Best Craft Fairs in Kentucky 2026: Top Shows for Vendors & Shoppers

Kentucky might be best known for bourbon, horse racing, and bluegrass music, but the Bluegrass State also has a thriving craft fair scene that keeps growing year after year. From the historic neighborhoods of Louisville to the rolling hills of the Bluegrass Region and the Appalachian culture of eastern Kentucky, vendors here find enthusiastic shoppers who genuinely value handmade goods.

Whether you make candles, pottery, jewelry, soaps, or woodwork, Kentucky offers a solid mix of juried art fairs, seasonal markets, and community festivals throughout 2026. We pulled together the top shows worth putting on your calendar this year.

Why Vendor at Kentucky Craft Fairs?

Kentucky has deep roots in craft traditions. The state literally has a program called Kentucky Crafted, run by the Kentucky Arts Council, that promotes handmade goods statewide. That cultural appreciation translates to shoppers who understand the value of artisan work and are willing to pay fair prices for it.

The cost of doing business is also reasonable. Booth fees tend to run lower than you will find in coastal states, and cities like Louisville, Lexington, and Paducah all draw strong foot traffic. Plus, Kentucky sits at the crossroads of the Midwest and South, making it accessible if you are driving from neighboring states.

Spring Craft Fairs (March - May)

Spring is prime season in Kentucky. The weather breaks in March, festivals start popping up across the state, and shoppers come out hungry for something new after a long winter. Here are the spring shows to target:

The Kentucky Crafted Market is worth special attention if you are a Kentucky-based maker. Getting accepted into the Kentucky Crafted Program opens doors to this event plus year-round promotional support from the Kentucky Arts Council. It is a serious credential for your business.

Spring Vendor Tips for Kentucky

Kentucky springs can be unpredictable. One weekend it is 75 and sunny, the next you are dealing with 50 degrees and rain. Always bring a canopy, weights, and plastic covers for your products even if the forecast looks clear. Weather in the Bluegrass changes fast.

If you sell candles, soaps, or anything scented, Kentucky shoppers tend to gravitate toward bourbon-inspired scents and florals. Think about your product lineup and whether a Kentucky-themed option might sell well at these events. Tools like Soaply can help soap makers dial in new recipes quickly.

Hillbilly Days is a unique one. If you have never been to Pikeville, it is deep in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, but do not let the remote location fool you. The crowd is massive and enthusiastic, and the festival has a loyal following. Vendors who do well here tend to come back year after year.

The Cherokee Triangle Art Fair is Louisville's signature art event. If you are a serious artist or high-end craft vendor, this should be at the top of your list. The neighborhood setting is gorgeous, the crowd skews toward buyers who appreciate quality, and 54 years of history means built-in foot traffic.

Summer & Fall Events

Kentucky summers get hot and humid, which slows things down a bit in July and August. But a few events still pull solid crowds, and fall brings another wave of festivals as the weather cools off and shoppers start thinking about holiday gifts.

Keep an eye on TheCraftMap's Kentucky page as more summer and fall events get added throughout the year. Many Kentucky festivals do not announce their 2026 dates until spring, so this list will keep growing.

Holiday Markets

Holiday markets are where many craft vendors make the bulk of their annual revenue. Kentucky has strong holiday shopping culture, and Louisville in particular hosts several markets from November through mid-December.

Kentucky Vendor Tips

Lean into local flavor. Kentucky shoppers love products that connect to the state. Bourbon-themed anything sells well. Think bourbon barrel candles, bourbon-infused soaps, or packaging that nods to Bluegrass culture. You do not need to be gimmicky about it, but a local angle helps.

Watch Derby season. The Kentucky Derby happens the first Saturday in May, and the weeks leading up to it see a surge in shopping events across Louisville. If you sell hats, jewelry, or anything gift-worthy, the Derby window (mid-April through early May) is prime time.

Louisville dominates, but do not skip small towns. Cities like Bardstown, Shelbyville, and Paducah have loyal local shopping scenes with less competition. Booth fees tend to be lower, and you often get more personal attention from organizers.

Get into the Kentucky Crafted Program. If you are a Kentucky resident, seriously consider applying to the Kentucky Crafted Program. It opens doors to the Kentucky Crafted Market and gives your brand a stamp of quality that resonates with Kentucky shoppers.

Plan for Paducah. Paducah is a UNESCO Creative City, and the quilting community there is world-class. If your craft intersects with textiles, fiber arts, or anything sewing-adjacent, make AQS QuiltWeek a priority. The audience is passionate and ready to spend.

Find More Kentucky Craft Fairs

This guide covers the highlights, but Kentucky has dozens more craft fairs, farmers markets, and artisan events throughout the year. Browse the full list on TheCraftMap's Kentucky craft fair directory, where you can filter by date, city, and event type to find the perfect shows for your business.

We update our database regularly as organizers announce new events, so check back often. You can also search all states to plan a multi-state vendor circuit that includes Kentucky stops along the way.