Top events happening in Louisville this June

In June, the summer festivities are alive in Louisville, from live music, food and drink festivals and celebrations across the city. From local events like Ali Fest Carnival to discovering art at the Butchertown Art Fair or outdoor experiences like the Kentucky Craft Bash, there is plenty to see and enjoy all month long.

Wild Lights at Louisville Zoo | Thursday May 15-Sunday, July 26
This year’s festival debuts an all-new collection of handcrafted Chinese lantern displays, blending centuries-old artistry with imaginative design to create an unforgettable nighttime adventure.

Kentucky Shakespeare Festival | Wednesday, May 27-Sunday, Aug. 9 | FREE
Taking place in Old Louisville’s scenic Central Park, the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival continues its decades-long tradition of providing free performances of some of Shakespeare’s greatest works. The shows for this year’s season are “As You Like It,” “Antony and Cleopatra,” and “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.” Performances begin nightly at 8 p.m., but attendees are encouraged to arrive early to get a bite from a local food truck and enjoy pre-performance activities.

Louisville Greek Festival | Friday, June 5 & Saturday, June 6 | FREE
Immerse yourself in Greek culture at the annual Louisville Greek Festival located at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church on Ormsby Lane. The festival will feature live Greek music, dance performances, cultural demonstrations and interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Germantown Schnitzelburg Blues Festival | Friday, June 5 & Saturday, June 6 | FREE
The Kentuckiana Blues Society and Check’s Cafe will host the 16th annual festival with both indoor and outdoor music acts totaling 10 throughout the weekend.

Wine Walk at Fourth Street Live! | Saturday, June 6
Sip curated wines, browse local vendors, and enjoy food and live music in Louisville’s downtown dining and entertainment district from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Jim Beam La Caja China | Saturday, June 6
Join in on an authentic Cuban experience with Jim Beam and La Bodeguita De Mima, a Cuban restaurant and rum bar in the NuLu neighborhood, for the fourth annual La Caja China. This event includes traditional Cuban food with live music, cigars, dominoes and craft cocktails by Jim Beam.

Old Louisville Hidden Treasures Garden Tour | Saturday, June 6 & Sunday, June 7
Explore the private green spaces of the largest Victorian residential neighborhood in the country during this exclusive garden tour in Old Louisville, a National Historic Landmarks District.

Butchertown Art Fair | Saturday, June 6 & Sunday, June 7 | FREE
As Butchertown’s Neighborhood Association’s signature event, the art fair displays high-quality and diverse artists from around the region and beyond. The Butchertown Art Fair takes place on the 800 and 900 blocks of E. Washington St. and Campbell St. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Ali Fest Carnival | Sunday, June 7 | FREE
The Muhammad Ali Center will offer free admission and carnival festivities, including food, games, music and face painting. The carnival will be held from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. as part of the annual Ali Fest celebration, highlighting Muhammad Ali’s impact.

HypotheSIPS | Thursday, June 11
Explore the Kentucky Science Center after hours for a kid-free evening of sipping and discovery, featuring local distilleries, wineries and breweries as experts break down the chemistry behind your favorite drinks.

Botanical Cocktail Workshop | Friday, June 12
Harvest ingredients at Yew Dell Gardens to make your own syrups, bitters and floral ice during this cocktail class. Plus, enjoy small bites in between shakes and pours.

Megan Moroney: “The Cloud 9 Tour” | Friday, June 12
See popular country singer-songwriter Megan Moroney at the KFC Yum! Center as she brings her “The Cloud 9 Tour” to Louisville.

Juneteenth “Ancestors Dream” Block Party | Friday, June 19 | FREE
Celebrate Juneteenth at the sixth annual “Ancestors Dream” Block Party in downtown Louisville, organized by MELANaire Marketplace. From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., the event features live entertainment, family activities, a history and education area, food trucks, a Black art gallery corner and Black-owned businesses.

Cosmic Baseball | Friday, June 19 & Saturday, June 20
Head to Louisville Slugger Field for a glow-in-the-dark play, high-energy baseball experience as Cosmic Baseball makes a stop in Bourbon City with the Chili Peppers vs. Glow Mojis black light battle. .

Whiskey Row Car Show | Saturday, June 20 | FREE
Cruise into downtown for a car show on historic Whiskey Row, with the streets from 100 West Main to 299 East Main closed to show off vehicles, live music and vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Downs After Dark | Saturday, June 20
Experience nighttime racing at Churchill Downs. Happening just a few times a year, gates open at 5 p.m., with the last horse race at 11:10 p.m. Racing fans will have a chance to see Churchill Downs in a whole new light. Live music, festive attire and of course, classic cocktails add to the excitement.

Afrobeats in the Gardens | Saturday, June 20
Hosted at Locust Grove, this outdoor summer social features live music, art and Afro-fusion cuisine and wines from around the world. Guests will experience vibrant flavors, sounds and atmosphere while exploring afro-diaspora culture.

Kentuckiana Pride Festival and Parade | Saturday, June 20
Kick off your day with the annual Pride parade down East Market Street in the popular NuLu neighborhood as it marches 1.5 miles, ending at the festival at Waterfront Park’s Great Lawn. This year's festival headliners include Snow Tha Product, Shea Couleé, Girli, and more.

1980s Cruise | Friday, June 26
Step back into the ‘80s aboard the historic Belle of Louisville with throwback tunes, drink specials and a costume contest to transport guests back in time.

Steve Aoki | Friday, June 26
Global EDM icon Steve Aoki, known for his unique sets, is bringing the “DIM MAK 30 Tour” to Fourth Street Live! with special guest Jessica Audiffred.

Kentucky Craft Bash | Saturday, June 27
The Kentucky Guild of Brewers will transform Louisville's Waterfront Park into the state’s largest, most exclusive taproom during the annual Kentucky Craft Bash. Pouring only beers from breweries located in the Commonwealth, Craft Bash hosts over 50 local breweries and serves more than 175 different varieties of beer.

“Hamiliton” | Tuesday, June 30-Sunday, July 13
Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography, this Tony Award-winning Broadway musical blends hip-hop, jazz and R&B, and will be performed as part of the PNC Broadway in Louisville series at The Kentucky Center.

Cresent Hill 4th of July Festival | Saturday, July 4 | FREE
Celebrate Independence Day on the grounds of the historic Peterson Dumesnil House. This family-friendly event will include an art fair, food trucks, craft beer, live music, cake wheels, a magician and more.

Waterfront Park Fourth of July | Saturday, July 4 | FREE
Grab your blanket or lawn chair and celebrate Fourth of July at Louisville’s Waterfront Park with music, family activities and a fireworks display over the river at 10 p.m.

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