Annual Events in Louisville, KY

If you’re a fan of fun, Louisville’s the place for you.

No matter what the season or time of year, there are umpteen-million things you can do in this city. Louisville is home to a veritable plethora of high-profile festivals that celebrate the arts and culture, reflecting the joy of conversation and community in the city. Louisville is a superstar when it comes to putting on festivals and events.

Annually the city’s events have been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 and Kentucky Travel Industry Association Top 10 for their cultural and historical significance.
In 2010, Louisville joined Sydney, Australia, as the only two cities to receive the inaugural World Festival & Event City designation by the International Festivals & Events Association. Louisville was judged #1 in its class and named the Top North American City for populations of over one million.

Louisville offers the opportunity to experience both cultural identity and diversity through many attractions and historic sites as well as festivals and events. Look around and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the array of events representing a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds that make up the fabric of our community. 

Below is a list of our most popular annual events and festivals.  

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

February:

• Bourbon Classic
• National Farm Machinery Show
• Tailspin Ale Fest

March:

• Humana Festival of New American Plays
• Itchin to Pick

April:

• Cherokee Triangle Art Fair
• Kentucky Derby Festival
• Thunder Over Louisville
• Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/Mini Marathon

May:

• Kentucky Oaks
• Kentucky Derby
• Kentucky Reggae Festival
• Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle

June:

• Derby City Comic Con
• Kentucky Bourbon Affair
• Kentuckiana Pride Festival
• Kentucky Shakespeare Festival

July:

• Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival
• Forecastle
• Jane Austen Festival
• World Championship of Dainty
• Lebowski Fest
• Waterfront Independence Festival

August:

• Brew at the Zoo
• NSRA Street Rod Nationals Plus
• Kentucky State Fair
• World Championship Horse Show

September:

• WorldFest
• IdeaFestival
• Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival
• Kentucky Bluegrass & Bourbon Experience
• Louisville Brewfest
• Louisville Pride Festival
• Mayor’s Hike, Bike and Paddle
• National Jug Band Jubilee
• NuLu Festival
• VinylFest

October:

• Garvin Gate Blues Festival
• St. James Art Fair
• Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
• Louder Than Life
• World’s Largest Halloween Party at the Zoo
• Ironman Louisville

November:

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

December:

• Bardstown Road Aglow
• Christmas at the Galt House Hotel
• Holiday In the City
• Christmas Gifts and Décor Show