20+ Louisville Events You'll Want to Attend This Spring
Not only is springtime in Louisville one of the prettiest times of the year to visit but it's also packed with some of the city's top festivals and events. Thoroughbreds, Billy goats, people, and steamboats are all off to the races with their own unique events, while air shows, fireworks shows, and fashion shows marvel audiences this March, April, and May.
St. Patrick's Parade | March 8 | FREE
Hosted by the Louisville Ancient Order of Hibernians, this annual celebration begins at 3 pm and takes place in the eclectic and energetic Highlands neighborhood. This annual celebration has taken place for over 50 years with parade floats, marching bands, and plenty of green beer as spectators line Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue. Get there early to stake out your spot at some of the area's best Irish bars - Molly Malone's, O'Shea's, and Flanagan's. Check out more local Irish bars and ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Louisville here.
NuLu Bock Fest | March 22 | FREE
Located on a stretch of Market Street sandwiched between Nanny Goat Strut and Billy Goat Strut, the NuLu Bock Fest celebrates Louisville's rich beer history with local breweries, music, and even a slew of goat races. Wurst Fest is back for 2025, and will feature local restaurants facing off to create their best versions of the cased sausage. The festivities last from noon to 6PM, but there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area for those looking to celebrate after the event comes to a close.
PNC Broadway in Louisville presents: Peter Pan | March 25-30
This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and has been brought back to life in a new adaptation. Join Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and the Darling children on a magical journey you will never forget. The 2 hour and 15 minute show takes place at the Kentucky Center in downtown Louisville and is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Disney On Ice Presents: Magic In The Stars | April 3-6
Taking place at the KFC Yum! Center join Mickey, Minnie, and friends through the timeless stories of Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, and Cars, and today’s favorites including Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana. Create new memories with Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon and Asha from Wish, and become enchanted by Tiana, Rapunzel, and The Disney Princesses.
Celebrate 100 Years of The Great Gatsby | April 10 - June 21
The Great Gatsby, which will turn 100 years old in April 2025, is considered one of the world's greatest and most well-known novels and some of the inspiration for the book's places and characters comes straight out of Louisville. Louisville is the hometown of Daisy Buchannan and best friend Jordan Baker, the city where Gatsby and Daisy fell in love, and the location of Tom and Daisy's opulent wedding, specifically at the Seelbach Hotel. This Spring, participate in more than a dozen events celebrating the city's ties to the storied novel at a handful of Louisville attractions, stay in a Great Gatsby-inspired suite, or visit other Louisville locations that may have inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald while he lived in the city over a century ago.
Thunder Over Louisville | April 12 | FREE
Held as the annual kickoff event for the Kentucky Derby Festival, this drone, airshow, and fireworks display brings hundreds of thousands of spectators to the banks of the Ohio River. Watch from Waterfront Park, a downtown hotel, or even Southern Indiana starting mid-afternoon to see a myriad of notable military-style aircraft and the 30-minute "Thunder" spectacle, which is said to be one of the largest annual fireworks shows in North America. The fireworks typically take place at dusk around 9PM.
KMAC Couture | April 19
This artistically curated fashion show celebrates the intersection of art, craft, and design, with participants constructing extravagant garments out of unconventional materials and textiles. This year's theme will be "Lucky Number 13" celebrating the show's thirteenth anniversary. Hosted by Louisville's contemporary art museum, KMAC, the event lasts from 7:15pm to midnight and will make its return to Main Street in 2025.
Spring into Derby at Paristown | April 19-20 | FREE
Enjoy a Derby-inspired weekend of art, bourbon, and music in the revitalized Paristown neighborhood. This outdoor community event features a two-day, open-air art show on Brent Street, Bluegrass music, food and cocktails from The Café, and free nightly entertainment by bands like Dark Moon Hollow and Juice Box Heroes.
Brooks & Dunn: Neon Moon Tour 2025 | April 26
Brooks & Dunn are bringing the Neon Moon Tour 2025 to the KFC Yum! Center on the last Saturday this April. From start to encore, Brooks & Dunn will have crowds singing along to their beloved hits including “Brand New Man,” “Neon Moon,” “My Maria” and many more. Special guest David Lee Murphy will join as support.
Kentucky Derby Festival Mini & Marathon | April 26
The Kentucky Derby Festival miniMaration is a long-standing tradition held every April and allows runners to see iconic Louisville sites including the world's largest baseball bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum, historic homes of Old Louisville, and the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs. Those who opt to do the full marathon will run through two Fredrick Law Olmsted-designed parks, taking a lap through Louisville's Central Park and Iroquois Park.
Cherokee Triangle Art Fair | April 26 & 27 | FREE
For over 50 years, the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair has ushered in springtime in the historic Highlands neighborhoods. This free, two-day event is one of the oldest art fairs in the region and features more than 200 artists' booths with art ranging from paintings to sculptures to jewelry. Food vendors will also be on-site, as will live music performances in the Willow Park Gazebo.
Pegasus Parade | April 27 | FREE
Taking place the Sunday before the Kentucky Derby, the annual Pegasus Parade will march down Broadway, symbolizing the start of Derby Week. Originating in 1956, the parade is the Derby Festival's oldest event and will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2025. The event has featured a wide variety of celebrities such as Muhammad Ali, John Wayne, Diane Sawyer, Colonel Sanders, and William Shatner. The parade will kick off at 3pm and march west on Broadway.
The Great Steamboat Race | April 30
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. Scheduled annually for the Wednesday before Derby Day, this year’s race will include Louisville’s Belle of Louisville and BB Riverboats Belle of Cincinnati. Tickets to ride both racing riverboats are available, as well as the Mary M. Miller riverboat, which will be trailing the two vessels throughout the two-hour event. For those not looking to cruise, locals enjoy picnicking along the river at Waterfront Park and getting a bird's eye view of the start and finish from the historic Big Four Bridge.
Kentucky Oaks | May 2
Held the Friday before the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks takes place annually at the Churchill Downs racetrack and is the 2nd highest-attended horse race in the United States. Run by 3-year-old fillies, spectators have developed a tradition of wearing pink on Oaks Day in an effort to bring attention to the fight against breast and ovarian cancer.
Kentucky Derby | May 3
Considered the longest continually held sporting event in North America, the Kentucky Derby is a tradition unlike any other. Held at the iconic Churchill Downs racetrack, "the most exciting two minutes in sports" takes place annually in Louisville during the first Saturday in May, with up to twenty Thoroughbreds racing head to head for a chance at being named Kentucky Derby champion and a shot at the coveted Triple Crown.
Norton Commons Art Festival | May 17 & 18
Located in the walkable Norton Commons neighborhood, this free, 2-day event will feature over 75 artisan vendors including painters, jewelry makers, soap milliners, photographers, woodworkers, and mixed media artists. Local food trucks will be on site along with live music, and a kids' zone.
Abbey Road on the River | May 22-26
This annual Beatles tribute takes place just across the river from Louisville at Big Four Station Park in Jeffersonville, IN. The Memorial Day weekend festival will feature some of the best Beatles cover bands rocking out in tribute to the iconic British boy band. Headliners include Pete Best, Jukebox Beatles, The Weeklings, and Classicstone. Free admission for guests age 20 and under when accompanied by a matching adult ticket.
Uncle Boojie's Roots Revue | May 24 & 25
Back for its second year in 2025, this two-day bluegrass, roots, and folk music festival will be hosted in Christie's Garden at Paristown. The event will feature some of the best bluegrass artists in the region, great food & great cocktails. Both general and VIP admission tickets are available will be available with discounted tickets for kids aged 11-17 and free for those ages 10 and under.
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival | May 28 - August 10 | FREE
Taking place in Old Louisville’s scenic Central Park, the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival continues its decades-long tradition of providing free live-action performances of some of Shakespeare’s greatest works. This year’s entertainment kicks off after Memorial Day weekend, with shows beginning nightly at 8pm. Guests are encouraged to arrive as early as 6pm to get a bite at local food trucks and to ensure seating is available. Guests are also welcome to bring their own blankets and chairs, as well as dogs, as long as they are leashed. The 2024 season included performances of Romeo & Juliet, The Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest.
To find all events happening in and around the city be sure to check out our event calendar and subscribe to our email newsletters for the latest updates on news and events.
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