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, 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.
Over 70 special events two weeks preceeding the Kentucky...
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Each year, the Kentucky Derby starts with Thunder!
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September 15-18, 2022
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One of the largest art shows in the country, held in a...
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Light up this spooky holiday with a fun festival featuring...
Learn MoreJanuary:
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 (May 5, 2023)
Kentucky Derby (May 6, 2023)
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
Louder Than Life
October:
Garvin Gate Blues Festival
St. James Art Fair
Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
Boo 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.
Wild Lights
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Details
Open in Google Maps
GLOW WILD! Back by popular demand, Wild Lights is returning to illuminate the Louisville Zoo! See the Zoo in a whole new light as you enjoy one of the largest...
Wild Lights
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Details
Open in Google Maps
GLOW WILD! Back by popular demand, Wild Lights is returning to illuminate the Louisville Zoo! See the Zoo in a whole new light as you enjoy one of the largest...
MindFest 2022
124 N. 1st Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Details
Open in Google Maps
Mindfest is a free community mind strengthening event infused with music, food, entertainment, art, yoga, vendors, panel discussions, and more.MindFEST...
Wild Lights
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Details
Open in Google Maps
GLOW WILD! Back by popular demand, Wild Lights is returning to illuminate the Louisville Zoo! See the Zoo in a whole new light as you enjoy one of the largest...
Wild Lights
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Details
Open in Google Maps
GLOW WILD! Back by popular demand, Wild Lights is returning to illuminate the Louisville Zoo! See the Zoo in a whole new light as you enjoy one of the largest...
Abbey Road on the River
222 W. Maple Street
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
Details
Open in Google Maps
Abbey Road on the River is the world's largest Beatles-inspired music festival! In 2022, after two years, we are back to our original Memorial Day Weekend...
Wild Lights
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Details
Open in Google Maps
GLOW WILD! Back by popular demand, Wild Lights is returning to illuminate the Louisville Zoo! See the Zoo in a whole new light as you enjoy one of the largest...
Forecastle Festival
129 E. River Rd.
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Details
Open in Google Maps
The Forecastle Festival, Louisville’s longest-running festival returns for its 20th-anniversary event Memorial Day weekend, May 27 – 29, 2022 with an all-star...
Abbey Road on the River
222 W. Maple Street
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
Details
Open in Google Maps
Abbey Road on the River is the world's largest Beatles-inspired music festival! In 2022, after two years, we are back to our original Memorial Day Weekend...
Wild Lights
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Details
Open in Google Maps
GLOW WILD! Back by popular demand, Wild Lights is returning to illuminate the Louisville Zoo! See the Zoo in a whole new light as you enjoy one of the largest...
Abbey Road on the River
222 W. Maple Street
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
Details
Open in Google Maps
Abbey Road on the River is the world's largest Beatles-inspired music festival! In 2022, after two years, we are back to our original Memorial Day Weekend...
Forecastle Festival
129 E. River Rd.
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Details
Open in Google Maps
The Forecastle Festival, Louisville’s longest-running festival returns for its 20th-anniversary event Memorial Day weekend, May 27 – 29, 2022 with an all-star...