Lexington, Kentucky

A- Overview:
Lexington, Kentucky is best known for its horses and bluegrass. It was here that Bluegrass music was born. Lexington, the world capital of racehorse breeding and burley tobacco was named by patriotic hunters who camped here in 1775 shortly after hearing news of the first battle of Revolutionary War at Lexington, Massachusetts.
Huge caverns and Appalachian hikes attract adventurous tourists. History buffs can walk where Daniel Boone hunted and enjoy all the sites that he may have encountered. Visitors can also take a step back in time at the birthplace of one of our President’s, Abraham Lincoln; Ashland, Henry Clay’s estate; the Hunt-Morgan House, the Bodley-Bullock House and Waveland. For the Bourbon connoisseurs, Lexington has a fine variety of distilleries – offering samples to those who visit. If fast paced excitement, is more to your style then be sure to play the odds while enjoying a cup of burgoo at the Kentucky Derby.

Lexington is outlined by winding roads, miles of white-planked fences, rolling countryside and picturesque horse farms. Lexington does, however, offer numerous cultural activities including the Lexington Philharmonic, the newly-expanded Lexington Children’s Theatre, the Lexington Children’s Museum, Broadway Live, and the Ballet Theatre of Lexington.

For the sports enthusiasts, Lexington provides entertainment by keeping fans cheering in the stands for The American Hockey League’s Kentucky Thorough blades and the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team. In the stadium, football enthusiasts can enjoy Southeastern Conference football at the newly expanded Commonwealth Stadium on UK’s campus.

Lexington’s charms its visitors both by the close proximity of the area’s rural surroundings and by the metropolitan conveniences of a dynamic city.

B- City Information:
Population: 260,512

Elevation: 978 feet above sea level

Land Area: 284.6 square miles

Location: Centrally located in Kentucky, 80 miles east of Louisville and 90 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio

Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Lexington, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Lexington observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October

Weather:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Average temp. (°F)
32.1
36.5
45.6
54.7
63.9
72.3
76.2
74.8
68.1
56.7
46.0
36.5

High temperature (°F)
40.2
45.5
55.6
65.4
74.3
82.5
86.1
84.9
78.4
67.3
54.9
44.6

Low temperature (°F)
24.1
27.5
35.7
43.9
53.4
62.1
66.3
64.7
57.7
46.2
37.2
28.4

Precipitation (in)
3.4
3.3
4.4
3.7
4.8
4.4
4.7
3.6
3.2
2.8
3.5
4.1

Climate:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Days with precipitation
12
11
13
12
12
11
11
9
8
8
11
12

Wind speed (mph)
10.5
10.5
10.8
10.4
8.6
7.9
7.2
6.8
7.6
8.1
9.8
10.2

Morning humidity (%)
81
79
77
76
81
84
86
88
88
85
81
81

Afternoon humidity (%)
69
64
58
55
58
58
59
59
58
57
63
68

Sunshine (%)
39
46
50
56
59
65
65
65
63
59
43
38

Days clear of clouds
6
6
6
6
7
7
8
9
10
12
7
6

Partly cloudy days
6
6
7
9
10
12
12
12
8
7
7
6

Cloudy days
20
17
18
15
14
11
11
10
11
12
17
19

Snowfall (in)
5.8
4.7
2.7
0.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.6
1.9

Local Seasons:

With the exception of winter, there is really no slow season in this beautiful city. Spring tends to be busy as a result of the Kentucky Derby, held annually in nearly Louisville. In addition, with the spring temperatures rising 10 degrees each month from March until summer, the area comes alive with the beauty of spring blossoms. The fall is quite lovely as the temperatures begin to drop, along with a multitude of falling leaves and colors too many to list. Summer is perfect for any of the numerous outdoor activities with daytime temperatures in the low 80’s F and nights cooling off to the comfortable mid 60’s F. Visitors can expect some snow during the winter. This city offers four distinct seasons that include cool plateau breezes, moderate nights in the summer, and no prolonged periods of heat, cold, rain, wind, or snow, making any time of year ideal for a visit.

How to get there:

By Air

Lexington Airport

4000 Versailles Road

Lexington, KY 40510

606-254-9336

Located six miles west of the city, the airport is served by many of the nationally known carriers as well as certain local and regional airlines.

By Car

Within a day’s drive of 75% of the population of the United States, Lexington is strategically located at the intersection of Interstates 64 and 75.

By Bus

Greyhound

477 W New Circle Road NW
Lexington, KY 40511

859-299-0428

Ground Transportation:

Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi and limousine service is available at the airport.

How to get around:

A car is a must as a means of getting around, either a personal car or a rental car is advisable. Also available is local transportation:

Lex-Trans

606-233-7299

Offers transportation to the University as well as the suburbs.

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:
Gratz House
231 N. Mill St
606-233-3290
This lavish, privately owned house was built by a rich hemp manufacturer. Visitors will enjoy the architecture and furnishings of this southern masterpiece.

Mary Todd Lincoln House
578 W. Main St
606-233-9999
Built in 1832, this house belonged to the parents of Abraham Lincoln’s wife. It is full of period furnishings and displays Lincoln and Todd family memorabilia.

University of Kentucky Anthropology Museum
201 Lafferty Hall
606-257-7112
This museum has exhibits on evolution and Kentucky culture that are fun for the whole family. The museum is one of the finest of its kind in the region.

University of Kentucky Art Museum
121 Singletary Center for the Arts
606-257-5716
This museum features a wonderful permanent collection of regional and national art. It is also a frequent host for traveling exhibitions.

Lexington Children’s Museum
401 W. Main St
606-258-3256
Kids love the interactive exhibits they find at this museum dedicated to educating children. One of the favorite exhibits is the archaeology dig.

American Saddle Horse Museum
4093 Iron Works Pike
606-259-2746
This privately owned museum located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park is a colorful and contemporary showcase of the American Saddle bred, Kentucky’s native breed of horse.

Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate
120 Sycamore Road
606-266-8581
Ashland, the home of famous 19th-century statesman Henry Clay, is located a short distance from downtown Lexington on a beautiful 20-acre wooded estate.

Aviation Museum of Kentucky
Hangar Drive
Lexington, KY
(606) 231-1219
This museum features restored historic aircraft, aviation artifacts and equipment, interactive displays and a gift shop. Kid and adults love the feeling of adventure inspired by this wonderful collection.

McConnell Springs
Quarry Drive
606-288-2900
Originally a campsite for the first settlers in the Bluegrass, this 23-acre park features an array of historical and environmental features. Trails through the park take visitors past natural springs and the remains of an historic gristmill and farm.

University of Kentucky Basketball Museum
P.O. Box 89
800-269-1953
The University of Kentucky Basketball Museum salutes the 96-year history of the country’s most successful men’s collegiate basketball team through interactive, high-tech exhibits, historical timelines, and artifact displays. The museum is located in the Civic Center, adjacent to the “Cats” home court, Rupp Arena.

Lexington Livery Co.
606-259-0000
Take a tour in a horse-drawn carriage.

John Hunt Morgan House
201 North Mill Street
606-253-0362
The former home of John Hunt, a Confederate General and his great-grandson, Thomas Hunt Morgan, who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1933 for providing the existence of the gene.

The Castle
Just west of the city on Versailles Road
A Lexington curiosity is the huge castle with eight turrets and 70-foot-tall corner towers. It was started by a Fayette County developer in 1969 as his private residence, but it was never finished.

The Headley-Whitney Museum
Old Frankfurt Pike
505-255-6653
This museum houses an eclectic, personal, three-building collection of Asian porcelains, masks, paintings, shells, and jeweled bibelots.

Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works Pike
606-233-4303
Kentucky Horse Park is a Thoroughbred showcase location. It offers films, a breeds shoe, farm tours, a museum, and art gallery and campgrounds.

Lexington Children’s Theater
606-254-4546
Lexington Children’s Theatre offers performances for young audiences.

Victorian Square
401 North Main Street
An entire downtown block of Victorian buildings that contains retail and dining establishments.

D- Family Fun Attractions:

Mary Todd Lincoln House
578 W. Main St
606-233-9999
Built in 1832, this house belonged to the parents of Abraham Lincoln’s wife. It is full of period furnishings and displays Lincoln and Todd family memorabilia.

University of Kentucky Anthropology Museum
201 Lafferty Hall
606-257-7112
This museum has exhibits on evolution and Kentucky culture that are fun for the whole family. The museum is one of the finest of its kind in the region.

Lexington Children’s Museum
401 W. Main St
606-258-3256
Kids love the interactive exhibits they find at this museum dedicated to educating children. One of the favorite exhibits is the archaeology dig.

American Saddle Horse Museum
4093 Iron Works Pike
606-259-2746
This privately owned museum located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park is a colorful and contemporary showcase of the American Saddle bred, Kentucky’s native breed of horse.

Aviation Museum of Kentucky
Hangar Drive
Lexington, KY
(606) 231-1219
This museum features restored historic aircraft, aviation artifacts and equipment, interactive displays and a gift shop. Kid and adults love the feeling of adventure inspired by this wonderful collection.

McConnell Springs
Quarry Drive
606-288-2900
Originally a campsite for the first settlers in the Bluegrass, this 23-acre park features an array of historical and environmental features. Trails through the park take visitors past natural springs and the remains of an historic gristmill and farm.

University of Kentucky Basketball Museum
P.O. Box 89
800-269-1953
The University of Kentucky Basketball Museum salutes the 96-year history of the country’s most successful men’s collegiate basketball team through interactive, high-tech exhibits, historical timelines, and artifact displays. The museum is located in the Civic Center, adjacent to the “Cats” home court, Rupp Arena.

The Castle
Just west of the city on Versailles Road
A Lexington curiosity is the huge castle with eight turrets and 70-foot-tall corner towers. It was started by a Fayette County developer in 1969 as his private residence, but it was never finished.

The Headley-Whitney Museum
Old Frankfurt Pike
505-255-0653
This museum houses an eclectic, personal, three-building collection of Asian porcelains, masks, paintings, shells, and jeweled bibelots.

Kentucky Horse Park
4089 Iron Works Pike
606-233-4303
Kentucky Horse Park is a Thoroughbred showcase location. It offers films, a breeds shoe, farm tours, a museum, and art gallery and campgrounds.

Lexington Children’s Theater
606-254-4546
Lexington Children’s Theatre offers performances for young audiences.

E- Events & Entertainment:
Events & Entertainment

January

Keeneland Horse Sales

Held in mid January

Location: Keeneland Race Course

800-456-3412

Horses of all ages are available for purchase.

February

Kentucky Sport, Boat and Recreation Show

Held in early February

Location: Rupp Arena

859-233-4567

A complete selection for the enthusiast.

March

Danville Heritage Festival

Held in early March

Location: Danville High School

800-755-0076

An event that celebrates the heritages of the many ethnic groups in the Boyle County area; among them Japanese, Native American, and African American, as well as European. Enjoy ethnic food, plays, music and creative dance, children’s arts and crafts.

Lexington Antiques & Garden Show

Held in mid March

Location: Keene Barn @ Keeneland

859-253-0362

The Blue Grass for Historic Preservation sponsors this show featuring over 40 distinguished antique dealers and garden specialists.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Held in mid March

Location: Downtown Lexington

859-278-7349

Leprechauns and shamrocks can be spotted on Lexington’s Main Street during this parade through downtown.

Bluegrass State Winter Games

Held in mid March

Location: Varies throughout the county

859-255-0336

Flag football, indoor soccer and volleyball are played at various Lexington locations.

Central Kentucky Home & Garden Show

Held in late March

Location: Lexington Center

859-233-4567

Everything for the home as well as the garden.

April

International Kite and Cultural Festival

Held in mid April

Location: Georgetown

502-863-1575

Kite competitions, classes and nonstop cultural entertainment.

Keeneland Two – Year Olds in Training Sale

Held in mid April

859-254-3412

The April Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale was inaugurated in 1993 to meet the growing demand of owners wishing to purchase racehorses already in training.

Rolex Kentucky Three – Day Event

Held in late April

Location: Kentucky Horse Park

Featuring the only Four Star Three-Day Event in the Americas. The weekend additionally offers an international trade fair, various demonstrations and exhibitions.

May

Kentucky Derby Simulcast

Held in early May

Location: Keeneland Race Course

800-456-3412

Festivities include live music, pony rides, free popcorn, and much more.

Mayfest Art Fair

Held in mid May

Location: Gratz Park/Transylvania University

859-231-7335

Celebration performing, visual and literary arts.

Kentucky Guild of Artists & Craftsmen Spring Fair

Held in mid May

Location: Memorial Park/Berea

859-986-3192

Exquisite works by over 100 regional artists and craftsmen, live music, dance and demonstrations. Memorial Park is located at the corner of Jefferson and South Broadway, Berea.

High Hope Steeplechase

Held in mid May

Location: Kentucky Horse Park

859-255-5727

Sanctioned races over brush and timber.

Kentucky High School Invitational Rodeo

Held in late May

Location: Kentucky Horse Park

859-484-2214

Some of the best athletes in America compete over three days.

June

Highway 68-80 Sale

Held in early June

Location: Paducah to Maysville

800-755-0076

400 miles (across Kentucky’s historic 68/80) of antiques, collectibles & stuff.

Annual Egyptian Event

Held in early June

Location: Kentucky Horse Park

859-231-0771

Featuring Egyptian Arabians in performance, halter, dressage and native costume competitions.

Festival of the Bluegrass

Held in early – mid June

Location: Kentucky Horse Park Campground

859-846-4995

Annual jamboree featuring some of the best Bluegrass music in Kentucky and top national performers.

Suburban Woman’s Club Horse Farm Tours

Held in mid June

Location: Keeneland Sales Pavilion

859-243-0338

Four-hour bus tour takes in a number of well known thoroughbred horse farms.

Great American Brass and Festival

Held in mid June

Location: Centre College/Danville

800-755-0076

July

Lexington Shakespeare Festival

Held in early – mid July

Location: U.K. Arboretum

859-257-4829

Berea Craft Festival

Held in early July

Location: Indian Ft. Theater

800-598-5263

A national showcase in celebration of handcrafted heritage.

Woodland Jubilee

Held in early July

Location: Woodland Park

859-288-2925

Known as one of the region’s great music festivals.

Lexington Junior League Horse Show

Held in mid July

Location: Red Mile Harness Track

859-252-1893

One of the nation’s largest outdoor Saddle bred horse shows.

Lexington Lions’ Club Bluegrass Fair

Held in mid – late July

Location: Masterson Station Park

859-233-1465

Grandstand shows include demolition derbies, motocross races, petting farm, truck and tractor pulls and more. Over 50 carnival rides, games and shows.

Keeneland July Selected Yearling Sales

Held in mid July

Location: Keeneland Sales Pavilion

800-456-3412

The annual event attracts buyers from all over the world and spectators are welcome.

Bluegrass State Summer Games

Held in late July

Location: Various locations throughout the city

859-255-0336

From water sports to bowling, chess to gymnastics. This is one of Kentucky’s largest amateur sports events.

BreyerFest

Held in late July

Location: Kentucky Horse Park

973-633-5090

Discover the world of Breyer model horses including competitions, clinics and a trade fair.

August

Ballet Under the Stars

Held in early August

Location: Woodland Park

859-288-2925

Stretch out under the stars for an evening of dance presented by professional quality dancers.

Highway 127 Corridor Sale

Held in early August

Location: Covington, Kentucky to Gadsden, Alabama

931-879-9948

Enjoy a 450-mile adventure. Covington, KY is the starting point…and the roadside bargains extend south to Alabama.

Woodland Arts Fair

Held in mid August

Location: Woodland Park

859-254-7024

More than 150 artists and crafts people participate in this fresh air art fair.

September

Keeneland September Yearling Sale

Held in mid – late September

Location: Keeneland Race Course

859-254-3412

This sale attracts buyers from all over the world. Spectators welcome.

Historic Constitution Square Festival

Held in mid September

Location: Constitution Square/Danville

800-755-0076

Admission Free

Kentucky’s historic past, circa 1780-1820, can be seen at this quality arts and craft festival which features 75 exhibitors showcasing the best of local and Kentucky culture with living history encampments and regional entertainers.

Museum Go-Round

Held in late September

Location: Short Street, downtown Lexington

859-258-3256

Art festival for and by young people.

October

Forkland Heritage Festival

Held in early October

Location: Gravel Switch, Kentucky

859-332-7839

Termed “the only true folk festival in Kentucky”, this is an opportunity to experience the folksy atmosphere of the “Fork” and its people.

Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen Fall Fair

Held in early October

Location: Indian Ft. Theater, Berea

859-986-2540

Regional artists display their works and wares at this outdoor festival.

Perryville Battlefield Re-enactment and Commemoration

Held in early October

Location: Perryville Battlefield

800-755-0076

The re-enactment events are held on 600 acres of pristine Battlefield site, as well as in the historic town of Perryville, where Merchants Row stands much as it did in 1862 when the Confederate and Union armies clashed on October 8, 1862.

November

Farmers’ Market

Held in early November

Location: West Vine Street

859-548-3516

Fruits and vegetables, herbs, flowers, jams and jellies, honey, Kentucky specialties and more.

Annual Pouring for the Pantry Open House

Held in early November

Location: Equus Run Vineyards

859-846-9463

Bring two or more nonperishable food items to be donated to God’s Pantry Food Bank and receive a complimentary wine tasting. Taste the newest wine releases, sample scrumptious nibbles and enjoy live music.

Snowbird Dressage

Held in early November

Location: Kentucky Horse Park

850-846-4889

Winter series of indoor dressage competition.

Southern Lights Stroll/5K Run

Held in mid November

Location: Kentucky Horse Park

859-259-4219

Walk, run or stroll through 3.1 miles the dazzling Southern Lights display.

Candlelight Tour

Held in mid November

Location: Kentucky History Center

859-564-1792

The Kentucky History Center comes alive with seasonal sights and sounds for this annual event.

Downtown Holiday Magic

Held in mid November

Location: Georgetown, Kentucky

502-863-5424

Kick off the holiday season in the heart of Georgetown with open houses, in-store specials, caroling, and lighting of the downtown Christmas tree. Photos and visits with Santa, book signing, storytelling, and children’s activities.

Southern Lights

Held mid – late November

Location: Kentucky Horse Park

859-255-5727

A Southeast Tourism Top 20 Events Winner. Animated light displays are arranged along a drive-at-your-own pace 4-mile route through the Park.

Lexington Christmas Tree Lighting

Held in late November

Location: Triangle Park

859-258-3123

Annual tree lighting with activities beginning at 5:45 p.m. After the event, downtown hosts live music, ice sculptures, carriage rides, holiday and storybook characters and more.

Jewelry, Christmas decorations, clothing, crafts, pottery, Santa and much more.

Kenny Woods Gun and Knife Show

Held in late November

Location: Lexington Convention Center

859-233-4567

Winter Trade Days at the Fort

Held in late November

Location: Fort Boonesborough

859-527-3131

Eighteenth century merchants and traders again “set up shops” in the cabins and blockhouses of the Fort. A perfect opportunity for 18th Century Christmas shopping while learning about the material culture of the Kentucky Frontier.

Keeneland Arts Fair

Held in late November

Location: Keene Barn @ Keeneland

859-288-2925

This juried arts fair will feature 90 of the area’s finest artists and craftsmen. Shoppers can expect to see the highest quality, handcrafted items consisting of pottery, painting, metal works, glass works, fiber, weaving, photography and much more.

December

Amerson Farm Christmas Tree Festival

Held most of December

Location: Amerson Farm, Georgetown, Kentucky

502-863-3799

Wreath making demonstrations, photo opportunities, gift baskets, drawing for free wreath and Christmas tree.

Southern Lights

Held all of December

Location: Kentucky Horse Park

859-255-5727

A Southeast Tourism Top 20 Events Winner. Animated light displays are arranged along a drive-at-your-own pace 4-mile route through the Park.

Lexington Christmas Parade

Held in early December

Location: Downtown Lexington

850-231-7335

One of the largest Christmas parades in the Commonwealth.

Holiday Express

Held in early December

Location: Woodford County Park

859-873-2476

Climb aboard the Bluegrass Scenic Railway for a scenic holiday train excursion past holiday scenes, elves and Bluegrass countryside. The 45-minute excursions leave from Woodford County Park at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Candlelight Tour of Ashland and Ashland Park Neighborhood Homes

Held in mid December

Location: Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate

859-266-8581

The mansion is beautifully backlit with candles and lanterns. Five beautiful homes all within walking distance of Ashland, in the surrounding historic Ashland Park Neighborhood, will be open for touring as well. Hot cider and sweets are served in the charming circa 1846 Grounds Keeper’s Cottage on the grounds of the estate.

Entertainment

The Lexington Ballet

161 North Mill Street

Lexington, Kentucky 40507

859-233-3925

The Lexington Ballet is a not-for-profit organization celebrating the highest quality ballet performances in the region and operating Central Kentucky’s only pre-professional ballet school.

Lexington Opera House

430 West Vine Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-233-4567

Enjoy Broadway and more at this historic theater. Originally built in 1886 and renovated in 1976, The Lexington Opera House is naturally an ideal setting for all kinds of performing arts events with complete technical services available. The theater house seats approximately 1,000 (depending on technical needs) with orchestra level (main floor) and two balconies.

Lexington Opera Company

1010 McClain Dr
Lexington, KY 40505

859-231-6994

Experience opera at its best.

Lexington Philharmonic
161 North Mill Street
Lexington, Kentucky 40507
859-233-4226

Experience all that classical music represents. The term “classical music” can represent anything from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony to a Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto. Hear wonderful music played by a symphonic ensemble comprised of strings (violins, violas, cellos and basses), woodwinds (clarinets, oboes, flutes and bassoons), brass (trumpets, French horns, trombones and tubas) and percussion (drums, xylophones and bells).

The Kentucky Theatre

214 East Main St.

Lexington, KY 40507

859-231-6997

The Kentucky Theater, constructed in 1921-22, was designed and constructed prior to the influences of the “exotic” styles popularized by prestigious theater architects George and C.W. Rapp, John Eberson and Thomas Lamb for their movie palaces and houses constructed after 1925. Though never a movie palace by national standards, the Kentucky Theater remains as Lexington’s largest and only surviving grand movie theater from the Golden Age.

Sports

University of Kentucky

740 S Limestone

Lexington, KY 40536

859-323-5694

Virtually every major sport is played at the University. Call for complete schedule.

Louisville, Kentucky

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.