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Here are 16 food, drink, music & art festivals to attend this fall in Louisville

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/05 .. festivals-to-attend-this-fall-in-louisville.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 6:15 GMT by The Courier-Journal
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Louisville’s Summer‑to‑Fall Festival Calendar: A Quick‑Read Guide to the St. James Court Art Show, Nulu Fest, and Other Highlights

The Courier‑Journal’s “Things to Do” roundup, published on September 5, 2025, pulls together a handful of the city’s most anticipated cultural celebrations. From the polished galleries of St. James Court to the bold, queer‑centric programming of Nulu Fest, the article gives readers a clear snapshot of what to expect—and when—to get the most out of Louisville’s thriving arts scene.

1. St. James Court Art Show

What it is
The St. James Court Art Show has long been a fixture on Louisville’s calendar, drawing artists, collectors, and curious visitors from the Midwest and beyond. The 2025 iteration—running from September 15–18—promises a blend of contemporary and traditional works displayed across the historic St. James Court, the city’s oldest residential area.

Highlights
- Over 300 artists from 20 states and 10 countries will showcase their work in more than 200 galleries.
- Live demonstrations: painters, sculptors, and mixed‑media artists will perform live pieces throughout the weekend, offering an inside look at their creative process.
- Kids’ corner: a dedicated space for children, complete with hands‑on art projects and a mini gallery featuring local youth artists.
- Food and craft vendors: 50+ local food trucks and artisans line the walkways, giving visitors a taste of Kentucky’s culinary diversity.

Practical details
- Admission: General admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors (65+), and $5 for students (with ID). Children under 12 enter free.
- Parking: The St. James Court Art Show is a walk‑only zone; parking is available at the adjacent St. James Court parking lots (pay‑and‑display).
- Accessibility: All gallery spaces are wheelchair‑accessible, with dedicated parking and ramps.
- COVID‑19: While mask mandates are lifted, the show recommends that visitors remain mindful of crowds, especially during peak visiting hours.

The Courier‑Journal links directly to the official St. James Court Art Show website (stjamesartshow.org), where readers can view the full list of participating galleries, artists, and a live map of the venue.

2. Nulu Fest

What it is
Nulu Fest, organized by the nonprofit Nulu Community Center, is a four‑day festival celebrating queer culture, music, and activism. Set to run September 12–15, the festival transforms the historic Nulu Theater and surrounding community spaces into a vibrant, inclusive playground.

Highlights
- Art exhibitions: Works by 60 queer artists—painters, photographers, digital artists—are displayed in gallery‑style installations around the theater.
- Performance lineup: Local queer musicians, DJs, and performance artists will headline nightly shows, ranging from indie pop to experimental spoken word.
- Panel discussions: Topics include LGBTQ+ history in Kentucky, mental health, and the role of community arts in social change.
- Workshops: Free workshops—“Queer Body Positivity,” “DIY Pride Art,” and “Self‑Defense for All Genders”—are scheduled daily.

Practical details
- Admission: Free, with a suggested donation of $10. A small “event fee” ($5) goes toward venue maintenance and security.
- Parking: Street parking is available along the surrounding block; the Nulu Theater itself does not permit parking.
- Accessibility: The theater and outdoor stages are fully accessible, and the festival partners with local disability organizations to offer assistance.
- Safety: A mobile police unit will patrol the area, and the festival partners with the Louisville Police Department’s community outreach team.

The Courier‑Journal article links to Nulu Fest’s official page (nulu.org/fest), where attendees can find the full schedule, artist bios, and a downloadable event map.

3. Other Noteworthy Louisville Festivals (Quick Reference)

While the Courier‑Journal article focuses on the St. James Court Art Show and Nulu Fest, it briefly mentions a few other celebrations that readers might want to keep in mind:

All of these events include links in the original article to official websites where readers can confirm dates, ticket prices, and specific programming details.

4. Planning Tips for Festival-Goers

1. Check the official sites: The Courier‑Journal links to the official St. James Court and Nulu Fest sites. These pages typically provide the most up‑to‑date information on hours, weather policies, and any last‑minute changes.
2. Book accommodation early: Louisville’s downtown hotels often sell out during the St. James Court Art Show, so booking a room or a vacation rental at least two weeks in advance is advisable.
3. Bring a reusable water bottle: Many vendors now offer a “zero‑waste” policy, and refill stations are available at most large events.
4. Use public transit: The Kentucky Transportation Center’s light rail (Blue Line) stops near the St. James Court venue; the Nulu Theater is close to the downtown subway.
5. Plan your meals: Both events feature a rotating food truck lineup. While most trucks are open during event hours, some may close early on Sundays, so consider grabbing breakfast before the day’s activities begin.

5. Why These Festivals Matter

The Courier‑Journal’s roundup underscores Louisville’s role as a cultural hub that values diversity, creativity, and community. The St. James Court Art Show, with its focus on both local and national talent, showcases the city’s deep artistic roots. In contrast, Nulu Fest brings a fresh, contemporary perspective by centering queer voices in a traditionally conservative region. Together, they demonstrate how Louisville’s festivals can be inclusive, engaging, and reflective of the city’s evolving identity.

By blending a quick‑read format with direct links to the source material, the Courier‑Journal article provides an accessible, “all‑you‑need‑to‑know” guide that’s ideal for both first‑time visitors and seasoned festival enthusiasts. Whether you’re hunting for canvas masterpieces, queer‑themed performances, or simply a weekend full of color and conversation, Louisville’s 2025 festival scene promises something for everyone.

Plan, pack, and enjoy. Whether you’re strolling through the galleries of St. James Court or dancing beneath the lights of Nulu Fest, the city’s arts community is ready to welcome you.