20+ Events Happening in Louisville this May

Named one of the best places to travel in May by Condé Nast Traveler, springtime in Louisville is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit the city. From a historic Kentucky Derby week to some under the radar neighborhood festivals, here are some of Louisville's top events taking place this May.

Kentucky Oaks & Derby Parties | through May 4

While there is no shortage of events for the entire month leading up to Derby, we've managed to get a list together of some of the annual parties and new additions that locals and visitors can attend during the days leading up to the race. From superstar headliners like Janelle Monáe and Diplo to over-the-top galas at some of Louisville's top hotels, there are plenty of ways to get down and Derby in Louisville this spring.

Kentucky Oaks | May 2

Held the Friday before the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks is held annually at Churchill Downs racetrack and is the 2nd highest attended horse race in the United States. Run by 3-year old fillies, spectators have developed a tradition of wearing pink on Oaks Day to bring attention to the fight against breast and ovarian cancer.

Kentucky Derby | May 3

Considered the longest continually held sporting event in North America, the Kentucky Derby is a tradition unlike any other. Held at the iconic Churchill Downs racetrack, "the most exciting two minutes in sports" takes place annually in Louisville during the first Saturday in May as up to twenty Thoroughbreds race head to head for a chance at being named Kentucky Derby champion and a shot at the coveted Triple Crown. This year's historic running marks its 151st year, never missing a year since the inaugural event in 1875.

Opening Day at Kentucky Kingdom | May 10

Kentucky's largest amusement park will re-open for its 2025 season on Saturday, May 10! Owned by Herschend Family Entertainment and spanning over 67 acres, Kentucky Kingdom offers family-friendly entertainment with over 70 rides and attractions. 2025 marks the opening of the brand new Discovery Meadow, which features 3 new rides, 10 reimagined attractions, and two upgraded dining venues. The waterpark, which is also located on the property, offers two giant wave pools, thrilling water slides, and plenty of places to relax in the sun, and will open just a few weeks later over Memorial Day Weekend.

International Food Truck Festival | May 10 | FREE

The 4th annual international food truck festival is headed back to Waterfront Park on the Big Four Lawn. Enjoy eating around the world with local vendors including Made in Brazil, Celtic Pig, Bamba Eggroll Co., and Dakshin Indian restaurant, along with dozens of others, while also being entertained by various cultural performances.

PNC Broadway Presents: SHUCKED | May 13-18

Taking place at the Kentucky Center in downtown Louisville this Tony Award®–winning musical comedy set in the fictional small town of Corn Cob County, where the corn crop suddenly dies. The story follows a young woman, Maizy, who leaves her home in search of a "Corn Doctor" to save the town's livelihood. Along the way, she encounters a con man posing as a podiatrist, who devises a scheme to swindle the desperate farmers.

An Evening with Kenny G at the Louisville Palace | May 14

Known as a successful smooth jazz saxophonist and composer, Kenny G is widely regarded as the best-selling instrumental musician of all time. Taking place at the historic Louisville Palace, enjoy the sounds of his signature style, involving melodic saxophone solos.

Forest Fest | May 17

Head to Jefferson Memorial Forest for this annual Bluegrass and Americana music festival on the third Saturday in May. The event will feature a family-friendly day of live music, workshops, nature play, and local makers in the middle of what is considered one of the nation's largest urban forests.

Old Louisville SpringFest | May 17

Located at Toonerville Trolley Park, near the corner of Brook & Oak Street in historic Old Louisville, this annual festival and neighborhood market is free and open to the public. Taking place from 10am until 7pm, the event features nearly 100 local handmade artists and vendors selling unique local art, upcycled goods, jewelry, pottery, clothing, handmade soaps, wood crafts, and artisanal food. Food trucks and live music will also be on hand, along with a DJ in the SpringFest beer garden.

Downs After Dark | May 17

One of Louisville’s longest-running traditions extends their hours just a few times a year for what Churchill Downs has coined Downs After Dark. With gates opening at 5pm and the last horse race not starting until 11:10pm, racing fans will have a chance to see Churchill Downs in a whole new light. Live music, festive attire, and of course, classic cocktails add to the excitement.

Norton Commons Art Festival | May 17 & 18

Located in the walkable Norton Commons neighborhood, this free, 2-day event will feature over 75 artisan vendors including painters, jewelry makers, soap milliners, photographers, woodworkers, and mixed media artists. Local food trucks will be on site along with live music, and a kids' zone.

Abbey Road on the River | May 22-26

This annual Beatles tribute takes place just across the river from Louisville at Big Four Station Park in Jeffersonville, IN. The Memorial Day weekend festival will feature some of the best Beatles cover bands rocking out in tribute to the iconic British boy band. Headliners include Pete Best, Jukebox Beatles, The Weeklings, and Classicstone. Free admission for guests age 20 and under when accompanied by a matching adult ticket.

Fleur De Flea Vintage Urban Market | May 24

Considered the largest vintage market in Kentuckiana, Fleur De Flea's annual Memorial Day Weekend event features over 200 venders selling vintage, vinyl, antiques, collectables, funk, junk, curiosities, industrial and more. Grab a bite to eat from one of Louisville’s best food trucks or a cold beverage from one of our pop up bars or beer garden with local breweries.

Louisville Bats Halfoween and Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks | May 24

Head to downtown's Louisville Slugger Field as the Louisville Bats Baseball team takes on the Gwinnett Stripers. The 7:15pm game will be themed "Halfoween" marking the halfway point to Halloween, and feature pregame trick-or-treating and costume contests. Stick around after the game for a special Memorial Day Weekend fireworks show lighting up the night sky over the Ohio River.

Roots Revue Festival | May 24 & 25

Back for its second year in 2025, this two-day bluegrass, roots, and folk music festival will be hosted in Christie's Garden at Paristown. The event will feature some of the best bluegrass artists in the region, great food & great cocktails. Both general and VIP admission tickets are available will be available with discounted tickets for kids aged 11-17 and free for those ages 10 and under.

Kentucky Shakespeare Festival | May 28 - 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. This year’s entertainment kicks off after Memorial Day weekend, 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 own 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.

Speakeasy on the Belle of Louisville | May 30

Celebrating the 100th anniversary and Louisville's ties to The Great Gatsby, the Belle of Louisville steamboat will be hosting a two-hour prohibition-themed cruise on the Ohio River. Live jazz and swing music will be featured on board along with a cocktail class, a costume contest, and dance lessons. Zoot suits and flapper dresses encouraged, but not required.

Louisville Taco, Beer and Tequila Festival | May 31

Held at the Mellwood Arts Center, enjoy 15+ taco vendors, a guacamole pavilion, a dip-your-own churros station, multiple margarita bars, and a large selection of beer, tequila, and wine. Live entertainment will also be on site. General admission and VIP tickets are available.

MindFest | May 31 | FREE

Held at Roots 101 African American Museum, this free community mind-strengthening event features music, food, entertainment, art, yoga, vendors, panel discussions, and more. The purpose of the festival is to share resources via hosted activities and break the stigmas surrounding mental health.

To find all events happening in and around the city be sure to check out our event calendar and subscribe to our email newsletters for the latest updates on news and events. For discounts on local attraction tickets and hotel rooms click here.