CrockFest 2026

Digging the History: Your Ultimate Guide to a charming experience

If you love the thrill of the antique hunt, the charm of historic river towns, or the smooth glaze of vintage stoneware, pack your bags. The Red Wing Collectors Society (RWCS) is hosting its annual CrockFest from July 9th to July 11th, 2026, right in the heart of Red Wing, Minnesota.

For over 45 years, collectors have migrated to this beautiful corner of the Mississippi River valley to buy, sell, and talk pottery. Whether you are a seasoned collector with a basement full of “wing” crocks or a curious traveler looking for a unique summer road trip, CrockFest 2026 has a massive lineup in store.

What makes Red Wing Stoneware special?

Long before modern plastic Tupperware and refrigeration, households relied on durable stoneware crocks to preserve everything from salted meats to sauerkraut. Red Wing, Minnesota became the epicenter of this industry thanks to massive local clay deposits and easy river transportation. Pieces marked with the iconic stamped red wing or target design are highly prized pieces of Americana, reflecting the craftsmanship of early Midwestern industry.

The 2026 Event Highlights

The RWCS has shaken up the traditional schedule this year, moving key events to new days to pack more action into the weekend.

1. The Show and Sale (Thursday, July 9th)

Kick off the official weekend on Thursday afternoon at the River Bluff Education Center. (River Bluff Education Center 395 Guernsey Lane, Red Wing, MN)

Over 40 elite antique dealers will set up shop. Strict club rules ensure the quality stays top-tier: at least 60% of items for sale must be American-made antique pottery or items directly related to the history of Red Wing. It is the perfect place to safely find authenticated, damage-labeled pieces without worrying about modern fakes.

2. Keynote & Education (Friday, July 10th)

CrockFest isn’t just a market; it’s a massive learning experience. The 2026 Keynote speaker is renowned industrial design and American pottery expert Scott Vermillion, co-author of Eva Zeisel: Design, Life and Beauty. Friday will feature workshops covering everything from structural stoneware to mid-century dinnerware and art pottery glazes.

3. The Grand CrockFest Auction (Saturday, July 11th)

In a major shift from previous years, the massive annual auction is moving from Thursday afternoon to Saturday morning at 10:00 AM (with an 8:00 AM preview). Expect over 200 high-quality, rare pieces of stoneware and art pottery to hit the block. If you can’t make it to Red Wing in person, online bidding is available so you can compete from your living room.

Bringing the Kids? Check out “Kids View”

CrockFest is explicitly designed to be a family vacation, and registration for everyone 18 and under is completely free.

The “Kids View” program (ages 3–16) features guest speakers Austin Fjerestad and Dennis Nygaard, who will share their real-life adventures digging for lost pottery artifacts in old Red Wing disposal sites. The kids will even get to experience a supervised, hands-on “dump dig” right inside the classroom to find their own buried Red Wing treasure fragments.

Making a Week of It

While the official convention runs July 9–11, seasoned veterans know the fun starts days early. Collectors fill the town all week long, setting up informal street sales, operating independent auctions, and scouting local antique shops.  Schedule time to visit the Pottery Place Antiques and Larry’s Jugs in the West End District. 

When you aren’t browsing pottery, take some time to enjoy Red Wing itself:

• Hike up He Mni Can / Barn Bluff for sweeping views of the Mississippi River. -And take time to stroll around the back side of the bluff to check out the historic site of the G.A. Carlson Lime Kiln

• Stroll through the local history museums and art galleries downtown.

• Bike along paved paths & trails. Bike rentals available at the St James Hotel.