Carpenters’ Hall Historic Trades & Crafts Fair

Beginning the last Saturday in April and each Saturday through May 18, Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia and Carpenters’ Hall presents live public trade demonstrations in Carpenters’ Court, in front of Carpenters’ Hall. The free daylong interactive sessions feature blacksmithing, carpentry, masonry, stone carving, and tin smithing. Each demonstration displays the skills critical to the construction of colonial Philadelphia by expert tradespersons utilizing the tools and techniques from the era. The fair is also designed to encourage the exploration of trade careers. The first weekend of the fair takes place on Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features live, free, public demonstrations of blacksmithing. The blacksmith was one of the most essential tradesmen of any colonial town. Making indispensable items such as horseshoes, pots, pans, and nails, as well as the tools used by the other skilled craftsmen of their era, blacksmiths were the one-stop shop for all things metal. Visitors are welcome to Carpenters’ Court to witness a real live competition of blacksmiths utilizing tools and techniques and cheer on contestants during a competition between skilled smiths. Audiences will cheer on, judge, and vote for their favorite blacksmith at this family-friendly event for everyone!