2025 Summer Activity Guide - Louisville Calendar
- Information VOICE_TRIBUNE
- 44 minutes ago
- 5 min read
By VOICE-TRIBUNE
Louisville is buzzing with exciting events and activities this summer, offering a wide variety of cultural, artistic, musical, and family-friendly experiences for residents and visitors alike. Here’s your guide to some of our favorite events happening around the city this summer.
For even more local events, be sure to check out LouisvilleCalendar.com to stay up-to-date on everything happening in the city this summer! Whether you’re into the arts, music, family fun, or wellness, Louisville has something exciting for everyone.
COMMUNITY FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS
WFPK Waterfront Wednesday
Monthly on the last Wednesday (e.g., June 25, 2025)
Location: Big Four Lawn, Waterfront Park
This free monthly concert series features local and national acts, creating a lively atmosphere by the riverfront. It’s a perfect way to enjoy music with family and friends.
Dainty Fest & World Championship of Dainty
July 29–31, 2025
Location: Schnitzelburg Neighborhood
Admission: Free
Celebrate a quirky Louisville tradition with live bands, food specials, and the famous bologna sandwich eating contest. Enjoy the classic German street game, Dainty, in a fun-filled weekend.
Pride Festival
June 12–14, 2025
Location: The Belvedere
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with a weekend of festivities, including a colorful parade, live music, drag performances, food trucks, and local vendors. The festival is a vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion, offering a safe and welcoming space for everyone to come together and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Crescent Hill Fourth of July Festival
July 31–August 3, 2025
Location: Peterson-Dumesnil House
A family-friendly event featuring live music, an art fair, kids’ activities, food, and contests. Enjoy a spirited celebration of Independence Day in Crescent Hill.
Portland Festival
June (Dates TBA)
Location: 33rd & Northwestern Parkway
A community festival that brings local talent, food booths, games, rides, and a classic car show to the vibrant Portland neighborhood.
WorldFest
Labor Day Weekend
Location: The Belvedere
Celebrate global cultures with international food, music, dance, and a parade in downtown Louisville. This festival brings the world together in one of the city’s most scenic spots.
WonderFest USA
May 31–June 1, 2025
Location: Crowne Plaza Louisville
A weekend celebration for science fiction, fantasy, and horror fans. Meet celebrity guests, attend panels, and browse through a variety of merchandise.
Imaginarium Convention
July 18–20, 2025
Location: Louisville
A gathering for writers, artists, and filmmakers offering workshops, panels, and networking opportunities. This is the place to be for those looking to engage with creative minds.
ART EVENTS
Cherokee Triangle Art Fair
May 3–4, 2025
Over 200 artists will showcase their work in this juried fair, complete with live music and food vendors. It’s a wonderful opportunity to appreciate and purchase local art.
Big Four Arts Festival
September 6–7, 2025
Location: Waterfront Park
This festival features more than 150 juried artists, live music, and food trucks, offering a mix of visual art, food, and entertainment in a beautiful park setting.
First Friday Gallery Hop
September 5, 2025
Location: Downtown Louisville
Enjoy an evening of art exhibitions, live music, and local shopping. This monthly event allows you to experience the city’s thriving art scene.
Louisville Visual Art (LVA)
CFAC Centennial Family Fun Day
May 18, 2025
Celebrate 100 years of art education with student artwork and family activities. It’s an opportunity to appreciate local talent and connect with the community.
Art[squared] Exhibition & Auction
June 24–26, 2025
Local artists will present hundreds of 8x8” works of art, culminating in an online auction. It’s a great chance to support the local arts community and pick up unique pieces.
Speed Art Museum
Coming Out (of the Collection): Queer & Trans Art Tour
May 4 & June 1, 2025
Take part in these special tours that highlight queer and trans art, offering a deeper look into the diverse works within the Speed Art Museum’s collection.
MUSIC FESTIVALS & CONCERTS
Bourbon & Beyond
September 11–14, 2025
Location: Highland Festival Grounds
Enjoy a blend of bourbon, food, and music with performances from top artists like Jack White, The Lumineers, and Noah Kahan.
Louder Than Life
September 18–21, 2025
Location: Highland Festival Grounds
Experience America’s loudest rock festival with major rock and metal headliners.
The Big Stomp
July 26–27, 2025
Location: Waterfront Park
A unique event combining live music with wellness activities, promoting mental health awareness in an inspiring setting.
Louisville Jazz Festival
August 1–2, 2025
Location: Iroquois Amphitheater
Enjoy performances by Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers, Najee, and Brian Simpson at this celebrated jazz festival.
The Bluegrass Ball
May 1, 2025
Location: Headliners Music Hall
A lively celebration of bluegrass music, featuring performances by Amythyst Kiah, Jecorey Arthur, and Ben Sollee.
Louisville Philharmonia
June 28, 2025
Location: Iroquois Amphitheater
This free orchestral concert is a great way to enjoy classical music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS & MARKETS
Douglass Loop Farmers Market
Sundays | May–October
Location: 2200 Douglass Blvd
Shop for fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and enjoy live music in a community-centered atmosphere.
Jeffersonville Farmers Market
Thursdays | May–October
Location: 500 Missouri Ave, Jeffersonville, IN
Just across the river, enjoy fresh produce, local goods, and live entertainment at this vibrant market.
NuLu Market
Saturdays | May–October
Location: 600 E. Market St.
A pop-up market with local food, handmade products, and unique finds right in the heart of the NuLu District.
Louisville Flea Off Market
Last Weekend of Every Month
Location: 1001 E. Washington St.
A fun and eclectic mix of vintage items, handmade goods, and local food trucks. This monthly event brings together the city’s best creatives and entrepreneurs.
The Clifton Farmers Market
Saturdays | May–October
Location: 2117 Payne St
A local gem for fresh produce, art, crafts, and live music in a relaxed setting.
South End Community Market
Saturdays, 2025
Location: Iroquois Amphitheater
Shop local produce, crafts, and enjoy weekly community events in the heart of the South End.
Market on Market
Saturdays | May–October
Location: 400 E. Market St
This pop-up market features fresh goods, local vendors, and artisan foods with a focus on sustainability.
Forest Fest 2025
May 17, 2025 | 11:30 AM–7:00 PM
Location: Jefferson Memorial Forest – Horine Reservation
Celebrate bluegrass music, local food, and crafts in the largest municipally-owned forest in the U.S. Parking is $15 per car.
Touch-A-Truck
May 31, 2025
Location: Kentucky Kingdom
A family-friendly event where children can explore large vehicles and learn about the people who operate them. Early Bird ticket holders gain access to Kentucky Kingdom.
Fairy Garden Month at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
June 2025
Join the fun at Yew Dell for a whimsical Fairy Garden Month, culminating in a Fairy Day Celebration on June 1, 2025, with crafts, scavenger hunts, and a fairy parade.
Royal Rendezvous
June 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Louisville Zoo
Meet your favorite princesses from faraway lands during this magical event at the zoo.
Car-Free Cherokee
Last Sunday of Each Month
Location: Cherokee Park
Explore Cherokee Park without cars—perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying family activities.
Waterfront Independence Festival
July 4, 2025
Location: Waterfront Park
Enjoy live music, food, and fireworks at this free Fourth of July celebration.
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival
June–August 2025
Location: Central Park
Catch free outdoor Shakespeare performances in a scenic park setting.
SOBER LIVING & WELLNESS EVENTS
Sisterhood of Spiritual Sobriety
May 22, 2025
Location: Bend and Zen Hot Yoga
A gathering for women identifying as sober, sober-curious, or allies, focusing on spiritual connection and support.
Mind Body Wellness Series
Thursdays in May 2025 | 6:00 PM–7:00 PM
Location: Southwest Regional Library
A series of workshops on mental health, well-being, and self-compassion.
Recovery on the River
May 31, 2025
Location: Waterfront Park
A community event promoting sobriety with live music, wellness activities, and fellowship.
Winners for Wellness Festival
July 19, 2025
Location: California Community Center
A celebration of mental health with a focus on BIPOC families, including wellness activities and community-building events.
Sky Soul Festival
June 14, 2025
Location: Waterfront Park
A festival dedicated to wellness and community, offering space for reflection and connection.
Would you like to feature your event on LouisvilleCalendar.com?
Contact: julie@voice-tribune.com