Top events happening in Louisville this September

Louisville was named one of the "Best Places to Travel in September" by The Points Guy in 2023, and we couldn’t agree more. Experience the nation's largest (and loudest) music festivals, cultures from around the world, and celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month right here in Bourbon City.

Louisville Smoke Out | Thursday, Sept. 3-Sunday, Sept. 6

Sit back and enjoy a cigar with other enthusiasts for a weekend celebration with premium cigars, curated experiences and live entertainment throughout the city.

WorldFest | Friday, Sept. 4-Monday, Sept. 7 | FREE

Experience Louisville’s international festival showcasing cultures and communities that make up the Louisville area at the Belvedere. The festival features entertainment stages, the Parade of Cultures, a Global Village — and tons of food.

KY Flea Market Labor Day Spectacular | Friday, Sept. 4-Monday, Sept. 7 | FREE

Peruse one of Kentucky’s largest and finest flea markets for your next find at The Kentucky Expo Center.

Destination Smooth Jazz Series | Saturday, Sept. 5

Sip, taste and listen to soulful tunes at the Kentucky Center African American Heritage. With smooth jazz vibes, vendors, tastings and more to experience than just music.

Fleur de Flea Outdoor Vintage Market | Saturday, Sept. 5

Explore vintage finds from over 200 vendors at Waterfront Plaza, plus food trucks and pop-up shops along Louisville’s waterfront.

Ray LaMontagne | Sunday, Sept. 6

With music often described as folk rock and Americana, Ray LaMonatgne performs his popular breakthrough album at the "Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour" at The Louisville Palace.

Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms | Tuesday Sept. 8

Multi-platinum rock bands Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms bring their Grammy-nominated hits to Iroquois Amphitheater, joined by special guest Spin Doctors.

Twilight Thursdays | Thursday, Sept. 10

Start your weekend early at Churchill Downs with an evening of live racing, lively trackside excitement and different deals for the best evening.

Thomas Rhett | Thursday, Sept. 10

This country music artist comes to KFC Yum! Center for his “The Soundtrack to Life Tour,” with special guests Vincent Mason and Emily Ann Roberts.

German-American Club Oktoberfest | Friday, Sept. 11 & Saturday, Sept. 12

Join in on all the German festivities for Oktobestfest with tradition German dinner, beers and polka music that will make you want to say “Prost!” at the German American Club venue in the Camp Taylor neighborhood.

Pawpaw Festival | Saturday, Sept. 12

Enjoy guided hikes, local vendors, live music and outdoor fun while celebrating the pawpaw fruit at Louisville Nature Center.

Louisville Pride Festival | Saturday, Sept. 12 | FREE

Experience love and celebration with packed entertainment, over 100 vendors to explore and delicious food and drinks on Bardstown Road.

Big Four Arts Festival | Saturday, Sept. 12 & Sunday, Sept. 13

Held at the Big Four Bridge Lawn at Waterfront Park, this two-day festival features live music, more than 150 art vendors and hands-on art activities.

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass | Tuesday, Sept. 15

Enjoy an evening of timeless hits as Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass bring their classic sound to the Brown Theatre.

Louder Than Life | Thursday, Sept. 17-Sunday, Sept. 19

America’s loudest Rock & Metal Festival is put into a four-day event at the Kentucky Expo Center with music classics like My Chemical Romance, Iron Maiden and Pierce the Veil.

Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival | Friday, Sept. 18-Sunday, Sept. 20 | FREE

Centered in Gaslight Square, the festival has become a tradition in Jeffersontown with over 135 arts & crafts vendors, a food court and even a kids zone.

Kid’s Character Cruise | Saturday, Sept. 19

Set sail on the Mary M. Miller for a family-friendly cruise along the Ohio River where kids can dress as their favorite characters, meet special guests and enjoy scenic waterfront views during the two-hour adventure.

NuLu Fest | Saturday, Sept. 19 | FREE

NuLu’s annual street festival is back on blocks 600 to 900 East Market Street. Enjoy local vendors, live music and activities for everyone.

Pixies | Tuesday, Sept. 22

Celebrate 40 years of the Pixies as founding members Black Francis, Joey Santiago and David Lovering reunite for a world tour stop at Iroquois Amphitheater.

WFPK Waterfront Wednesday | Wednesday, September 23 | FREE

Louisville’s favorite summer concert series continues with performances by Houseplant and DOOM GONG, so grab your lawn chairs and enjoy a night of music.

Bourbon & Beyond | Thursday, Sept. 24-Sunday, Sept. 27

Enjoy an entire weekend of music and bourbon at the Kentucky Expo Center with artists including Chris Stapleton, Foo Fighters and Kacey Musgraves.

Garden Bros Nuclear Circus: Fun Factory | Thursday, Sept. 24-Sunday, Sept. 27

Get ready for a little big-top fun as the circus comes to Louisville with acrobatics, comedy and classic carnival food at Lynn Family Stadium.

Sh!t-faced Shakespeare: "Macbeth" | Saturday, Sept. 26

Experience the award-winning West End show that is coming to Old Forester's Paristown Hall, adding a bit of shenanigans to traditional Elizabethan theater.

Kentucky Orchid Society Annual Show | Saturday, Sept. 26 & Sunday, Sept. 27

Explore hundreds of exotic orchids at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, with plants, potting supplies and orchid-inspired jewelry. Free daily seminars will also offer tips from orchid experts, with plants and supplies available through raffles.

Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular | Thursday, Oct. 1-Sunday, Nov. 1

Discover more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins from local sculptors as you walk through Kentucky Kingdom decked out into a wonderland of glow with fall-themed games, street performances and colorful characters.

Boo at the Zoo | Thursday, Oct. 1-Thursday, Oct. 29

Trick-or-treat for kids 11-and-under at the Louisville Zoo with rides and special attractions with a Halloween party experience that’s all treats no tricks.

Bats Fall Festival | Friday, Oct. 2

For this first time, the Louisville Bats are bringing fall to Slugger Field for a family-friendly evening with trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, carnival games, face painting, live music, a spooky zone, a costume contest, and a screening of “Casper.” Costumes are encouraged.

St. James Court Art Show | Friday, Oct. 2-Sunday, Oct. 4 | FREE

Named Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “Best Fine Art and Design Show of the Past Ten Years” for 2010–2020, the 70th St. James Art Show will feature more than 600 artists from across the U.S. among one of the country’s largest collections of Victorian homes.

BowmanFest | Saturday, Oct. 3 & Sunday, Oct. 4

See historic planes up close, watch aerobatic airshows and explore vintage cars at Bowman Field, along with food, beverages and family-friendly activities.

To find all the events happening in and around Bourbon City check out our events calendar and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates. And if you’re looking to get a jump start on spooky season, peep our guide to Halloween in Louisville.