Fall is right around the corner, and the Waterford Foundation is getting ready to welcome everyone back to the historic village of Waterford for Virginia’s oldest juried crafts fair from October 2–4, 2026. This year’s festival brings exciting updates, a streamlined ticket process, and plenty of autumn magic across all three days.
New Ticket Policy: One Pass, Three Days
To give you the best value and flexibility, we’ve updated our general admission for 2026: every general admission ticket now acts as a 3-Day Pass! For just $20 in advance ($25 at the gate), a single pass gets you unlimited entry all weekend long. Discounted $20 tickets are available for seniors, military, and students (ages 13–21), and kids 12 and under get in free. Grab your tickets early on the Waterford Fair Tickets page.
Unforgettable Highlights & Living History
We have some incredible historic features lined up this year, starting with The Maranda Project, a special homecoming story. Come see the original 1860 friendship journal belonging to Waterford resident Maranda Stewart Hough, which was recently discovered in a California thrift store for just $1.99 and returned home! It will be on display at the Waterford Craft School Tent, alongside a dedicated Tent Talk on Saturday.
We’re also proud to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Gun Shop Exhibit, marking three-quarters of a century of live gunsmithing demonstrations and early American craftsmanship. You can read more about this favorite tradition here.
Around the village, you can check out:
- 225+ Master Artisans & Fine Artists: Watch skilled craftspeople, fine art painters, and contemporary artisans demonstrate their work in historic buildings, vintage barns, and open-air tents.
- Historic Homes Tour: Stroll scenic village streets and step inside historic homes and gardens, where friendly docents will be inside to share local history.
- Main Stage Entertainment: Enjoy traditional American music and lively regional bands curated in partnership with River & Roots Production.
- Featured Fair Raffle: Stop by the Fair Store Tent (right next to Information) to buy tickets for this year’s raffle item by artisan Dennis Ray. It’s a stunning, one-of-a-kind pin made from a real oak leaf collected right here on the Waterford grounds, captured in copper with a bronze patina, and worn on an 18”–20” wine-colored raw silk necklace.
Community Celebrations, Dining & Volunteering
Don’t miss out on special gatherings, including the 6th Annual Welcome Dinner on Friday, October 2 from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Talbott’s Tavern on the Old School Lawn. Space fills up fast, so get your tickets before 5 pm on September 23rd!
Want to go behind the scenes? It takes a big team to bring this festival to life, and we’d love to have you join us! Learn more and sign up on the Waterford Fair Volunteer page.
Whether you’re coming for a few hours or spending the whole weekend with us, find details on parking, daily schedules, and logistics at the Fair FAQs. Check out everything happening this year and start planning your weekend at the Fair today!
