Top events happening in Louisville this August

Summer may seem like it’s winding down, but in Bourbon City, August is still bringing the heat. From stunning floral arrangements at Art in Bloom to driving back in time at the Street Rod Nationals to and the iconic Kentucky State Fair, here are this month’s can’t-miss events.

Flyover Film Festival | Wednesday, July 22-Saturday, Aug. 1

The Louisville Film Society's film fest returns for its 16th year in partnership with Speed Cinema, Brown Theatre, and the Kentucky Science Center. See a lineup of indie gems, insightful documentaries, and short films — plus, hear from filmmakers during Q&As.

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.

World Championship Dainty Contest | Monday, July 27 | FREE

One of Louisville's most unique traditions will continue for a 56th year. 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.

David Lee Roth | Tuesday, July 28

Known as the vocalist of rock band Van Halen, this solo rock icon will perform at Iroquois Amphitheater, bringing his larger-than-life stage persona.

WFPK Waterfront Wednesday | Wednesday, July 29 & Wednesday, Aug. 26 | FREE

Louisville’s favorite summer concert series continues with performances by Over the Rhine and Abby Hamilton, so grab your lawn chairs and enjoy a night of music.

Big Green EggFEST Food Festival | Thursday, July 31 – Saturday, Aug. 1

Enjoy two days of tastings and competitions featuring dishes cooked on Big Green Egg grills. Proceeds benefit local food charities Kentucky Harvest and A Recipe to End Hunger at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.

Art in Bloom | Thursday July 31-Sunday, Aug. 2

For one weekend, the Speed Art Museum becomes a living gallery as Louisville florists create arrangements inspired by the museum’s art collection.

Carnavales de Sweet Havana | Saturday, Aug. 1 & Sunday, Aug. 2 | FREE

The spirit of Havana Carnival is coming to Fourth Street Live! during this two-day Caribbean and Latin cultural festival with live music, authentic food, dance performances and celebration.

Frazier Summer Beer Fest | Saturday, Aug. 1

With more than 250 specialty beers, plus food and live music, Frazier Summer Beer Fest is the perfect place to gather with friends and sample new brews at the Frazier History Museum.

Hollywood Classics Under the Stars | Monday, Aug. 2 & Saturday, Aug. 22 | FREE

Enjoy an outdoor movie at the Iroquois Amphitheater. The cult classic film “Shaun of the Dead” is playing, Monday, Aug. 2 with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” playing on Saturday, Aug. 22 with a live shadow cast.

57th Annual Street Rod Nationals | Thursday, Aug. 6-Saturday, Aug. 9

Travel back in time in style as vehicles 30 years and older take the spotlight at this weekend long event at the Kentucky Exposition Center. From classic street rods and custom builds to muscle cars and more, this annual car show is a Louisville tradition.

Louisville Jazz Festival | Friday, Aug. 7 & Saturday, Aug. 8

Listen and celebrate jazz at Iroquois Amphitheater with musicians like Brian Culbertoson, Lindsey Webster and Marion Meadows.

Caufield’s CreepFest 2026 | Saturday, Aug. 8 & Sunday, Aug. 9 | FREE

Spend a fright-filled weekend on West Main Street at the historic Caufield’s Novelty store with haunted attractions, more than 80 vendors, costume contests, food trucks and plenty of spooky fun for all ages.

Sky Soul Festival | Saturday, Aug. 8

Experience a night of live music, art and culture at Waterfront Park, featuring a lineup with artists like Fantasia, Busta Rhymes and Bobby Brown.

Andy Grammer | Tuesday, Aug. 11

See pop singer-songwriter Andy Grammer as he brings “The Big Stupid Heart Tour” to Iroquois Amphitheater.

The String Cheese Incident | Thursday, Aug. 13

Known for their inventive sound and grassroots-led music business, The String Cheese Incident brings the Just Keep Spinning Tour to Iroquois Amphitheater.

Totally Tubular Festival | Saturday, Aug. 14

Experience a night of pure nostalgia at Iroquois Amphitheater with artists like Thomas Dolby & The Lost Toy People, A Flock of Seagulls, The Motels and even more performances.

American Whiskey Festival | Saturday, Aug. 15

Watch Hill Proper, home of one of the world's largest collections of American whiskies is hosting the festival at the Norton Common’s Village Square with live music, food trucks, a vendor market and cocktails.

CONNECT at Bernheim | Saturday, Aug. 15

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum comes alive with interactive art, live music and immersive nature experiences that help celebrate the beauty of the natural world.

“The Outsiders” | Tuesday, Aug. 18-Sunday, Aug. 23

The 2024 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, “The Outsiders”, comes to Louisville at The Kentucky Center. The musical is adapted from S.E. Hinton’s novel and Francis Ford Coppola’s film.

Kentucky State Fair | Thursday, Aug. 20-Saturday, Aug. 30

The fair is an annual showcase of the Bluegrass at the Kentucky Exposition Center, featuring livestock, blue- ribbon competitions, concerts, midway rides, games and food.

Ole 60 | Thursday, Aug. 20

The folk-country band Ole 60 is performing their Off the Grid 2026 Tour at Iroquois Amphitheater with The Jack Wharff Band and Phil Kane.

World Championship Horse Show | Saturday, Aug. 22-Saturday, Aug. 29

With more than 2,000 horses competing each year, the World Championship Horse Show draws spectators from around the world to Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Expo Center. Horses compete across several divisions, each having several classes, so there’s always something to see.

Josh Blue | Thursday, Aug. 27 & Friday, Aug. 28

Featured on Bravo, HULU and Netflix, Josh Blue is a well-established comedic headliner that will make everyone laugh at Louisville Comedy Club.

Todd Rundgren | Friday, Aug. 28

Rock Musician Todd Rundgren is bringing his Damned If I Do Tour to the Brown Theatre with a unique musical blend.

Jack Harlow | Saturday, Aug. 29 & Monday, Aug. 31

Grammy-nominated artist Jack Harlow comes back home to Louisville for his “Monica Tour” at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall.

Louisville Smoke Out | Thursday, Sept. 3-Sunday, Sept. 6

Sit back and enjoy a cigar with other enthusiasts for a weekend of celebration with premium cigars, curated experiences and live entertainment throughout the city.

World Fest | Friday, Sept. 4 – Monday, Sept. 7 | FREE

Experience Louisville’s international festival showcasing cultures and communities that make up the Louisville area at the Belvedere. The festival features entertainment stages, the Parade of Cultures, a Global Village and tons of food.

KY Flea Market Labor Day Spectacular | Friday, Sept. 4 – Monday, Sept. 7 | FREE

Shop or browse through one of Kentucky’s largest and finest flea markets for your next find at The Kentucky Expo Center.

Fleur De Flea Vintage Urban Outdoor Market | Saturday, Sept. 5 | FREE

Held on Waterfront Plaza at Louisville's Waterfront Park, this annual vintage market hosts over 200 vendors from around the region every Labor Day and Memorial Day weekend.

Destination Smooth Jazz Series | Saturday, Sept. 5

Sip, taste and listen to soulful tunes at the Kentucky Center African American Heritage. With smooth jazz vibes, vendors, tastings and more to experience than just music.

Ray LaMontagne | Sunday, Sept. 6

With music often described as folk rock and Americana, Ray LaMonatgne performs his popular breakthrough album at the Trouble 20th Anniversary Tour at The Louisville Palace.

Looking for more to do in Bourbon City? Check out our events calendar and subscribe to our newsletters to get updates on news and events — and don’t miss these discounts on hotels and local attractions.