St. James Court Art Show Marks 70 Years in Historic Old Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — October 4, 2026 | Imperial News Network

One of Louisville's best-known cultural traditions is celebrating a major milestone this weekend as the St. James Court Art Show marks its 70th year in the heart of historic Old Louisville.

The annual juried art show has brought more than 600 artists from around the United States to Louisville, filling the streets surrounding St. James Court with fine art, contemporary crafts and thousands of visitors.

The 2026 show began Friday and concludes Sunday, October 4. The final day runs from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and remains free and open to the public.

The setting is itself an important part of the event. St. James Court sits among the historic homes and tree-lined streets of Old Louisville, giving the show a distinctive backdrop that has become closely associated with the festival during its seven decades.

The weekend also highlights Louisville's broader arts community.

Nearby, the Louisville Unfair returned for its 28th year, bringing together local artists, musicians, vendors and performers at the Magnolia Bar. Together, the two events have turned part of Old Louisville into a major arts district for the weekend.

The St. James Court Art Show has grown from a neighborhood event into a nationally recognized Louisville tradition while continuing to draw attention to the architecture and cultural character of Old Louisville.

For residents and visitors alike, the show's 70th anniversary represents more than an arts festival. It marks seven decades of Louisville artists, neighborhoods and community organizations coming together around one of the city's most recognizable annual events.

Imperial News Network (INN)Louisville | Arts & Culture