Top things to do in Louisville this February
From foodie events like The Gravy Cup to the Bourbon Classic, Cody Johnson, and Mardi Gras celebrations, here’s what you can’t miss this February in Bourbon City.
This February, Bourbon City will welcome back annual expos and tradeshows, including the Louisville Oddities & Curiosities Expo and the National Farm Machinery Show. The city will also host the Broadway musical “The Great Gatsby” and country music star Cody Johnson. Scroll on for major events happening in Louisville next month.
🗓️ February 1-February 8
Black Violin | Thursday, Feb. 5
Hear genre-defying music as Grammy-nominated duo Black Violin blends classical mastery with hip-hop energy at the Brown Theatre. Celebrated for innovative sound and inspiring storytelling, this show will captivate music lovers of all ages.
We Them One’s Comedy Tour | Friday, Feb. 6
Get a laugh with top comedians including Mike Epps, DC Young Fly, and Karlous Miller during this tour stop at the KFC Yum! Center.
Louisville Jewish Film Festival | Saturday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 22
Enjoy top-rated, thought-provoking films during this festival, now in its 28th year. The showcase will feature virtual films and in-person screenings at cinemas around town.
Louisville Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2026 | Saturday, Feb. 7 & Sunday, Feb. 8
Explore the wonderfully weird at this immersive expo filled with unusual art, rare antiques, odd collectibles, and eccentric vendors. See it all at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville.
The Flea Valentine Market | Saturday, Feb. 7 & Sunday, Feb. 8
Head to The Glassworks building downtown for a vibrant market showcasing local makers, artists, vintage finds, food trucks, and live entertainment.
Louisville Valentine’s Craft & Vendor Market | Saturday, Feb. 7 & Sunday, Feb. 8
Jefferson Mall will host love and creativity with a festive market featuring handmade jewelry, art, sweets, and gifts for Valentine’s Day with local vendors.
Love Yourself Folk Festival | Sunday, Feb. 8
Hear music from Kentucky artists including Ellie Ruth, Roadie, Cam Clark, and more during the benefit concert for the Pete Foundation at The Whirling Tiger.
Big Game Bash | Sunday, Feb. 8
Watch the biggest football game of the year on 35+ HDTVs at The Sports & Social Club at Fourth Street Live! — plus, enjoy giveaways, DJs, and food and drink specials.
"The Great Gatsby" musical premiered on Broadway in 2024. | Photo via "The Great Gatsby" Broadway
🗓️ February 9-February 15
NuLu Clash of the Cocktails | Tuesday, Feb. 10
Shake and stir with Louisville’s boldest bartenders at this rock-inspired mixology showdown in NuLu. Sample creative cocktails, enjoy a complimentary margarita and bites, and vote for your favorite drink.
“The Great Gatsby” | Tuesday, Feb. 10-Sunday, Feb. 15
Step into the Roaring ’20s with this musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” part of the PNC Broadway in Louisville series at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.
Check out our “Gatsby’s Louisville” guide based on the Louisville locations and scenes from the book.
National Farm Machinery Show | Wednesday, Feb. 11-Saturday, Feb. 14
Visit one of the largest indoor farm shows in the U.S., where cutting-edge agricultural equipment, exhibits, and demonstrations fill massive halls at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
Mardi Gras Live! | Saturday, Feb. 14
Celebrate Mardi Gras Live! in Bourbon City at Fourth Street Live! This 21+ Big Easy-style festival will include live brass bands, DJs, bead tosses, King Cake contests, drink specials, and access to multiple venues.
Cody Johnson Live | Saturday, Feb. 14
See this country music star at the KFC Yum! Center on his “Live '26” tour with supporting acts Scotty McCreery and Carter Faith.
Destination Smooth Jazz | Saturday, Feb. 14
The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage will host an evening filled with wine and spirits tastings, cigar bars, art exhibits, chefs, and smooth jazz artists.
Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn | Saturday, Feb. 14
Spend a chilling evening with renowned criminologist and serial killer expert, Dr. Scott Bonn, as he takes you inside the minds of the world’s most savage and prolific murderers in this 90-minute show at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.
“Number Ones….And More!” | Sunday, Feb. 15
“Abbey Road” recreates the magic, music, wit and charm of the Beatles with flawless note- for-note renditions of The Fab Four’s hits, custom–tailored costumes, vintage instruments, and Liverpool dialect. See this tribute show at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.
The River Lotus Lion Dance team performing at the Lunar New Year celebration at the Speed Art Museum. | Photo via Asia Institute Crane House
🗓️ February 16-February 22
8th Annual Taste of the Highlands | Tuesday, Feb. 17
Celebrate Mardi Gras Louisville‑style at this annual fundraiser benefiting Highlands Community Ministries. Savor delicious bites from local restaurants, sip cocktails and bourbon tastings, groove to Cajun music, and enjoy vibrant New Orleans–inspired fun.
NEEDTOBREATHE | Tuesday, Feb. 17
Hear an intimate, stripped‑down performance by this acclaimed rock‑southern band on their “The Barely Elegant Acoustic Tour.”
Saxsquatch | Friday, Feb. 20
Catch this sax-playing Bigfoot, known for his party-style concert experience, at Mercury Ballroom during this all-ages show.
USA Gymnastics Winter Cup | Friday, Feb. 20-Sunday, Feb. 22
The Kentucky International Convention Center will host elite gymnasts from across the U.S. as they compete in this premier national event that helps determine the Men’s and Women’s Senior National Teams and qualifiers for the U.S. Championships.
Lunar New Year Dinner & Auction | Saturday, Feb. 21
Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse at the Speed Art Museum with a multi‑course Asian‑inspired dinner prepared by local chefs, live and silent auctions, and cultural entertainment during this benefit for Asia Institute–Crane House.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story | Saturday, Feb. 21
This award‑winning concert at the Brown Theatre will celebrate the legendary music of Simon & Garfunkel, featuring live performances of iconic songs, multimedia storytelling, and a dynamic band recreating timeless hits.
Jupiter, King of Planets | Saturday, Feb. 21
Join NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Dan Price at Bernheim Forest for an astronomy program featuring an in‑depth look at Jupiter’s structure, moons and history, followed by telescope observations and laser‑guided night‑sky viewing.
Lunar New Year at the StrEatery | Sunday, Feb. 22
The Louisville StrEatery market will host guest vendors, the Lion Dance team, and more to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
Sample traditional, brown, red-eye, chorizo, and veggie gravies at the annual Gravy Cup. | Photo via The Gravy Cup
🗓️ February 23-March 1
Bourbon Classic | Wednesday, Feb. 25-Saturday, Feb. 28
This signature Louisville bourbon festival will bring together the very best in bourbon, culinary arts, and cocktails through exclusive tastings, interactive workshops, and unique experiences across the city.
“Swan Lake” | Friday, Feb. 27 & Saturday, Feb. 28
Experience one of the most legendary ballets ever with the Louisville Ballet at The Brown Theatre. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this timeless tale of love, magic, and tragedy is widely considered the pinnacle of classical ballet.
WWE Friday Night SmackDown | Friday, Feb. 27
See WWE superstars show off their athleticism and dramatic skills as rivalries are played out in the ring at the KFC Yum! Center.
Spin Record Show | Saturday, Feb. 28
Shop for records, cassettes, 8-tracks, stereos, and music-related memorablia at Germantown Gables during this curated vebndor event.
The Gravy Cup | Saturday, Feb. 28
Sample and vote on biscuits and gravy prepared by over 30 professional chefs and home cooks in this foodie competition at Slugger Field benefiting the Boys & Girls Haven.
Looking for more to do in Bourbon City? Check out our events calendar and subscribe to our newsletters to get updates on news and events — and don’t miss these discounts on hotels and local attractions.