This holiday season, cast a vote with your spending dollars by supporting local artists and makers at Helena’s Holiday MADE fair, Dec. 6-7, at the Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds, and the Missoula Holiday MADE fair, Dec. 15 in Missoula.
More than an ordinary art and crafts market, MADE fairs offer a chance to invest in one-of-a-kind pieces and connect with the stories, skills, and dedication behind each item.
Take the day to stroll the aisles with friends and family, discovering unique gifts for loved ones – or maybe yourself!
HELENA HOLIDAY MADE fair: Featuring 175 vendors, the fair offers ample opportunities to support local artists and build community. For those looking to get a head start on their shopping and shop the best selection, the Friday Night VIP Pass offers admission from 5-8 p.m. for $10; and the Early Bird Pass allows entrance from 9-10 a.m. Saturday for $5 (the hour before free admission begins). Proceeds from VIP tickets benefit Girls Thrive, a local nonprofit committed to empowering girls in grades 4-12 through physical activities and educational lessons designed to boost self-confidence, self-esteem, and positive body image. Tickets are available online or at the door; a limited number is available.
Doors are open to the public from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; parking is free. Please bring a non-perishable food item to help support the Helena Food Share.
MISSOULA HOLIDAY MADE fair: A week later, the 17th annual Missoula Holiday MADE fair fills the Adams Center from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. This modern, handcrafted market will showcase more than 200 local artisans and a selection of non-profits, offering something for everyone across three levels of the Adams Center—balcony, arena floor, and upper gyms.
Beat the crowds with a $15 VIP pass, granting access to the fair two hours before free admission begins. Ticket proceeds benefit Arts Missoula, an organization dedicated to strengthening Missoula through the transformative power of arts and culture. Arts Missoula fosters education, advocates for the arts, and promotes community engagement, ensuring that the arts remain a vital part of Missoula’s cultural and economic landscape. VIP tickets are available through GrizTix, at the box office, or the event. With limited availability, advance purchase is recommended.
In the spirit of giving, non-perishable food items are collected to support the Missoula Food Bank. Every donation helps make a difference in the lives of those in need.
These MADE fairs offer a curated collection of talented artisans and non-profits representing the best of local and regional artistry.
“Our mission is to increase awareness of handmade goods as a meaningful alternative to mass-produced items and support small craft businesses by providing them with a platform to reach new customers,” says founder Carol Lynn Lapotka. This year’s MADE fairs, held in Bozeman, Helena and Missoula, aim to raise over $30,000 for Montana non-profits and have generated over $2 million in sales for artists across the region.
Visit handMADE Montana for more details, including a complete list of participating artists. Celebrate community, creativity, and the joy of supporting local at the Helena and Missoula Holiday MADE fairs.