Kentucky's Spectacular Craft Fairs
Kentucky kicks off each year an extensive lineup of spectacular craft fairs, many of which are long-standing local traditions and award-winning events. You’ll find many seasonal fairs with scenic settings and hundreds of the region’s most talented artists and craftspeople along with food vendors, live entertainment, and children’s activities. The best craft fairs in Kentucky bring together communities in the spirit of creativity while providing memorable shopping experiences.
Big Four Arts Festival, Louisville, KY
Featuring an exceptional array of juried local and national artists, the Big Four Arts Festival is a two-day event featuring artisan vendors and drawing in approximately 25,000 visitors each September. Held at the Waterfront Park, this incredible festival spans four acres and provides entertainment, international cuisine, children’s activities, and so much more.
Grand Rivers Arts & Crafts Festivals, Grand Rivers, KY
Known as the best craft fair in the region, Grand Rivers Arts & Crafts Festival features over 120 craft and food vendors for a fantastic shopping experience. This three-day juried event is held on Labor Day Weekend at Little Lake Park. It offers only high-quality, original handmade items plus a variety of specialty foods, including pizza, barbeque, and carnival-style fare. There’s also daily live entertainment at this long-standing festival.
St. James Court Art Show, Louisville, KY
Located in historic Old Louisville, the St. James Court Art Show has been featuring artists from around the country for over six decades! This acclaimed annual event showcases over 600 artists and the nation’s largest collection of Victorian-era homes spanning four square blocks. Visitors flock to this charming outdoor art show, which typically takes place the first weekend of October.
Midway Fall Festival, Midway, KY
One of the top craft fairs in Central Kentucky, the Midway Fall Festival is a two-day outdoor event held each September in downtown Midway. This charming festival features a large lineup of talented arts and crafts vendors, artisan demonstrations, live music, delicious food options, and children’s activities. It’s the perfect family-friendly fall destination.
Cherokee Triangle Art Fair, Louisville, KY
The Cherokee Triangle Art Fair has been featuring fabulous artists and vendors for over 50 years in Louisville’s historic Cherokee Triangle neighborhood! This two-day spring event is held each April and showcases over 200 artist booths selling a diverse selection of arts and crafts. Visitors can also enjoy entertainment, hands-on activities, a children’s parade, food, drinks, and other festivities at this free event.
Lower Town Arts & Music Festival, Paducah, KY
The Lower Town Arts & Music Festival offers a weekend of creativity, showcasing talented artists from the local area and surrounding region. This beloved festival takes place every May in the historic Lower Town Arts District and features an assortment of vendors, food and beverages, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Woodland Art Fair, Lexington, KY
Over 70,000 visitors attend the Woodland Art Fair annually, making this two-day event one of Central Kentucky’s largest and most popular arts and crafts fairs for over 40 years! This long-standing event is held every August in Woodland Park and features over 180 artists and craftspeople offering handcrafted goods in all mediums. Food trucks and live entertainment are also available at this scenic fair.
Mayfest Arts Fair, Louisville, KY
Mayfest Arts Fair is a popular two-day event featuring approximately 100 artisan vendors in Gratz Park each May. Around 15,000 attendees come to explore one-of-a-kind arts and crafts at the dozens of vendor booths while enjoying food concessions, dancers, musicians, strolling performers, and other family-friendly activities.
Spring Fling Art and Craft Show, Falls of Rough, KY
The annual Spring Fling Art and Craft Show is held in May at the Rough River Dam State Resort Park. Discover hundreds of interesting items in the vendor’s lane on the front lawn, where artisans proudly display an assortment of unique fine arts and crafts. There’s also a variety of Kentucky-crafted products and foods for sale in the gift shop.
Handcrafted and Homespun Market, Carrollton, KY
Held in conjunction with the Bands & BBQ event, Handcrafted and Homespun Market takes place in September at Carrollton’s Point Park. Attendees gather at this outdoor fall fair to shop for quality, handmade items created by a variety of local craft vendors. It’s the perfect opportunity to get into the fall spirit and shop fall decor.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Kentucky hosts a variety of craft fairs each year, many of which are long-standing traditions and award-winning events.
- These fairs feature talented artists and craftspeople, food vendors, live entertainment, and children's activities.
- The Big Four Arts Festival in Louisville draws in approximately 25,000 visitors each September with artisan vendors and entertainment.
- The Grand Rivers Arts & Crafts Festival on Labor Day Weekend offers high-quality handmade items and specialty foods.
- The St. James Court Art Show in historic Old Louisville showcases over 600 artists and Victorian-era homes each October.
- The Midway Fall Festival in downtown Midway features arts and crafts vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities in September.
- The Cherokee Triangle Art Fair in Louisville's historic neighborhood offers over 200 artist booths, entertainment, and activities each April.
- The Lower Town Arts & Music Festival in Paducah highlights local artists, food, music, and family-friendly activities in May.
- The Woodland Art Fair in Lexington features over 180 artists and craftspeople, food trucks, and live entertainment in August.
- The Mayfest Arts Fair in Gratz Park in Louisville showcases artisan vendors, food concessions, and family-friendly activities each May.
- The Spring Fling Art and Craft Show at Rough River Dam State Resort Park in May offers unique fine arts and crafts, Kentucky-crafted products, and foods.
- The Handcrafted and Homespun Market in Carrollton's Point Park in September features local craft vendors and handmade items for fall shopping.