The Lost Trades Fair: A Celebration of Craft, Culture, and Creativity

For those who cherish the artistry of handmade creations, the Lost Trades Fair is an event like no other.

Now in its 16th year, this iconic gathering will return to its roots in the Macedon Ranges, held at the breathtaking Hanging Rock Reserve on 28 – 29 March 2026. With over 150 artisans from Australia and 11 international masters, this fair promises to be a captivating celebration of craftsmanship, tradition, and creativity.

Lost Trades Fair

When: 28 – 29 March 2026

Where: Hanging Rock Reserve

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lost Trades Fair (@losttrades)

Since its debut in 2014, the Lost Trades Fair has become a hallmark event for those passionate about preserving and celebrating heritage trades. From woodworkers and gold leaf artists to leatherworkers and scissor makers, the fair brings together some of the finest craftspersons worldwide, offering a rare opportunity to see these artisans in action. It’s not just about admiring their work; it’s about connecting with the makers themselves and understanding the artistry behind every piece.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Hanging Rock, a place steeped in history and natural beauty, the fair is an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Tickets provide not only access to the event but also to the reserve itself, allowing for exploration, picnicking, and, for the adventurous, a chance to climb the rock. It’s a celebration that intertwines the magnificence of nature with the mastery of human craftsmanship, offering a unique blend of learning, relaxation, and inspiration.

This year’s fair will feature an impressive lineup of both local and international artisans. Eleven global guests will bring their unique skills and traditions to the event, adding an international flair that elevates the experience. Among them are Kerstin Neumüller, a master heddle maker from Sweden, and Irina Bradley, a master in iconography and gold leaf artist from the UK. These artisans, along with their counterparts from the USA, including a silhouette cutter from Baltimore and a woodturner from Charleston, will showcase their timeless techniques, offering visitors an opportunity to learn from the best in the field. Whether crafting intricate braids or creating bespoke chairs, these makers embody the enduring appeal of traditional crafts.

What truly distinguishes the Lost Trades Fair is its interactive, community-driven spirit. This is not just an exhibition; it’s a place where visitors can engage directly with the artisans, learn about their craft, and even try their hand at various skills. Workshops, live demonstrations, and artisan talks offer a wealth of knowledge and provide a deeper understanding of the dedication and expertise involved in each trade. For those eager to get hands-on, there are opportunities to try woodturning, book illumination, and other crafts. It’s an invitation to experience the magic of making firsthand.

This year’s fair will also showcase a musical dimension, with artisans whose work is intertwined with sound. Rod McCracken, a custom acoustic guitar maker, and Matt Leigh, who crafts bespoke electric guitars, will demonstrate their expertise in creating instruments that produce music as much as they shape it. The fair will also feature Melissa Norris, a maker of traditional medicine drums, each handcrafted from native timbers and goat skin. Norris’s drums are not just instruments but works of art, imbuing sound with the spirit of the land.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lost Trades Fair (@losttrades)

Among the standout artists is Cat Leahy, a hat maker and musician whose work perfectly embodies the spirit of the Lost Trades Fair. Leahy, a drummer for the band This Way North, designs custom hats for musicians worldwide under her business Feather and Drum. Based in the Yackandandah in the King Valley region of Victoria, her workshop space is a creative haven where music and craft come together. Leahy’s story of blending artistic passions is a testament to the boundless creativity that the Lost Trades Fair celebrates.

The fair is a powerful reminder of the value of traditional craftsmanship, slow-making, and the hands that make them. It celebrates the enduring pursuit of excellence in trades that have been passed down through generations. Each artisan is a storyteller, weaving history, culture, and passion into their work.

With its return to Hanging Rock, the Lost Trades Fair is poised to attract even more visitors in 2026. The event will be capped each day to ensure an intimate and enjoyable experience for all attendees. As ticket sales are expected to sell out quickly, early booking is highly recommended to secure your place at this unmissable event.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit losttradesfair.com.au. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration of craft, creativity, and human ingenuity; an experience that will leave you inspired and in awe of the beauty of the handmade.