Arts & Crafts Extravaganza
Join thousands of visitors for the Arts Council's largest annual fundraiser, featuring handcrafted goods, local artisans, and festive holiday experiences.
It’s - almost - that time of year!
The Annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair and Extravaganza is the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri's largest and most anticipated event of the year, welcoming between 8,000 and 10,000 visitors to Cape Girardeau each November. Held annually the weekend before Thanksgiving at the Osage Centre and Show Me Center, the event features more than 300 artists, makers, and specialty vendors. Organized by the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri—the oldest arts council in Missouri—the Extravaganza helps make year-round arts programming and community initiatives possible throughout the Southeast Missouri region. Proceeds from the event help support initiatives such as:
Free monthly exhibitions, classes, demonstrations, lectures, and artist talks at the Arts Council gallery.
Arts education programming in partnership with local schools and organizations serving under-resourced and underserved youth.
Multidisciplinary arts programs for veterans and individuals with disabilities through collaborations with organizations such as the VA and Blue Sky Community Services.
Community outreach that connects members and residents with workshops, educational opportunities, and regional arts events.
Partnerships with artists, educators, and cultural organizations throughout Southeast Missouri to create programs that reflect the unique needs and interests of our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You do not need a special permit, but health inspectors will visit each food vendor's booth prior to the show on Saturday morning to review your Missouri Public Health and Food Seller's permits.
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Item descriptionThe $20 registration fee applies to any online applications made after the most recent Craft Fair. With a two-person staff orchestrating the event, it takes a lot of time to re-integrate each application into our database, and to meet all specific vendor requests. Signing up at the event waives this application fee.
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We will email you once the jurors make a decision about your application. Check your spam often and please accept messages from director@capearts.org.
If you are accepted, we will reach out within seven business days of your submission and you will be added to our Mailchimp server list.
If you are not accepted, we will reach out within seven business days of your submission and you will be issued a refund. Please allow up to two weeks for the payment to be refunded to the credit card you used to pay.
If you have any questions or haven’t received an email within seven business days, please reach out.
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You must fill out a cancelation confirmation form below to cancel your booth and receive a refund. Please allow up to two weeks to receive the refund on your original credit card. After September 1st, no refunds will be issued. At the time of the show, no call/no shows will not receive refunds, your booth may be released to another vendor, and cannot be guaranteed thereafter.
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In Missouri, the Arts Council (or the event organizer) does not collect and remit sales taxes on behalf of vendors. Each individual vendor is responsible for reporting and paying their own sales tax.
You do need to register with the Missouri Department of Revenue, what’s called a Special Event Vendor License, even as a hobby crafter. This allows you to legally collect and remit sales tax for each craft show. The form to apply is Form 2643S, Missouri Special Events Application, which you can download or request via mail. If you're 65+, and selling handicrafts with income under 50% of your annual income, you may qualify for an exemption—requiring Form 2478 instead.
Submit it to DOR Contact: (573) 751-5860 or (800) 877-6881, and you’ll be set up to participate in one or more events without needing a full business license.
Once you’ve sold at an event, you then use Form 53-1 to file and pay the sales tax, just for that particular event. Online via MyTax Missouri Portal is the easiest and fastest way to file. Filing by Mail is still an option. Mail it to:
Missouri Department of Revenue Taxation Division, P.O. Box 840, Jefferson City, MO 65105‑0840
Some cities may have additional requirements, like needing proof you completed Form 2643S or providing a Certificate of No Tax Due, but that's separate from the state license and handled locally. The City of Cape does not have additional requirements for special event licensure.
Apply for Special Event License
Submit Form 2643S to Missouri DOR; call (573) 751-5860 or 1-800-877-6881 if needed.
Collect & Remit Sales Tax
Submit Form 53-1. To report special event sales.
Check City Rules
Some municipalities require additional permits or confirmation of your tax registration.
Get Help if Stuck
Always feel free to call DOR for guidance—they are the authority on this.
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Select your preferred venue under the Vendor Sign Up section below. You will be directed to an online registration form. Fill out the form in its entirety and make your payment with a credit card. You will receive an email confirmation that you successfully signed up and paid. This is NOT a confirmation that you have been accepted into the show.
VENDOR SIGN UP IS OPEN! -
Both venues offer 5' x 10' for $125 and 10' x 10' booths for $195. Outdoor spaces are $200.
NOTE: The Show Me Center is currently sold out of corner booths!
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Tables ($20 each) and Electricity ($40) can be purchased as an "add on" as you fill out your vendor application. If you have purchased electric (120V), you are simply responsible for bringing an extension cord, the venue will take care of the rest. Chairs are provided.
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Yes, this is a juried show. Once you submit an application and payment to be a vendor, a panel of jurors will review your items. They will be looking for high quality hand crafted products. Please photograph your items intentionally and upload clear images and be very descriptive about your creation process so the jurors can accurately review your application. Any discrepancies found by the inspector on the day of the show will result in vendors being asked to leave without a refund.
PLEASE NOTE- We are no longer accepting sublimated items, tumblers and keychains, leatherworks, freeze dried candy, CBD products, candles, permanent jewelry, goats milk products, or plushie sales.
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We do not allow vendors of third-party goods at our Craft Fair and will not consider them . Any discrepancies found by the inspector on the day of the show will result in vendors being asked to leave without a refund.
Vendor Sign Up
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The move-in process takes place from 2:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday, November 20th at both venues. Saturday morning move in begins at 8:00 am.
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Parking will be available for food truck vendors at the same time as move-in at each venue. General parking at the Osage Center is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Show Me Center has vendor parking behind the loading dock. Vendors in the back half of the venue will load in at the loading dock, and vendors in the front half of the venue will unload and reload in the front of the building. We will provide a suggested map.
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You are given 2 vendor passes in your vendor packet, which you will receive at check-in. Each additional pass is $5.
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The Arts Council will provide coffee and donuts on Saturday and Sunday morning. Both venues have concession stands, and are proximate to local eateries. You can also pre-order lunch from Fresh Healthy Cafe by submitting an application prior to 3:00 PM the Friday leading into the extravaganza.
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Cape Girardeau is home to numerous hotels and AirBNBs, and has a thriving local food scene, as well as a host of franchise favorites. We provide all vendors with a comprehensive map from the Chamber of Commerce upon arrival/request and will have copies available for guests as well.
Event Weekend Information
Osage Centre
Show Me Center
Want to support The
Arts & Crafts Extravaganza?
Events like the Arts & Crafts Extravaganza are made possible through the generosity of people who believe young artists deserve opportunities to create, exhibit, and be celebrated. By making a donation or becoming an Arts Council member, you directly support exhibitions, educational programs, community events, and experiences that bring the arts to people throughout Southeast Missouri. Your support helps us keep creating spaces where the next generation of artists can shine.