees

· Application Deadline: September 30, 2026

· Application Fee: $35 (non-refundable)

· Please submit 3–5 images for jury review. There is no additional charge per image uploaded. Please be sure to disclose all products you are planning to bring in order to maintain a fair and balanced show.

· Jury selection: October 1, 2026

· Artist Notifications: First week of October

· Booth Fee: $200 due by October 31 (non-refundable)

Participation fees help support the Kalamazoo Nature Center and this fundraising event.

Set-Up Information

· Booths must be fully set up by 4:30 pm on Friday, December 4

· Assigned set-up times will be shared in advance

· Artist parking and shuttle service will be provided

Setup & Event Details

Booth Details

· Booth spaces are approximately 10’ x 10’ and include two chairs. Spaces may be of varying shapes.

· Limited 8’ tables are available to rent for $10 each on a first come, first served basis

· Artists are responsible for bringing their own displays, coverings, and supplies

· Hanging walls or ceiling displays are not available, and ceiling heights may be as low as 8 feet

· All storage must fit within your booth space or remain in your vehicle

Sales & Event Policies

· KNC does not take commission on sales

· Artists are responsible for their own sales transactions, change, packaging materials, and extension cords

· Booths must remain staffed and open for the duration of the event

· Maximum of two people per booth; please no children at booths

· Wi-Fi access may be limited, so personal hotspots are recommended

· KNC is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items

Promotion

KNC will promote the event throughout Southwest Michigan to help bring in shoppers and supporters from across the community.

Thank you for supporting the Kalamazoo Nature Center through your participation. We look forward to celebrating the season with you!

Explore More at the Kalamazoo Nature Center!