Top events happening in Louisville this April

In April, the Kentucky Derby Festival and Mint Julep Month are the front-runners leading to the “most exciting two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby. In addition to the many Derby-related events happening across the city, there’s plenty more to do and see this April, including foodie events, concerts, and art fairs.

Storytelling Revolution Festival | Wednesday, April 1-Sunday, April 12
New this year, this 12‑day fest will feature and celebrate new works from artists and companies across the region throughout the Actors Theatre’s Main Street Complex. Attendees can explore world premieres, diverse live works, immersive performances, and dance theater.

Louisville Taco Week | Monday, March 30-Sunday, April 5
This foodie week will feature $3.00 tacos from some of the city's most popular taco joints, offering unique spins on your favorite folded food group. Download the Taco Week app to check in at each restaurant to earn points and redeem prizes.

BourbonVille® | Thursday, April 2
Part of the Kentucky Derby Festival, this tasting event brings together top Kentucky distilleries for an evening of Bourbon samples and Bourbon-inspired bites. Held at the Ice House, tickets ($75–$125) include a commemorative glass and pin, offering a spirited celebration of the Commonwealth’s signature drink.

Bob Dylan | Monday, April 6
Legendary singer-songwriter will bring an evening of folk and rock to The Louisville Palace. This performance offers a chance to experience an iconic artist live in an intimate, historic setting.

The Avett Brothers | Friday, April 10
The Avett Brothers will bring their signature Americana sound to The Louisville Palace. Joined by Mike Patton, the performances will blend heartfelt lyrics with high-energy musicianship in one of the city’s most iconic venues.

Pig & Swig | Saturday, April 11
Celebrate Kentucky’s bourbon culture at this Downtown Louisville festival featuring 100+ bourbon tastings, BBQ‑style bites, live music and DJs, and interactive experiences across Fourth Street Live! venues — from rare pours to savory food, it’s a spirited afternoon of bourbon, entertainment and good vibes, of course.

Zach Bryan | Saturday, April 11
Taking place at the L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, Americana-country music star Zach Bryan will headline his international tour with opening acts by J.R. Carrol and Kings of Leon.

LouisvilleCon Spring 2026 | Saturday, April 11
This one-day pop-culture convention will celebrate comics, anime, toys, gaming, sci-fi, and cosplay. Held at the Triple Crown Pavilion in Jeffersontown, the event features panels, vendors, meet-and-greets, contests, and family-friendly fun, offering fans of all ages a chance to immerse themselves in their favorite fandoms.

Kentucky Flea Market Spring Fling | Friday, April 10-Sunday, April 12 | FREE
One of the region’s largest flea markets will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, offering over 500 booths of antiques, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, crafts, and more. With free admission and half‑off parking with purchase, it’s a treasure hunter’s paradise for bargain finds and vintage discoveries.

Spring Into Derby Art Festival | Saturday, April 11 & Sunday, April 12 | FREE
Enjoy a Derby-inspired weekend of art, bourbon, and music in the Paristown neighborhood. This outdoor community event features a two-day, open-air art show on Brent Street, Bluegrass music, food and cocktails from The Café, and free nightly entertainment.

Disney on Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party | Friday, April 10-Sunday, April 12
Celebrate Disney magic on ice as Mickey Mouse and friends embark on a whimsical adventure to find Tinker Bell. This family‑friendly show features world‑class skating, colorful scenes from “Frozen,” “Moana,” “Coco,” and more, plus high‑flying acrobatics and beloved characters bringing classic Disney stories to life.

Riley Green | Friday, April 17
Riley Green brings his high-energy country sound to the KFC Yum! Center, joined by Justin Moore, Drake White, and Mackenzie Carpenter. Fans can expect a night of heartfelt lyrics, catchy tunes, and lively performances from some of today’s top country artists in a stadium‑sized celebration.

Thunder Over Louisville | Saturday, April 18 | FREE
This massive fireworks and air show is the official kickoff event for the Kentucky Derby Festival. Heralded as North America's largest annual pyrotechnics display, Thunder Over Louisville brings hundreds of thousands of spectators to the banks of the Ohio River.

Paristown Garden Show | Sunday, April 19 | FREE
This outdoor garden show in Paristown will showcase plants, shrubs, flowers, native varieties, and vintage garden decor — plus local experts, kids’ activities, and more. Hosted by Fleur de Flea Vintage Market and the Jefferson County Master Gardeners, it’s perfect for gardeners and nature lovers alike.

Rhiannon Giddens | Sunday, April 19
Rhiannon Giddens will bring her soulful folk sound to Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, delivering a night of storytelling through music and an intimate experience celebrating one of today’s most acclaimed folk artists.

Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville | Thursday, April 23-Friday, May 1
This nine-day Kentucky Derby Festival celebration takes place annually at Louisville’s Waterfront Park and features concerts, midway rides, and the Chow Wagon, a collection of carnival food vendors and food trucks. The 900,000-sqft venue will also host the balloon glow, GospelFest, the Ken-Ducky Derby, and more.

Great Balloon Glow | Thursday, April 23-Friday, April 24
This Kentucky Derby Festival highlight lights up downtown with tethered hot‑air balloons glowing against the night sky at Kroger’s Fest‑a‑Ville on the waterfront. Stroll among the colorful balloons, enjoy music and meet pilots at this free, family‑friendly spectacle that celebrates Derby season with stunning nighttime views.

Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon & Marathon | Friday, April 24 & Saturday, April 25
This long-standing tradition allows runners to see iconic Louisville sites including the world's largest baseball bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum, historic homes of Old Louisville, and the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs. Those who opt to do the full marathon will run through two Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks, taking a lap through Louisville's Central Park and Iroquois Park.

Cherokee Triangle Art Fair | Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26 | FREE
This two-day event is one of the oldest art fairs in the region and features more than 200 artist booths with art ranging from paintings and sculptures to jewelry. The fair takes place in Louisville’s historic Cherokee Triangle neighborhood on tree-lined roads, making it a picturesque springtime event.

Opening Day at Churchill Downs | Saturday, April 25
Churchill Downs’ Spring Meet kicks off with Opening Day, a family‑friendly start to Kentucky Derby Week featuring live thoroughbred racing, the Kentucky Derby and Oaks post‑position draws, and special perks like free admission for marathon medalists. It’s a spirited kickoff to months of racing under the Twin Spires.

Sour Fest | Saturday, April 25
Sour Fest returns for its third year with a full day of funky and fruity beer at Mile Wide Beer Co. Happening the weekend before the Derby, it’s the perfect kickoff to Derby weekend.

Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade | Sunday, April 26 | FREE
Originating in 1956, the parade is the Kentucky Derby Festival's oldest event. The parade will kick off at 3 p.m. and will march west on Broadway.

The Great Steamboat Race | Wednesday, April 29 | FREE
Beginning in 1963 with a head-to-head battle between two historic vessels, the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen, The Great Steamboat Race is one of the Kentucky Derby Festival's most unique traditions. This year’s race will include Louisville’s Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati. Locals enjoy picnicking along the river at Waterfront Park and getting a bird's eye view of the start and finish from the historic Big Four Bridge.

Ethel Cain | Wednesday, April 29
Ethel Cain brings her haunting gothic-Americana sound to Iroquois Amphitheatre, joined by opening act 9Million. Expect an atmospheric evening of emotive storytelling, lush instrumentation, and immersive performances that blend darkly cinematic vibes with powerful vocals in one of Louisville’s most scenic outdoor venues.

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.