Renegade Craft Fair is a curated market for independent makers held in multiple cities

Renegade Craft Fair is a seasonal market where independent artists, designers, and makers sell directly to the public. The fair operates in several cities across the United States — most consistently in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles — with events typically held twice a year in spring and fall. Each location features hundreds of vendors selling handmade goods including jewelry, clothing, home goods, art, and crafts.

Unlike general craft fairs or maker markets, Renegade is curated, meaning organizers review vendor applications and select which makers can participate. This curation is meant to maintain a consistent quality and aesthetic across the market. The fair charges admission to attend and vendors pay a booth fee to sell.

The fair operates as a for-profit business, not a nonprofit, and is organized by Renegade Craft Fair LLC. It is not affiliated with any government agency or tax authority, though vendors who sell at the fair are responsible for their own tax obligations on income earned.

Key Takeaways

  • Renegade Craft Fair happens twice yearly in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and occasionally other cities, with dates announced several months in advance on their website.
  • Vendors must explore and be accepted through a juried selection process; acceptance is not may provide and standards vary by location.
  • Booth fees, table sizes, and admission prices differ by city and season, so check the specific event page for costs.
  • Vendors are responsible for reporting any income earned at the fair to the IRS on their tax return, whether they operate as a sole proprietor or registered business.

How to find event dates and locations

Renegade Craft Fair announces its schedule on its official website, renegadecraft.com. Each city's event typically appears on the calendar three to six months before the market date. The website lists the exact date, venue address, hours, and admission price for each fair.

You can also sign up for the Renegade email list through their website to receive announcements about new events and vendor applications. Social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook also post updates about upcoming markets and vendor spotlights.

What vendors need to know about explore

If you make goods and want to sell at Renegade, you submit an online vendor process during the open process window for each city. The process typically asks for photos of your work, a description of what you make, your business name, and sometimes links to your website or social media. process fees vary but usually range from $15 to $25 per process.

Renegade's selection committee reviews applications and notifies vendors of acceptance or rejection by email. Acceptance rates vary by city and category — some locations and product types are more competitive than others. If you are not accepted, you can explore again for a future event.

Once accepted, you pay a booth fee to reserve your space. Booth fees depend on the city, the size of your table, and whether you are a first-time vendor. Fees typically range from $300 to $800 or more for larger spaces. You are responsible for bringing your own display materials, signage, and payment processing equipment.

Admission and visitor information

Admission to Renegade Craft Fair is paid at the door or online in advance. Prices vary by location and event but typically range from $8 to $15 per person. Some events offer discounts for early-bird tickets purchased online before the event date. Children under a certain age (usually 12) often enter free.

The fair is open for a set number of hours on each day — usually Saturday and Sunday for a weekend event, though some cities hold single-day markets. Hours are listed on the event page. The venue is typically indoors in a warehouse, gallery space, or convention center, though some outdoor markets exist in warmer months.

Tax reporting for vendors

If you sell goods at Renegade Craft Fair, the income you earn is taxable. You must report this income on your federal tax return, even if you do not receive a 1099 form from Renegade (the fair does not issue these forms to vendors). The fair does not withhold taxes or file any income reports on your behalf.

Report your fair income on Schedule C (Form 1040) if you operate as a sole proprietor, or on the appropriate business tax form if you are registered as an LLC, S-corporation, or other entity. Keep records of what you sold, the price, and your expenses (materials, booth fees, travel) so you can calculate your net profit or loss. If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes on this income for the year, you may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS.

Sales tax rules depend on your state and the state where the fair is held. Some states require vendors to collect sales tax at the point of sale; others do not. Check your state's tax authority website or contact them directly to understand your obligations before the event.

What makes Renegade different from other craft markets

Renegade is selective about which vendors it accepts, whereas many craft fairs operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This means the quality and style of goods tends to be more consistent, but it also means acceptance is not may provide. If you are a new maker or your work does not fit Renegade's aesthetic, you may be rejected.

Renegade also charges admission to visitors, which typically means fewer but more intentional shoppers compared to free-admission markets. This can be an advantage for vendors selling higher-priced or niche items, since attendees have already paid to enter and are motivated to browse.

The fair is for-profit and does not donate proceeds to charity, unlike some community craft markets. It is also not affiliated with any maker organization or trade group — it is a standalone business operated by its founders.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do vendor applications open for the next Renegade Craft Fair?

process windows are announced on renegadecraft.com and typically open two to four months before each event. Sign up for their email list to be notified when applications open for your city.

Can I sell at Renegade if I do not have a business license?

Renegade does not require a business license to explore, though some states or cities may require one for any retail sales activity. Check your local regulations before the event. You are responsible for understanding and following all applicable laws where you live and where the fair is held.

What if I am rejected from Renegade — can I appeal?

Renegade does not have a formal appeal process. If rejected, you can explore again for a future event. Some vendors reapply multiple times before acceptance. You can also reach out to Renegade through their website contact form to ask for feedback, though they may not respond.

Do I need to collect sales tax at the fair?

Sales tax requirements vary by state and depend on where you are located and where the fair is held. Contact your state's department of revenue or tax authority before the event to confirm whether you must collect sales tax and, if so, how to remit it.

Is Renegade Craft Fair affiliated with any government agency?

No. Renegade Craft Fair is a private, for-profit business. It is not run by or affiliated with any city, state, or federal agency. Vendors are responsible for their own tax reporting and compliance with local business regulations.