Louisville has all kinds of festivals, from unusual fall festivals to bourbon + craft beer festivals to the top-rated music festival in the country.
But some of the most beloved are the art festivals. These craft fairs give artists from Derby City and beyond a chance to show off their creations. Whether you’re in the market for some new decor, shopping for gifts, or just like to peruse fine craftsmanship, you’ll enjoy visiting one (or all) of these art fairs.
Cherokee Triangle Art Fair
2025 dates: Saturday, April 26 + Sunday, April 27
No. of artists: ~230
Location: Cherokee Parkway between Willow Avenue and Cherokee Road.
This annual fair has been running since 1972. It’s a fundraiser for the Cherokee Triangle Association, with proceeds going to the Highlands/Shelby Park library, concerts in Willow Park + other causes. In addition to art, you’ll be able to enjoy live music at the Willow Park gazebo from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Bonus: The Cherokee Triangle Art Fair relies on volunteers for traffic, plant sales, concessions, and cleanup. Sign up to help make the community event happen.
Big Four Arts Festival
2025 dates: Saturday, Sept. 6 + Sunday, Sept. 7
No. of artists: 150+
Location: Waterfront Park Big Four Bridge
Held the weekend after Labor Day, this riverfront arts fair has artist vendors, food, plus live demonstrations and music. Entrance to the festival is $5, with proceeds benefiting Bridgehaven Mental Health Services.
Bonus: Volunteers for the Big Four Arts Festival get special rates on accommodations, plus free access to the festival.
St. James Court Art Show
2025 dates: Friday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 5
No. of artists: 600+
Location: St. James Court, Belgravia Court, 1300 section of 3rd and 4th streets
Old Louisville’s annual juried fine arts and contemporary craft show draws artists from around the nation. It is routinely ranked among the top art fairs in the country, including being the no. 3 Best Fine Art and Design Show by Sunshine Artist magazine last year.
If you’re planning to attend this year, expect crowds. The St. James Court Art Show draws an average of 250,000 people each year. It relies on volunteers for jobs like setup, artist registration, and cleanup. All volunteers get free parking and a t-shirt.
Louisville UnFair
2025 dates: Friday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 5
No. of artists: 21
Location: Magnolia Bar
Founded in 1997 as a subversive alternative to the St. James Court Art Show, The UnFair is dedicated to uplifting and igniting local artists.
You’ll find spray-painted landscapes, homemade mixed media art, independent comic books, and more. All proceeds go right to the artists, with merch sales and donations funding the festival and its charitable mission.
