Virginia’s Oldest Juried Crafts Fair Returns for 82nd Year

Experience history, art, and community at the Waterford Fair.

WATERFORD, VA — The historic village of Waterford will welcome visitors to the 82nd annual Waterford Fair on October 2 through 4, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Virginia’s oldest juried crafts fair offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time while experiencing fine crafts, original art, traditional music, historic home and garden tours, living history, and family-friendly activities.

Since 1943, the Waterford Fair, organized by the Waterford Foundation, has drawn visitors to one of the country’s most distinctive fall arts and crafts events. This year, accomplished American artisans will demonstrate their craft and sell handmade works throughout the village, while artists exhibit their work in vintage barns and Waterford’s historic Old Mill.

What’s New for 2026:

New All-Weekend Pass: One ticket. Three days. Every general admission ticket now includes admission for the entire weekend, allowing visitors to return throughout all three days of the fair.
The Return of Maranda’s Album: California content creator Margarete Miller discovered a 164-year-old friendship album belonging to Maranda Stewart Hough of Waterford in a thrift store for just $1.99. This fall, Miller will bring this remarkable piece of local history home to the Waterford Foundation, accompanied by a global community addendum that revives Maranda’s 1860 tradition of collecting signatures and sentiments. Miller will also present a special Tent Talk during the fair. The talk is included with admission, but seating is limited and requires a free reservation.
Main Stage Partnership: In partnership with River & Roots Production, acclaimed traditional musicians will bring new energy to the fair’s main stage with performances throughout the weekend.
75 Years of Gunsmithing: Dr. Glenn McIntyre marks his 75th year sharing the history and craftsmanship of historic Virginia firearms from the Revolutionary and Civil War eras.

Fair Highlights

Village-Wide Historic Homes Tour: Explore restored historic homes, buildings, and gardens, with knowledgeable docents on-site and new locations featured each day.
Immersive History: Meet historical interpreters and living historians, and attend the popular Tent Talk series, featuring engaging discussions on history, preservation, and traditional crafts.
Food & Local Libations: Enjoy offerings from food trucks, local vendors, and homemade baked goods stands, along with local beer and wine.
Children’s Activities: Families can enjoy hands-on crafts, potter’s wheel demonstrations, and other interactive activities. Children 12 and younger attend free with an adult.

“The Waterford Fair is more than just an event; it’s a living celebration of history, craftsmanship, and community,” says Tracy Kirkman, public programming director of the Waterford Foundation. “This year, we are especially thrilled to welcome home Maranda Stewart Hough’s friendship album through The Miranda Project, bringing this remarkable mid-19th-century artifact back to the community where the story began. We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience the enduring charm of Waterford while supporting artisans, traditions, and preservation efforts that make this National Historic Landmark so unique.”

Tickets for the Waterford Fair are available at waterfordfairva.org. General admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the gate, with each ticket providing admission for all three days of the fair. Discounted $20 passes are available in advance and at the gate for seniors, military personnel, and students ages 13-21. Admission is free for Waterford Foundation members and children 12 and younger. Free parking is included with admission.

For more information on Waterford, visit waterfordfoundation.org.

Posted on: August 20, 2026