Annual Festivals & Events

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, 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 variety of events and the way the community supports them.

Find out yourself by exploring one of the many happenings going on throughout the year.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

January:

• Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow
• WhiskerMania

February:

• Bourbon Classic
• Louisville Jewish Film Festival
• National Farm Machinery Show
• Tailspin Ale Fest

March:

• Humana Festival of New American Plays
• St. Patrick's Day Parade
• NuLu Bock Beer Fest

April:

• Cherokee Triangle Art Fair
• Kentucky Derby Festival
• Thunder Over Louisville
• Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon/Marathon
• Mint Julep Month

May:

• Kentucky Oaks (April 30, 2021)
• Kentucky Derby (May 1, 2021)
• Kentucky Reggae Festival
• Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle
• Abbey Road on the River

June:

• Old Fashioned Fortnight
• ​Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival
• Derby City Comic Con
• Kentucky Bourbon Affair
• Whiskey Live
• Kentuckiana Pride Festival
• Kentucky Shakespeare Festival
• Kentucky Craft Bash - Beer Festival
• Portland Festival
• I Am Ali Festival

July:

• Forecastle
• Jane Austen Festival
• World Championship of Dainty
• Lebowski Fest
• Waterfront Independence Festival
• Flyover Film Festival

August:

• Brew at the Zoo
• NSRA Street Rod Nationals Plus
• Kentucky State Fair
• World Championship Horse Show
• Louisville Zombie Walk
• African Heritage Festival

September:

• National Bourbon Heritage Month
• Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Bardstown)
• WorldFest
• Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival
• Kentucky Bluegrass & Bourbon Experience
• Louisville Brewfest
• Louisville Pride Festival
• Mayor’s Hike, Bike and Paddle
• National Jug Band Jubilee
• NuLu Festival
• Hometown Rising
• Bourbon & Beyond
• Louder Than Life

October:

• Garvin Gate Blues Festival
• St. James Art Fair
• Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
• World’s Largest Halloween Party at the Zoo
• Ironman Louisville
• Louisville's International Festival of Film
• Louisville LGBT Film Festival

November:

• Festival of Trees and Lights
• Light Up Louisville
• North American Livestock Exposition & Championship Rodeo

December:

• Winter Woods Spectacular
• Bardstown Road Aglow
• Christmas Gifts and Décor Show
• Lights Under Louisville
• Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour

*This is not a complete listing of events. For our full event calendar click here