9+ free things to do this summer in Louisville

Summer in Bourbon City is sweeter than a Modjeska, and you don’t have to splurge to soak up the fun. Check out these free things to do this summer in Louisville.

Outdoor movies

Watch a free flick outdoors this summer. The Downtown Drive-In movie series takes place on select Fridays at the Brown-Forman Amphitheater through October, and Iroquois Amphitheater will be screening movies through September as part of its Hollywood Classics Under the Stars.

Live music

Tune into the WFPK Waterfront Wednesday music series on select Wednesdays through September. This year's lineup includes local and regional bands such as Over the Rhine, Old 97's, and Houseplant.

Hear Kentucky bluegrass during LouGrass Music Sessions at venues throughout the city as part of the LouGrass series, which runs through October.

And while not entirely free, the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series is included with admission to the Kentucky State Fair ($9) in August. The lineup includes country musician Cooper Alan, R&B and electro-funk group Midnight Star Band, 1970s rock band Foghat, and 2000s pop-rock group Boys Like Girls.

Louisville Garden Trail

Explore the Louisville stops on the Kentucky Garden Trail, a downloadable passport of 12 gardens and arboreta across nine Bluegrass State counties. Louisville locations include Waterfront Botanical Gardens, the University of Louisville Belknap Campus, and Cave Hill Cemetery & Arboretum.

First Friday Trolley Hop

The Frankfort Avenue Trolley (F.A.T.) Friday Trolley Hop returns on Friday, July 31, and runs through November. The trolley travels along Frankfort Avenue between Mellwood and Kennedy Avenues from 4-9 p.m., stopping at local shops, restaurants and attractions along the route.

Kentucky Shakespeare Festival

The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival is the longest-running free, non-ticketed Shakespeare festival in the U.S. The 66th season runs through Sunday, Aug. 9 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.

World Championship Dainty Contest and Dainty Fest

One of Louisville's most unique traditions will continue for a 56th year from Saturday, July 25 through Monday, July 27. Held in the Schnitzelburg neighborhood, this obscure German street game has become a cherished tradition that draws crowds onto the sidewalk of George Hauck Way to eat bologna sandwiches, listen to ragtime music, and watch contestants swing a whittled broomstick in hopes of being crowned a world champion.

Carnavales de Sweet Havana

Happening Saturday, Aug. 1 & Sunday, Aug. 2, this Caribbean and Latin cultural festival takes over Fourth Street Live!, downtown Louisville’s entertainment complex. Now in its third year, the festival will have live music, food, dance performances, and vendors.

Caufield’s CreepFest

Get into the "summerween" spirit with a fright-filled weekend on Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9, at the historic Caufield’s Novelty store. Enjoy haunted attractions, more than 80 vendors, costume contests, food trucks, and plenty of spooky fun for all ages.

WorldFest

Experience Louisville's international festival over Labor Day weekend at the Belvedere, celebrating the cultures and communities that make up the Louisville area. The festival features entertainment stages, the Parade of Cultures, the Global Village and food from around the world.