Kathryn Harrington's Society - July 2025

Column and Photo By: Kathryn Harrington

Ah, July in Louisville—where the humidity is slowly but surely smothering us all and the event scene sizzles just as much as the weather. If you’re looking for a city that knows how to throw a summer bash, look no further than the Derby City, where heatwaves and hot happenings go hand in hand. Before we get into it, a quick anecdote and a thank you to some incredibly kind Louisvillians. For those of you who went to the Kentuckiana Pride Parade and Festival, you surely can recall that thick and stifling heat! Pride is one of my FAVORITE events of the year, but I unfortunately was no match for the sun that day and had to call it after photographing the parade. I hopped on my trusty scooter to ride back to my car in Butchertown when I felt myself get a bit woozy as I was coming up to Lynn Family Stadium. As I pulled over and rested my head on my scooter, mortified while contemplating the possibility that I very well might pass out right there on the lawn by the stadium, three angels in a sedan pulled over to offer me water and a wet towel to put around my neck. To those three ladies, if y’all happen to come across this column, I can’t thank you enough for your kindness. Nothing has ever felt so good as that water-soaked towel! 

OK, back to business. First up, there are the plethora of Fourth of July celebrations all over town. Music fills the air, as does the scent of sweat, craft beer, and fireworks, which, let’s be honest, is part of the charm. If you’re looking for a good time while sporting your best red, white, and blue, I have a few great contenders for y’all. The Waterfront Park Fourth of July Celebration is always a big hit for the whole family. The event will feature the “Waterfront’s Most Talented” variety show that features local and regional talent, a children’s area, and of course, fireworks! Another great event is the Paristown Fourth of July Celebration at Paristown Pointe. Not only can you enjoy a live performance by the Crashers, but there will also be the Brent Street Market earlier in the day, the Jeff’s Donuts National Donut Hole Eating Championship at 8 p.m. (YUM!), and a dazzling fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. 

For the culinary aficionados, July is packed with events for the foodies. First up, though not really a food event, NULU Clash of the Cocktails on July 8 makes for a great date night. Louisville’s best bartenders compete to create unique cocktails for a chance to win the people’s choice competition. Your ticket includes samples from the competitors as well as tasty bites from Lou Lou on Market! Now, what I’ve got next is a true Louisville foodie event and one of my personal favorites. I suggest going on an empty stomach! A Taste of Independents on July 13 features 40 sampling booths from Louisville’s top chefs. You’ll get to enjoy foods from Louisville’s most iconic restaurants while listening to live music and enjoying the incredible atmosphere at Noble Funk. 

Finally, I’ve got a few festivals to recommend! If you’re looking for some great music, check out the Mag Bar Music Fest from July 17-20. This festival features four awesome days of regional and local bands for your listening pleasure. Next up, we’ve got the NULU Summer Fest on July 19. Get in some true summer fun with a watermelon eating competition, tie dye station, food trucks, 80+ vendors, and more! Another favorite music festival of mine that also supports a great cause is the Big Stomp festival from July 25-26. The Big Stomp is an immersive experience that is dedicated to stomping the stigma around mental health. I can’t recommend it enough!

So, whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, or just here for the sun and fun, Louisville’s event scene in July proves that even in the hottest month, this city still knows how to turn up the heat—metaphorically and literally. Just be sure to bring your sunscreen. You’ll need it!