Every October, the small town of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, turns into a festival of creativity. The Bell Buckle Craft Fair is one of the most popular events in the South. This festival brings together artists, families, and travelers looking for something special.
The town of Bell Buckle has fewer than 600 people. Yet, during the craft fair, over 100,000 visitors arrive to enjoy the event. The fair happens on the third full weekend of October each year. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the fall colors and crisp weather.
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Growth of the Bell Buckle Craft Fair
The fair began over 40 years ago. It started small, with local artists and crafters showing their handmade goods. Over time, it became known as the Webb School Art & Craft Show. The name comes from the famous Webb School in Bell Buckle.
Today, the fair is one of the largest craft fairs in Tennessee. It features hundreds of booths, live music, food trucks, and family fun. Visitors come from all over the country to enjoy the event.
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Where the Bell Buckle Craft Fair Happens
The fair takes place throughout the streets of downtown Bell Buckle. The main roads are closed off to allow vendors and visitors to fill the streets. Many booths are set up on Maple Street, where the heart of the action is.
The area is very walkable. You can explore for hours without needing a car. It’s best to arrive early, as parking can fill up quickly. Parking lots charge around $10 and are located on the edge of town.
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What You Can See and Do
At the Bell Buckle Craft Fair, there’s something for everyone. Handmade goods are everywhere. You can find pottery, quilts, candles, wooden toys, jewelry, and art made by real people. These aren’t items from a factory. They are special, one-of-a-kind crafts.
You’ll also see live demonstrations. Some booths show how to make items on the spot. You may see blacksmiths forging metal or weavers working on looms. These shows help kids and adults learn how things are made.
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Sample of Crafts You May Find
| Type of Craft | Description | Popular Items |
|---|---|---|
| Pottery | Hand-shaped and fired clay art | Mugs, bowls, vases |
| Woodwork | Carved or built wooden items | Toys, furniture, kitchen tools |
| Textiles | Handmade fabric items | Quilts, scarves, bags |
| Jewelry | Crafted with beads, stones, or metals | Necklaces, earrings, bracelets |
| Home Décor | Creative decorations for the home | Signs, candles, seasonal items |
Delicious Food at the Fair
It’s easy to get hungry walking through the Buckle Craft Fair. That’s why there are many food options. Vendors sell snacks, meals, and drinks. Southern cooking is everywhere—fried pies, BBQ sandwiches, cornbread, and sweet tea are common sights.
There are also international choices. You may find Mexican tacos, Asian noodles, or Greek gyros. Many visitors love to eat while they walk around or relax at shaded picnic tables.
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Music and Entertainment
Live music adds fun to the fair. Local bands play everything from bluegrass to country to classic rock. Some musicians even let kids join them on stage.
Street performers and entertainers also walk around. You might see magicians, clowns, or face painters keeping the kids happy. Families love the cheerful, lively feel of the festival.
Why the Bell Buckle Craft Fair is Special
What makes this fair different from others is the sense of community. Bell Buckle is a small town with a big heart. Locals open their doors and welcome everyone with smiles. Shops and restaurants also decorate their stores and offer specials during the event.
Vendors love coming back each year. Many of them have made friends with buyers and other artists. The town becomes a place where art, culture, and friendship meet.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re going for the first time, a little planning can help. First, get there early. The town gets crowded by mid-morning. Wear comfy shoes because you’ll walk a lot.
Bring cash and cards. Some vendors only take cash, while others use mobile payment apps. ATMs are available, but lines can be long. Dress for the weather and bring a bag to carry your purchases.
Planning Checklist for Visitors
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Arrive by 8:30 a.m. | Avoid traffic and get better parking |
| Wear walking shoes | Streets and grass areas can be rough or uneven |
| Bring water and snacks | Stay hydrated without waiting in food lines |
| Carry a reusable bag | Great for holding crafts and goodies |
| Use restrooms early | Avoid long lines during peak hours |
A Photographer’s Dream
The Bell Buckle Craft Fair is also popular among photographers and social media creators. With its rustic setting, beautiful fall leaves, and handcrafted displays, it’s the perfect backdrop for photos.
Visitors often snap pictures of vintage trucks filled with pumpkins, vendors in old-timey aprons, or artistic booths lined with colorful goods. Many of these photos go viral on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Photographers love the fair not only for the subjects but also for the natural light and friendly faces. You’ll often see photographers capturing the smiles of kids, the details of a handmade bracelet, or the joy of a performer playing guitar.
Supporting Local Artists and Economy
When you buy from a vendor at the Buckle Craft Fair, you are helping a real person. Most sellers are independent artists or small business owners. They put time, love, and skill into their work.
By shopping here, you support local economies and help these artists keep doing what they love. It’s also more meaningful than buying mass-produced products from stores.
When and How to Attend
The Bell Buckle Craft Fair always takes place on the third full weekend in October. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. It’s held rain or shine, so bring an umbrella if needed.
There is no entrance fee to attend. Parking usually costs between $5 and $10, depending on the location. All other costs depend on what you eat or buy.
Where to Stay Nearby
Since Bell Buckle is a small town, hotel rooms there are limited. Many visitors stay in nearby towns like Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, or Tullahoma. These towns offer more lodging choices.
Here’s a quick look at your options:
| Nearby Town | Distance from Bell Buckle | Type of Lodging Available |
|---|---|---|
| Murfreesboro | 25 minutes | Hotels, motels, B&Bs |
| Shelbyville | 20 minutes | Hotels, inns |
| Tullahoma | 35 minutes | Budget motels, guest houses |
Volunteer Power Behind the Event
What makes the Buckle Craft Fair run smoothly each year is the power of volunteers. Local residents, students from the Webb School, and community groups donate their time to help with traffic, booth setup, and cleanup.
These volunteers play a big role in making the fair safe and fun for all. They help visitors find parking, hand out maps, and make sure things run on time. Their dedication shows how much the town cares about the event.
Without volunteers, this large-scale event wouldn’t be possible. Their hard work helps maintain the warm and welcoming feeling Bell Buckle is known for.
Final Thoughts
The Bell Buckle Craft Fair is more than just an event. It’s a celebration of art, community, and small-town charm. People of all ages can enjoy the crafts, the food, the music, and the fun.
Whether you’re coming with your family, shopping for gifts, or just looking for a weekend getaway, this fair will not disappoint. It’s a place where handmade meets heart-made, and where memories are built one booth at a time.
If you’re looking to attend an event that’s full of tradition, talent, and Tennessee warmth, then make sure to plan your visit to the Buckle Craft Fair. You won’t just leave with a craft—you’ll leave with a story.
