Craft Fairs & Farmers Markets in Owensboro, Kentucky
Owensboro's summer runs on the riverfront, where Friday After 5 has filled Friday evenings since 1997, and ROMP brings bluegrass to Yellow Creek Park each June. Rounding out its 7 events: BBQ & Barrels downtown in May, the Kraftucky Arts & Crafts Expo in November, markets at Preservation Station, and a producer-only farmers market from April to November.
BBQ & Barrels (fmr Owensboro Intl Bar-B-Q Festival)
FestivalBBQ & Barrels is a downtown Owensboro street festival paired with a separate Artisan Craft Expo at the Convention Center. Food & beverage vendor spaces for the street festival are currently full. Arts & crafts vendors should apply for the Artisan Craft Expo booth.
Friday After 5
FestivalRunning since 1997, Friday After 5 marks its 30th anniversary in 2026 as an award-winning, summer-long free festival on the downtown Owensboro riverfront. The Kroger Street Fair opens at 5:00 p.m. each week and features food vendors, drink vendors, family-friendly activities, and community attractions. The Kroger Street Fair includes 21 food and alcohol vendors, seven craft-style vendors, and five nonprofit vendors. Expect 15,000 to 20,000 people each Friday with good weather. Friday After 5 was named one of the "Top Ten Summer Festivals" in Kentucky and won the prestigious Reader's Choice Platinum Award for "Best Community Event."
Kraftucky Arts & Crafts Expo (13th Annual)
CraftHeld in Owensboro each November, Kraftucky Arts & Crafts Expo is in its 13th year and draws 200+ vendors across woodcrafts, jewelry, quilts, pottery, candles, paintings, floral arrangements, embroidery, specialty foods, and holiday decorations. The event uses 44,000+ square feet of exhibit hall and lobby space on the first floor, plus an expanded third-floor ballroom — solid foot traffic and room to show inventory. Holiday shopping season timing means strong consumer attendance.
Owensboro Regional Farmers' Market
FarmersEstablished in 1983, Owensboro Regional Farmers' Market has been around for more than 40 years and hosts an average of 30+ vendors. The market operates as a producer-only market, requiring all goods sold to be grown or produced within a 50-mile radius of Owensboro. Craft vendors are limited to 30% of the total participants to prioritize fresh produce, meat, dairy, and baked goods. Once approved, vendors can choose how frequently they want to participate throughout the season.
Preservation Station Fall Market
AntiqueHeld in Owensboro at a 39,000 sq. ft. former schoolhouse, Preservation Station hosts Market Shows three times a year — March, September, and November — drawing 100+ vendors selling antiques, crafts, décor, fashion, and local treasures. The venue itself is part of the draw: 60+ permanent shops fill the historic building year-round, plus a Southern-style restaurant and event space in the original gymnasium. Vendors reach established shoppers who come specifically to hunt for one-of-a-kind finds.
Preservation Station Holiday Market
HolidayHeld in Owensboro in a 39,000 sq. ft. former schoolhouse, Preservation Station hosts Market Shows three times yearly — including a November edition — featuring 100+ vendors selling antiques, crafts, fashion, décor, and local goods. The venue itself is the draw: 60+ permanent shops share the historic building year-round, and Market Days pack the halls with transient vendors and steady foot traffic from repeat shoppers hunting for one-of-a-kind finds.
ROMP Festival (Bluegrass)
FestivalHeld in Owensboro, ROMP Festival is a premier annual bluegrass celebration produced by the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. The festival draws fans from across the world to hear legendary and emerging artists blending traditional and contemporary bluegrass. Beyond performances and jam sessions, expect craft markets, food vendors, workshops, and family-friendly activities — it's positioned as a community experience that honors bluegrass history while showcasing its future.
