Spring festivals you don’t want to miss in Louisville
Spring into Bourbon City this year with these major events, including the Kentucky Derby, NuLu Bock Fest, and the Cherokee…
Annual Festivals & Events
From an award-winning festival city
Louisville knows how to party (and host a festival)!
In fact, the whole world knows.
In addition to hosting the longest running annual sporting event in America (the Kentucky Derby), Louisville became one of the first cities in the world to be recognized as a TOP festival and event city.
The International Festivals & Events Association named Louisville a "best festival city" for its various events and how the community supports them.
Find out yourself by exploring one of the many happenings going on throughout the year.
Summer
- Abbey Road on the River
- Ali Festival
- Americana World Festival
- The Big Stomp
- Jeffersontown Beer Festival
- Kentuckiana Pride Festival
- Kentucky Craft Bash
- Kentucky Shakespeare Festival
- Kentucky State Fair
- Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle
- NSRA Street Rod Nationals Plus
- Old Fashioned Fortnight
- Old Lou Craft Beer Festival
- Sky Soul Festival
- Waterfront Independence Festival
- World Championship of Dainty
- World Championship Horse Show
Fall
- Belknap Festival
- Boo at the Zoo
- Bourbon & Beyond
- Garvin Gate Blues Festival
- Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular
- Louder Than Life
- Louisville’s International Festival of Film
- Louisville Pride Festival
- Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival
- National Bourbon Heritage Month
- North American Livestock Exposition & Championship Rodeo
- NuLu Festival
- Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom
- St. James Court Art Show
- Urban Bourbon Half Marathon
- WorldFest
Featured Festivals
10+ Bourbon events and festivals to attend in 2026
It’s not called Bourbon City for nothing.
Concerts coming to Louisville in 2026
Louisville is ready for its 2026 sound check.
Kentucky Derby
In Louisville, we turn the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" into a month-long celebration of special events, distinct culinary traditions, and of course... Bourbon.
Bourbon & Beyond
Discover Bourbon, Music & Culinary Delights!
Louder Than Life
Experience some of the biggest names in rock ‘n roll music right in the epicenter of America’s Native Spirit – Bourbon City.
St. James Court Art Show
One of the largest art shows in the country, held in a historic setting.
Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
Light up this spooky holiday with a fun festival featuring thousands of professionally-carved pumpkins!
