Top events happening in Louisville this July
Don't miss these 20+ events taking place in Bourbon City this July
In July, Louisville comes alive with events for every interest. From annual food celebrations like Louisville Burger Week to summer concerts featuring Van Halen vocalist David Lee Roth and the iconic World Championship Dainty Contest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
🗓️ June 29-July 5
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.
“Hamiliton” | Tuesday, June 20 – Sunday, July 12
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.
Spoon & The Beths | Wednesday, July 1
Indie rock bands Spoon and The Beths bring their co-headlining tour to Iroquois Amphitheater. Known for their acclaimed albums and dynamic live shows, the groups will perform alongside opening act Squirrel Flower for an evening of alternative and indie rock music.
Stars & Stripes Fest | Friday, July 3
Kentucky country artist JD Shelburne headlines the inaugural J-Town Stars & Stripes Fest at the Jeffersontown Amphitheater. The family-friendly celebration features live music, food trucks and concessions, with opening performer Brock Shoemaker helping kick off the Independence Day weekend festivities.
Bluegrass & Booms | Friday, July 3 & Saturday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day weekend at Kentucky Kingdom with live music, special food offerings, extended park hours and nightly fireworks while taking in rides, attractions and water park fun during this patriotic summer celebration.
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.
ROARchestra: The Louisville Orchestra and the Louisville Zoo | Sunday, July 5 & Sunday, July 19
The Louisville Orchestra and Louisville Zoo are teaming up to create an event the whole family will love. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and listen to live classical music while at the Louisville Zoo.
🗓️ July 6 – July 12
Desi Banks | Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12
With over 19 million fans across social media, Desi Banks will bring his razor-sharp wit and a comedic timing to the Louisville Comedy Club.
JTown Big Pour | Saturday, July 11
Located in downtown Jeffersontown, this summer beer fest features local and national breweries, additional drink options, food trucks, local vendors and live music for guests 21 and older.
Heatwave Half Marathon | Saturday, July 11
Beat the summer heat at the Heatwave Half Marathon in southwest Louisville. Runners of all experience levels can choose from a half marathon, relay, 10K, 5K, one-mile run or kids dash, with a scenic course, finisher medals and post-race festivities.
Hollywood Classics Under The Stars | Saturday, July 11 & Monday, July 20 | FREE
Enjoy an outdoor movie at the Iroquois Amphitheater. The Saturday, July 11 double feature includes “Almost Famous” and “This Is Spinal Tap”, with “The Big Lebowski” playing, Monday, July 20.
🗓️ July 13 – July 19
Louisville Burger Week | Monday, July 13 – Sunday, July 19
Whether you could have a burger for every meal, or just love a good meal deal, the annual Louisville Burger Week is back with over 50 burgers to try all priced around $7 or $8 for the entire week.
Tony Roberts | Thursday, July 16 – Saturday, July 18
Known as the “Comedians'-comedian,” Tony Robert’scrowd work, storytelling and punch lines that will make everyone at Louisville Comedy Club laugh.
An Evening with KEM | Saturday, July 18
Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kem, known for his smooth vocals and sultry ballads, this R&B singer is bringing his talent to Iroquois Amphitheater.
NuLu Summer Fest | Saturday, July 18 | FREE
NuLu’s annual celebration is back on 700 and 800 blocks of East Market Street. This event has activities for the whole family including live music, a watermelon eating contest, putt-putt, summer yard games and more.
Kosair Live | Saturday, July 18
Dan + Shay and Bailey Zimmerman are headlining this all-star benefit concert supporting Kosair for Kids and Kosair Shriners at the KFC Yum! Center.
Babyface Ray & 42 Dugg | Sunday, July 18
The Detriot-based rappers take their life experiences into music with their “4 THE TRENCHES” tour at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall.
🗓️ July 20 – July 26
Bush with Hoobastank | Tuesday, July 21
With over 25 million records sold, 1.1 billion streams and a Grammy nomination, this rock band is one you won’t want to miss at Iroquois Amphitheater.
Band of Horses & Dinosaur Jr. | Wednesday, July 22
Alt-rock icons Band of Horses and Dinosaur Jr. share the stage at Iroquois Amphitheater, with Band of Horses celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Everything All the Time” and Dinosaur Jr. performing “Where You Been” in its entirety.
Cody Smith | Thursday, July 23
“Comedic Cody” Smith hits the road with his “On My Mama!” World Tour, with 7 million followers across the platform, his performance at Louisville Comedy Club will be sure to be a night of laughter.
Louisville Street Food Festival | Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26
The Louisville Street Food Festival takes over Fourth Street Live! with $5 bites from local food trucks and restaurants, plus, live entertainment, vendors and plenty of family-friendly fun packed into one tasty weekend.
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.
🗓️ July 27 – Aug. 2
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 | FREE
Louisville’s favorite concert series returns with performances by Over the Rhine and Abby Hamilton, so grab your lawn chairs and enjoy a night of music.
Motown Cruise | Friday, July 31
Enjoy a two-hour Motown-themed cruise on the Belle of Louisville with scenic Ohio River views.
Frazier Summer Beer Fest | Saturday, Aug. 2
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.
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.