17 April Events To Attend in Louisville
Mint Julep Month, also known as April, is a time when Louisvillians begin to celebrate all things Kentucky leading up to the "most exciting two minutes in sports," the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby Festival leads the way with dozens of iconic events around the city. Sprinkle in art, music, sports, and of course, Kentucky Bourbon, to make for a well-rounded start to your Spring in Louisville.
Mint Julep Month | April 1-30
The Mint Julep is a fine Southern tradition dating back to the 18th Century and the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938. Since 2013, April has been designated as "Mint Julep Month®," celebrating the famous Bourbon cocktail along with the arrival of Spring in Kentucky. Enjoy Mint Julep and Kentucky Derby-inspired festivities all month long as we lead up to the first Saturday in May and “the most exciting two minutes in sports."
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo | Through May 19
See the Zoo in a whole new light as you enjoy one of the largest lantern festivals in the nation. This family-friendly, outdoor event will guide you along a 1.4-mile paved walkway allowing you to dive deep and celebrate the vibrant colors of the coral reefs, see nature come to life with interactive moving displays and explore ancient Chinese myths and legends, including magnificent dragons and a breathtaking phoenix tunnel as you stroll through the Zoo under the light of enormous, handcrafted, silk-covered lanterns. aglow with more than 50,000 LED lights.
Footloose The Musical | April 3 - May 19
Celebrating the exhilaration of youth, the wisdom of listening to one another, and the power of forgiveness, this popular 80s hit classic is coming to Derby Dinner Playhouse in musical format with dynamic new songs and your favorite powerhouse hits. In addition to the show, tickets include a home-style buffet featuring Classic American Cuisine.
Disney On Ice | April 4-7
With five shows at the KFC Yum! Center, Disney On Ice will take you on a thrilling adventure filled with tales of heroism from your favorite Disney stories. Characters Moana and Maui, Anna and Elsa, Belle and the Beast, Rapunzel, and the Little Mermaid will all make appearances during this Find Your Hero ice skating performance.
PNC Broadway in Louisville presents: SIX | April 9-14
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power. A new original musical SIX is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over. The show takes place at the Kentucky Center in downtown Louisville and is recommended for ages 10 and up.
BourbonVille | April 11
Mix, mingle, and enjoy Bourbon specialty drinks at one of the Kentucky Derby Festival's newest events, BourbonVille. Taste signature drinks from some of Kentucky’s top Bourbon distilleries, enjoy Bourbon-inspired cuisine, and even meet Master Distillers who will be on site. This year’s event will be held at the Frazier History Museum – the Official Starting Point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.
Spring into Derby at Paristown | April 12-14 | FREE
Enjoyed a Derby-inspired weekend of art, bourbon and music at the revitalized historical Paristown neighborhood. This outdoor community event features a three-day, open art show on Brent Street, Bluegrass music, food and cocktails from The Café, as well as a free Friday night concert by Juice Box Heroes.
KMAC Couture | April 13
Marking its twelfth anniversary in 2024, this artistically curated fashion show celebrates at the intersection of art, craft, and design, with participants constructing extravagant garments out of unconventional materials and textiles. This year's theme will be "Runway for the Roses" in recognition of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby and to showcase the particularly exotic grandeur and snazzy decadence that could only come from Kentucky.. Hosted by Louisville's contemporary art museum, KMAC, the event takes place at historic Paristown just south of Broadway near the highlands.
Louisville Taco Week | April 15-21
With $2.50 tacos from some of the city's most popular taco joints, Louisville Taco Week brings together participating restaurants offering their unique spin on your favorite folded food group. Download the Taco Week app to check in at each restaurant to earn points, or visit the website to look at all the palatable participants.
Thunder Over Louisville | April 20 | FREE
Held as the annual kickoff event for the Kentucky Derby Festival, this airshow and fireworks display can bring hundreds of thousands of spectators to the banks of the Ohio River. Watch from Waterfront Park, a downtown hotel, or even Southern Indiana starting mid-afternoon to see notable military-style aircraft, and stay until 9:30pm to catch the 30-minute "thunder" spectacle which is said be one of the largest annual firework shows in North America. Looking to upgrade your viewing experience? See more places you can view Thunder Over Louisville, here.
Bad Bunny: Most Wanted Tour | April 22
After becoming the top touring artist in 2022, the 3x GRAMMY winner took a break from the stage in 2023 with exceptions like Coachella, the GRAMMY awards, and the Latin Billboard Awards. Following his long-awaited return Bad Bunny will come to the KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville this Monday night in April.
G & G Distilled | April 23-28
You're invited to experience Kentucky's Bourbon Country this Spring as Garden & Gun comes to Louisville and surrounding areas for unparalleled access to the birthplace of bourbon. This curated week of events will showcase the incredible food, people, music, and spirit of the state. Highlights include barrel picks, small-batch suppers in private homes, horse racing, and live music.
Kroger's Fest-a-Ville℠ | April 25 - May 3
Returning to the Great Lawn at Louisville Waterfront Park, this annual Kentucky Derby Festival Tradition includes family fun, midway rides, and an inflatable playground, along with food trucks, and the Waterfront Jam Concert Series. Catch nightly special events, including the Great Balloon Glow, Chow Wagon, Ohio Valley Wrestling Run for the Ropes, Ken-Ducky Derby, and more. Entry is free with a 2024 Pegasus pin.
Kentucky Derby Festival Mini & Marathon | April 27
The Kentucky Derby Festival miniMaration is a long-standing tradition held every April and 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 run the full marathon will run through two Fredrick Law Olmsted-designed parks, taking a lap through Louisville's Central Park as well as Iroquois Park.
Opening Night at Churchill Downs | April 27
Kick off the celebration of the 150th run for the roses as historic Churchill Downs hosts opening night, a kick-off to Derby Week celebrations and considered one of the most stylish nights in horse racing. Gates open at 5pm for the afternoon event, with the first race at 6pm. Be sure to dress your best as you soak in the 2024 Kentucky Derby trends with a fashion preview from Rodes For Him & For Her, experience artistic creations from KMAC Couture designers, and gain style tips from featured Kentucky Derby Milliners, all while enjoying an evening of heart-pounding racing.
Cherokee Triangle Art Fair | April 27 & 28 | FREE
For over 50 years, the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair has ushered in springtime in Louisville in one of the city's historic neighborhoods-- the Highlands. This free, two-day event is one of the oldest art fairs in the region and features more than 200 artists' booths with art ranging from paintings to sculptures to jewelry. Food vendors will also be on-site as well as live music performances which will take place in the Willow Park Gazebo.
Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade | April 28 | FREE
Taking place the Sunday before the Kentucky Derby, the annual Pegasus Parade will march down Broadway, symbolizing the start of Derby Week. Originating in 1956, the parade is the Derby Festival's oldest event and has featured a wide variety of celebrities such as Muhammad Ali, John Wayne, Diane Sawyer, Colonel Sanders, and William Shatner.
To find all events happening in and around the city, check out our event calendar and subscribe to our e-newsletter for the latest updates on news and events. For discounts on local attraction tickets and hotel rooms, click here.
