Festivals & Events to Attend in Louisville this July

Things are heating up this July as the city sees some of its classic festivals return as well as some new and interesting additions. From fireworks to beer to food, here are some Louisville's top July events.

Kentucky Shakespeare Festival | thru August 11 | FREE

Taking place in Old Louisville’s scenic Central Park, the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival continues its decades-long tradition of providing free live-action performances of some of Shakespeare’s greatest works, with shows beginning nightly at 8pm. Guests are encouraged to arrive as early as 6pm to get a bite at local food trucks and to ensure seating is available. Guests are also welcome to bring their blankets and chairs, as well as dogs, as long as they are leashed. The 2024 season includes performances of Romeo & Juliet, The Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest.

Fourth of July Celebrations | July 3-6

You'll find a variety of Independence Day celebrations taking place in Bourbon City this July. The Louisville Bats will kick off the party on July 3rd with a post game fireworks shows after taking on the Indianapolis Indians. Head to Kentucky Kingdom July 4-6 for the Red, White, and Bluegrass Bash. Listen to the rich sounds of well-known Bluegrass band, Kentucky Blue, before experiencing the 15-minute choreographed performance with music and pyrotechnics shooting over 350 feet in the air, starting around 10pm. Celebrate Independence Day on the banks of the Ohio River at Louisville's Waterfront Park Fourth of July which kicks off at 5pm on The Great Lawn. The annual celebration will feature free musical entertainment, family activities, local food trucks, and a professional fireworks display taking place around 9:45pm. Additionally, head to Brent Street in the Paristown District on July 4th, to catch their free outdoor Fourth of July artisan market. That night, a ticketed concert will feature The Crashers rocking the Paristown stage prior to Zambelli fireworks show kicking off around 9:45pm.

ROARchestra at the Zoo | July 6

The Louisville Zoo and Louisville Orchestra are teaming up to bring back the beloved ROARchestra after a 15-year hiatus. This family-friendly event invites guests to observe wildlife while listening to live classical music. Doors open at 7 p.m. allowing time to explore the Zoo or get settled in the Oasis Field before the concert begins at 8:30 p.m. under the stars. Conductor Teddy Abrams will be joined by guest vocalists Jason Clayborn and Daria Raymore with backup singers Teaira Dunn, CeCe Dunn, and Latiana Clayborn, making for an evening of classical masterpieces with soulful pop hits.

Summer Blast Fireworks at Kentucky Kingdom | July 6, 13, 20, 27

The fireworks continue at Kentucky Kingdom with multiple shows lighting up the sky every Saturday throughout the month of July. Spend your summer nights experiencing a 15-minute choreographed performance with music and pyrotechnics shooting over 350 feet in the air, starting around 10pm.

Nulu Summer Fest | July 13

Held across three blocks on East Market Street, this free neighborhood festival is back for 2024. From noon to 7pm catch surf-inspired tunes, a watermelon eating contest, a tie-dye station, limbo contest, putt-putt, pickleball, summer yard games, local food trucks, 80+ vendors, and, of course, a tiki bar. Additionally, this event will include a showcase of infused exotic cocktails from the Clash of the Cocktails (July 9), a local cocktail competition highlighting specialty drinks from neighborhood establishment bartenders.

Louisville Burger Week | July 15-21

This year's Louisville Burger Week stands to be beefier than ever with a new app to help select some of Louisville's best burgers. From local fan favorites to burgers created just for the special week, guests can enjoy discounted $7 gourmet burgers from dozens of restaurants around the city. Use the Louisville Burger Week app to check in at 4 or more locations and be entered to win $250 in gift cards as well as an "ultimate grill out" courtesy of the Kentucky Beef Council.

Mag Bar Music Fest | July 18-21

Visit the heart of Old Louisville for the Mag Bar Music Fest! Returning for its third year, the four-day festival will feature Bungalow Betty, Daddy Sisters, Howling Giant, and many more.

J-Town Beer Fest | July 20

J-Town Craft Beer Fest takes place in the heart of downtown Jeffersontown, just southeast of downtown Louisville. The event will feature more than 85 craft and summer seasonal beers along with wines, food trucks, and live music. This neighborhood street festival is 21+ and helps support local businesses in the area. The event often sells out ahead of time so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance.

EST Gee + Friends: Summer Jam | July 20

Louisville native EST Gees is bringing his Summer Jam concert to the KFC Yum! Center on Saturday, July 20. The show will feature special invited surprise supporting acts that have been instrumental in his career, as well as performances of his top singles.

Flyover Film Festival | July 25-28

Back for its 14th year, the Flyover Film Festival is excited to celebrate creativity once again with featured work ranging from documentaries to short films. After the showings conclude, be sure to stick around for the post-screening Q&As and the filmmaker panel! There's also a (FREE) Preflight Party at 21c Museum Hotel on June 29th to get a preview of what's to come.

The Big Stomp | July 26-27

Now in its eighth year, the Big Stomp was the nation’s first music festival to focus on mental health and "stomping out the stigma" that surrounds it. The festival will move to Waterfront Park's Brown-Forman amphitheater in 2024 and feature two days of musical performances, guest speakers and relaxation activities.

Summer Beer Fest at the Frazier | July 27

Celebrating the rich history of brewing in the Bluegrass State, the Frazier History Museum is hosting its fourth annual beer festival this July. Over 200 specialty beers will be on tap along with food trucks and live music will spill over onto historic Main Street as the festival shuts down the historic block for an activity-filled afternoon. VIP tickets to the festival are available and include perks such as entry to the museum, early festival access, admission into the Gateway Garden, and dozens of additional beers.

Louisville Street Food Festival | July 27-28

Back by popular demand, Louisville Street Food Festival returns for a second year to Fourth Street Live. This two-day culinary event features offerings from more than 20 different food trucks selling delicious bites for $5 or less. Additionally, there will be plenty of live entertainment options with axe throwing, mechanical bull riding, cooking demonstrations, and eating challenges.

Dainty Fest & the World Championship of Dainty | July 27-29

One of Louisville's most unique traditions continues into its 54th year with the annual World Championship of Dainty. Held on the last Monday in July in the Schnitzelburg neighborhood, this obscure German street game has become a cherished tradition that draws crowds onto the sidewalk of George Hauck Way to eat bologna sandwiches, listen to ragtime music, and watch contestants swing a whittled broomstick in hopes of being crowned a World Champion. The celebration will kick off the Saturday before with bands, drink specials, games, and raffles at The Merryweather. On Sunday, folks can enjoy a day full of fun at Hauck’s Corner for Open Hauck’s, which will include food, music, a dunk tank, and the bologna sandwich eating contest.

WFPK Waterfront Wednesday | July 31 | FREE

Louisville's favorite free waterfront concert series continues during its 22nd season. The July event will take place at its traditional spot on the Big Four Lawn and will feature Modern English (6 p.m.), SNACKTIME (7:30 p.m.), and Digby (9 p.m.). Gates for the nighttime musical performances open at 5pm with plenty of food trucks and drink options on-site. Be sure to bring a blanket or a lawn chair, or catch the show from above while taking a stroll on the Big Four Bridge.

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