2025 Summer Activity Guide - Louisville Calendar

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