Benefits of Volunteering!

It’s HeART Healthy!

Individuals and groups are welcome to volunteer at the St. James Court Art Show. Each year, the event relies on more than 500 dedicated volunteers to help manage on-site operations and ensure a seamless experience for artists and guests alike.

Whether you choose to sign up on your own or volunteer alongside friends, coworkers, or an organization, there’s a role for everyone. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, fulfill employer or community service commitments, and enjoy the show in a unique and rewarding way, all while being surrounded by incredible art and the artists who create it.

The success of the St. James Court Art Show is made possible by volunteers who are reliable, flexible, and enjoy working with people. A passion for art and a love for the Louisville community are always a plus. As a thank you, all volunteers receive an official Art Show T-shirt and free parking during their shift.

Volunteering offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Louisville’s most beloved traditions. It’s an opportunity to connect with others, support the arts, and take pride in helping bring this iconic event to life. Time and again, artists tell us they return to St. James Court because of the warm welcome they receive, and because our volunteers truly make the difference. That’s the heART of the show, and that’s how we define success!

Here’s how you can register! Join the fun in 2026!

If you are 18 or older and interested in volunteering at this year’s art show, fill out the volunteer sign up form below and be sure to indicate which areas you are most interested in working. This form is for first-timers and returning volunteers.

ST. JAMES COURT SECTION: https://www.stjamescourtartshow.com/volunteer-sign-up/
Volunteers work a variety of four-hour shifts from 10 am to 2 pm and/or 2 pm to 6 pm daily. 2 pm to 5
pm Sunday. FREE PARKING PASS. FREE VOLUNTEER T-SHIRT.

3rd STREET SECTION:
Volunteer for the 3rd Street Section!

We always have a great time and all the artists appreciate our help and assistance on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Free t-shirt for booth sitting and water delivery.

Phone: (502) 386-8093
Email: 3rdst@stjamescourtartshow.com

Thanks!

Volunteer Opportunities

The St. James Court Art Show is an outside rain-or-shine event the first weekend in October. The Art Show site is large and very busy, your ability to navigate the site and willingness to endure all types of weather and crowds are important requirements. The Art Show will conduct a background check for all volunteers.

St. James Court Art Show Dates:  October 2-4, 2026

Set Up Day: Thursday, October 1, (8 am–10 am)(10 am–noon)(noon-2 pm)(2 – 4 pm)(4-6 pm)
Friday, October 2, 10 am to 6pm (10 am to 2 pm)(2 pm to 6 pm)
Saturday, October 3, 10 am to 6pm (10 am to 2 pm)(2 pm to 6 pm)
Sunday, October 4, 10 am to 4 pm. (10 am to 2 pm)(2 pm to 5 pm)
Tear-Down: Sunday, Oct 4. Tear-Down begins at close of show 4 pm until 7 pm

All Art show volunteers are Artist’s Friends. Here’s what Artist Friends do:

Registration/ Artist Check-In/ Thursday Set-Up Day
Registration volunteers assist the Art Show’s Director of Artists Relations during check-in for artists, sponsors, and vendors. They assist in distributing Registration Packets which contain credentials and load-in information.

All-Purpose Volunteer Floater
These valuable volunteers are cross-trained to be ready to act as needed in any volunteer role.

Check-In Day: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Skills Needed: Ability to give directions, follow a map and traffic plan. Requiring strength and agility, these volunteers assist artists, sponsors, and vendors as requested in unloading equipment, hauling it to and from storage in vehicles, and help in assembling and disassembling canopies, tents, and merchandising display equipment. 2 Hour shifts; 8am to 10am, 10am to 12 noon, 12 noon to 2pm, 2pm to 4pm, 4pm to 6pm. Set Up is a scheduled and timed process. Volunteers help to enforce the schedule.

Booth Sitters/ Water & Snack Distribution/ During show hours
Booth sitters help artists by watching over their booths so that they can take needed breaks. Although booth sitters to not handle money or make sales, they are on-duty to provide needed safety oversight while in an artist’s booth, and interact with visitors.

Art Show Greeters/Welcome Tent/ During show hours
Volunteers are the first to meet and greet Arts Show guests, wearing a smiling face and a friendly attitude is highly desirable. All art show information and list of Exhibiting Artists can be found on the St. James Court Art Show website. Please familiarize yourself with the Art Show Site MAP to help patrons locate their favorite artists.

Tear-Down Sunday, October 4, 2026 4pm to 8pm.
Skills Needed: Ability to give directions, follow a map and traffic plan. The art show closes promptly at 4 pm on Sunday. There is a carefully orchestrated Tear-Down plan in place that must be followed in order to get all artists packed up, off the court and on their way home safely.

Tear-Down is a scheduled and timed process. Volunteers help to enforce the schedule.

THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING!

For more information about volunteering Contact Kristen at kristen@stjamescourtartshow.com

If you are looking to volunteer for a specific section of the show, please contact that show’s director. Contact information can be found here.