It's back! Get a sneak peek at what to expect during NuLu Fest 2022
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NuLu Fest is bringing fun and culture back to the East Market District this weekend.
The family friendly festival celebrating the revitalization of the market district, kicks off Saturday at 800 E. Market St. from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission for the event is free.
Activities for people of all ages, include belly-dancing, live painting and pottery making, will be part of the festivities, and offerings from a dozen local breweries and at least 30 food vendors will be on deck to enjoy.
Live music will also fill the streets during the 2022 festival, including performances from The School of Rock, Johnny Berry & The Outliers and many more.
Organizers say more than 100 vendors will be on hand at this year's event, selling everything from souvenirs to works of art.
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"I'm gonna bring some culture and some colors and some Caribbean African flavor to it, with the products that I make," said Grace Jackson, owner of Nubian Grace, an online business specializing in printed head wraps and ethnic jewelry. "I'm just gonna just add to all the colorful, beautiful things happenings in Louisville."
A festival veteran, Jackson participated in World Fest and the Kentucky State Fair. She's an avid fan of using fabric and for the past eight years, has enjoyed making things like charms and bracelets from scratch.
"I like to just use the vibrancy of the fabric, the intricate designs of it," Jackson said. "I just absolutely love the texture."
Widely recognized for its art galleries, antique shops, upscale restaurants and specialty stores like Red Tree Furniture, NuLu has emerged as a top tier tourist attraction. NuLu Fest is regarded as one of the biggest community events in Louisville, promoting diversity and inclusion.
"I think it's going to be bigger and better and we have vendors that have actually peaked," said Garwood Linton, owner of Red Tree Furniture and events chairperson of the NuLu Business Association. "There's really no more room for vendors, it's grown that much. Everybody in the neighborhood gets involved in one way or another."
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Linton said plenty of merchandise from his store, which specializes in furniture and gifts that "appeal to the five senses," will be available, but all the vendors have plenty of unique offerings to pursue ahead of the holiday shopping season.
"Everyone is stocked up just like it's Christmas," Linton said. "We get a lot of businesses because of the NuLu fest. There are streams of people that come through and Red Tree has something for everybody."
Linton said while the festival is primarily aimed toward people from the metro area, organizers hope to draw attention from people visiting the area's distilleries.
It is a neighborhood community event, but of course tourists are "always welcome," he said.
The performers echo the same excitement.
Erica LaViolette, who hosts interactive belly dancing performances, said she's elated to be performing at the festival.
"I love local festivals around town. I'm really looking forward to it," she said. "I'm excited to see the people and see what (other) art stuff will be made available, as well as the seeing other performers and supporting the local businesses."
LaViolette said her performances this year will also be something children can participate in, and encouraged people to take part, adding that the atmosphere is all about having fun.
Linton said the vibe at NuLu Fest is "different," describing it as "exciting."
"I think the energy in NuLu is very vibrant," he said. "It's a day of moving fast ... It's just amazing."
HOW TO GO
WHAT: NuLu Fest 2022
WHERE: 800 E. Market Street
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pets will not be allowed on the premises, unless it's a service animal. For more information, visit https://www.gotolouisville.com/events-calendar/nulu-festival1/
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Nulu Fest 2022 to offer 100+ vendors, food and fun this weekend
