A- Overview:
“And they’re off!” Those electrifying words, along with the song “Danny Boy”, mark Louisville as the place to be for thousands each May during the world famous Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown of thoroughbred horse racing. As it has done for more than 130 years, the race and associated events transform Louisville. Dozens of theme-decorated horses can be found on the sidewalks, in the gardens and in the entrances to some of the city’s buildings. This public art project, called Gallopalooza, lends a bright note of whimsy to the city.
The 16th largest city in the U.S. and the largest city in Kentucky, Louisville is home to over 90 attractions and thousands of excellent hotels and restaurants. Whether you are planning to visit Louisville for pleasure or attending a meeting or convention, you will find thoroughbred horse racing, bluegrass music, sporting events, and much more.
Located on the banks of the Ohio River, greater Louisville is at the center of three major interstate highways: I-65, I-71 and I-64. It is within a day’s drive of nearly half of the nation’s population centers. Louisville International Airport is conveniently situated only seven minutes from downtown.
Louisville has four distinct seasons. There is just enough snow in the winter to make the scenery exquisite. Spring is an exciting time. The city holds the Kentucky Derby Festival during the two weeks leading up to the race, with fireworks, balloon races, steamboat races, concerts and many other events. With high temperatures in the mid-70s during the spring, it’s also the perfect time for outdoor activities.
Summer is the time to enjoy one of the country’s greatest theme parks, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. This theme park contains five roller coasters and also has live shows, popular dining spots, and special areas for smaller children. Hurricane Bay water park has a giant 750,000-gallon wave pool, with surfable waves. In the fall, the cooler temperatures bring the change of fall foliage, Kentucky style.
The landmark that most people associate with Louisville is Churchill Downs, located south of downtown. It has been a place of ritual since 1875, when the first Kentucky Derby was run. Even if you aren’t in town for the race, it is worthwhile to make a trip to the track. In addition to touring the facilities, you can tour the beautifully appointed Kentucky Derby Museum.
As one commentator observed: in the Derby, each horse that is running has only two minutes out of its whole life to prove itself. Because only 3-year-olds run in the race, each horse has only a once in a lifetime, two-minute chance of winning.
On the education front, the University of Louisville, with an enrollment of more than 21,000, has three campuses throughout the metropolitan area. The Belknap Campus, 3 miles from downtown, contains seven of the university’s 11 schools; the university’s medical campus and hospital are in downtown Louisville; and the Shelby Campus is in eastern Jefferson County.
There is good news for the many fans of Louisville Slugger baseball bats! The giant bat that now stands in downtown Louisville marks the spot where the Slugger bats are made: a new factory has recently opened, marking the return of the company to Louisville after an absence of more than 20 years.
Why not take in dinner aboard an authentic Paddlewheel Steamboat. The Belle of Louisville and the Spirit of Jefferson cruise the beautiful Ohio River daily. With year round lunch and dinner cruises, this is a way to view the skyline and enjoy great food at the same time.
For an introduction to the history of the area, be sure to visit the Frazier Historical Arms Museum. It’s an unforgettable journey that spans 1000 years with a collection of arms, armor and related historical artifacts from around the world.
The Water Tower, east of downtown at River Road and Zorn Avenue, is an example of classic industrial architecture, with a Grecian temple front and a great standpipe tower modeled after the Roman triumphal column. The Confederate Monument is found at 3rd Street and Cardinal Boulevard.
The performing arts are housed in The Kentucky Center. The glass walls of the center reflect facades of buildings, which have been renovated and converted into museums, theaters, shops and restaurants. The Louisville arts community has gained international acclaim and is one of only nine U.S. cities with a professional opera, ballet, theatre, orchestra and children’s theatre.
Another downtown treat is shopping and dining in the rejuvenated Fourth Street area known as Fourth Street Live!, where a growing number of restaurants have opened (including the Hard Rock Cafe), some interesting shops, and more are slated to open in the coming months.
All in all, Louisville is a city of stature as well as a center of culture and of entertainment. Looking for a terrific vacation destination? Live it up in Louisville!
B- City Information:
Population: 256,231
Elevation: 462 Feet Above Sea Level
Land Area: 62.1 Square Miles
Location: Louisville is easily accessible, located at the center of three major interstates, I-65, I-71 and I-64, within a day’s drive of nearly half of the nation’s population. Louisville’s commercial airport is only seven minutes from downtown.
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (When it’s noon in Louisville, its 11:00am in Chicago and 9:00am in Los Angeles. Louisville observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October.
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
32.9
37.5
46.9
56.3
65.7
74.1
78.3
76.9
70.0
58.4
47.5
37.5
High temperature (°F)
41.0
46.7
56.9
66.9
75.5
83.4
87.1
85.9
79.5
68.5
56.0
45.4
Low temperature (°F)
24.8
28.3
36.9
45.8
55.9
64.8
69.5
67.9
60.6
48.2
39.1
29.7
Precipitation (in)
3.2
3.2
4.3
3.9
4.7
3.8
4.1
3.4
3.1
2.7
3.7
3.7
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precip.
11
10
13
12
12
10
10
8
8
7
10
12
Wind speed (mph)
9.5
9.5
10.1
9.7
8.0
7.4
6.8
6.4
6.8
7.2
8.9
9.1
Morning humidity (%)
78
77
76
76
82
83
85
87
88
85
80
79
Afternoon humidity (%)
65
61
57
52
56
57
58
57
57
55
61
66
Sunshine (%)
41
48
51
56
60
66
67
66
64
61
46
40
Days clear of clouds
6
6
6
6
8
8
8
10
10
12
7
6
Partly cloudy days
6
6
7
9
9
11
13
11
9
8
6
6
Cloudy days
20
16
18
15
14
11
10
9
11
12
16
19
Snowfall (in)
5.4
4.3
3.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
1.0
2.4
Local Seasons:
Louisville has four beautiful, very distinct seasons. Anytime of the year is the perfect time to visit this truly amazing city. There is just enough snow in the winter to make the scenery exquisite. Spring is an exciting time. There are six festivals alone in April leading up to the big annual event, the Kentucky Derby in mid-May. With high temperatures in the mid-70’s F during this time, it’s the perfect time for all of those outdoor activities. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy one of the country’s greatest theme parks, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. And if you happen to be lucky enough to visit in the fall, you are in for a great time. With the cooler temperatures bringing the change of season, there is nothing like fall foliage, Kentucky style.
How to Get There:
By Air:
Louisville Regional Airport
502-368-6524
600 Terminal Drive
Louisville, KY 40209
Conveniently located only seven minutes from town, the airport is served my many of the national airlines as well as certain regional carriers.
Most major car rental companies operate on or near the airport
By Car:
Louisville is easily accessible, located at the center of three major interstates, I-65, I-71 and I-64, within a day’s drive of nearly half of the nation’s population.
By Bus:
Louisville is served by Greyhound
720 W Muhammad Ali Boulevard
Louisville KY 40203
502-561-2805
By Train:
Amtrak does not stop in Louisville
Getting Around Town:
With so many things to see and do, the best way to get around town is by car
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day: Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President’s Day: 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day: last Mon. in May
Independence Day: July 4
Labor Day: 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day: 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve: Dec. 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
BBC Brewing Co., LLC, BBC Taproom and Louisville Breweriana Museum
636 E. Main St.
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-584-BREW
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Louisville’s Beer! A full scale brewery & bottling plant
Belle of Louisville & Spirit of Jefferson
401 West River Road
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
866-832-0011 or 502-574-2992
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
The Spirit of Jefferson features year-round lunch & dinner cruises on the beautiful Ohio River. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner buffet, dancing, and scenic views of the Louisville skyline.
Call for days and hours of operation. This attractively appointed vessel is climate controlled for the comfort of her passengers and is handicapped accessible. For ease of boarding, convenient passenger drop-off and nearby parking is available.
Churchill Downs
700 Central Ave.
Louisville, 40208
800-283-3729 or 502-636-4400
Call for schedule
Admission Charged
Live Thoroughbred horse racing and home of the Kentucky Derby. Spring and fall racing with numerous events and festivals.
Conrad/Caldwell House Museum
1402 St. James Court
Louisville, KY 40208-2127
502-636-5023
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Victorian Romanesque Revival house, richly decorated on both exterior & interior
E.P. ‘Tom’ Sawyer State Park
3000 Freys Hill Road
Louisville, Kentucky
502-426-8950
Call for days and hours of operation
Recreational Park: BMX, pool, radio control airstrip, athletic fields, gym.
Farmington Historic House Museum
3033 Bardstown Road
Louisville, 40205
502-452-9920
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
1815 Federal-style house with important connections to Thomas Jefferson & Abraham Lincoln. Magnificently restored. Guided tours & museum store.
Frazier International History Museum
829 W. Main St.
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-412-2280
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Take an unforgettable journey through history that spans 1000 years and 2 continents at the Frazier Museum which, in collaboration with Royal Armouries, holds in trust one of the greatest collections of arms, armor and related historical artifacts in the world. Through the use of interactive displays, state-of-the-art multi-media presentations and dynamic performances by costumed interpreters, history also comes alive
at The Frazier as never before.
Gheens Science Hall & Rauch Planetarium
Rauch Planetarium
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky 40292
502-852-6664
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Screaming comets, dancing lasers, pulsing music, & thousands of stars — all in a theatre unlike anything else in the region. Visit us for an out-of-this-world experience!
Glassworks
815 W. Market St.
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-584-4510
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
A multi-use facility with galleries featuring artist from around the world, glass blowing classes & workshops, a restaurant, & tours daily.
Historic Homes Foundation, Inc.
3110 Lexington Road
Louisville, KY 40206
502-899-5079
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
HHF owns and operates Farmington (c. 1815), Whitehall (c. 1909), and Thomas Edison House (c. 1860). The three museums are open for tours and host rental events. HHF is affiliated with Historic Locust Grove.
Historic Locust Grove, Inc.
561 Blankenbaker Ln.
Louisville, Kentucky 40207
502-897-9845
Museum and store open daily, call for hours of operation
Admission Charged
This fifty-five acre site is a National Historic Landmark. The ca.1790 farm is the last home of General George Rogers Clark.
Jeffersontown Historical Museum
10635 Watterson Tr.
Louisville, KY 40299
502-261-8290
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Free
Free museum. 50% of space is devoted to Pioneer artifacts & archives. 50% is 1,250 ethnic & folk dolls from all over the world.
Kentucky Center for African American Heritage
315 Guthrie Green, Ste. 400
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-583-4100
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
African American Museum and Cultural Center located in the historic Russell District.
The Kentucky Center
501 W. Main Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-562-0100
Call for schedule
Admission Charged
From Broadway to ballet, blues to Beethoven, the Center brings a world of entertainment to its audiences on three fabulous stages. The “Center of It All!”
Kentucky Derby Museum
704 Central Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40208
502-637-1111
Open every day, call for hours of operation
Admission Charged
Featuring “The Greatest Race,” a 360-degree, high-definition show, walking tours and NEW barn-area van tours of Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Museum of Arts + Design
715 W. Main Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
800-446-0102
Call for schedule and hours of operation
Admission Charged
What’s inside the Kentucky Museum of Arts + Design? Art, shopping, creativity, and fun. Celebrating traditional and functional art, visitors can view and shop for hand-made items in two exhibition galleries and a sales gallery. Kentucky, regional, and national artists are featured in 22 exhibitions per year and a Permanent Collection Gallery, and over 200 Kentucky artists are represented in the retail gallery. Art lovers can also attend exciting hands-on workshops in the Education Center.
Louisville Extreme Park
Witherspoon & Clay Streets
Louisville, Kentucky
502-574-3333
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The Extreme Park features a 24-foot full-pipe and offers a great balance of street-style
Louisville Science Center
727 W. Main Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-561-6100
Call for schedule, days, and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The Louisville Science Center aims to entertain and educate you. We do this through hands-on exhibits, IMAX® films, educational programs and special events.
Louisville Slugger Museum
800 West Main Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-588-7228
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
See the World’s Biggest Bat! Fascinating and fun tour of the bat factory. Interactive exhibits. Baseball’s greatest hitters. Free mini bat with tour. Personalized bats available.
Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, Kentuck 40233
502-459-2181
Open year around, call for days and hours of operation
Houses 1,300 animals in the heart of Louisville
Muhammad Ali Center
One Riverfront Plaza
Suite 1702
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-584-9254
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The Muhammad Ali Center is an international, cultural and educational institution that is guided and inspired by the ideals of Muhammad Ali as they relate to our individual lives. Visitors will experience a non-traditional museum experience that parallel Muhammad Ali’s steps to “personal greatness”–goal-setting, training, motivation, and humanitarianism. His biographical storyline–from his Louisville roots to his boxing career, to his societal and religious convictions–will come alive through both integrated and stand-alone experiences.
Renaissance Fun Park
201 Park Place Dr.
Louisville, Kentucky 40243
502-253-9700
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Four acres of Family Fun! Go Karts, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, & arcades
Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing
7410 Moorman Road
Louisville, Kentucky 40272
502-935-6809
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing is a 300-acre historic site on the Ohio River southwest of downtown Louisville. The centerpiece of the site is the Farnsley-Moremen House. During the 19th century, the Ohio River was a superhighway carrying goods, people and ideas to far-flung parts of a young America. Visitors to Riverside learn about the important role the river played in the lives of the people who brought this property to life by cultivating its fields and trading on the river.
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
937 Phillips Lane
Louisville, Kentucky 40209
800-SCREAMS
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
A full-feature theme and water park with eight rollercoasters including the latest ride, Greezed Lightnin’.
The Speed Art Museum
2035 S. Third Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40208
502-634-2700
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Founded in 1927, The Speed Art Museum has over 13,000 pieces in its collection, spanning 6,000 years, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary art. The Museum has distinguished collections of 17th century Dutch and Flemish painting; 18th century French art; Renaissance and Baroque tapestries; and significant holdings of contemporary painting and sculpture.
Thomas Edison House
729-31 E. Washington Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-585-5247
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
1850’s shotgun home of Thomas Edison while employed at Western Union. On exhibit are many of Edison’s inventions, including phonographs, incandescent bulbs and motion picture artifacts.
Whitehall
3110 Lexington Road
Louisville, Kentucky 40206
502-897-2944
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Antebellum style mansion, Circa 1855/1909, Formal Florentine Garden, 10-acre grounds
Woodford Reserve Distillery
7855 McCracken Pike
Versailles, Kentucky 40383
800-542-1812
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
This National Historic Landmark is one of the oldest working bourbon distilleries in Kentucky. Tours available year ’round, history exhibits and gift shop
Nearby Attractions
Clarimont
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Highway 245
Clermont, Kentucky 40110
502-955-8512
Open daily 7am to sunset
Admission Charged
A 250-acre arboretum, lakes, Visitor Center with art gallery and shop, and over 35 miles of trails through natural forest.
Jim Beam’s American Outpost
Hwy 245
Clermont, Kentucky 40110
502-543-9877
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Free
Visitor Center for Jim Beam Distillery, history & production, Beam family home & more!
Shelbyville
Buffalo Crossing
1140 Bagdad Rd.
Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065
877-700-0047 or502-647-0377
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
A 1,000 acre working buffalo ranch which includes a restaurant, gift shops, petting zoo, pony rides & playground.
Frankfort
Buffalo Trace Distillery
1001 Wilkinson Blvd.
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
800-654-8471 or 502- 223-7641
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Home of the most highly awarded bourbons in history.
Marengo
Cave Country Adventures
400 E. State Hwy. 64
Marengo, Kentucky 47140
888-70-CAVES or 812-365-2705
Call for directions, days, and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Cave Country Adventures offers walking & natural tours in two National Landmark caves paddling on beautiful Blue River & more.
Prospect
Classic Biplane Tours, LLC
4016 Deer Lake Circle
Prospect, Kentucky 40059
502-836-5252
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Biplane rides- Discovering Louisville from the air while reliving the golden era of aviation in an open cockpit WACO airplane.
New Albany
Culbertson Mansion Historical Site
914 E. Main St.
New Albany, Kentucky 47150
812-944-9600
Call for directions, days, and hours of operation
Admission Charged
25-room Victorian mansion owned by William A. Culbertson, dry goods merchant and banker, hand-painted ceilings, guided tours, gift shop.
Falls of the Ohio
201 West Riverside Drive
Clarksville, IN 47129
812-280-9970
Call for hours of operation
Admission Charged
The Park overlooks the Ohio River and the 400- million-year-old Devonian Fossil Beds. Interpretive Center movie and exhibits tell the Falls’ story.
Midway
Equus Run Vineyards & Winery
1280 Moores Mill Road
Midway, Kentucky 40347
859-846-9463
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Boutique winery & vineyard, gift shop, tasting, tours, garden, croquet lawns, bocce courts, reception and banquet facilities in the heart of the Bluegrass.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
.P. ‘Tom’ Sawyer State Park
3000 Freys Hill Road
Louisville, Kentucky
502-426-8950
Call for days and hours of operation
Recreational Park: BMX, pool, radio control airstrip, athletic fields, gym.
Frazier International History Museum
829 W. Main St.
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-412-2280
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Take an unforgettable journey through history that spans 1000 years and 2 continents at the Frazier Museum which, in collaboration with Royal Armouries, holds in trust one of the greatest collections of arms, armor and related historical artifacts in the world. Through the use of interactive displays, state-of-the-art multi-media presentations and dynamic performances by costumed interpreters, history also comes alive
at The Frazier as never before.
Gheens Science Hall & Rauch Planetarium
Rauch Planetarium
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
502-852-6664
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Screaming comets, dancing lasers, pulsing music, & thousands of stars — all in a theatre unlike anything else in the region. Visit us for an out-of-this-world experience!
Kentucky Derby Museum
704 Central Avenue
Louisville, 40208
502-637-1111
Open every day, call for hours of operation
Admission Charged
Featuring “The Greatest Race,” a 360-degree, high-definition show, walking tours and NEW barn-area van tours of Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
800-678-8813 or 859-233-4303
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The only theme park in the world dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse, the park is the place to get close to horses in Kentucky.
Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
P.O Box 37250
Louisville, KY 40233
502-459-2181
Open year around, call for days and hours of operation
Houses 1,300 animals in the heart of Louisville
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
937 Phillips Lane
Louisville, KY 40209
800-SCREAMS
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
A full-feature theme and water park with eight rollercoasters including our latest ride, Greezed Lightnin’.
Nearby Attractions
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Highway 245
Clermont, KY 40110
502-955-8512
Open daily 7am to sunset
Admission Charged
A 250-acre arboretum, lakes, Visitor Center with art gallery and shop, and over 35 miles of trails through natural forest.
Classic Biplane Tours, LLC
4016 Deer Lake Circle
Prospect, Kentucky 40059
502-836-5252
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Biplane rides- Discovering Louisville from the air while reliving the golden era of aviation in an open cockpit WACO airplane.
Falls of the Ohio
201 West Riverside Drive
Clarksville, IN 47129
812-280-9970
Call for hours of operation
Admission Charged
The Park overlooks the Ohio River and the 400- million-year-old Devonian Fossil Beds. Interpretive Center movie and exhibits tell the Falls’ story.
The Fun Farm
2690 Breckenridge Road N.E.
Corydon, Kentucky 47112
800-952-3580
Corn maze opens Aug. 1st. Open Fri-Sun 9am-7pm. Weekdays by reservation
Admission Charged
Paintball games & store, laser tag, hayrides, karaoke, arcade. 12 “fields” for paintball & laser tag.
Kentucky Railway Museum
136 S. Main St.
New Haven, KY 40051
800-272-0152
Call for schedule, days, and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Take an excursion on a vintage passenger train through the scenic Rolling Fork River Valley.
Squire Boone Caverns
100 Squire Boone Rd.
Mauckport, 47142
888-934-1804
Call for days and hors of operation
Admission Charged
Southern Indiana tourist attraction, cavern tours, log cabin village.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
January
Dinnerworks at Louisville Visual Art Association
The Louisville Visual Art Association’s annual exhibition of handmade dinnerware coupled with unique table designs.
February
National Farm Machinery Show
Start your year out right with row after row of brand name products and services, hands-on demonstrations of the latest technology advancements, and a selection of free seminars that are both practical and informative.
March
Mid-America Trucking Show
Equipment and services of every conceivable description, representing the most innovative technology and advanced developments in the industry will be on display!
Humana Festival of new American Plays
Time Magazine recently called this showcase, “The center of the theater world.”
April
Kentucky Derby Festival
The nation’s largest civic celebration with over 70 accessible events
Kentucky Derby Festival Thunder Over Louisville
The nation’s largest annual fireworks show and the opening of the Kentucky Derby Festival. An ABA top 100 events.
Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Race
The annual display of over 35 hot air balloons participating in the chase of the “hare” balloon.
Kentucky Derby Festival Great Steamboat Race
The annual duel on the river between our own Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen of Cincinnati
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/Mini Marathon
The annual 13.1-mile run beginning at Iroquois Park and ending in downtown Louisville
Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade
The Annual Pegasus Parade begins at Campbell and Broadway Streets and continues west on Broadway to 9th Street.
Cherokee Triangle Old Tyme Fair
This outdoor festival features a juried art show of approximately 200 artists, as well as live entertainment, children’s activities and a food court in the historic Cherokee Triangle neighborhood
May
Kentucky Oaks
The Kentucky Oaks is Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious race for three-year-old fillies.
Kentucky Derby
The most prestigious horse race in America and the first jewel of the Triple Crown is always the first Saturday in May.
Kentucky Reggae Festival
Enjoy live Reggae music, ethnic food and vendors of all types.
June
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival
This festival stages unique and visually astounding productions such as “The Tempest.”
Greek Festival
Enjoy ethnic food and pastries, beer, dancing, a live band, jewelry, art, groceries and books.
Waterside Festival
Waterside is a full-scale art and music festival that brings artists and craftspeople to the Water Tower.
Kentucky Sampler at Churchill Downs
This festival features 50 of the state’s finest arts and crafts exhibitors, traditional Kentucky foods and regional music.
An ABA top 100 events.
Street Ball Showdown
Kentucky’s largest 3-on-3 outdoor basketball tournament with all the proceeds benefit the Cabbage Patch Settlement.
July
Operation Brightside/Coca-Cola Volleyball Classic
More than 4,500 players compete in one of the largest tournaments in the region.
Kentucky Music Weekend
The largest traditional and folk music festival in the region.
Waterfront Independence Festival
Celebrate Independence Day on the Great Lawn with music, food and fireworks.
August
National Street Rod Association
Recognized as the world’s largest automotive participation event, more than 11,000 pre-1949 Street rods are expected at this year’s show
Strassenfest
Strassenfest celebrates Louisville’s Germanic heritage, with German music, food and beverage, along with an arts and crafts show on the Belvedere
Kentucky State Fair
The “Pride of Kentucky” draws over 600,000 people with attractions from rooster crowing contests and pig racing to the Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom and top name concerts.
West Louisville Appreciation Celebration
National and local entertainment with food, vendors, 5K run, volleyball, balloon racing and other fun in Shawnee Park.
World Championship Horse Show
A showcase for American Saddlebred, Hackney Ponies, and Road Horses that crowns the world championship saddlebreds in different divisions.
September
Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival
This weekend includes crafts, a 5K run, a parade and games for everyone.
Rock the Water Tower
This outdoor festival features local and regional bands as well as great food.
Strictly Bluegrass Festival
This festival features nationally known Bluegrass entertainers at Iroquois Amphitheater.
Oxmoor Steeplechase and Country Fair
Races, music, and crafts
Corn Island Storytelling Festival
One of the premiere storytelling festivals in the world, more than 50 tellers from around the world
Captain’s Quarters Regatta
This annual event attracts sailboats from four states and features several classes
Irish Family Festival
This outdoor festival features local bands, ethnic food, pipers, cultural exhibits and more.
Ursuline Campus Art Fair
130 juried artists come together to display paintings, jewelry, pottery, porcelain and more.
Adam Matthews Balloon Glow
First launched in 1999 the Adam Matthews Balloon Festival has quickly become the largest balloon event in Kentucky.
National Quartet Convention
Gospel music’s biggest annual event showcases the finest talent in Southern Gospel Music.
October
Bluegrass Fan Festival
The International Music Association hosts national top name artists.
Louisville’s Jaycee’s Oktoberfest
Live music under the tent in the Bluegrass Brewing Company’s parking lot, German food and specially brewed Oktoberfest beer.
St. James Court Art Show
More than 650 artists from throughout North and South America will converge for the annual Saint James Court Art Show.
World’s Largest Halloween Party
Activities at the Louisville Zoo include 20 trick-or-treat stations, costumed characters, clowns and the Halloween Express Train. This outdoor party is a family affair. Party favors are given out and local bands perform downtown in Theatre Square.
November
Brown & Williamson’s Light Up Louisville
International Festival
Join us downtown as we “Light up Louisville” with thousands of lights in an international flair.
December
Christmas Gift and Décor Show
One of the nation’s largest and finest free admission Christmas Shows! Over 700 booths of wonderful Christmas craft and gift-type items.
Old Louisville Holiday House Tour
Visit historic Old Louisville’s most beautiful homes all dressed up for the holidays.
Mayor’s Midnight Special on New Year’s Eve
This outdoor party is a family affair. Party favors are given out and local bands perform downtown in Theatre Square.