— Best Art Festival
- And the winner is...
- St. James Court Art Show
The Basics
Founded: 1957
Neighborhood: Old Louisville
Self-description: “A juried fine arts and contemporary crafts show featuring more than 600 artists from around the U.S., held among the country’s largest collection of Victorian homes.”
Website: stjamescourtartshow.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 10
Total wins: 5
First nomination: 1986, the inaugural Best of Louisville, Best Local Festival
First win: 1987, Best Neighborhood FestivalThe Voting Academy Says
“My absolute favorite thing to do in the fall.”
- And the other nominees are...
- Artists and Afros
The Basics
Founded: 2024
Neighborhood: Russell
Self-description: “A spectacular showcase of African American art, culture and heritage.”
Website: Artists and AfrosBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
A Nice Internet Review!
“Paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works that highlight Black culture and creativity.”
- Big Four Arts Festival
The Basics
Founded: 2016
Neighborhood: Waterfront Park
Self-description: “Under the Big Four Bridge enjoy art from renowned local, national and international artists.”
Website: bigfourbridgeartsfestival.comBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“Just a perfect location.”
- Butchertown Art Fair
The Basics
Founded: 1968
Neighborhood: Butchertown
Self-description: “The Butchertown Neighborhood Association’s primary fundraiser, supporting neighborhood projects and nonprofits.”
Website: Butchertown Art FairBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
A Nice Internet Review!
“Feels like more Kentucky/local artists than I’ve seen at some of the bigger fairs.”
- Cherokee Triangle Art Fair
The Basics
Founded: 1972 (as a neighborhood plant exchange)
Neighborhood: Cherokee Triangle
Self-description: “Rite of spring in one of Louisville’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods.”
Website: Cherokee Triangle Art FairBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 5
First nomination: 1987, Best Neighborhood FestivalThe Voting Academy Says
“Our house is right in the middle of the action. We have an open house on Saturday that lasts all day, and all of our best friends show up. We make some delicious and deadly bourbon sours, cook an insane amount of food and usually buy a little art too. My favorite time may actually be the Friday night before, when everything is being set up and the anticipation of the next day’s party is humming. They always have cheap beers and brats for the neighborhood people the night before.”
- Louisville UnFair
The Basics
Founded: 1997
Neighborhood: Old Louisville
Self-description: “Local art. Booze and music. Not St. James.”
Website: louisvilleunfair.orgBest of Louisville Stats
Total nominations: 1
The Voting Academy Says
“Every year while St. James is happening, another art show is taking place right around the corner in the backyard of the Mag Bar, hosting unconventional artists from the Louisville area.”