Events in Louisville, KY

The 10th Annual Sista Strut Louisville 3K Walk takes place at the Norton Healthcare & Sports Learning Center, uniting the community to spotlight breast cancer’s impact on women of color and to share information about local support. It celebrates survivors and their loved ones, encourages early screening, and supports efforts toward a cure. Research shows that African American women often face diagnosis at younger ages and experience higher mortality than white women of the same age. Registration is available for individuals and teams with tiered pricing that ranges from $15 to $30 based on the registration period. Every participant receives the official Sista Strut T-shirt and backpack, along with sponsor giveaways available during the walk. Team members also receive a special keepsake and the chance to take an official team photo.

Germantown Farmers Market features a robust mix of vendors offering fresh vegetables and fruit, seasonal flowers, baked treats, and hot meals from Taquería Águila and La Pana’s food truck. Beyond shopping, there are community activities including free gentle yoga in the gym with Like Water KY and live music from the Good River Stringband. A Goldenrod Compost bin is available and can accept items that are tricky for home piles, including meat, bones, cooked foods, and compostable cutlery. For questions or to learn about becoming a vendor, email info@germantownfarmersmarket.net.

At Westport Road Baptist Farmers Market, shoppers can find USDA certified organic vegetables that are non-GMO. Gardeners often return to share how their gardens have flourished using plants from past and current seasons.

Find the Wigglewow booth at The East End Farmer’s Market to browse fresh, gourmet dog treats and meet the Epic Chefs who make them. The treats are crafted with purpose, supporting meaningful employment opportunities for adults with special needs and highlighting talent and dedication. Explore the market, support local vendors, and treat your pup to something special.

The Bourbon City Camaro Club hosts the sixth annual Bourbon City Bash, benefiting the Lesley & Rhyan Prather Foundation. Activities include judging, silent and live auctions, a 50/50, and an awards presentation. Participant registration is $20, with no charge for spectators. Payment is cash only and is collected at the gate on the day of the event. No advance payment is requested. Food and beverages will be available for purchase in the gym from Fairdale Christian Church in support of its youth program. My-My's Sweet Treats will also offer drinks and ice cream.

Set beneath the historic shade trees at St. Joseph Children's Home, V-Dub Derby 2026 is presented by the Classic VW Club of Louisville with support from Bachman VW. The day includes a free swap meet, opportunities for sponsors, participating vehicles entering the field for display, and awards. A special highlight is Valve Cover racing with two classes, Air cooled Type 1 and 8v n/a, with complete rules available on the Classic VW Club of Louisville website. The event welcomes all Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche vehicles.

The Louisville Walk for Apraxia brings families, friends, and professionals together at E.P. Tom Sawyer Park, Shelter 1 to celebrate Apraxia Stars and build community. The experience is planned to be safe, fun, and memorable for teams of supporters. Registration is free. Participants can fundraise toward incentive prizes, including the official event t-shirt, and walkers who raise $50 receive the event shirt. All registered Apraxia Stars receive a complimentary shirt and medal, and each Star who attends is recognized individually with a shirt, medal, and certificate. Funds raised support the programs of Apraxia Kids, which focus on educating professionals and families, fostering community engagement and outreach, and investing in advocacy and research. As the largest apraxia awareness event in the country, the Walk creates connections and a welcoming space where children with apraxia of speech and their families are understood and supported.

Discover a juried gathering of over 150 creative professionals, from fine artists and craftspeople to jewelers and artisans, with demonstration artists showcasing their techniques.

Settle into a fall intuitive fair designed to help you align and explore. Experience tarot, intuitive readings, mediumship, reiki, clover blessings, and more, and browse a metaphysical shop. Door prizes will be available. This is a walk-in format with no preregistration, and sessions are discounted between $30 and $50. Services include 20 minute intuitive readings for $50 from Dr. Angela Faith, shamanic practitioner, 20 minute clover blessings for $40 from intuitive healer Jody O’Brien, and 15 minute intuitive sessions for $40 from intuitive practitioner Suzanne Smith. Hosted by The Intuitive Connection, LLC at Story Avenue Studio, with parking on the street. The setting is intended to be a safe and inviting space to explore spirituality.

The Big Four Arts Festival returns for its 10th edition on the Big Four Bridge lawn at Louisville Waterfront Park. Set across a four-acre park space with tree-lined walks overlooking the Ohio River, this two-day celebration has drawn more than 20,000 attendees and is the most attended two-day event ever held at Waterfront Park. The festival has been recognized with the Rose Award from Louisville’s Tourism Bureau for its impact on downtown commerce and has been selected in the Top 200 by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Artists and vendors can apply for booth space, and an emerging artist sponsorship program offers reduced fees for new creators seeking a spot. Sponsorship opportunities are available with recognition at the event and online, website listing with logo placement, professional marketing materials, and customized partnership options. Areas available for support include the Waterfront Park concert stage, the Pink Llamas and local farm animal petting zoo, emerging artist booths and demonstrations, the hands-on art activity area tent, and a limited number of sponsor booths.

Set out aboard the Mary M. Miller for a river cruise that journeys up the Ohio River to Twelve Mile Island, following a course that is twice as long as the usual route. The experience includes the cruise's hallmark narration, with an option to include a box lunch. This extended itinerary offers a distinctive way to experience the river.

Autumnal Jazz Fest marks its 10th year with six bands performing across indoor and outdoor stages, creating a seamless flow of live music all event long. The lineup features The Gentlemen of Jazz, Bellarmine Jazz Faculty, Brazukas, Drew Miller Trio, Voodoo Fuel, and Bobby J and the Flying Martinis, offering a mix that spans generations and styles. Savory bites come from Frickled Pickle Express, desserts are provided by Birds Nest Sweet Treats, and adult beverages include wine from Brooks Hill Winery along with beer. Hosted at Ascension Lutheran church. Admission is $20, with free entry for children 10 and under.

An evening market fills The Train Depot, a historic Louisville venue, with local artists, vintage finds, handmade goods, and a variety of food vendors. Expect a relaxed outdoor setting with grassy areas and casual activities that make it easy to linger. Indoor seating is available, restrooms are on site, and dogs on leashes are welcome. It is a chance to browse unique items, take a stroll, enjoy a meal, and support small businesses while experiencing the space after dark. Important information for vendors: applications are accepted only through the official website, not through Facebook comments or messages, and payment is not requested by check, Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, or other unofficial methods. Be cautious of impostor accounts. The event page is watched closely, although fake profiles may still appear.

Country artist Jake McVey performs with Dylan West at Fairdale Village Green Park as part of a community-minded concert series that welcomes families with lawn chairs, encourages children to dance on the lawn, and helps neighbors reconnect. Created to shine a positive light on Southwest Louisville, the series supports local parks, neighborhood venues, working artists, and a shared sense of pride. McVey is known for energetic live shows and hook-filled songs, pairing upbeat music with a natural feel for the crowd to make sure everyone has a good time. His resume includes shared stages with country favorites such as Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, and Dierks Bentley. The park setting features an outdoor amphitheater, a memorial flag courtyard, and a bandstand used for community gatherings. The series is presented with support from 91.9 WFPK, Louisville Parks & Recreation, and local Councilmembers, along with many contributors working behind the scenes.

CR group meetings are beginning. Ongoing sessions will follow on a regular schedule.

Dopethrone returns to PORTAL from the far north with a set of heavy, sludge-laden doom. Sharing the bill are Fister from St. Louis and PLQ MRX, featuring members of Unsane, Swans, and Author & Punisher.

Outback Presents and Kentucky Performing Arts bring stand-up comedian Dusty Slay to the Brown Theatre as part of The Neighborhood Guy Tour. Raised in a mobile home community in Opelika, Alabama, he draws on experiences in restaurant service and pesticide sales, along with a fondness for classic country and rock, to craft an easygoing, story-driven set. His national profile includes six appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, a featured slot in season 3 of Netflix’s The Stand Ups, and his first hour on Netflix, WORKIN’ MAN. Look for tales about trailer park roots, the rhythms of hourly shifts, and the quirks of everyday life, delivered with relaxed charm and the wave he is known for in clubs and theaters around the country.

Experience Louisville on the river at sunset, relaxing on the water with a soft breeze and a refreshing cocktail. This peaceful outing centers on unwinding as daylight fades and letting everyday worries slip away.

Joanne Shaw Taylor performs at Mercury Ballroom, an all-ages venue. Doors open an hour before the show. The layout is partially seated, offering both seats and standing room, and standing general admission is noted as SRO within the section. Support acts may change without notice. Ticketing includes fan and Live Nation presales, Citi cardmember presale and preferred tickets, followed by a public onsale.

Enjoy a free outdoor screening of Mary Poppins Returns at the Hill Street Pavilion, a historic 1920s property at the corner of Third and Hill in Old Louisville. This gathering is part of community programming that is bringing life back to a long-vacant space ahead of its full restoration. Admission is free, with complimentary popcorn and water. Please bring a chair or blanket for comfortable seating. The screening is included in the Hill Street Pavilion 2026 Outdoor Movie Series, which offers three free Saturday night films this fall, including The Mitchells vs. The Machines and Casper. Support is provided by the St. James Neighborhood Association, the Third Street Neighborhood Association, and the Fourth Street Neighborhood Association.

The top of the park will be open for cruising, with activity unfolding throughout the day. Because this is the first time using the top area, some participants may still head to the lower section as they adjust to the change, so vehicles could be spread between the bottom and the top. Please drive carefully, watch for people walking, bicyclists, and wildlife, and treat the park with respect so this can continue to be enjoyed well into the future.

Set in a historic community space in Louisville, this Kentucky Proud farmers market gathers local farmers, food vendors, and creators of handcrafted goods in a welcoming, family friendly setting. Shop at your own pace, take a stroll, and enjoy a distinctive setting that invites you to linger rather than make a quick stop. Visitors can take advantage of free activities for children and pay-what-you-wish yoga at most market dates, relax on the grassy open areas, and make use of the indoor seating, a small museum, and restrooms. Dogs on leashes are welcome. SNAP is accepted, and a Double Dollars program is planned to help expand access to fresh local food. Vendors should apply only through the market's official website. Applications are not accepted through Facebook comments or messages, and payment is not requested by check, Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, or other unofficial channels. Please be cautious of impostor accounts. The event page is actively monitored, but fake profiles can still appear.

A vendor will be set up at Norton Commons Farmers Market. Look for their booth at the market.

Embark on the historic Belle of Louisville for an easygoing Ohio River cruise. Watch the shoreline drift by from the open-air decks, choose a buffet option, tap along to the onboard playlist, or play games with other passengers. It is a flexible way to relax and bring the weekend to a close on the water.

Enjoy refreshing, fruit-filled popsicles at Hardesty Park. Spend some time in the park with flavorful frozen treats.

The Community Jazz Jam and potluck now happens twice each month, welcoming musicians of any level and music lovers. It is BYOB and includes an artist donation. Hosted by the JonAnthony Floyed-Jackson Quintet.

A summer evening of live bluegrass with Ida Clare awaits as part of the 7th Annual Sunset Music Series. Expect a blend of traditional roots and modern flair set beside the landmark 1792 barn. Stroll the preserve, visit the friendly farm animals, and enjoy Kentucky Proud burgers and other bites. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for a relaxed night on the farm with family and friends. Admission is $20 per carload. Presented by the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3903.

Presented by Kentucky Performing Arts, this concert features Herb Alpert with a new Tijuana Brass lineup. Sharing the stage are Bill Cantos on piano and marimba, Kerry Marx on guitar, Ryan Dragon on trombone, Kris Bergh on trumpet, Ray Brinker on drums, and Hussain Jiffry on bass. The program draws from Tijuana Brass favorites, including selections from the album Whipped Cream & Other Delights, which marked its 60th anniversary in 2025, along with songs such as The Lonely Bull, Spanish Flea, Taste of Honey, Mexican Shuffle, Tijuana Taxi, This Guy’s In Love With You, What Now My Love, Zorba the Greek, Ladyfingers, Rise, and Route 101.

Louder Than Life returns with a massive rock and metal lineup at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Nearly 200 artists are slated to perform over four days on seven stages, with highlights including My Chemical Romance, Iron Maiden, Tool, Limp Bizkit, Pantera, Pierce The Veil, Gojira, and Sublime. Billed as the largest rock and metal festival in the United States, it gathers a wide range of sounds from across the genre. Both four day and single day passes are available.

Ashley McBryde’s Into The Wild Tour comes to Louisville Palace. All ticket purchases are final with no refunds or exchanges, and every attendee must have a ticket, including infants. Event information, pricing, and artist are subject to change without notice, so check the venue website for the most up-to-date details. Personal cell phone photos may be permitted at the show’s discretion. Professional cameras, flash photography, and any audio or video recording are not allowed. Ticketing options listed include The Trybe, Live Nation, Citi Cardmember presales and preferred tickets, an artist presale, a public onsale, and a Student 2-Pack Offer.

An intimate evening at the GAC offers a calm alternative to a bustling bierhalle, with a seated German dinner served on china and real silverware. Four seatings are available. The cost is $45 per person, and proceeds benefit the GAC Choir. The bar will be open, and expanded wine options are being arranged. For reservations, contact Janet Schweinhart at 502-565-9231 or janetschweinhart@gmail.com.

Slip into a kaftan and dive into a groovy thrift crawl at America’s Antique Mall. This celebration tips its hat to Helen with birthday energy and plenty of retro flair. Hunt for your best Helen inspired finds and keep the fun going with a Three’s Company style walking bingo. Everyone receives a treasure hunt bingo card, with a bonus raffle entry for completing it, plus an extra entry for showing up in costume. Expect staff snapshots at checkout when the wigs appear. Bring two favorite Helens to round out the trio, pick up stickers and swag, and lean into big earrings, bold prints, and full Roper attitude for a spirited shopping adventure.

Explore the newest advancements in firearms, optics, and accessories with hands-on access to gear from leading vendors. Speak directly with industry specialists and manufacturer representatives to get your questions answered. Participate in live-fire demonstrations and test a wide selection of firearms under guidance. Look for event-only pricing and limited promotions. Connect with fellow enthusiasts and deepen your knowledge of the shooting sports. A full vendor lineup will be announced soon.

An official pre-party for & Beyond sets the stage as Pixies bring their show to Iroquois Amphitheater with Fat, Evil Children, presented by 91.9 WFPK. The appearance comes as the band marks four decades together, with founding members Black Francis, Joey Santiago and David Lovering joined by bassist Emma Richardson. To celebrate the milestone they have announced a worldwide headlining tour, with initial shows announced in the UK and Europe. Since reuniting, Pixies have added to their catalog with the albums Indie Cindy, Head Carrier, Beneath the Eyrie, Doggerel and The Night the Zombies Came. In recent years they have toured widely with their own sold-out concerts and festival performances, and continue to be cited as a major influence on contemporary alternative artists.

91.9 WFPK Independent Louisville and Waterfront Park present the 24th season of WFPK Waterfront Wednesday, a free concert featuring Houseplant, DOOM GONG, and the LPM Young Artist Showcase winner Jahmai Evans. The series is produced in partnership by Louisville Public Media and Waterfront Park, and proceeds support both organizations. Free admission is made possible through donations, on site concession sales, and presenting support from The Brook Hospitals and The Jack Harlow Foundation. Outside alcohol is not permitted, and coolers, glass, and pets are not allowed within the Big Four Lawn event area or the adjacent park spaces.

Bourbon & Beyond comes back to Louisville at the Kentucky Exposition Center with its biggest edition yet, uniting music, food, bourbon, and culture in one place. Billed as the world's largest festival of its kind, it presents more than 100 artists across five stages, culinary experiences recognized with awards, and leading bourbon brands gathered for an unforgettable weekend. Headliners include Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Goose, Mumford & Sons, Kacey Musgraves, Foster the People, Chris Stapleton, The Red Clay Strays, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Dave Matthews Band, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Counting Crows.

Runners and walkers take on a chip-timed 5K at the Kentucky Exposition Center, following a course that travels through the grounds and into Kentucky Kingdom. Pre-race activities include music along with light snacks and refreshments to help with warmups before the start. A Bourbon & Beyond playlist sets the soundtrack along the route, and live music welcomes finishers at the line. Every participant receives a commemorative Bourbon & Beyond 5K short-sleeve shirt and a custom finisher medal.

Returning for its third year, Artists & Afros brings the state’s largest Black art showcase to the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center. Centered on art, culture, and community, it offers a weekend of immersive experiences with soulful live jazz, striking visual artworks, and opportunities for meaningful connection.

Bed By 10 brings a 30-plus clubbing experience to Louisville at Bourbon Hall. A resident DJ will spin dance floor favorites from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s while immersive visuals set the scene. The focus is on a positive atmosphere for people who want to dance, socialize, and enjoy great music without sacrificing the next day.

Presented by Kentucky Performing Arts at The Kentucky Center - Bomhard Theater, this comedy stages a counseling session where a married duo of relationship experts tries to guide couples, only to reveal that their own issues might be bigger than the ones they are trying to fix. The performance blends scripted scenes with stand-up and improvisation, invites audience interaction, and plays with the fourth wall while sharing practical takeaways inspired by psychology and research. The humor looks at both men and women without putting the blame on one side, finding laughs in their differences. Expect an engaging evening that sparks conversation, whether it leaves relationships feeling newly strengthened or a little shaken.

Experience The Rocky Horror Picture Show with the original Columbia, Nell Campbell, at Louisville Palace. A newly restored 4K screening is paired with a live cast performing alongside the film and audience participation. Wearing a costume is encouraged. Each ticket comes with a bag of Rocky Horror props to use during the show, and for safety, outside props are not allowed. VIP tickets include a pre-show meet and greet with Nell Campbell plus a photo opportunity and autograph. The film is rated R, and attendees are encouraged to review the content and decide what is appropriate for their group before purchasing. Minors must attend with a parent or guardian.

Hosted at the KY Expo Center, this four day showcase is promoted as the largest sports card and TCG event Kentucky has hosted, bringing together top dealers and dedicated collectors from across the country. Browse a vast selection while hunting for elusive grails or the final piece to complete a set. Offerings include baseball, basketball, football, and hockey, plus TCG favorites like Pokémon, One Piece, and MTG. It is four days of hobby excitement, trading, and discovery for collectors of every kind.

Belknap Fall Festival brings a full weekend of live music, great food and drink, local art, and activities for all ages. Browse arts and crafts vendors with handmade pieces, listen to sets from regional musicians, and sample offerings from local purveyors. This two-day tradition brings neighbors and visitors together while highlighting local businesses and community spirit. Whether you are drawn by the music, interested in shopping small with area makers, or simply enjoying the fall atmosphere, there is plenty to enjoy for everyone.

A major Midwest gathering devoted to cryptids and monsters unfolds at the legendary site linked to the Pope Lick Monster. Attendees can look forward to meet and greets with noted cryptozoology experts and personalities, informative seminars, guided tours, vendors, movies, music, and more. A haunted attraction themed around the Pope Lick Monster adds an extra jolt of excitement. This distinctive cryptid festival is an experience found only in Kentucky.

Grateville Dead 2026 returns to the Brown Forman Amphitheater at Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky. A regional favorite, this festival honors Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.

A live performance by Mama Said String Band highlights Pickin’ in Paristown at Christy’s Garden. This free, all-ages outdoor concert offers a welcoming setting with food and cocktails available. The event is pet friendly and takes place within the Paristown Arts District in Louisville, KY.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live brings the Glow-N-Fire 2026 Tour to the KFC Yum! Center, showcasing fan favorites Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, and Skelesaurus. Freestyle motocross riders deliver jaw-dropping tricks while a fire-breathing, car-crushing robot dinosaur amps up the excitement. The lineup also unveils Rhinomite, a rhino-themed newcomer charging horn first into the action. Expect a fast-paced, family friendly spectacle packed with bright effects, roaring engines, and larger than life thrills.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live brings the Glow-N-Fire 2026 Tour to life with a lineup that includes Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, and Skelesaurus. FMX riders launch into daring stunts, and a robot dinosaur that breathes fire and crushes cars amps up the spectacle. The tour also introduces Rhinomite, a new rhino-themed truck with its horn leading the charge. Packed with nonstop energy and big-time thrills, this show is geared for fans of every age.

Journey, celebrating over five decades on stage, has extended the Final Frontier Tour with 40 additional North American dates, including a stop at the KFC Yum! Center. The concert salutes the band’s signature songs and the memories they spark for longtime followers and newer listeners, showcasing a catalog that continues to bring people together around the world.

Louisville Book Festival returns for its seventh year at KICC with a renewed focus on meaning and connection, offering an expanded lineup of authors, readers, conversations, opportunities, and stories that affirm why books matter. The 2026 program features Roxane Gay alongside nationally recognized writers and local literary voices. Expect children’s story times and panels that spark thoughtful discussion, welcoming everyone from aspiring writers taking their first steps to lifelong readers searching for their next favorite book. Organizers describe this edition as one of the most exciting yet, celebrating the power of stories to bring people together, and they acknowledge support from partner bookstores and a contributing artist.

Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, presented in the 2007 Final Cut, appears on a large high-definition screen while The Avex Ensemble performs Vangelis's synthesizer-led score live in sync with the 1982 film. The noir story follows detective Rick Deckard, played by Harrison Ford, who resumes his role as a replicant hunter after four replicants escape the colonies and return to Earth. His mission becomes complicated when he falls for Rachel, a replicant linked to the Tyrell Corporation and portrayed by Sean Young. Produced by Avex Classics International, this presentation takes place at Louisville Palace.

An automotive showcase in Kentucky bringing together imports and domestics alongside European models, JDM builds, and stance-focused rides. The atmosphere focuses on car culture and a relaxed, upbeat feel, making it a welcoming setting for family and friends. It is open to all ages and highlights a broad range of styles for enthusiasts to enjoy.

A festive nine pin no tap bowling fundraiser comes to King Pin Lanes in the Louisville area, presented by Kyle Troup and TMTBowling. The competition spans three games with total pinfall determining results, scored scratch, and payouts to 1 in 7 entrants. The field is limited to 250 bowlers. Extras on site include a wide range of raffle items, a silent auction, Bowl a Strike tickets, and 50/50 raffles. Groups that want to bowl together can request to be placed on the same lanes when possible. Entry can be secured by sending payment via Venmo @Todd-McGill822 or Cash App $TMTBOWLING. A $50 payment covers the full amount, and a $25 deposit reserves a spot. Donations are accepted through the same methods.

Sawyer Brown brings The Boys And Me Live Tour to Louisville Palace. Tickets are required for every attendee, including infants carried in arms, and all purchases are final with no refunds or exchanges. Artists, pricing, and scheduling may change without notice, so check the venue website for the latest updates as the event approaches. Personal cell phone photography may be allowed at the show’s discretion, but professional cameras, flash, and any audio or video recording are not permitted.