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 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.
Annual Festivals & Events
- Abbey Road on the River
- Ali Festival
- Americana World Festival
- Brew at the Zoo & Wine, Too!
- 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
- Waterfront Independence Festival
- World Championship of Dainty
- World Championship Horse Show
- Belknap Festival
- Boo at the Zoo
- Bourbon & Beyond
- Butchertown Oktoberfest
- Garvin Gate Blues Festival
- Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular
- Louder Than Life
- Louisville Beer Week
- Louisville’s International Festival of Film
- Louisville Pride Festival
- Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival
- Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle
- National Bourbon Heritage Month
- National Jug Band Jubilee
- North American Livestock Exposition & Championship Rodeo
- NuLu Festival
- St. James Court Art Show
- Urban Bourbon Half Marathon
- WorldFest
- Bardstown Road Aglow
- Bourbon Classic
- Christmas Gifts and Décor Show
- Festival of Faiths
- Festival of Trees and Lights
- Light Up Louisville
- Lights Under Louisville
- Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow
- National Farm Machinery Show
- Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour
- Paristown Fete de Noel
- Tailspin Ale Fest
- Winter Woods Spectacular
Upcoming Festivals
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Details
Open in Google Maps
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
Our popular lantern festival is back in a WHOLE NEW WAY! Experience unique locations from around the world as you stroll through the Zoo under the light of...
Spring into Derby
731 Brent St.
Louisville, Kentucky 40204
Details
Open in Google Maps
A Derby-Inspired Weekend of Art, Bourbon & Music in Paristown The revitalized historical neighborhood of Paristown is back with a weekend of outdoor...
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Details
Open in Google Maps
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
Our popular lantern festival is back in a WHOLE NEW WAY! Experience unique locations from around the world as you stroll through the Zoo under the light of...
Block Party Presented by Churchill Downs and Humana
3029 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.
Louisville, Kentucky 40212
Details
Open in Google Maps
Block Party Presented by Churchill Downs and Humana
The Kentucky Derby Festival’s Block Party returns for its second year in 2023. The event shines the spotlight on talent and resources throughout Louisville,...
Spring into Derby
731 Brent St.
Louisville, Kentucky 40204
Details
Open in Google Maps
A Derby-Inspired Weekend of Art, Bourbon & Music in Paristown The revitalized historical neighborhood of Paristown is back with a weekend of outdoor...
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Details
Open in Google Maps
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
Our popular lantern festival is back in a WHOLE NEW WAY! Experience unique locations from around the world as you stroll through the Zoo under the light of...
Spring into Derby
731 Brent St.
Louisville, Kentucky 40204
Details
Open in Google Maps
A Derby-Inspired Weekend of Art, Bourbon & Music in Paristown The revitalized historical neighborhood of Paristown is back with a weekend of outdoor...
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Details
Open in Google Maps
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
Our popular lantern festival is back in a WHOLE NEW WAY! Experience unique locations from around the world as you stroll through the Zoo under the light of...
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Details
Open in Google Maps
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
Our popular lantern festival is back in a WHOLE NEW WAY! Experience unique locations from around the world as you stroll through the Zoo under the light of...
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentucky 40213
Details
Open in Google Maps
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
Our popular lantern festival is back in a WHOLE NEW WAY! Experience unique locations from around the world as you stroll through the Zoo under the light of...
Thunder at Lynn Family Stadium
350 Adams Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40206
Details
Open in Google Maps
Thunder at Lynn Family Stadium
Lynn Family Stadium and its parking lots will open for Thunder Over Louisville programming throughout Saturday, April 22, culminating with a picturesque view...
Thunder at The Kentucky Center
501 W. Main St.
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Details
Open in Google Maps
Thunder at The Kentucky Center
Kentucky Performing Arts presents Thunder at The Kentucky CenterSaturday, April 22, 2023 | 2:00 PM (Garage opens at 9:00 AM) | The Kentucky CenterThunder at...