Kentucky Basket Association Convention 2026 – 30th Anniversary

Join basketmakers from across the region to “Weave Away with KBA” at the Kentucky Basket Association Convention 2026, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of this beloved gathering.

The convention returns to The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, Kentucky, the long-time home for KBA’s annual event.

The Kentucky Basket Association brings together weavers of all ages and backgrounds to:

• Perpetuate the art of basketry

• Educate and inspire members

• Honor Kentucky’s rich basket-making heritage

• Promote excellence in design and materials

Whether you’re a brand-new weaver or a seasoned teacher, this milestone convention is a chance to learn, share, and celebrate 30 years of baskets, friendships, and Kentucky craft.

Dates & Location

• Dates: October 1–3, 2026 (Thursday–Saturday)

• Venue: The Center for Rural Development

• Address: 2292 S US-27, Somerset, KY 42501 (event venue for recent KBA conventions)

• City: Somerset, Kentucky – gateway to Lake Cumberland and a growing downtown arts and entertainment district

What to Expect

Use this in your “About the Convention” section:

At the 2026 KBA Convention, attendees can look forward to:

• Multiple days of basketry classes with a variety of teachers, projects, and skill levels (beginner to advanced), following the format of recent KBA conventions.

• A friendly, supportive atmosphere where members reconnect with long-time friends and welcome new weavers.

• Opportunities to explore new techniques, refine fundamentals, and create finished baskets to take home.

• Time to visit vendors offering kits, patterns, materials, tools, and more (based on prior years’ conventions).

Note for your site:
Specific 2026 teachers, class list, and detailed schedule will be available in the official KBA 2026 convention booklet; link it here as soon as it’s published on the KBA website.

Sample Daily Rhythm

You can use this as “typical schedule” copy, with a note that final times will be confirmed in the brochure. It’s modeled on previous conventions at The Center for Rural Development.

Thursday, October 1

• Morning – Registration opens, vendor & teacher setup

• Midday–Evening – Opening announcements and first block of classes; silent auction begins

Friday, October 2

• Full day of classes (morning and afternoon blocks)

• Vendor shopping and social time between sessions

• Ongoing raffles/auction activities

Saturday, October 3

• Morning & early afternoon classes

• Final raffle/silent auction closing

• Convention wrap-up and farewells

About the Kentucky Basket Association

The Kentucky Basket Association (KBA) is a statewide organization of basket weavers and supporters whose purpose is to:

1. Perpetuate the art of basketry

2. Educate members and promote interest in the craft

3. Emphasize the historic value and heritage of basketry in Kentucky

4. Promote excellence in basket materials and design.

The annual convention in Somerset is a centerpiece of that mission, bringing together teachers, students, and vendors from across the Commonwealth and beyond.

About Somerset, Kentucky

Somerset sits in southern Kentucky, serving as a hub for:

• Lake Cumberland recreation – boating, fishing, and lakeside getaways

• A revitalized downtown arts and entertainment district, with events, public art, and live music.

It’s a convenient drive for much of the region, making it an ideal host city for a statewide basketry convention.

You can add links or a small “While You’re Here” section pointing visitors to the Somerset tourism site for lodging, restaurants, and things to do.

Quick Facts

Event: Kentucky Basket Association Convention 2026 – 30th Anniversary
Theme: “Weave Away with KBA”
When: October 1–3, 2026
Where: The Center for Rural Development, Somerset, Kentucky
Host: Kentucky Basket Association (statewide basketry organization)
Focus: Multi-day basket weaving convention with classes, vendors & community

• Kentucky Basket Association Convention 2026

• KBA 30th Anniversary basket convention

• Weave Away with KBA 2026

• Basket weaving convention Somerset Kentucky

• Center for Rural Development basketry event

Kentucky Basket Association annual basketry convention October 1–3, 2026

• Basket weaving classes and workshops in Somerset KY

• Lake Cumberland area basketry event

• Kentucky basket weaving guild convention 2026

• Basketry Events

• 2026 Basket Weaving Conventions

• Kentucky Basketry

• Fiber Arts Conferences

• Weaving Workshops