16 Things To Do in Louisville this August : GoToLouisville.com Official Travel Source





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16 Things To Do in Louisville this August

Could this be the tastiest August in Louisville ever? Craft beer, fantastic food, multiple music festivals, and even Mr. Worldwide himself are coming to Louisville this August.

54th Annual Street Rod Nationals | August 3-6

The 54th annual Street Rod Nationals will roll into the Kentucky Exposition Center the first week in August. Over 10,000 vehicles from the '50s, '60s, '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.

Shangela | August 4

Recognized as one of “The Most Powerful Drag Queens in America” by New York Magazine, D.J. "Shangela" Pierce is a drag performer and actor known for appearances in iconic productions like TV series Glee, A Star is Born film with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, and most recently for production and co-hosting Emmy-nominated HBO series “We’re Here.” Shangela will perform in Butchertown at PLAY Louisville on the first Friday of the month.

Seven Sense Festival | August 4-5

Taking place at Headliners Music Hall in the Irish Hill neighborhood, the Seven Sense Festival returns for its sixth year with a two-day taste-making event promoting music, breweries, spirits, food, and art. Featuring 20+ acts including Ian Noe, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Early James and Jake Kohn, Seven Sense partners with Change Today, Change Tomorrow, a local non-profit organization raising funds to support children, families, and individuals in need.

EGGFest 2023 | August 4 & 5

One of the city's most savory celebrations returns for its 14th year this August 4 & 5. 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.

St. Matthews Potato Festival | August 5

Potato Festival is a celebration commemorating The St. Matthews Produce Exchange, formed by local farmers and grew to be the second largest potato shipper in the world. Head to St. Matthews Community Park for an afternoon including live music, food, and activities like a hot potato cornhole tournament, a scavenger hunt, and a spud putt tournament. Take the children for a free ride on the Independence Express or bring them to the Kid's Area to participate in a variety of games, including potato sack racing, creating a tater craft table, and other classic carnival games.

Louisville Black Chef Showcase | August 13

Taking place on Sunday, August 13th, at the historic Henry Clay in Downtown Louisville, the inaugural Black Chef Showcase will celebrate some of Bourbon City's top culinary talents with delicious tastings of a variety of dishes. Each chef will bring their own unique perspective and flavors to the table, creating an unforgettable tasting experience. The event supports the Louisville Urban League with 100% of profits going to the local nonprofit organization.

Kentucky State Fair | August 17–27

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. Additionally, this year will see the debut of BEERFEST (August 19). A one day-event created in conjunction with the KY State Fair and the Louisville Ale Trail will host over 20 breweries showcasing their craft beers to attendees.

The Big Stomp | August 18 & 19

Located on a 90-acre private nature preserve, the annual Big Stomp festival is a multi-day, immersive event filled with activities, live music, and mindful programming focused on helping to "stomp" out the stigma surrounding mental health. This year's headliners include Lettuce, Bahamas, and Heartless Bastards, along with 30+ other musical acts.

Louisville Wine & Food Festival | August 19

Presented by USA Today, the Wine & Food Festival nationwide tour is coming to Louisville's Waterfront Park this August. Bringing together the best local wine and food, the festival celebrates the city's culinary scene with local classics and regional favorites. The Grand Tasting brings together renowned culinary luminaries, emerging talent, and local chefs for a culinary showcase for guests to taste and savor throughout the day.

Louisville Wing Week | August 21–27

Known for its famous fried chicken, it only makes sense that one of the South's tastiest towns has a week dedicated to chicken wings. The inaugural Louisville Wing Week pay homage to the wing for seven days this August. Each participating Wing Week restaurant will fry up its own take on the wing — from signature sauces to secret menu specialties. Download the Wing Week App to take you on a Louisville exploration; help map out your week, try new restaurants, challenge your taste buds, and share your experiences on social with other Louisville wing lovers.

Old Lou Brew | August 25

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.

Pitbull | August 26

With over 25 million albums sold, a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album, and countless collaborations with iconic artists, Pitbull has made a name for himself since the early 2000s. Known for songs like "Feel This Moment," "Timber, "Time of Our Lives," and "Give Me Everything," Mr. Worldwide is set to perform at Waterfront Park at 6:30pm the last Saturday in August.

Brew at the Louisville Zoo | August 26

This annual Zoo fundraiser takes place each August and allows attendees to enjoy tastings from craft breweries and wineries, as well as live music, all while celebrating wildlife. Tickets include delectable catered food, delicious beverage tastings, animal encounters, and special engagements with zookeeper staff. Plus, enjoy entertainment, including live music from MaryMary, oversized lawn games, and a silent disco in the Zoo’s shaded Islands habitat area alongside zoo favorites like orangutans and tigers. 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.

American Whiskey Festival | August 26

Known for having one of the world's largest collections of American whiskies, Watch Hill Proper Bourbon Bar & Kitchen will host its inaugural American Whiskey Festival on Saturday, August 26, at the Norton Common's North Village Square. The event will take place from 3pm to 10pm and offers three different ticket options. Free admission includes access to live music and food trucks, while a $35 Whiskey Garden Ticket includes access to all whiskey samples from participating distilleries. A $150 VIP Ticket includes all-inclusive food and adult beverages and access to Watch Hill Proper and the Whiskey Garden.

Chris Kattan | August 27

Known for his eight years of impressions as a cast member on NBC sketch comedy series "Saturday Night Live," Chris Kattan is set to perform at the Louisville Comedy Club at the end of the month. This event has multiple ticket upgrades including different food and drink options to enjoy during the show.

WorldFest | Aug. 31 - Sept. 4 | FREE

Louisville’s WorldFest is one of the region’s largest international festivals, with nearly 150 international-themed arts, crafts, merchandise, and food booths. Taking place every Labor Day Weekend in Downtown Louisville on the Belvedere, this four-day festival has celebrated cultures from around the world for more than two decades.

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.

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