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.