14 Things To Do in Louisville this August
Craft beer, fantastic food, international athletes, and even Zombies will all invade Louisville this August.
The Wizard of Oz at Derby Dinner Playhouse | through August 21
Known for its professional productions of Broadway musicals and lighthearted comedies, Derby Dinner Playhouse is one of the oldest and largest continually operating professional dinner theatres in the country. Before experiencing the magic of one of the grandest and most beloved musicals, indulge in a freshly-prepared, home-style buffet featuring a full salad bar, a variety of vegetables, fish, fried chicken, and turkey right at your theater seat.
Beyond Van Gogh | through September 3
Celebrating world-renowned impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh, this immersive experience has taken over downtown Louisville's Kentucky International Convention Center this summer, occupying over 30,000 square feet of space. With 300+ still and moving masterpieces, Van Gogh's art will come alive while projected across the center, appearing and disappearing as the art flows in and out of frames.
Michelle Wolf at Louisville Comedy Club | August 4-6
New to Whiskey Row, the Louisville Comedy Club is a perfect addition to Main Street's line-up of distilleries, museums, and entertainment venues. Comedian Michelle Wolf will take the stage this August with three nights of shows. You may recognize Wolf from her Netflix comedy special Michelle Wolf: Joke Show, her HBO standup special Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady, or her buzzed-about delivery at the 2018 White House Correspondents dinner. All shows are 21+.
53rd Annual Street Rod Nationals | August 4-7
The 53rd annual Street Rod Nationals will roll into the Kentucky Exposition Center the first whole week in August. Over 10,000 vehicles from the '50s, 60's, '70s, and '80s will be on display, ranging from classic street rods to custom builds, muscle cars, and other special interest vehicles. Commercial exhibitors, a builders showcase, a vintage auto parts swap, and an arts and crafts fair are highlights of the event, along with the thousands of vehicles on display. Military personnel with proper ID and those 60 years of age and older can find discounted tickets at local O'Reilly Auto Parts stores.
EGGFest 2022 | August 5 & 6
One of the city's most savory celebrations returns for its 13th year this August 5 & 6. The Big Green EGGFest spans two days which include a Chopped-style competition, Best Beef or Pork Contest, Big Green Egg Classes, and of course, tons of incredible food to sample, cooked to perfection by competing local chefs. Tickets to each day are sold separately, so be sure to check the website for which day's lineup interests you most. EGGFest is an annual fundraiser with proceeds going to local food-related charities.
Summer Beer Fest at Frazier | August 6
Celebrating the rich history of brewing in the Bluegrass State, the Frazier History Museum is hosting its 2nd annual beer festival this August. For the first year, the festivities are moving to Main Street, featuring over 200 specialty beers on tap, food trucks, and live music. VIP tickets to the festival are available and include perks such as admission to the museum and exhibits, early festival entry, entrance into the Gateway Garden, and access to dozens of additional beers.
Arlington Million | August 13
Churchill Downs will play host to the Arlington Million, a special one-day event this August. The 1 1/4 miles turf race will be just one race in a day full of races, with gates opening at 11:30 am. The Arlington Million has been a long-time staple of the Arlington Park racetrack in Arlington Heights, Illinois, but has moved to Churchill Downs in 2022 after the Arlington Park racetrack closed in early 2022.
Louisville Water Lantern Festival | August 13
The annual Louisville Water Lantern Festival takes place at the city's Waterfront Park on the banks of the Ohio River. General admission adult tickets include entry to the festival, one floating lantern kit, marker, drawstring bag, access to food trucks, and a scavenger hunt giveaway entry. Individuals from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life will enjoy the incredible sight of thousands of floating lanterns reflecting unique messages of love, hope, and happiness.
The Women’s Cup | August 14, 17 & 20
After a thrilling penalty shootout championship game for the inaugural 2021 event, The Women's Cup is back as home team Racing Louisville FC joins global soccer powerhouses Tokyo Verdy Beleza (Japan) and Club América (Mexico) at Lynn Family Stadium this summer, with two more international teams still to be announced. The OL Reign will round out the tournament as an additional National Women’s Soccer League team in the six-team, seven-game tournament. A doubleheader kicks off the tournament with two games on Sunday the 14th, a tripleheader on Wednesday the17th, and another doubleheader which will include the championship game on Saturday the 20th. Ticket reservations are now available.
Kentucky State Fair | August 18 – 28
Held annually at the Kentucky Exposition Center, the Kentucky State Fair is a centuries-old tradition celebrating Kentucky’s culture, art, agriculture, music, and more. Travel the entire Commonwealth and discover everything Kentucky has to offer without ever having to leave the room at the Pride of the Counties exhibit or explore Agland, more than an acre of agriculture exhibits highlighting Kentucky’s farm and field heritage. Plus, you won't want to miss the daily entertainment with concerts by artists such as Trace Adkins, Niko Moon, and the Oak Ridge Boys, along with other free shows ranging from comedy reviews to magic acts.
Louisville Jazz Festival | August 19 & 20
Held in South Louisville at the Iroquois Amphitheater, the Louisville Jazz Fest is a two-day event featuring some of the region's top jazz musicians and vocalists. Hosted by Euge Groove, tickets are available for both Friday and Saturday and will feature performances by Jonathan Butler, Norman Brown, Jazz in Pink, and more. VIP after-parties will be held both nights at the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport and are available to attend through a separate ticket purchase.
Old Lou Brew | August 26
Held at Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Central Park in Old Louisville, Old Lou Brew Craft Beer Festival combines live music, food trucks, craft beer, and summertime outdoor entertainment, all within the confines of the nation's largest collection of Victorian-era homes. Some of the city's top breweries and some of Kentucky's finest indie brewers will be in attendance. The Friday night festival runs from 6-10 pm and costs $15. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash throughout the park.
Louisville Zombie Attack | August 27 | FREE
After two years, one of Louisville's quirkiest events returns to a new downtown location. The 17th annual Louisville Zombie Attack will take place at Fourth Street Live! starting at 3 pm the last Saturday in August. The event encourages people to dress up as zombies in hopes of breaking the Guinness World Record for “Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Zombies.”
Brew at the Louisville Zoo | August 27
This annual Zoo fundraiser will take place each August and allows attendees to enjoy tastings from craft breweries and wineries, as well as live music. Tickets include animal encounters, lives music, and up to 40 oz. of beer and wine tastings. A variety of food trucks will also be on-site for meal purchase options. Funds raised from Brew at the Zoo will benefit Friends of the Louisville Zoo and their mission to support animal care and Zoo special projects.
To find all events happening in and around the city, check out our event calendar and subscribe to our email newsletters for the latest updates on news and events.
