11 free things to do this spring in Louisville

Warmer temps, bright daffodils, and blooming magnolia and dogwood trees signal that spring has officially arrived in Bourbon City. It’s one of the best times to explore Louisville, and even better, you can do it for free. From the return of Waterfront Wednesdays and the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival to vibrant parks and gardens, here are 11 free ways to make the most of spring in Louisville.

Louisville Nature Center

Located across from the Louisville Zoo, the Louisville Nature Center manages 80 acres of urban forest, so you can enjoy Kentucky’s outdoors without leaving the city. The Welcome Center is open Monday-Friday (and some Saturdays), 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and is home to reptiles and turtles. There is also a sensory garden, a rain garden, a bird blind, a nature play area, and two miles of hiking trails in the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve.

Thunder Over Louisville

One of Louisville’s biggest annual events, this airshow and fireworks display on the Ohio River is the official kickoff to the Kentucky Derby Festival. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, April 18, and while there are many ticketed parties, all of Waterfront Park is open and offers free public viewing.

University of Louisville Belknap Campus

Part of the Kentucky Garden Trail, and recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a “Tree Campus USA” for over a decade, UofL’s investment in aesthetic landscaping and diversified tree planting is a sight to behold — plus, it’s the most fitting location for Cardinal bird watching. The Tree Tour features 33 native and historical trees along the 1.75-mile walk.

Speed Art Park

See 12 large-scale sculptures among native trees and pollinator gardens, part of the new three-acre green space surrounding the Speed Art Museum. Guests are invited to explore and picnic every day of the year, but spring is the only time to see the native plants in bloom.

WFPK Waterfront Wednesday

Produced by 91.9 WFPK, Louisville's independent radio station, and Waterfront Park, this free monthly concert series returns for a 24th season on April 22 and runs through September 23. This year’s lineup includes Deep Blue Something, Arlo Parks, and The War & Treaty. The concerts take place on the Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park and feature local vendors.

Waterfront Park PlayPort

This 3.5-acre play area was a collaboration between the Kentucky Science Center and Waterfront Park. It pays homage to the Ohio River’s culture and industrial heritage with playground equipment made from upcycled construction and boat materials.

Cherokee Triangle Art Fair

This weekend art fair on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 is one of the oldest art fairs in the region and features more than 200 artist booths. The fair takes place in Louisville’s historic tree-lined Cherokee Triangle neighborhood, making it a picturesque springtime event.

Waterfront Botanical Gardens

Built atop a former city dump, Waterfront Botanical Gardens turned a landfill into a stunning landmark. Open Wednesday-Sunday in spring and summer, visitors can explore five acres of native plants and pollinator gardens, plus see a rotating bonsai display, garden sculptures, and a fountain made with blue tiles from Italy. The garden is growing in phases, with a new Japanese Garden under development.

The Great Steamboat Race

Beginning in 1963 with a head-to-head battle between two historic vessels, the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen, The Great Steamboat Race is one of the Kentucky Derby Festival's most unique traditions. This year’s race on Wednesday, April 29, will include the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati. Enjoy a picnic along the river at Waterfront Park or get a bird's-eye view of the start and finish from the historic Big Four Bridge.

Kentucky Shakespeare Festival

Spring in Bourbon City also marks the return of the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, the longest-running free, non-ticketed Shakespeare festival in the U.S. The 66th season will run from May 27 through Aug. 9 this year and includes productions of “As You Like It, "Antony and Cleopatra,” and “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.” Nightly performances (Wednesday-Sunday) are held at Central Park’s C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater located in the heart of historic Old Louisville.

Olmsted Parks

Louisville is home to 17 Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks and parkways. Explore them and find things to do with this interactive map — from hiking in Cherokee Park and horseback riding in Iroquois Park to spotting spring wildflowers. Be sure to check Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s events page to see upcoming happenings.