Kickin’ it at the Fall 2025 Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival
One of the many rows of artists and vendors. Photo Credits: Author
It’s finally happened. With the extra time afforded by Fall Break, this law student has finally gotten around to exploring some of that art, culture, and community that was advertised in the back of the admissions packet. Like those miserable wretches in Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, I’ve spent the past two months chained by the neck to a desk in the law library, only entertaining faint, shadowy notions of a world outside of the David A. Harrison III Law Grounds. Now, fellow cave-dwellers, I’ve crawled back into this twisted puppet show to tell you that yes, there are things that go on outside of North Grounds, outside of Main Grounds, and even—stay with me now—beyond The Corner.
The forty-fifth annual Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival took the nearby small town by storm on the mornings of October 11 and 12. The festival has become a cornerstone of the Crozet community, not only because of its nearly half-century-long history, but because proceeds from the festival go toward the upkeep of the festival’s home, Claudius Crozet Park.
While perusing the rows of stalls, one immediately notices the variety of vendors and artists. While there were plenty of stunning centerpieces being sold at similarly stunning prices, there were also plenty of charming, unique, smaller wares—suncatchers and spoon rests, for instance—to bring one joy, even on a law student’s budget. Whether one was a fan of ceramics, paintings, collages, textiles, or woodcarvings, there was a stall for everyone.
Even those with no particular interest in the arts could find something to enjoy. Live music flowed throughout the day and the dog spotting opportunities were particularly excellent. Some stalls sold less traditionally artistic products such as soap and seasoning mixes. As a long-time farmers’ market and arts festival enjoyer, it was almost comforting to see the universal constant of such events: hot sauce vendors that don’t really seem to understand what the vibe of the given festival is. Nothing says “immersion in one of the most essential components of human civilization” quite like a liquid that tears a hole through your entire digestive tract from start to end.
On the topic of food, as a West Coast native, I found myself immediately struck by the differences in the food vendor scene at this festival, as compared to arts festivals in my home region. Many Californian arts festivals feature food trucks that look like they come with rent higher than a one-bedroom in the West Village, are run by some culinary school dropout with an impressive collection of artisan beard oils, and usually feature cultural fusion dishes that come at the price of your firstborn and manage to offend the tastes of both cultures at the same time.
The food at the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival, however, was no academic exercise, no endurance test to see how many philosophical elevator pitches you could get through before yawning in someone’s face. While all of the food options captured my heart—from wood-fired pizza and shrimp skewers to the omnipresent Kona Ice truck—one particular trailer managed to get a vice grip on my arteries. In a display of decadence only rivaled by The Roses of Heliogabalus, Chaddie’s Food truck featured every type of cake or pie one could imagine, as well as burgers, cheesesteaks, loaded fries, normal fries, chicken tenders, scallop potatoes, several varieties of fried rice, and my personal favorite: loaded funnel fries. Though further research proved inconclusive for finding the more permanent home of Chaddie’s, the sheer magic of this food truck guarantees that this law student will be returning to the festival at the nearest opportunity to get at those sweet, sweet deep-fried goods.
Before you go experience the fun for yourself, here are some tips for enjoying the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival from a now-expert.
Arrive earlier than you think is necessary. Parking spots in the nearest lot are limited, and the attendants will not hesitate to cut you with a lovingly-formed pottery shard if you loiter too long while looking for a free one.
Manage your expectations. These artists are not selling plastic Amazon tchotchkes made from polypropylene and the dead dreams of child laborers. You’re not going to buy the aesthetic equivalent of a Chihuly for $15.
The dress code is casual (not “undergrad sorority sister at Carter Mountain”). However, if the weekly cycle of law events and bar review themes has given you an allergy to the unfashionable and rendered you incapable of dressing like a normal human being, be prepared for plenty of compliments on your outfit from vendors, staff, and charming country gentlemen in 10-gallon hats.
Come hungry. You’re going to see a lot of food you want. You’re going to buy that food. You’re going to quickly realize that your mortal form comes with limits. The spirit may be willing to down half your body weight in deep-fried delights, but the flesh is so very weak.
If you are feeling some major FOMO from this year’s festival, be sure to keep an eye on the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival’s website[1] for information on next year’s spring and fall events.
[1] https://www.crozetfestival.com/
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Staff Editor — Emma Lawson ’28
hzk2ny@virginia.edu