Festivals & Events to Attend in Louisville this July
Things are heating up this July as the city sees some of its classic festivals return as well as some new and interesting additions.
From fireworks to pickleball, here are some of Louisville's top July events.
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival | thru 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, 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 blankets and chairs, as well as dogs, as long as they are leashed. The 2025 season includes performances of Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, and Cymbeline.
Fourth of July Celebrations | July 3-5
You'll find a variety of Independence Day celebrations taking place in Bourbon City this July. The Louisville Bats will kick off the party on July 3rd with a post game fireworks show after taking on the Indianapolis Indians. Head to Kentucky Kingdom July 3-5 for Bluegrass & Booms. Listen to the rich sounds of well-known Bluegrass band, Kentucky Blue, before experiencing the 15-minute choreographed performance with music and pyrotechnics shooting over 350 feet in the air, starting around 10pm. Celebrate Independence Day on the banks of the Ohio River at Louisville's Waterfront Park Fourth of July which kicks off at 5pm on the Great Lawn. The annual celebration will feature free musical entertainment, family activities, local food trucks, and a professional fireworks display taking place around 9:45pm. Additionally, head to Brent Street in the Paristown District on July 4th, to catch the free outdoor Fourth of July artisan market. That night, a ticketed concert will feature The Crashers rocking the Paristown stage along with a donut hole eating contest sponsored by Jeff's Donuts. Make sure to stick around for the Zambelli fireworks show kicking off around 9:45pm.
ROARchestra at the Zoo | July 5 & 19
This family-friendly event combines two of Louisville's most beloved attractions: the Louisville Zoo and the Louisville Orchestra. Guests are invited to observe wildlife while listening to live classical music. Doors open at 7 p.m. allowing time to explore the Zoo or get settled in the Oasis Field before the concert begins at 8:30 p.m. under the stars. The July 5th show kicks off with the "The Star-Spangled Banner" followed by a night of classics and Hollywood hits including Jurassic Park and Star Wars by John Williams. Saddle up on July 19th for a western-themed night celebrating the spirit of the American frontier with the band Suede Saddle.
J-Town Beer Fest | July 12
J-Town Craft Beer Fest takes place in the heart of downtown Jeffersontown, just southeast of downtown Louisville. While sipping on one of 100 craft and summer seasonal beers, attendees can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks and listen to live music. This neighborhood street festival is 21+ and helps support local businesses in the area. The event often sells out ahead of time so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance.
Downtown Pickleball Street Fest | July 12
The 2nd annual Pickleball extravaganza, sponsored by Angel's Envy, celebrates the beloved sport of Pickleball and the vibrant culture Downtown Louisville has to offer. East Main Street will be transformed into an outdoor Pickleball venue featuring 12 Pickleball courts for competitive tournaments and open play opportunities, live entertainment by DJ Ace, a variety of food trucks, a pop-up bar with local beer – including Downtown’s Beer – from Ten20 Craft Brewery, and a specialty Angel’s Envy bar. Inside the distillery, from noon – 4pm, there will be yard games and specialty Peach Smash cocktails. Registration is now open for a multi-division round-robin tournament for players of all skill levels.
Legend at Pope Lick Outdoor Movie Night | July 12 | FREE
Grab a blanket and cozy up under the stars at Pope Lick Park, one of the many locations of the Parklands of Floyds Fork. Predator (1987) will be shown on a 40-foot movie screen and begins at 7:00PM. Chow down at The Pope Lick Cafe, featured items include: Bigfoot BBQ, Mothman Nachos, Jersey Devil Dogs, Goblin Brats, the legendary Goatman Gutbuster, Pretzel Bites, Mini Donuts, Candy, Ice cold drinks, and more. West Sixth Brewing will be serving refreshing brews.
Louisville Burger Week | July 14-20
Calling all burger fanatics and people that appreciate a good hearty meal—Louisville Burger Week is back. From local fan favorites to burgers created just for the special week, guests can enjoy discounted $7-$8 gourmet burgers from dozens of restaurants around the city. Use the Louisville Burger Week app to check in at 4 or more locations and be eligible for a very special grand prize drawing, along with the top point winner, and much more.
Mag Bar Music Fest | July 18-20
Visit the heart of Old Louisville for the Mag Bar Music Fest! Returning for its fourth year, the three-day festival will feature an eclectic mix of local and regional bands performing in the Mighty Magnolia Dome. All ages are welcome.
Nulu Summer Fest | July 19 | FREE
Held across three blocks on East Market Street, this free neighborhood festival is back for 2025. From noon to 7pm catch surf-inspired tunes, a watermelon eating contest, a tie-dye station, limbo contest, putt-putt, pickleball, summer yard games, local food trucks, 80+ vendors, and, of course, a tiki bar. Additionally, this event features a ticketed add-on and includes a showcase of infused exotic cocktails from the Clash of the Cocktails (July 8), a local cocktail competition highlighting specialty drinks from neighborhood establishment bartenders.
Louisville Street Food Festival | July 19 & 20
The 3rd annual Louisville Street Food Festival is returning to Fourth Street Live and taking over an entire city block in 2025. Guests can sample a wide range of flavors and options from over 20+ vendors with all food items priced at $5 or less. Come for the food and stay for the fun as there will be plenty of live entertainment such as axe throwing, mechanical bull riding, a giant chocolate fountain (VIP exclusive), eating competitions, cooking demonstrations and more.
Flyover Film Festival | July 23-27
Back for its 15th year, the Flyover Film Festival is excited to celebrate creativity once again with featured work ranging from documentaries to short films. After the showings conclude, be sure to stick around for the post-screening Q&As and the filmmaker panel! There's also a (FREE) Preflight Party at 21c Museum Hotel on June 20th to get a preview of what's to come.
GHOST: Skeletour World Tour | July 25
GHOST is bringing their Skeletour World Tour to the KFC Yum! Center in late July, promising an unforgettable night filled with haunting melodies and electrifying energy. Fans of the Grammy Award-winning rock band won’t want to miss this highly anticipated stop in Bourbon City.
J-Town Trolley Hop | July 25 | FREE
All aboard the Trolley! Hop on a charming trolley for a magical evening exploring the Gaslight District, perfect for date night, family fun, or meeting new neighbors. Shop, dine, and discover all the treasures that make Jeffersontown special. Can't make this one? Worry not, the trolley hop returns on the last Friday of each month.
The Big Stomp | July 25-26
Now in its ninth year, the Big Stomp was the nation’s first music festival to focus on mental health and "stomping out the stigma" that surrounds it. Taking place in Waterfront Park's Brown-Forman amphitheater, the festival will feature two days of musical performances, guest speakers and relaxation activities.
Dainty Fest & the World Championship of Dainty | July 25-28
One of Louisville's most unique traditions continues into its 55th year with the annual World Championship of Dainty. Held on the last Monday in July 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. The celebration will kick off the Friday before with a Dainty Silent Disco. Saturday's festivities include bands, drink specials, a cake wheel, games, and raffles at The Merryweather. On Sunday, folks can enjoy a day full of fun at Hauck’s Corner for Open Hauck’s, which will include food, music, a dunk tank, and the bologna sandwich eating contest.
Summer Beer Fest at the Frazier | July 26
Celebrating the rich history of brewing in the Bluegrass State, the Frazier History Museum is hosting its fifth annual beer festival this July. Over 200 specialty beers will be on tap along with food trucks and live music will spill over onto historic Main Street as the festival shuts down the historic block for an activity-filled afternoon. VIP tickets to the festival are available and include perks such as entry to the museum, early festival access, admission into the Gateway Garden, and dozens of additional beers.
WFPK Waterfront Wednesday | July 30 | FREE
Louisville's favorite free waterfront concert series continues during its 23rd season. The July event will take place at its traditional spot on the Big Four Lawn and will feature Sydney Sleadd and the Swarm (6 p.m.), Marzz (7:30 p.m.), and Ben Sollee and Friends (9 p.m.). Gates for the nighttime musical performances open at 5pm with plenty of food trucks and drink options on-site. Be sure to bring a blanket or a lawn chair, or catch the show from above while taking a stroll on the Big Four Bridge.
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