15+ festivals and events to attend this winter in Louisville
Foodie fests, concerts, Broadway performances, and the Harlem Globetrotters are all on the wintry horizon in Bourbon City.
Winter in Louisville is chilly, yet charming, with frosty mornings giving way to cozy afternoons filled with bourbon, live music, and vibrant cultural events. | Photo provided
Turn chilly days into unforgettable experiences this winter in Louisville — from annual fests like the Louisville Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival and the Bourbon Classic to touring Broadway shows, including “The Great Gatsby” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Boozy milkshakes, candy cocktails, and a fondue bar are included in your ticket to the Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival. | Photo via Louisville Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival
January
The Harlem Globetrotters "100 Year Tour" | Friday, Jan. 16
Catch the Harlem Globetrotters on Friday, Jan.16 at the KFC Yum! Center. This once-in-a-century “100 Years of Joy” show will be full of gravity-defying dunks, jaw-dropping trick shots and laughs for all ages.
Louisville Build, Renovate & Landscape Expo | Friday, Jan. 16-Sunday, Jan.18
Discover ideas to transform your home at this annual show held at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Stroll through indoor show gardens, spot top-notch remodelers and landscaping pros, and explore everything from smart-home upgrades to energy-efficient windows. Plus, kids under 18 are free.
Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow | Wednesday, Jan. 28-Sunday, Feb. 1
Discover boating, RVs, and outdoor gear under one roof at the Kentucky Exposition Center — from luxury boats and RVs to paddle-sport demos, fishing ponds, live music, and family fun.
Louisville Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival | Saturday, Jan. 31
Indulge your senses at this decadent tasting celebration at Mellwood Arts Center. Sample artisan chocolate, fine wine, whiskey, and other craft spirits, like boozy milkshakes and candy cocktails.
The Gravy Cup is now in its 13th delicious year. | Photo via The Gravy Cup
February
“The Great Gatsby” | Tuesday, Feb. 10-Sunday, Feb. 15
Step into glitz and drama during this Broadway extravaganza “that explodes with life and energy” at The Kentucky Center. Expect a lavish, Jazz Age–style musical adaptation of the classic F. Scott Fitzgerlad novel with dazzling sets and costumes, pulsing music, romance, riches, and the darker cost of dreams.
Bonus: Check out or guide to Gatsby’s Louisville and visit the sites that inspired the book, plus book a stay in the Seelbach’s Great Gatsby Suite.
National Farm Machinery Show | Wednesday, Feb. 11-Saturday, Feb. 14
Every year, the Kentucky Exposition Center transforms into the largest indoor farm show in the U.S., with 800+ exhibitors, 1.2 million sqft of equipment displays, free seminars, and the thrilling Championship Tractor Pull.
USA Gymnastics Winter Cup | Friday, Feb. 20-Sunday, Feb. 22
Watch America’s top gymnasts soar at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Experience world-class athleticism, national team selections, and nonstop excitement downtown — just steps from restaurants, bourbon bars, and live music.
“The Simon & Garfunkel Story” | Saturday, Feb. 21
Get ready for a nostalgic musical journey. This immersive concert-theater experience will land at the historic Brown Theatre, and you can expect huge projection photos blended with original recordings, film footage, and live band performances that bring the musical duo’s timeless songs to life.
Bourbon Classic | Wednesday, Feb. 25-Saturday, Feb. 28
Take a four-day deep dive into Kentucky bourbon culture with master-led tastings, cocktail and culinary competitions, gourmet food pairings, and expert-led workshops and demos. Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado or curious newcomer, the annual Bourbon Classic is a full-flavored weekend mixing heritage, food, and downtown fun.
WWE Friday Night Smackdown | Friday, Feb. 27
Get ready for live‑ring action at the KFC Yum! Center with high‑stakes matches featuring top WWE superstars, dramatic showdowns, and nonstop energy.
“Swan Lake” | Friday, Feb. 27-Saturday, Feb. 28
The Louisville Ballet will once again bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless tale to life with stunning choreography, enchanting sets, and soaring music at the historic Brown Theatre.
The Gravy Cup | Saturday, Feb. 28
Come hungry to this annual fundraising event and enjoy a savory Southern tradition at Louisville Slugger Field. Dozens of chefs will compete for the coveted Gravy Cup and you’ll sample and vote on your faves.
Clouds in My Coffee: Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King & Carly Simon | Saturday, Feb. 28
Relive the soundtrack of a generation at The Kentucky Center. This concert experience brings the hits of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Carly Simon to the stage with full‑orchestra arrangements by the Louisville Orchestra.
The Louisville St. Patrick's Day Parade has been happening for over 50 years. | Photo by Steve Grider
March
Gama Expo | Sunday, March 1-Thursday, March 5
This premier trade show for the hobby‑games world brings hundreds of publishers, designers, retailers, and creators together for seminars, new‑game previews, and networking at the Kentucky International Convention Center.
“The Comedy of Errors” | Wednesday, March 4-Sunday, March 15
Step into laughter and chaos with Actors Theatre of Louisville and Fiasco Theater. This fresh, with original music by The Saunders Collective, turns Shakespeare’s madcap farce into a rollicking, music‑infused romp of twin mix‑ups, wild misunderstandings, and nonstop laughs.
Tailspin Ale Fest | Saturday, March 7
Sample from over 250 beers and enjoy live music, a silent disco, food trucks, and vintage planes on display at this annual beer fest at Bowman Field.
Winter Jam ‘26 | Saturday, March 7
Enjoy an evening of soaring contemporary Christian music with Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy Nichole, Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day, NewSong, and more at the KFC Yum! Center. Plus, a pre‑jam warm‑up set by Jeremy Rosado.
Run The Whiskey Row 5K | Saturday, March 7
Run through history and pick up Bourbon‑country vibes during this annual 5K through Downtown Louisville. The flat route winds along the historic Whiskey Row, finishing at Louisville Slugger Field. The race concludes with snacks, drinks, live music, and local flair.
Dropkick Murphys | Sunday, March 8
See this American-Celtic punk band on their “For The People... In the Pit St. Patrick's Day 2026 Tour” at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall.
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” | Tuesday, March 10-Sunday, March 15
See the “tale as old as time” come to life on stage during this Broadway musical at The Kentucky Center.
Louisville St. Patrick’s Parade | Saturday, March 14
The Highlands neighborhood will fill with floats, bagpipes, music, and shamrocks, as the annual parade makes its way down Baxter & Broadway and Bardstown Road, with more than 100 parade units and thousands of spectators.
For more happenings in Louisville this winter, check out our events calendar.
