January

Dinner Works at Louisville Visual Art Association
502-896-2146

Hosting a fancy dinner or enjoy the finer things in life? This event has wonderful exhibit displays of handmade dinnerware and unique table designs.

February

National Farm Machinery Show
502-367-5000

The newest and best farm equipment on the market will be demonstrated at this interesting event.

March

Mid-America Trucking Show
502-899-3892

Truck lover will delight at this event featuring the newest technology and developments in the wide world of trucks.

Humana Festival of New American Plays
502-584-1205

Get the first peek at these outstanding new plays before they hit the mainstream.

April

Kentucky Derby Festival
502-584-6383

You don’t have to be a horse lover to participate in this electrifying event. Over 70 accessible events, such as a great balloon race, great steamboat race, parade and more will be held at venues throughout the city.

Thunder Over Louisville
On the Riverfront, 502-584-6383

Celebrate the Thunder Over Louisville on both sides of the river, which licks off the Kentucky Derby Festival with amazing hot air balloons, a dazzling fireworks show and food vendors.

May

Kentucky Derby
502-636-4400

You can’t miss this! Dating back to 1875 this race featuring the top-rated thoroughbred racehorses is amazing and a must see for visitors.

Kentucky Reggae Festival
502-583-0333

You don’t have to have dreadlocks to love great reggae music. You will adore the live music, variety of vendors and fantastic food.

Abbey Road on the River
800-THE-GALT

The largest of its kind in America this event is a tribute to the legendary Beatles.

June

Shakespeare Festival
502-637-4933

Join in the festivities and see unique and visually captivating stage productions.

Greek Festival
800-626-5646

You don’t have to go to Greece to experience its influence and culture. This festival features authentic food and pastries, beer, dancing, live music, art, books and loads more.

Waterside Festival
800-626-5646

Join the locals at the Water Tower for this full-scale art and music festival

July

Kentucky Music Weekend
502-348-5237

Take a trip back in time with storytelling, old-time street dances, musical workshops and fantastic live bluegrass and folk music performed by regional, national and international artist.

Waterfront Independence Festival
502-574-3768

Congregate on the Great Lawn and celebrate the 4th of July with great music, fabulous food, and spectacular fireworks.

August

National Street Rod Association
502-584-2121

These antiques will amaze you with more than 11,000 pre-1949 street rods displayed for your viewing pleasure.

World Champion Horse Show
888-568-4784

Gorgeous American Saddlebred, Hackney Ponies and Road Horses all compete to be the best in class and take home the next crown.

Kentucky State Fair
502-367-5180

This state fair dates all the way back to the 1700’s, so you know they have had plenty of time to make it the best one around with livestock shows, interesting exhibits, thrilling rides, midway area and great food vendors.

Strassenfest
502-561-3440

Help celebrate Louisville’s German heritage with lots of food, great entertainment, juried arts festival, regional fine arts performances, craft demonstrations and much more.

September

Adam Matthews Balloon Glow
800-359-8118 or 502-499-2253

Float into this annual balloon extravaganza and see three balloon races and two glow events, take the kids to the fun center, see the classic car show, watch the awesome fireworks, listen to the concert series and get some grub all at this event.

Strictly Bluegrass Festival
502-922-0493

Bluegrass lovers hit the road and head to Louisville for this Labor Day weekend event featuring local, regional and nationally known artist.

Rock the Water Tower
502-583-0333

Rock n’ Roll your way down to the water tower for this outdoor festival featuring local and regional musical performances, food and fun.

Irish Family Festival
800-626-5646

Grab something green and make you way to this cultural event with ethnic food, local bands, pipers and cultural exhibits.

Corn Island Storytelling Festival
502-245-0643

Sit, relax and let you imagination soar as more than 50 storytellers delight you with their tall tales.

Heritage Festival
502-625-1244

It’s important to remember where we came from and this is a great opportunity to do so as you explore demonstrations such as soap making, weaving, spinning and blacksmithing.

Captain’s Quarters Regatta
502-895-5054

Do you like the water, do you like to sail? This event attracts sailboats from all over the United States and features several classes.

October

Louisville’s Jaycee’s Oktoberfest
800-626-5646

Oktoberfest is a German festival and highlights specially brewed beer; first-rate live music and you can find more under the tent in the Bluegrass Brewing Company parking lot.

World’s Largest Halloween Party
502-459-2181

Hop aboard the Halloween Express Train, see the great costumed characters and crazy clowns and trick-or-treat at more than 15 stations.

St. James Court Art Show
502-635-1842

This event is sure to amaze you with over 650 artists from across the United States present their fine art and creative crafts.

November

Light Up Louisville International Festival
800-626-5646

Thousands of twinkling light will astonish you as you stand downtown and breath in the crisp November air.

December

Christmas Gift and Décor Show
800-626-5646

Get ready for the Christmas holiday as you are surrounded by the biggest Christmas show in the nation with craft items, great gift items and much more.

Old Louisville Holiday House Tour
800-626-5646

Adored with Holiday flair these beautiful historic homes are sure to enchant you.

Mayor’s Midnight Special on New Year’s Eve
800-626-5646

Bring the entire family to ring in the New Year downtown in Theatre Square with party favors, great live music and more.