Crafts handmade in the United States are featured at the annual downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival, held in May. The outdoor event takes place over Saturday and Sunday, and admission is free. The location is Atlantic Avenue near the Delray Beach Tennis Center, just west of the beach on 3rd Avenue. Large crowds are attracted by such displays as handmade jewelry, 3-D paintings, driftwood arrangements, glass votives and ceramic planters. In addition, there is a large Green Market with orchids and homemade soap. Visitors to Delray Beach can enjoy outdoor cafes and boutique shopping as well as the white sand beach at the end of Atlantic Avenue.
The South Florida Expo in West Palm Beach features nationwide handmade crafts. The expo is held in February at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Southern Boulevard. Five thousand people were expected to attend in 2011. Professional and award-winning craftspeople show items including folk art, toys such as dolls and bears, clothing, jewelry and wood items. The event features live music and free door prizes.
The annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival began almost 50 years ago, and is known as one of the country’s premier outdoor festivals. Visitors enjoy the charming streets of Coconut Grove, situated near picaresque Biscayne Bay. More than 350 artists and crafters from across the nation meet with shoppers and display their wares. Glass work, clay, digital art, poster design, jewelry, metalwork and printmaking are just some of the crafts. Visitors enjoy live entertainment and fine cuisine at the festival.
The Las Olas Art Fair takes place every March in Fort Lauderdale, and features glass crafts, jewelry, metalwork, pottery, mixed media and photography. Visitors enjoy the South Florida weather and the energy of eccentric Las Olas Boulevard while viewing the works of favorites and new additions to the arts and crafts scene. Admission to the Las Olas Art Fair is free of charge.