Upstate New York has a way of blending community and creativity. Beyond the big city shows, smaller art fairs pop up in towns and villages, giving local artists a stage and visitors a chance to see work that often feels more personal. I’ve wandered through quite a few, and these are the ones that stand out for their character and sense of place.
1. LARAC June Arts Festival (Glens Falls)
There’s a certain buzz that arrives in Glens Falls every June. The LARAC June Arts Festival transforms City Park into a patchwork of tents and creative energy. I always notice how the familiar downtown backdrop becomes a gallery, where regulars linger and new visitors settle in for a day.
Booths brim with paintings, handmade jewelry, textiles, and gifts you won’t find in big-box stores. Many artists travel in from neighboring towns, yet the conversations always feel local. You can ask about technique or even commission a custom piece on the spot.
Live music from the gazebo adds to the welcoming mood. Sometimes you’ll catch school kids performing, other times a local folk group. There’s a sense of everyone pitching in, vendors, volunteers, and even the city staff making sure the day runs smoothly. I’ve found it to be the kind of event that makes a small community feel big, if only for a weekend…