15+ Festivals & Events Taking Place in Louisville this August

There's still plenty of summer fun left to be had in Bourbon City. Craft beer, comedians, multiple music festivals, and a circus are all coming to Louisville in August.

56th Annual Street Rod Nationals | July 31-Aug. 3

This annual show will roll into the Kentucky Exposition Center the first week of August. Over 10,000 vehicles from the '50s, '60s, '70s, and '80s will be on display, ranging from classic street rods to custom builds, muscle cars, and other special interest vehicles. Commercial exhibitors, a builders showcase, a vintage auto parts swap, and an arts and crafts fair are highlights of the event, along with the thousands of vehicles on display. Military personnel with proper ID and those 60 years of age and older can find discounted tickets at local O'Reilly Auto Parts stores.

Venardos Circus | July 31-Aug. 10

Waterfront park is hosting Venardos Circus the first week of August, featuring a ringmaster, clown, acrobat, comedian, and more. The animal-free show is reinventing the American Circus tradition for a new generation with Broadway-style flair, bringing joy to people across the U.S. Theatre lovers and nostalgic circus fans alike will appreciate the intimate experience and sentimental way the show pays homage to circus traditions through the lens of high-quality entertainment for a modern family audience.

EGGFest 2025 | Aug. 1 & 2

One of the city's most savory celebrations returns for its 16th year. The Big Green EGGFest spans two days which includes a Chopped-style competition, Best Beef or Pork Contest, Big Green Egg Classes, and of course, tons of incredible food to sample, cooked to perfection by competing local chefs. Tickets to each day are sold separately, so be sure to check the website for which day's lineup interests you most. EGGFest is an annual fundraiser with proceeds going to local food-related charities.

Jazz Fest | Aug. 1 & 2

The Louisville Jazz Fest is back for two days of music at the Iroquois Amphitheater. Listen to artists including Najee, Brian Simpson, and Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers on Friday — and Nicholas Cole, Lindsey Webster, and Brian Culbertson on Saturday.

Carnavales de Sweet Havana | Aug. 2 & 3

Celebrate the culture, flavor, and traditional rhythm of the Caribbean during this second annual festival at Fourth Street Live! In 2024, over 2,000 attendees filled the street to experience live music, vendors, cultural performances, art, a children’s area, and of course, the best Cuban food in Bourbon City.

Hops on the Hill 2025 | Aug. 2

This beer fest is dedicated to the IPA, a broad category of hoppy beers. Louisville brewery Mile Wide Beer Co. will host nine local and regional breweries on its taps — including Dreaming Creek Brewery (Richmond, KY) and Trillium Brewing (Boston, MA). Entry is free to this 21 and over festival or you can pick up a $10 VIP ticket. The beers start flowing at 5 p.m.

Shane Gillis | Aug. 8

Currently in the midst of a 28-city international tour, this industry-leading comic’s special Beautiful Dogs reached the Netflix Top 10 in five countries and spent two weeks in the US Top 10 list. Gillis is not only a comedian but also a writer and actor. The second season of his hit show Tires released in June.

Mike Epps | Aug. 8-10

Epps has generated an extraordinary amount of buzz within the entertainment industry for being one of the funniest comedic actors to emerge in the Hollywood scene. A few of his films include Resident Evil: Apocalypse, Friday After Next, and The Hangover. When Epps isn’t filming, he is touring and performing his comedy show to packed arenas. His routines have appeared on streaming services, including Netflix & HBO.

Caufield's CreepFest | Aug. 9 & 10

Taking place on historic West Main Street, the second annual Caufield’s CreepFest invites visitors to experience a weekend full of frights. Featuring over 20 vendors offering all things odd, creepy, and horror-themed, enjoy pet and adult costume contests alongside shopping at one of the city's top Halloween and novelty shops from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Kentucky State Fair | Aug. 14–24

Held annually at the Kentucky Exposition Center, the fair is a showcase of the Bluegrass State, featuring livestock, the World Championship Horse Show Saddlebreds, blue ribbon competitions, concerts & midway rides, games, and food. This year, the fair will join the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th birthday, culminating in 2026.

In addition to the America250 celebration, the fair will also commemorate another historic milestone this year — Wilderness Road 250. The special exhibition will mark the 250th anniversary of Daniel Boone and his company clearing the trail along the ancient buffalo trace that cut through the heart of Kentucky across 160 miles.

American Whiskey Festival | Aug. 16

Known for having one of the world's largest collections of American whiskies, Watch Hill Proper will host the annual American Whiskey Festival at the Norton Common's North Village Square. The event will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. and offer three different ticket options. Free admission includes access to live music and food trucks, while a $50 Whiskey Garden ticket includes access to all whiskey samples from participating distilleries. A $250 VIP ticket includes all-inclusive food and drinks & access to Watch Hill Proper and the Whiskey Garden.

Tacos & Tequila Festival | Aug. 16

The Louisville Bats will host this first-ever tasting event at Slugger Field on Saturday, August 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. Multiple vendors will sample food and drinks, like street tacos & margaritas. Throughout the event, guests will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite tacos. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the Louisville Slugger Field box office or online.

Downtown Drive-In | Aug. 22 | FREE

Bring a blanket or a lawn chair to this outdoor movie night at Waterfront Park’s Brown-Forman Amphitheater. This month’s movie is Men In Black, which will begin at sundown. Snacks and beer will be available for purchase.

Olmsted Parks Beer Garden – Tyler Park | Aug. 29 | FREE

Head to Tyler Park near Cherokee Triangle for a pop-up West Sixth Brewing beer garden with music from Aaron Bibelhauser’s Bluegrass Evolution. This family-friend event also features lawn games and food trucks.

2025 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour | Aug. 29-Aug. 31

Snag tickets to the Speed Cinema (located inside the Speed Art Museum) for this showcase of seven standout short films from this year’s Sundance Festival, including two festival award–winning titles. The 100-minute program includes fiction, nonfiction, and animated shorts.

WorldFest | Aug. 29 - Sept. 1 | FREE

Louisville’s WorldFest is one of the region’s largest international festivals, with nearly 150 international-themed arts, crafts, merchandise, and food booths. Taking place every Labor Day Weekend in Downtown Louisville on the Belvedere, this four-day festival has celebrated cultures from around the world for more than two decades.

Fleur De Flea Vintage Urban Outdoor Market | Aug. 30

Twice a year the beloved vintage flea market sets up shop outdoors on the banks of the Ohio River. Come down to the waterfront Saturday, August 30, to sift through vintage pieces while enjoying tasty eats from local food trucks. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Labor Day Weekend Show - Jimmy Buffet Tribute Festival | Aug. 30 & 31

Calling all Parrotheads — come on down to the Paristown Art District for a stellar lineup, including members from Coral Reefer Band and trending top rock artists. Enjoy a margarita and food from local vendors while listening to the tunes, all in loving memory of Jimmy Buffett.

To find all events happening in and around the city, check out our event calendar. Subscribe to our email newsletters for the latest updates on news and events.