Handy House Artisan Fair
Posted on August 19, 2026 by Jenny ONeill
202 Hix Bridge Road, Westport MA
(Rain date Sep 20)
FREE
The Handy House Artisan Fair, organized by the Westport Historical Society, showcases local craftspeople who specialize in skills and traditional crafts commonly practiced in the 18th and 19th century. This year’s fair also features an expanded vintage and antiques market – an opportunity to pick up unusual antiques, metalware, jewelry and textiles.
Volunteers needed on day of event! To sign up click here.
The gathering of more than 30 local artisans includes crafts such as blacksmithing, rug braiding, pottery, woodworking, and scrimshaw. Meet some authors of local history books, enjoy traditional music, and chat with Ruth and Abby, the 1850s Ladies. For families, the fair offers special crafts for kids!
Traditional craftsmanship is still very much alive in Westport. The Artisan Fair offers a rare opportunity to meet these craftspeople, learn about their skilled hand work and human powered technologies through hands on demonstrations. Some artisans will have their work for sale, so it will also be a chance to get a jumpstart on holiday shopping!
This event not only preserves and perpetuates knowledge about traditional crafts, but is also an opportunity for the community to reconnect to its own history, to visit the Handy House and to celebrate the special heritage of the town of Westport. This event is supported in part by a grant from the Westport Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust administered by Bank of America.