Top 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 the return of the PGA Championship, 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. With superstar headliners like Ne-Yo, Luke Bryan, and Bruno Mars, to neighborhood block parties in the Highlands and NuLu, there are plenty of ways to get down and Derby in Louisville this spring.
The Great Steamboat Race | May 1
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. Scheduled annually for the Wednesday before Derby Day, this year’s race will include Louisville’s Belle of Louisville and BB Riverboats Belle of Cincinnati. Tickets to ride both racing riverboats are available, as well as the Mary M. Miller riverboat, which will be trailing the two vessels throughout the two-hour race. For those not looking to cruise, 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.
Kentucky Oaks | May 3
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 4
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 150th year, never missing a year since the inaugural event in 1875.
Patti LaBelle at the Louisville Palace | May 10
Having spent over 50 years in the music business, Patti is more than just the lead singer behind the sixties monster disco hit Lady Marmalade. The Godmother of Soul will be coming to downtown Louisville this Mother's Day weekend, to the historic Louisville Palace.
International Food Truck Festival | May 11 | FREE
The 3rd 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.
Opening Day at Kentucky Kingdom | May 11
Kentucky's largest amusement park will re-open for its 2024 season on Saturday, May 11! Owned by Herschend Family Entertainment and spanning over 67 acres, Kentucky Kingdom offers family-friendly entertainment with over 70 rides and attractions – including five World-class roller coasters. The Hurricane Bay 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.
PGA Championship | May 13-19
Less than 10 days after the Kentucky Derby, the 2024 PGA Championship will be held at the Valhalla Golf Club in East Louisville. One of the four men's major championships in professional golf, this prestigious event moves around the US annually and has not been held in Louisville since 2014.
Greta Van Fleet - Starcatcher World Tour | May 16
Grammy-winning rock band Greta Van Fleet will bring the Starcatcher World Tour to the KFC Yum! Center along with special guest Geese, on a Thursday night in downtown Louisville.
Poorcastle Festival | May 17-19
This year's three-day Poorcastle Festival will feature headliners Doom Gong, Future Killer, and Hot Brown Smackdown along with 30 more local bands. Held in Breslin Park, it bills itself as an alternative to pricier festivals without sacrificing the quality of the music or the fun.
Old Louisville SpringFest | May 18
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.
Norton Commons Art Festival | May 18 & 19
Located in the walkable Norton Commons neighborhood, this free, 2-day event will feature over 100 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 23-27
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 Jan & Dean's Beach Party, The Fab Four, The English Channel, and Classicstone. Free admission for guests age 20 and under when accompanied by a matching adult ticket.
Uncle Boojie's Roots Revue | May 24 & 25
New for 2024, this two-day bluegrass, roots, and folk music festival will be hosted held 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 with discounted tickets for kids aged 11-17 and free for those ages 10 and under.
GAZEBO Festival | May 25 & 26
Jack Harlow announces GAZEBO Festival, a music festival he will co-headline with multiple GRAMMY Award winner, SZA, on May 25 & 26 at Louisville’s Waterfront Park. The line-up also includes James Blake (DJ Set), Omar Apollo, PinkPantheress, Vince Staples and more. The two-day event will feature 26 acts on two stages and highlight some of Louisville’s local food and culture. The Waterfront Park location uniquely marries the energy of downtown Louisville with more than 85 acres of green space on the Ohio River.
MindFest | May 26 | 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.
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival | May 29-August 11 | 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 the week 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 2024 season includes performances of Romeo & Juliet, The Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest.
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo | through June 16
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.
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.
