Louisville’s calendar is stacked with festivals, fairs, and traditions — from the two weeks of Kentucky Derby Festival madness in spring to underground holiday light shows in winter. Here’s a season-by-season guide to the biggest annual events in Louisville, KY, so you can plan a trip around them or make the most of living here. For what’s on this week, check our Louisville events calendar and what’s happening right now. Dates shift each year, so always confirm the current schedule before you go.
Spring events (March–May)
- Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Derby Festival — the city’s marquee event. The two weeks leading up to the first Saturday in May bring Thunder Over Louisville (one of the country’s largest fireworks and airshows), the Pegasus Parade, the Great Steamboat Race, and finally the Derby itself at Churchill Downs. See the full lineup at the Kentucky Derby Festival site.
- Derby-season parties and galas — the whole city dresses up, from infield tailgates to black-tie events.
Summer events (June–August)
- Kentucky State Fair — eleven days of rides, livestock, concerts, and fair food at the Kentucky Exposition Center in late summer. Details at the Kentucky State Fair site.
- Riverfront concerts and music festivals — outdoor live music along the Waterfront; see our live music guide.
- Neighborhood festivals — summer street fairs and food events across the Highlands, NuLu, and beyond.
Fall events (September–November)
- Louder Than Life — one of the biggest rock and metal festivals in the country, held at the Highland Festival Grounds. Lineup and tickets at the official festival site.
- Bourbon & Beyond — a bourbon, food, and music festival that draws huge headliners; pair it with our Louisville bourbon guide.
- Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular — a beloved walk-through display of thousands of hand-carved pumpkins at Iroquois Park.
- The World’s Largest Halloween Party — the Louisville Zoo’s family-friendly trick-or-treat event.
- St. James Court Art Show — a massive outdoor art fair in historic Old Louisville.
Winter & holiday events (December–February)
- Lights Under Louisville — a drive-through holiday light show inside the Louisville Mega Cavern, one of the only underground light displays in the world (more in our top attractions guide).
- Winterfest and holiday markets — seasonal shopping, skating, and light displays downtown and in the neighborhoods.
- New Year’s and Derby-countdown events as the calendar turns back toward spring.
Year-round: concerts, sports & theater
Beyond the annual festivals, there’s always something happening. The KFC Yum! Center and Louisville Palace host concerts and touring acts year-round — see our live music venues guide. Lynn Family Stadium is home to Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville; Louisville Slugger Field hosts the Louisville Bats; and the city’s theaters and comedy clubs run shows most weeks.
How to find out what’s happening this week
For up-to-the-minute listings, check our events calendar and the official Louisville Tourism events listing. Bookmark this page — we keep tabs on what’s on across the city so you always have something to do.