Paradise City Arts Fall Festival returns to Northampton in October
The three-day event at Three County Fairgrounds will feature 200 artists, live demonstrations, and live music including a headline performance Saturday night.
The Paradise City Arts Fall Festival will take place Oct. 9-11 at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton, bringing together 200 artists and makers from across the country for a weekend of live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and local food and drink.
The three-day event, held over Indigenous People's Day weekend, has become a major draw for collectors and craft enthusiasts in the Pioneer Valley. Inside the fairgrounds' three high-ceiling buildings, artists will display and sell work ranging from sculpture and fine art to jewelry, ceramics, and home décor. Many will demonstrate their techniques live throughout the weekend, allowing visitors to watch artisans transform raw materials into finished pieces.
Festival Show Director Mariah Swanson said the event remains vital to artists' annual revenue. "It's very gratifying to have our artists who have done the show in the past continue to come back because it is so impactful on the revenue that they make throughout the year," Swanson said. She noted that live demonstrations have drawn particularly strong feedback, making artists more accessible to collectors and casual visitors alike.
The festival was founded 33 years ago by local artists Geoff and Linda Post. Since its inception, it has expanded to include spring and fall versions in Northampton and a show in Marlborough.
Hours run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Early bird admission is $14, regular admission $16, and children 15 and under enter free. Parking is free, and tickets are available online or at the gate.
A family-friendly activity called "Crafting with Color" will offer children hands-on projects inspired by the techniques displayed throughout the fair. A silent art auction to benefit the International Language Institute of Massachusetts will run each day, with 100% of proceeds supporting the nonprofit's free English classes for new arrivals.
The weekend will also feature live music, culminating in a headline performance by Mtali Banda on Saturday night. Swanson said the music lineup will create an atmosphere where visitors can shop, eat, and enjoy performances simultaneously. For the full performance schedule and vendor details, visit paradisecityarts.com.