A Renaissance in Roanoke

A Renaissance in Roanoke is an outdoor juried art marketplace held annually on Main Street in downtown Roanoke, Indiana, specifically on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event showcases original art and handmade crafts by regional artists and crafters, offering visitors a rich and engaging arts experience combined with family-friendly activities.

The atmosphere of the event is vibrant and community-focused, emphasizing cultural enrichment and the promotion of fine arts in the greater Roanoke area. It is organized by the Roanoke Arts Council, whose mission is to nurture artistic excellence, encourage educational activities connected to the arts, and increase community awareness and appreciation for art.

The event includes the following main activities and features:

• Juried Art Show: Displays original artwork by selected regional artists across multiple mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles, and more.

• Handcrafted Marketplace: A juried marketplace where artisans sell original handmade crafts, including woodwork, pottery, jewelry, paper crafts, and needlework.

• Plein Air Paint Out Competition: Live painting competitions with artists working outdoors around town, including special categories for students (3rd to 5th grade) and an open competition.

• Children’s Activities: Fun, artistic activities for kids, encouraging hands-on participation in the arts.

• Art Demonstrations and Exhibits: Live demonstrations by artisans showing their creative processes, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship.

• Live Entertainment: Music and other performances contribute to the festive atmosphere throughout the day.

• Farmers’ Market and Food Vendors: A market featuring fresh produce and culinary delights, alongside local food vendors, adding to the event’s community ambiance.

• Student Exhibitions: Showcases from local student artists further promote youth participation in the arts.

The event draws thousands of visitors annually to downtown Roanoke, enriching the local economy by boosting foot traffic to shops, galleries, and restaurants nearby, creating an engaging cultural day out for visitors of all ages. Accessibility is maintained, including accommodations for handicapped attendees.

Regarding the schedule, the event runs primarily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Main Street, with various activities — like the Plein Air Paint Out and artist demonstrations — occurring throughout the day in designated outdoor spaces in or near the marketplace area.

Historically, the Roanoke Arts Council, established in 2008, founded this event to celebrate and foster arts appreciation locally. The Renaissance in Roanoke began as an art show and Plein Air competition and has expanded over more than a decade to include a juried craft marketplace, live entertainment, children’s programs, and farmer’s market components. It has become a key cultural fixture in Roanoke, supporting community beautification through funds raised each year.

Contact and further event information are provided via the Renaissance in Roanoke official website and their Facebook page, where details about participating artists, vendors, and updated schedules are shared annually. The event is free to attend and highly regarded as family-friendly and artistically rich.