Handmade Stories 2026, Bologna, Italy

• 26 novembre 2026
  Date de l'événement :
• 29 novembre 2026
  Fin de l'événement :

À quoi s’attendre en 2026

Handmade Stories 2026 is a handmade, creative and artisan-focused event taking place at BolognaFiere in Bologna, Italy. The exhibition brings together independent makers, creative businesses, artisans and designers who present original handmade products across fashion, accessories, jewellery, home decoration, children’s products, stationery and other creative categories.

The event is designed as a meeting place between creators and visitors. Instead of simply viewing finished products, visitors can meet the people behind the brands, discover how their products are made, find creative inspiration and purchase original handmade pieces directly from exhibitors. The event also provides opportunities to discover small businesses and makers whose work may otherwise primarily be available online.

Handmade Stories forms part of the wider creative exhibition environment at BolognaFiere and includes several activity areas in addition to the main marketplace. The programme includes craft demonstrations, workshops, food and cake-design activities, children’s creative experiences and special installations. The combination of shopping and hands-on activities gives the event a strong experiential focus.

The November edition is particularly relevant to visitors looking for distinctive Christmas gifts and seasonal handmade products. The event provides access to products that can include jewellery, bags, clothing, accessories, decorative objects, toys, stationery and other handcrafted creations.

Dates des événements

Dates : November 26–29, 2026

Durée: Quatre jours

Horaires d’ouverture : 9h30–18h30

Lieu : BolognaFiere

Adresse : Piazza della Costituzione, 40128 Bologna, Italy

Main entrance: Piazza della Costituzione

Handmade Stories 2026 takes place from Thursday, November 26 through Sunday, November 29. The official visitor information lists opening hours from 9:30 am until 6:30 pm.

The four-day programme provides both weekday and weekend opportunities to attend. Visitors interested in particular workshops or demonstrations should check the official programme before travelling because individual activities may operate according to specific schedules.

The event takes place during the late-November shopping period, making it particularly suitable for visitors looking for handmade Christmas gifts, personal accessories, home decorations and other original products.

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Lieu et site d’exposition

Handmade Stories 2026 will be held at BolognaFiere, one of Bologna’s major exhibition complexes. The venue address is Piazza della Costituzione, 40128 Bologna, Italy.

BolognaFiere is a large exhibition centre containing numerous halls and event spaces. The complex hosts trade fairs, consumer exhibitions, specialist shows and cultural events throughout the year, meaning visitors should follow the event-specific signs when they arrive.

The Handmade Stories exhibition is organised around creative shopping, independent makers, demonstrations and practical activities. Visitors can move between exhibitor stands, activity areas and workshop spaces while discovering different types of handmade products.

The Piazza della Costituzione entrance is the main pedestrian access point identified for the event. Visitors arriving at BolognaFiere should check the current event signage for the correct hall and entrance arrangements.

Programme complet des expositions

Handmade marketplace: The central part of Handmade Stories is a marketplace featuring independent makers, artisans and creative businesses. Visitors can browse original products and communicate directly with the people who create them.

Fashion and accessories: Handmade clothing, bags, fashion accessories and related products form part of the creative product mix presented by participating makers.

Jewellery: Independent jewellery creators can present handmade pieces and small collections that are different from conventional mass-market jewellery.

Home decoration: Visitors can find decorative objects and handmade pieces designed for interiors, gifts and personal spaces.

Children’s products: The event also includes products and activities intended for children, including creative projects and handmade items.

Craft workshops: Visitors can participate in practical creative sessions and learn techniques from experienced makers.

Teatro Craft: This area focuses on creative techniques, demonstrations and DIY inspiration.

Teatro Food and Cake Design: Food creativity, cake decoration and related demonstrations are included in the event programme.

Bimbi Creativi: Children can participate in creative experiences designed specifically for younger visitors.

Handmade inspiration: Displays and installations provide ideas for visitors interested in developing their own creative projects at home.

The final programme can be updated before the exhibition, particularly regarding workshop schedules, participating makers and special activities.

Artistes et designers à la une

Handmade Stories is primarily focused on independent artisans, makers and creative entrepreneurs rather than conventional fine-art galleries. The event provides these creators with a physical space where they can present their products directly to customers.

The organiser highlights originality, quality, innovation and attention to detail as important characteristics of participating creative businesses. This gives the event a diverse selection of products and creative disciplines rather than concentrating on one particular design style.

Participating makers can work across textile crafts, jewellery, fashion accessories, home decoration, stationery, children’s products, handmade gifts and other creative categories. Many exhibitors operate as small businesses or independent creative brands.

One example featured in the official exhibitor information is SONIANDO by Sonia Poggi. The creator produces handmade accessories using materials including colourful fabrics, natural cork and regenerated denim.

The exhibitor programme can change before the opening dates, so visitors should consult the official exhibitor directory for the most up-to-date list of participating designers and makers.

Galeries et exposants

Handmade Stories does not operate primarily as a traditional fine-art gallery fair. Instead, it functions as a curated marketplace where independent creators and handmade businesses can exhibit their products and interact directly with visitors.

The exhibitor concept is designed to support creative businesses that want to present their work in person. This is particularly useful for makers who normally sell through online shops or social media because the fair provides an opportunity for customers to examine materials, craftsmanship and finished products directly.

Exhibitor categories can include handmade clothing, bags, jewellery, accessories, textile creations, home decoration, children’s products, stationery and gift items.

The official exhibitor section provides individual information about participating businesses. Visitors who want to find a particular maker should review the current directory before attending because participation and stand allocations can change.

Salles et sections d’exposition

Handmade Stories takes place within the wider BolognaFiere exhibition complex. The specific hall assignment should be checked against the official event map and current visitor information before arrival.

Handmade exhibition area: The main marketplace presents products from selected artisans, designers and independent creative businesses.

Teatro Craft: A dedicated area for craft demonstrations, DIY techniques and creative presentations.

Teatro Food and Cake Design: A programme area dedicated to food creativity, cake decoration and demonstrations.

Workshop spaces: Practical areas where visitors can participate in creative courses and activities.

Bimbi Creativi: A children’s section offering creative activities and experiences.

Special installations: The event also uses themed displays and creative settings to provide visual inspiration and project ideas.

Because BolognaFiere can host several events simultaneously, visitors should rely on the official 2026 map and onsite signs to identify the correct exhibition area.

Conférences, ateliers et événements spéciaux

Workshops are an important part of Handmade Stories and give visitors the opportunity to move beyond shopping and participate in creative activities. The organiser describes workshops as practical experiences where participants can learn techniques and create their own objects with guidance from experienced creatives.

Teatro Craft provides demonstrations and presentations focused on DIY and creative techniques. These activities can be useful for visitors who want to discover new materials, tools or methods before trying them independently.

Teatro Food and Cake Design provides a separate programme centred on food-related creativity. Demonstrations can include cake decoration, presentation and other creative food techniques.

Bimbi Creativi is designed to provide younger visitors with opportunities to participate in age-appropriate creative activities. Families can check the programme for the activities available during their chosen visit.

Workshop participation can have individual registration or capacity requirements, so visitors should check the official programme for details before arriving.

Types de billets

Thursday admission: $10.39

Standard admission Friday–Sunday: $17.31

Online skip-the-line ticket: $17.31

Telegram reduced ticket: $15.00

Online or printed reduced ticket: $13.85

Over-65 reduced ticket: $13.85

Children aged 7–12: $13.85

WhatsApp reduced ticket: $12.69

Sunday Happy Ticket: $5.77

Enfants de moins de 6 ans : Gratuit

Disabled visitor plus one accompanying person: Free, subject to documentation requirements

The published ticket prices have been converted from euros into US dollars using the ECB reference rate of €1 = $1.1539 on September 15, 2026.

The Thursday admission is different from the standard Friday-to-Sunday admission. The Sunday Happy Ticket provides evening access from 5:00 pm.

Reduced-ticket categories can require proof of eligibility. Visitors should check the official ticket page before purchasing to confirm the current conditions.

Accès VIP et collectionneurs

Handmade Stories is primarily a public creative marketplace rather than a conventional VIP art fair or collector-only exhibition. Its focus is on bringing independent makers and creative businesses together with the public.

Collectors and visitors interested in unique handmade products can meet creators directly and examine their work in person. This can be particularly useful for people interested in limited handmade pieces, original accessories, small collections and products that are not widely mass-produced.

The event also provides an opportunity to establish direct relationships with makers. Visitors can discuss materials, techniques and the creative process with individual exhibitors.

Professional participation is handled separately through the organiser’s exhibitor services. Businesses interested in exhibiting or developing professional relationships should consult the official exhibitor information for current arrangements.

Règles de l’épreuve

Visitors must comply with the admission conditions and BolognaFiere’s general venue regulations. Tickets are intended for the specific day of admission, and the organiser’s information states that a ticket cannot be used for re-entry on another day.

Dogs are permitted inside the fairgrounds under specific conditions. Dogs must remain on a leash, and owners must have a muzzle available if requested by organisers or competent authorities. Dogs younger than four months are not permitted.

Visitors attending workshops or special activities must follow any individual requirements established by the activity organiser. Some workshops may have limited capacity or require registration.

Visitors should also follow staff instructions regarding security, movement through exhibition spaces and access to specific activities.

Exhibitors have additional technical and operational requirements covering their stands, equipment, installations, fire safety and other aspects of exhibition participation.

Comment y arriver

Par train : Bologna Centrale is the main railway station serving Bologna. From the station, visitors can reach BolognaFiere using local bus services.

En bus : Bus lines 35 and 38 connect Bologna Centrale with BolognaFiere and provide access towards the Piazza della Costituzione entrance.

From central Bologna: Lines 28, 35, 38 and 39 provide connections between central parts of Bologna and the exhibition district.

From Bologna Airport: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is approximately 9 kilometres from BolognaFiere. Visitors can use a taxi or travel towards Bologna Centrale and continue to the exhibition centre by public transport.

En voiture : Drivers can reach BolognaFiere through Bologna’s motorway and ring-road network. The Bologna Fiera motorway exit provides access to the exhibition district.

Visitors travelling during busy exhibition periods should allow additional time for traffic and parking.

Transports en commun et stationnement

BolognaFiere is connected with Bologna’s public transport network, making it accessible without a private vehicle. Bus lines 35 and 38 are particularly useful for visitors travelling from Bologna Centrale.

Additional services including lines 28 and 39 provide connections between central Bologna and the fairground.

The official visitor information lists BolognaFiere parking at $6.92 per day, converted from the published €6 daily rate using the September 15, 2026 ECB reference exchange rate.

The exhibition centre has multiple parking areas, and the most appropriate parking facility depends on the entrance and hall being used. Visitors should follow the current traffic signs when approaching BolognaFiere.

Public transport may be especially convenient during Saturday and Sunday when visitor numbers can be higher.

Zones d’hébergement

Visitors coming from outside Bologna can stay in several convenient areas.

BolognaFiere district: Staying close to the exhibition centre can reduce daily travel time and is practical for visitors attending Handmade Stories for several days.

Bologne Centrale : Accommodation around the railway station is convenient for visitors arriving by train and provides straightforward public transport connections to BolognaFiere.

Centre historique : Central Bologna provides access to restaurants, cafés, shops, museums and historic attractions while remaining connected to the exhibition centre by public transport.

Northern Bologna: Areas north of the historic centre can also provide relatively convenient access to BolognaFiere and the city’s road network.

Accommodation should be reserved in advance during major exhibition periods because Bologna frequently hosts multiple events at the same time.

Nourriture et rafraîchissements

Food and refreshments are available within the BolognaFiere exhibition environment. The event’s official visitor information confirms that visitors can find refreshment points inside the fairground.

Food is also incorporated directly into the Handmade Stories programme through Teatro Food and Cake Design. This area provides demonstrations and activities connected with food creativity, cake decoration and presentation.

Visitors can therefore combine their exhibition visit with refreshments without necessarily leaving the venue.

The exact food outlets and menus can vary between editions and event days. Visitors with specific dietary requirements should check the available options onsite or contact the organiser before attending.

Accessibilité

Handmade Stories provides free admission for a disabled visitor and one accompanying person under the organiser’s stated conditions. The required documentation must be presented at the ticket office.

BolognaFiere also provides accessibility facilities for visitors with disabilities and reduced mobility. Designated parking spaces are available close to public entrances, while mobility assistance equipment can be requested through venue personnel.

Visitors who require specific assistance should contact the organiser or BolognaFiere before travelling so that they can confirm available services and the most suitable access route.

Because the exhibition takes place across a large exhibition complex, visitors with mobility requirements may benefit from reviewing the venue layout before arriving.

Expositions incontournables

Handmade marketplace: The main marketplace is the central attraction for visitors interested in independent creators, original handmade products and creative small businesses.

Teatro Craft: This area is particularly relevant for visitors interested in DIY techniques, craft demonstrations and practical creative inspiration.

Teatro Food and Cake Design: Visitors interested in cake decoration, food presentation and creative cooking can explore the activities and demonstrations presented here.

Bimbi Creativi: Families should look for the children’s creative activities, which provide younger visitors with opportunities to participate in creative projects.

Zones d’atelier : Hands-on workshops provide opportunities to learn techniques directly from experienced creatives and work with different materials.

Special installations: The event’s creative displays and themed settings provide additional inspiration for visitors interested in home projects, decoration and handmade design.

The exact 2026 programme should be checked before visiting because the schedule of demonstrations and workshops can change.

Faits marquants de l’année précédente

Handmade Stories developed from Craft Your Party, which began in 2015 as a related event to Il Mondo Creativo. The event later developed its own identity and expanded its focus on contemporary handmade creativity and independent creative businesses.

Previous editions have combined a handmade marketplace with workshops, demonstrations, children’s activities and food-related creative programming.

The November edition has particular relevance for seasonal shopping because it takes place shortly before Christmas. Visitors can discover handmade gifts, jewellery, accessories, home decorations, children’s products and other original items directly from creators.

The event also provides an important physical meeting point for creative businesses that primarily operate online. The organiser describes Handmade Stories as a community involving creatives, young businesses and professionals.

Previous editions have also operated alongside other exhibitions and markets at BolognaFiere, creating a broader exhibition environment for visitors during the same period.

Billets officiels

The official Handmade Stories ticket information provides several admission categories for the November 2026 edition.

The standard admission from Friday through Sunday is $17.31, while Thursday admission is $10.39. The online skip-the-line ticket is also $17.31.

Reduced categories include $15.00 for the Telegram reduction, $13.85 for online or printed reduced tickets, $13.85 for visitors over 65, $13.85 for children aged 7–12 and $12.69 for the WhatsApp reduction.

The Sunday Happy Ticket is $5.77 for admission from 5:00 pm. Children under six can enter free under the organiser’s conditions, while a disabled visitor and one accompanying person can also receive free admission with the required documentation.

The ticket figures above have been converted into US dollars using the ECB reference rate of €1 = $1.1539 on September 15, 2026. Visitors should check the official ticket information before purchasing because admission conditions and programme arrangements can be updated.

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