Good to know
- The St. James Court Art Show is held annually on the first weekend of October, Friday through Sunday.
- The show describes itself as a juried fine arts and contemporary crafts show with over 600 artists.
- 2026 marked the show’s 70th year.
Fall in Louisville has its own big weekend, and it has nothing to do with horses. On the first weekend of October, the St. James Court Art Show turns several blocks of Old Louisville into an open-air gallery, with artists’ booths lining streets of grand Victorian homes. Admission is free, and the show runs rain or shine.
The basics
The show describes itself as a juried fine arts and contemporary crafts show featuring over 600 artists from around the United States. It is held, in its words, among the country’s largest collection of Victorian homes in the heart of historic Old Louisville. The outdoor show covers four square blocks and takes place annually on the first weekend of October, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
| Detail | What the show says |
|---|---|
| When | First weekend of October, Friday through Sunday |
| Where | Historic Old Louisville, four square blocks |
| Artists | Over 600, juried, from around the U.S. |
| Admission | Free |
| Weather | Rain or shine |
| Pets | Not allowed |
A milestone year
The show marked its 70th year in 2026. Organizers said they planned special moments through the whole anniversary year, not only on the show weekend. The show also notes it was voted the top fine art and design show of the decade from 2010 to 2020 by Sunshine Artist magazine, and named third in the country in that magazine’s 2026 ranking.
How the show is laid out
The show calls itself six unique sections, one art show. The sections are named St. James Court, Belgravia Court, Fourth Street, 3rd Street, the 1300 Section and West End Baptist Church. Each section has its own booths, and together they cover the show’s four blocks. A good approach is to pick up a map at the start and walk the sections in order so you do not double back.
Planning a visit
- Arrive early on Friday if you want to see the most work with the smallest crowds, and early on Saturday or Sunday for the best light and space.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The show is entirely outdoors and spread over several blocks.
- Bring a tote or sturdy bag for purchases, and ask artists about shipping for large pieces.
- Leave pets at home; the show does not allow them.
- Plan for weather. October in Louisville averages a high of 70.5°F and a low of 50.1°F at the airport, according to NOAA normals, and the show goes on rain or shine. See Louisville Festival Weather by Month: What to Pack and When to Worry.
Tip: Take a photo of each artist’s booth card next to the work you like. With hundreds of booths, it is easy to lose track of the piece you want to come back for.
Buying art
A juried show means artists applied and were selected, which is part of the show’s appeal. Prices vary widely, from small prints and crafts to large original works. Many artists accept cards; it helps to ask about payment and delivery before you commit to a large piece. If you love something but are unsure, ask whether the artist has a website or studio you can contact after the show.
Getting there
Old Louisville is a residential neighborhood, and parking near the show fills quickly on show weekend. Walking, cycling or the bus can be easier than driving. TARC posts detours for routes affected by major events in its rider alerts. If you drive, plan to park farther out and walk in, the same advice police give for other big Louisville events.
The neighborhood
Old Louisville is worth exploring beyond the booths. The same neighborhood hosts the free Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park every summer, at the corner of Fourth Street and Magnolia Avenue; see Kentucky Shakespeare Festival: Free Summer Theater in Central Park. Walking the side streets lets you see the houses themselves, many of which are the backdrop that makes the show distinctive.
Supporting the artists
Even if you do not buy, the show is a chance to meet working artists from around the country and hear how they make their work. Many are happy to talk about materials and process when their booth is quiet. Picking up a card or following an artist online is a simple way to support them between shows.
Families
The show is outdoors and free, which makes it easy to visit with children for an hour or two. Strollers move slowly in crowds, so weekday mornings are easier. Agree on a meeting point, such as a corner or a fountain, in case anyone gets separated.
Fitting it into the fall calendar
The art show sits between WorldFest on Labor Day weekend and the pumpkin trails that light up October nights. A fall weekend in Louisville can combine the show by day with a lantern walk after dark; see Halloween in Louisville: Jack’s Lantern Trail and October Nights. For the full year at a glance, see Louisville Festival Calendar by Month: The Whole Year at a Glance.