The First Parish Plant & Craft Fair’s longtime tradition began in the early 1950s in the side yard of the Fitch Tavern, where First Parish members the Joslins lived. Avid gardeners, the Joslins along with friends and fellow First Parish members, including Betty Balfour and Eva Schafer, thought it would be a lovely idea to share their plants. It was such a good idea, it eventually outgrew the Fitch Tavern side yard, and moved across the street to Bedford’s Town Common.
Held annually in mid-May, the First Parish Plant & Craft Fair offers a wide variety of heritage perennials dug from Bedford gardens, herb and vegetable seedlings, and stock from local nurseries. Over the years the Fair has also expanded to include dozens of crafters along with music, baked goods, lunch, and children’s activities, including face-painting, crafts, and other activities. Gardeners, artisans, and families from near and far eagerly anticipate the Fair each May.
Join Us for the 2026 Plant & Craft Fair!
You can’t buy happiness,
but you can buy plants,
and that’s pretty much the
same thing!
70th Annual First Parish Plant & Craft Fair
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10am–3pm
Bedford Town Common
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Come Enjoy the Fun!
The 70th Annual First Parish Plant & Craft Fair is Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10am–3pm (rain or shine!), on the Bedford Town Common. All are welcome to enjoy this family-friendly event!
Register as a Vendor!
Interested in being a vendor at the 2026 Fair? Fill out the exhibitor application form!
Sign Up to Help Out!
It takes a village to put on the Plant & Craft Fair! There are several days and ways to help before, during, or after the Fair. Please sign up to:
Questions?
Dorothy Africa and Bea Brunkhorst are Co-Chairs and Bea Brunkhorst is the Crafter Manager. Please contact us with any questions!
Looking forward to seeing you at the Fair!
