The Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival: A Beautiful Spring Tradition on Alabama’s Eastern Shore
- Alabay Cart & Kayak
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 19
Every spring, the charming streets of downtown Fairhope come alive with art, music, food, and visitors from all over the Gulf Coast. The Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival is one of the most beloved events on Alabama’s Eastern Shore and draws thousands of people to the area each year.
If you're planning to visit Fairhope this March, this guide will help you make the most of the weekend—and why arriving by street-legal golf cart may be the best way to experience it.
Many visitors also explore downtown Fairhope during the festival using street-legal golf carts, which make it easier to navigate downtown and ride closer to the event, restaurants, and the waterfront without worrying that you will not have a place to park. Parking is designated for street-legal golf carts this year at the corner of South School Street & Morphy Ave.
When Is the Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival?
The 74th Annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival will take place:
March 20–22, 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day
The event is free to attend and takes place throughout the streets of downtown Fairhope.
For more than 70 years, Fairhope’s flower-lined streets have hosted this festival celebrating artists, craftspeople, and the creative spirit of the community.
What Makes the Festival So Special?
The Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival is known across the Southeast as one of the top art shows in the country. In fact, it has even been ranked among the Top Art Shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine.
Visitors can expect:
Over 200 Artists and Craftsmen
The festival brings artists from across the United States showcasing original work including:
Paintings
Sculpture
Pottery and ceramics
Jewelry
Photography
Glass art
Woodwork
Textiles and mixed media
Each booth features handmade pieces created by professional artists and craftsmen.
Food, Shopping, and Coastal Charm
Beyond art, visitors enjoy:
Food vendors and local restaurants
Beautiful downtown boutiques
Flower-lined sidewalks and historic streets
Family-friendly activities including a Children’s Art Tent with free creative activities.
Getting Around the Festival
One thing visitors quickly discover during festival weekend is that downtown parking becomes limited as thousands of guests arrive to enjoy the event.
The streets close to vehicle traffic, making the area perfect for walking, browsing art booths, and exploring local shops.
But if you're staying nearby, there’s a much more enjoyable way to arrive and explore the area.
Explore the Festival by Golf Cart
Many visitors and locals choose to explore Fairhope during festival weekend using street-legal golf carts.
A golf cart allows you to:
✔ Avoid the hassle of parking with designated parking for street legal golf carts this year at the corner of South School Street & Morphy Ave.
✔ Cruise through Fairhope’s beautiful neighborhoods
✔ Easily visit downtown shops and restaurants
✔ Carry art purchases or shopping bags
✔ Enjoy the coastal weather while exploring
Golf carts are a common sight throughout the Fairhope community and are a fun and convenient way to move between festival areas, restaurants, and the waterfront.
Luxury Golf Cart Rentals in Fairhope
At Alabay Cart & Kayak, we provide street-legal golf cart rentals delivered to venues and events in select areas of Fairhope and Magnolia Springs.
Our whisper quiet golf carts are perfect for:
Festival weekends
Vacation stays
Weddings and events
Exploring downtown Fairhope
Sunset rides along the bay
Instead of worrying about parking, you can simply cruise into town and enjoy the festival experience.
Tips for Visiting the Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival
If this is your first time attending, here are a few helpful tips:
Arrive early–Morning hours are perfect for browsing before the largest crowds arrive.
Bring comfortable walking shoes–There are several blocks of artists to explore.
Plan lunch downtown–Fairhope has wonderful restaurants and cafés within walking distance of the festival.
Consider transportation ahead of time–Parking fills quickly during festival weekend.
Experience Fairhope Like a Local
The Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival is more than an art show—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the charm of Alabama’s Eastern Shore.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or live nearby, it’s one of the most enjoyable events of the year in Fairhope.
If you're planning your visit, consider exploring the festival the way locals do—with a luxury street-legal golf cart.
Reserve Your Cart for Festival Weekend!
Festival weekends book quickly, so reserving early is recommended.
Explore Fairhope in style with Alabay Cart & Kayak luxury golf cart rentals delivered directly to your vacation home or residence.
See Fairhope by Golf Cart
Seeing Fairhope from a golf cart cruise is one of the best ways to experience the charm of downtown during festival weekend. Here’s a quick look at what the experience feels like:
Reserve a Luxury Golf Cart for the Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival
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