Dates

    27–29 Nov 2026

    City / country

    Bologna, Italy

    Venue

    Bologna Exhibition Centre

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    Matched booths for HANDMADE STORIES 2026

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    Event overview

    Overview

    HANDMADE STORIES 2026 is a premier exhibition taking place from 27 to 29 November at the Bologna Exhibition Centre. This event brings together artisans from across Italy to showcase and sell their unique handmade creations.

    Visitors can enjoy workshops, demonstrations, and a variety of creative activities, making it a perfect outing for families and craft enthusiasts alike. HANDMADE STORIES 2026 takes place in Bologna, Italy.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Scale and Focus: Handmade Stories is a curated fair for artisanal and handmade products, from jewelry and home decor to textiles, DIY kits and original artwork.
    2. 2Organiser: Multimedia Tre and BolognaFiere.
    3. 3Entry / Access: Full ticket EUR 15; reduced online ticket EUR 12; Happy ticket EUR 5 on Sunday after 5 PM. Check current tiers and any trade-only hours with the organiser.

    Why visit

    Handmade Stories gives visitors a direct route to independent artisans under one roof at BolognaFiere. Dates and Venue: November 2026 at BolognaFiere (Bologna Exhibition Centre), Bologna, Italy - confirm exact dates and opening hours on the organiser site. HANDMADE STORIES 2026 is a premier exhibition taking place from 27 to 29 November at the Bologna Exhibition Centre. This event brings together artisans from across Italy to showcase and sell their unique handmade.

    Why exhibit

    Gain exposure to thousands of potential customers passionate about handmade products. Network with other artisans and industry professionals to foster collaborations. Participate in workshops and demonstrations to showcase your skills and products. Benefit from extensive promotional efforts by the organisers to attract a large audience.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Craft and DIY enthusiasts shopping for handmade jewelry, textiles and home decor
    Families with children looking for creative workshops and gift items
    Independent boutique and concept-store buyers sourcing artisanal products
    Interior stylists and home-decor shoppers seeking one-off pieces
    Gift shoppers looking for original holiday and birthday presents
    Artisans and makers networking and scouting supplies
    Tourists visiting Bologna for a weekend of culture and craft shopping

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Independent artisans and craft studios selling directly to the public
    Makers of handmade jewelry and accessories in silver, glass, ceramic and upcycled materials
    Artisanal home decor and furnishing producers working in ceramics, textiles, wood and candles
    Textile and clothing makers using natural fibres, knitwear, leather or repurposed fabrics
    Craft supply and DIY kit sellers offering beads, yarn, tools and starter sets
    Small sustainable-product businesses focused on upcycled or locally sourced materials
    Artists selling original artwork, prints and stationery

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Handmade jewelry: silver, glass, ceramic and upcycled pieces
    Artisanal home decor: ceramics, textiles, woodcraft and candles
    Clothing and accessories: knitwear, leather goods and natural-fibre garments
    Craft supplies and DIY kits: beads, yarn, tools and starter sets
    Creative gifts and seasonal decorations
    Original artwork, prints and stationery
    Sustainable and upcycled products from independent makers

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Bologna Exhibition Centre

    Bologna, Italy

    Facilities

    Parking

    Bologna Exhibition Centre in Bologna typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

    Food options

    On-site catering

    On-site dining

    Parking: Bologna Exhibition Centre in Bologna typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

    Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Bologna Exhibition Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    • General admission

      Full ticket price

      15
    • General admission

      Reduced ticket available online

      12
    • General admission

      Happy ticket available on Sunday after 5 PM

      5
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Multimedia Tre

    BolognaFiere

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2025

    Completed

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Edition recap

    Handmade Stories is presented as La Fiera delle Cose Belle and is listed by AEFI at Bologna Exhibition Centre. The most recent completed edition before the 2026 show is 2025. Available search snippets did not state visitor or exhibitor totals for that edition.

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    Handmade Stories is presented as La Fiera delle Cose Belle and is listed by AEFI at Bologna Exhibition Centre. The most recent completed edition before the 2026 show is 2025. Available search snippets did not state visitor or exhibitor totals for that edition.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Handmade Stories is presented as La Fiera delle Cose Belle and is listed by AEFI at Bologna Exhibition Centre. The most recent completed edition before the 2026 show is 2025. Available search snippets did not state visitor or exhibitor totals for that edition.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Handmade Stories is presented as La Fiera delle Cose Belle and is listed by AEFI at Bologna Exhibition Centre. The most recent completed edition before the 2026 show is 2025. Available search snippets did not state visitor or exhibitor totals for that edition.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Bologna, Italy

    Why it matters

    Attending HANDMADE STORIES 2026 on 2026-11-27 to 2026-11-29 in Bologna lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    Market news

    Latest updates from across the market.

    HANDMADE STORIES 2026 · Bologna, Italy · Collectors - Hobby | TradeSho

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    HANDMADE STORIES 2026 - Bologna, Italy | AFFAEL

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    Handmade Stories - Bologna 2026 | Bologna | November 2026 | Other ...

    Read

    HANDMADE STORIES 2026 (Bologna) - Collectors - Hobby - Handicraft ...

    Read

    Handmade Stories - La Fiera delle Cose Belle

    Read

    HANDMADE STORIES 2026 / 2027 - International Fairs - Commercial Fairs ...

    Read

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · EUR

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Savhotel Fiera Bologna

    4-star
    Bologna Fiera district

    Google Hotels listing near Bologna Exhibition Centre; free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, pool, hot tub, fitness centre, parking (paid).

    Hilton Garden Inn Bologna North

    4-star
    Bologna north, near fairground

    Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, fitness centre, bar and restaurant.

    Best Western Plus Tower Hotel Bologna

    4-star
    Bologna

    Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, fitness centre, bar and restaurant.

    Il Delfino a Bologna

    4-star
    Bologna

    Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, airport shuttle, kid-friendly.

    Hotel NH Bologna Villanova

    4-star
    Bologna Villanova, near fairground

    Listed in Google Hotels near Bologna Exhibition Centre.

    Vista Fiera Bologna

    4-star
    Bologna Fiera district

    Rated 4.8 in Google Hotels results near the fairground.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Marconi Express / airport train

    Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forBologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) to Bologna Exhibition Centre

    Airport transfer options are described by local transfer guides and Rome2rio; BolognaFiere publishes how-to-get-there directions.

    Bus

    Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forBologna city centre to Bologna Fiere

    Moovit lists bus and train routes to Bologna Fiere; fares are approximate local transit figures.

    Taxi

    Estimated costEUR 35-85 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forBologna Centrale or airport to Bologna Fiere

    Taxi is an alternative to bus/train for the final leg to the fairground.

    Weather

    November in Bologna is late autumn: cool, often cloudy and wet. Typical daytime highs are around 10-14°C and night lows around 4-8°C; rain and morning fog are common. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for walking between halls. Confirm the forecast before travel.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Italy.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Fairground practicalities

    BolognaFiere is a large exhibition complex; wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time to move between halls. Carry a reusable water bottle and charge your phone before arriving.

    Language

    Italian is the local language. English is generally spoken at international fairs, but a few Italian phrases help in neighbourhood shops and trattorias.

    Payments at artisan stalls

    Many exhibitors accept cards, but carry some euros for small purchases and confirm payment methods at each stall.

    Tipping and restaurant bills

    Service may be included in restaurant bills; tipping is not mandatory. Round up for good service if you wish.

    Local transport

    Buy bus tickets before boarding and validate them on board. Bologna's historic centre is compact and walkable, while BolognaFiere is a short bus or train ride from Bologna Centrale.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Bologna; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

    Visa

    Schengen short-stay rules apply for entry to Italy. Non-EU visitors who need a visa should apply for a Schengen business visa through the Italian diplomatic mission or visa centre in their country of residence before travel.

    Visa applications are handled by Italian consulates and authorised visa centres such as VFS Global; check the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs entry guidance for current requirements.

    Official

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Bologna; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Bologna Exhibition Centre: Bologna Fiera district: Savhotel Fiera Bologna; Bologna north, near fairground: Hilton Garden Inn Bologna North; Bologna: Best Western Plus Tower Hotel Bologna.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Bologna; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Bologna Fiera is served by local bus and rail connections from Bologna Centrale; Moovit and BolognaFiere's how-to-get-there page describe bus and train routes to the fairground. Buy tickets before boarding and validate on board.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Bologna Exhibition Centre; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: November 2026

    Temperature: Daytime highs approx. 10-14°C and night lows approx. 4-8°C in November; confirm the forecast before travel.

    Seasonality: November is one of Bologna's wetter months, with frequent rain and occasional fog. An umbrella and waterproof shoes are useful for the fairground.

    Packing: November 2026

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)

    Mid-show days at HANDMADE STORIES 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.

    T-1

    Confirm the exact 2026 dates and opening hours on handmadestories.it, then book travel to Bologna.

    T-2

    Reserve a hotel in the Bologna Fiera district or near Bologna Centrale; compare rates for the trade-fair dates.

    T-3

    Buy the reduced online ticket (EUR 12) if you plan to attend before Sunday evening; otherwise budget EUR 15 full or EUR 5 Happy ticket after 5 PM Sunday.

    T-4

    Plan your airport transfer: BLQ to Bologna Centrale by Marconi Express or taxi, then bus or train to BolognaFiere; check live fares.

    T-5

    Check the workshop and activity schedule if travelling with children, and note which halls host jewelry, home decor and textile exhibitors.

    T-6

    Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes; November in Bologna is cool and often wet.

    T-7

    Download tickets and a map of BolognaFiere; confirm the entrance gate for Handmade Stories and allow extra time for security.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    Day 1 · morning

    Registration and hall orientation at Bologna Exhibition Centre

    Day 2 · core sessions

    Supplier meetings and product demos

    Day 3 · wrap-up

    Final negotiations and follow-up

    Networking spots

    2

    HANDMADE STORIES 2026 registration concourse

    Bologna Exhibition Centre

    Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.

    Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)

    Bologna Exhibition Centre

    Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
    • Per diem × 2€150.00
    Estimated total€340.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · General admission

    EUR 15 / per person

    organiser_published

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Use this quick check to decide whether HANDMADE STORIES 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.

    Best for

    Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.

    Min. budget

    $400.00

    Timeline

    4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.

    Risks

    Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.

    exhibit

    You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.

    Best for

    Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.

    Min. budget

    $2,500.00

    Timeline

    3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.

    Risks

    Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.

    skip

    Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.

    Best for

    Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    When and where is Handmade Stories 2026?
    Handmade Stories is scheduled for November 2026 at BolognaFiere (Bologna Exhibition Centre), Bologna, Italy. Confirm the exact dates and opening hours on the organiser site before booking travel.
    How much are tickets for Handmade Stories?
    Current ticket information lists EUR 15 for full admission, EUR 12 for a reduced online ticket, and EUR 5 for a Happy ticket on Sunday after 5 PM. Check the organiser site for any changes or add-on workshop fees.
    Is Handmade Stories open to the public or trade-only?
    The fair is presented for craft enthusiasts and families as well as trade buyers. Check the organiser site for any trade-only hours or preview days before planning your visit.
    What products can I buy at Handmade Stories?
    Expect handmade jewelry, ceramics, home decor, textiles, clothing and accessories, craft supplies and DIY kits, original artwork, prints and seasonal gifts from independent artisans.
    How do I get to BolognaFiere from Bologna airport?
    Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is the closest airport. Use a taxi or the Marconi Express to Bologna Centrale, then a local bus or train to the BolognaFiere fairground. Confirm live routes and fares before travel.
    Is parking available at BolognaFiere?
    On-site parking is available at Bologna Exhibition Centre. Confirm daily rates, hall access and any exhibitor parking arrangements on the venue or organiser site.
    Can I exhibit at Handmade Stories?
    Exhibitor applications are handled by Multimedia Tre and BolognaFiere. Check the organiser site for handmade-product criteria, booth options and application deadlines.
    Are children welcome at Handmade Stories?
    The visitor profile includes families and creative activities or workshops, so children are likely welcome. Confirm child ticket policy and workshop age ranges with the organiser.

    Glossary

    1
    Artisan
    A maker who produces goods by hand or with traditional tools, often in small batches; at Handmade Stories, exhibitors sell directly to visitors and trade buyers.
    2
    Handmade
    Products substantially made by hand rather than mass-produced; this is the fair's core criterion for exhibitors.
    3
    DIY kit
    A packaged set of materials and instructions for making a craft item at home; sold by several exhibitors at the fair.
    4
    Upcycled
    Products made from reused or repurposed materials; a common sustainability angle among makers at Handmade Stories.
    5
    Slow craft
    A production approach prioritising small-batch, local materials and traditional techniques over fast turnover.
    6
    BolognaFiere
    Bologna's main exhibition centre and the venue for Handmade Stories; located in the Fiera district, connected by bus and rail to Bologna Centrale.
    7
    Happy ticket
    A discounted entry tier offered on Sunday after 5 PM at EUR 5, based on current ticket information from the event context.
    8
    Reduced ticket
    An online ticket priced at EUR 12, lower than the EUR 15 full admission listed for Handmade Stories.

    Also known as

    Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

    • HANDMADE STORIES 2026
    • HANDMADE STORIES 2026 Bologna
    • Handmade jewelry and accessories
    • Handmade jewelry and accessories Bologna
    • Artisanal home decor and furnishings
    • Artisanal home decor and furnishings Bologna
    • Unique clothing and textiles
    • Unique clothing and textiles Bologna

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