MSU 63rd Annual Winter Arts & Crafts Show 2026

Summary

The Annual MSU Arts and Crafts Show is a seasonal tradition and beloved community event. The Winter and Spring Arts and Crafts Shows are fundraisers for the University Activities Board (UAB).

All proceeds from booth fees go directly UAB. UAB's goal is to provide opportunities for students to build connections, create community, and a sense of belong at MSU through fun and engaging events designed and implemented by our UAB Student Coordinators. Our fundraisers allow us to offer these events at low-cost, or more often free, to MSU students.

Our show focuses on high quality "handmade" arts and crafts - no resell or wholesale - and is the perfect place to pick up a heartfelt gift for the upcoming holiday or bring some seasonal cheer to a loved one, all while supporting small business owners and MSU students.

Our Winter Arts and Crafts Show is located in the MSU Union, with over 125 vendors and 8,000 patrons over the weekend.

General Information

Date & Location: December 5 & 6, 2026, inside the MSU Union (49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing MI, 48824)

Booth Sizes: Single 5x8 ($225) | Double 8x16 ($495) Some double booths may be set as an L or set two deep. If this is a concern or desire, please list your needs in the comments and we will try to accomodate.

Eligibility: This show is intended for artists/crafters who are actively involved in the design and production of the work they sell. We do not accept:

• Mass-produced, wholesale, or resale items.
• Work created by a third party (including digital files).
• Designs predominantly purchased from third party vendors (including design files or images)
• 3D printed products
• Prepared, ready to serve meals (i.e. Food Trucks)

Timelines Priority Deadline* | August 25 Acceptance Notification | August 25 - November 21 Application Deadline | November 8 Confirmation & Payment Deadline* | October 25 Booth Fee Refund Deadline | October 25 Welcome Packets & Onsite Details | November 21

*Priority Deadline is the deadline for returning vendors to apply and be allowed to return to their booth from the previous year or request a new booth. Priority acceptance is the notification of booth placement to returning vendors. All other applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Rules and Regulations

Please be aware that we do not allow open flames or generators. Due to the historic nature of our building, we cannot garauntee that appliances with high electrical draw will not trip the breaker. We are unable to reset the breaker if this happens. Please contact us if you have concerns.

Booth Information and Fees

Booth Sizes: Single 5x8 ($225) | Double 8x16 ($495)

Load-In takes place Friday night and Saturday morning.

Amenities for vendors include a 6' or 8' table and two chairs, electrical access, free vendor parking, and load in/out assistance (donation required).

Refund and Cancellation Policy

Application Fees: Non-refundable Storage Fees: Non-refundable Booth Fees:

• Refundable under the following conditions:
• A vendor CONFIRMS their acceptance into the show and cancels on or before OCTOBER 25, 2026
• The show is cancelled by MSU after the refund deadline.

Failure to abide by University Policies or Show Rules and Regulations may result in removal from the event with no refund.

Booths may not be resold by a vendor at any time. Any indication of a resold booth will result in permanent termination from the show and all future shows with no refund.

Jury Details

Average number of applications submitted each year: 235

Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event: 175

Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event: 80

Returning Vendors who apply by the priority deadline receive priority acceptance and placement. New vendors are accepted on a rolling basis. Highly saturated categories may experience a longer wait; the show caps saturation levels of each category.

Jurors score applications using a 1-5 scale, with 1 juror scoring applications. Applications are selected by Show Director to provide the best show experience for patrons and cap saturation levels of each category. The jury process is closed.

The show does not use a jury. New vendor applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis as they come in, and are not closed early; availability may be limited toward the deadline. Returning vendors who apply by the priority deadline receive priority acceptance and booth placement. The show limits the number of similar artists, especially in saturated categories such as soap, candle, woodworking and jewelry, and may decline applications in those categories even with open booths. Applicants not eligible for the show are notified during review.