Live music in Frankfort, KY

Food Truck Wednesday brings a weekly lunchtime scene each Wednesday from spring through fall, pairing a rotating lineup of food trucks with live music. The street is closed to vehicles so vendors can set up, creating an open streetscape where Downtown employees, visitors, and convention attendees can enjoy extra midday dining choices in a lively atmosphere. Picnic tables are placed on the plaza across from the trucks to add seating. Menus span gourmet options alongside familiar favorites like burgers and tacos, with coffee and frozen treats offered on select dates. The series is presented by JPMorganChase with support from River City Bank.

Way Back Wednesdays at Mike Linnig's Restaurant transforms the pavilion into a casual gathering with seafood, music, dancing, and trivia. Nostalgic favorites set the mood as guests take part in the activities. Pavilion diners are offered a sweet treat while supplies last.

Struggle Jennings performs alongside Kentucky Music Mafia, Drix, and Hybrid The Rapper at Manchester Music Hall. This is an all ages show.

Ratboys leads an indoor concert with support from Smidley. Attendees of every age are welcome. All ticket purchases are final, and secondary resale is not available.

Hosted by DJ Lyfe, this karaoke night invites song requests and keeps the microphone open until the crowd is done singing. Participants request their favorite tracks and take turns at the mic.

For more than ten years, the City of Hillview has nurtured a community tradition that showcases the bluegrass sounds of Dave Perkins and his band. Hosted at Hillview Government Canter in Louisville, this gathering pairs live, genuine bluegrass with a classic fish fry that comes with all the fixings. The public is welcome to share a meal and make new connections while enjoying the music.

At the Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe, an all-acoustic circle brings musicians together to trade songs in a laid-back setting. Instead of a stage or spotlight, the focus is on collaboration and community. This long-running jam welcomes singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists to take part or listen, with the freedom to drop in briefly or stay longer. Participants can arrive with an instrument, add their voice, or simply enjoy the music from the circle.

This music and bourbon experience returns for its second year in Louisville, bringing Songwriters In Paradise to the Bourbon Trail. It is billed as one of the most exclusive gatherings of its kind, with involvement from James B. Beam, Heaven Hill, Preservation, and more, alongside a collaboration with Hotel Distil in downtown Louisville. Attendees can choose from VIP and general admission access, room packages, and individual pass options. Additional details and the songwriter lineup are available.

An evening set aside for first responders offers karaoke, connection, and conversation in a relaxed setting. Nurses, EMS professionals, firefighters, and police officers can take the mic, meet peers, and share their voices so concerns are heard. Informed by a nurse who understands the dedication and sacrifices behind this work, it is a chance to unwind, have fun, and build community.

Experience a major Midwest celebration of cryptids set at the site associated with the legendary Pope Lick Monster. Attendees can take part in celebrity meet and greets with cryptozoology experts, attend seminars and special tours, browse vendors, watch movies, enjoy music, and more. A haunted attraction built around the Pope Lick Monster legend is part of the festivities. This distinctive cryptid gathering happens only in Kentucky. Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available, with additional details to be announced.

This 90s pop themed edition of SINGO swaps numbers for song titles on every free player card. A host plays brief clips at random while participants sing along, recognize the hits, and check off the matching titles. Get five in a row, call out SINGO, and win. The game is free to play and will be held at Chinkapin Brewing.

Redman delivers jazz that speaks fluently while stretching past its boundaries. Improvisations draw on the past yet remain distinctly his, giving shape to questions, feelings, and ideas that defy tidy labels. The music inhabits the space in between, where thought flows into emotion and certainty gives way to wonder, creating a connection between stage and seats, reason and feeling, sound and its deeper meanings. Tickets are $45 for adults and $23 for students, and online purchases may include additional fees. UK students can receive one complimentary ticket with a student ID when obtained in person at the SCFA Ticket Office. The performance takes place in the Recital Hall with reserved seating. All sales are final. Refunds and exchanges are not available. The Singletary Center does not support verified resale and cannot guarantee tickets bought through third parties. Etix.com is the official ticketing provider for SCFA.

CKY performs live at Manchester Music Hall in Lexington. Lineups and set times may change. All sales are final. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for age-restricted entry. Re-entry is not permitted. If the show is not sold out, tickets will be available at the door, and physical tickets can be picked up from the box office. To help prevent fraud, ticket-sale posts will be removed from the event discussion.

Settle in for an open mic filled with friendly faces and live music. Performers can sign up with Jo before the show begins. Weather permitting, the event takes place in the courtyard, and on chilly or rainy days it moves upstairs.

Verdi’s Requiem launches the Louisville Orchestra’s 26–27 Classics season at The Kentucky Center, led by Teddy Abrams. Scored for orchestra, chorus, and soloists, this monumental work spans quiet introspection and towering power. Surging choral climaxes sit alongside intimate, lyrical writing, tracing a dramatic path that shifts from urgency to tenderness and speaks clearly to listeners without any need for prior familiarity. In performance the effect is visceral, with the chorus rising, the orchestra swelling, and shared stillness when the music seems to pause for breath. This presentation is part of the Baird Coffee Series, a daytime format offering a concise, intermission-free version of the evening repertoire, paired with complimentary Heine Brothers Coffee. Popular with seniors, students, professionals, and groups, the series fosters a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to connect and enjoy great music together before the weekend.

Grateville Dead 2026 returns to the Brown Forman Amphitheater at Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky with a regional favorite festival that pays tribute to Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.

At the Fishtank, The Other Brothers launch a regular appearance to start the weekend with live music. The band plans to welcome a few guest sit-ins and aims to see both familiar and new faces more often.

Pickin’ in Paristown features Mama Said String Band in a free, all-ages outdoor performance at Christy's Garden in the Paristown Arts District. Food and cocktails are available, and pets are welcome.

Enjoy live music paired with Cuban food in the company of plenty of friendly faces.

Enjoy live music from the Matt Red Moore Duo at The B.A. Colonial. The venue serves real food and cold beer, making it easy to settle in for a night of music with a meal. Whether you already follow their sound or are discovering them for the first time, this performance offers a straightforward way to enjoy local tunes.

An open-air concert featuring Cole Chaney & KYOVA welcomes attendees of all ages. The performance will continue regardless of weather conditions. All ticket purchases are final, and tickets are not available through secondary resale channels.

This is a free event for ages 21 and over.

Backstretch Sports Bar and Grill in Lexington offers a lively get-together centered on plenty of music, tasty food, and cold drinks. Expect a welcoming crowd and an easygoing vibe.

This family-friendly gathering features beautiful cars on display with music provided by DJ Rick.

Enjoy live music.

The Louisville Orchestra launches the 26–27 Classics season with Verdi’s Requiem at The Kentucky Center in Louisville. This monumental score for orchestra, chorus, and soloists spans a wide emotional spectrum, moving from quiet introspection to surging climaxes and placing delicate, songful lines beside blazing choral power. The result is a drama that feels both expansive and close to the heart, welcoming listeners whether or not they know the work in advance. Experienced live, the effect is visceral. The chorus rises, the orchestra swells, and there are moments when the entire hall seems to hold its breath together. Led by Teddy Abrams, this season opener points to a Classics series devoted to connection, depth, and the shared experience of music.

Jammy Buffet headlines an indoor, all-ages show. A supporting act will be announced. All ticket purchases are final, and the presenter does not participate in secondary ticket reselling.

Returning to O'Neill's Pub in Lexington, KY, this appearance may be the final show of the year. It is described as the standout gig for October.

Dining for Dignity takes place at UAW Local 862 in Louisville and centers on a purpose-driven fundraiser focused on ending period poverty in the community. The event features a mimosa bar and a silent auction, along with a program that includes keynote speaker Shameka Parrish-Wright, host Bella Rae, and music by DJ Carrie Tha Curator. Early support from Shirley's Way and UAW Local 862 is recognized for helping make it possible. For Lady's Sake, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, does not endorse candidates for public office and partners with community leaders who share its mission of menstrual equity and access for all. Tickets are on sale.

NouLou Chamber Players open the 11th Parlor Series in the historic library at Oxmoor Farm, beginning with a pre-concert reception featuring handcrafted bourbon by Oxmoor Bourbon Company. The program unveils the world premiere of Jeremy Beck's Nightsong and Sunrise and also includes Gounod's Petite Symphonie and Stravinsky's playful Octet for Winds. Louisville chamber musicians offer a mix of new discoveries and enduring classics, with just a hint of musical mischief.

Experience an evening of live music at Timmy Two Time's.

This event at Event Vibes Venue in Lexington features country swing and line dancing with instruction suited to beginners and a welcoming, social atmosphere. Partners rotate throughout the evening, making it easy to meet new people whether arriving with friends or solo. No prior dance experience is required, and upbeat music keeps the energy high. Admission is $7 in cash or $8 by card.