In the Washington, DC area, there is a high demand for arts and crafts festivals. Each person has a unique taste when it comes to the arts, but these five events will surely please each creative eye. Check out the top arts and crafts events the entire family will enjoy.

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Price: Adults – $9, Children under 12 free
Date: April 13 – 15, 2012
Hours: Fri to Sat – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This is a great family-friendly event to attend. There will be hundreds of artists representing the United States and Canada. Artists will demonstrate their crafts and one-of-a-kind artwork will be available for purchase. Expect to enjoy live musical performances from well-known artists. Children’s activities will include marionette shows, costume storytelling and live entertainment from Middle Earth Studios. No need to worry about lunch, there will be plenty of gourmet food for purchase.

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Price: Adults – $15, Children under 12 free
Date: April 19 – 22, 2012
Hours: Thurs to Fri – 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sat – 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The theme for this year’s craft show is Celebrating the Creative Spirit of America. This fun event has been around for the past 30 years and will feature more than 121 artists. Juried artists will represent Contemporary American crafts from areas including basketry, glass and wearable art. Come check it out for a weekend of creative fun.

Price: Free
Date: May 5-6, 2012
Hours: Sat – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This festival is located in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, showcasing an up-and-coming
area. It will feature work from both local and international artists, presenting an extensive collection. This is a great opportunity to buy original, handmade artwork to display in your home. Visitors will also have a chance to interact with these creative artists.

Related: Best Casual Art Classes In DC 

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Price: Free
Date: May 12-13, 2012
Hours: Sat – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This nationally acclaimed fine arts festival has been a popular event to attend for many years. There will be artists representing 25 states and Canada. The artists will showcase jewelry, painting, drawing, ceramics and other mediums. Your family will have a perfect chance to listen to live reggae, jazz, and rock music all in one place. Children will be kept occupied by the Joy of Motion Dance Center. This center will host dance-themed activities and street chalking on the festival days. Delicious food will be readily available from food vendors representing restaurants from Restaurant Row.

Price: Adults – $8, Children 6 -12 – $1, Children under 6 free
Date: March 23–25, 2012
Hours: Fri to Sat – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A wonderful variety of artists will have their original artwork displayed at this festival. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch artists demonstrate their crafts live. All mediums are represented, and both art buyer and art browser will walk away impressed. This festival is unique in the sense that, if you run out of time, your admission tickets will include a return pass. You’re free to have as much time as you’d like to take in the sights.

 Related: Best Campus Art Galleries In The DC Area

Carly Mannava is a freelance writer living in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.