20+ Events to Attend in Louisville this June
A myriad of musical genres, the return of UFC, and array of celebrations highlighting cultures from around the world will headline this month's diverse lineup of events and festivals. Below are some of Louisville's most anticipated events for June 2024.
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. This year’s entertainment kicks off after Memorial Day weekend, 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.
Outdoor Movie Nights | June 1, 7, 14, & 15
Cinema lovers will have plenty of chances to catch an outdoor movie this June. Downtown, the Cinebus is bringing a free showing off The Sandlot (June 14) Waterfront Park's Brown-Forman Amphitheater. Drive-ins will include snacks and beer for purchase from local brewer Ten20 Craft Brewery, and popcorn and to-go “movie boxes” from Pig Beach BBQ, the adjacent restaurant. Located South of Beckley Creek Park, Pope Lick Park will set up a 40-foot movie screen for their Creature Feature screenings including the film The 'Burbs (June 1) and Big Trouble in Little China (June 15). The Georgetown Drive-In Theatre will be screening Bad Boys: Ride or Die (June 7), along with other popular selections later on in the month. Ticket sales at the drive-in are cash-only and must be paid at the front gate (no advance or online ticket sales).
Old Fashioned Fortnight | June 1-14
Named the official cocktail of Louisville in 2015, the Old Fashioned has a special place in the heart of Bourbon City. Every year during the first two weeks of June, Old Fashioned Fortnight shines the spotlight on this spirited bourbon concoction that was invented right here in Louisville. Participate in Bourbon themed events, find recipes, and even earn prizes along the city's Urban Bourbon Trail® the first fortnight in June. Find 14 different ways to celebrate the Old Fashioned, here.
Butchertown Art Fair | June 1 & 2
Located in one of Louisville's oldest neighborhoods, the art fair takes place annually on the first weekend in June set against a backdrop of historic homes from the 1800s. This year's event takes place at the 800 & 900 blocks of E. Washington Street on Saturday, June 1, 11am -6pm and Sunday, June 2, 11am to 5pm and will feature handcrafted artwork from more than 60 artists. Complementing the art you'll find with live music, local food trucks, beer, wine, and cocktail selections, and the classic tree-canopied ambiance of Washington Street.
Ali Festival | June 1-8
Since the passing of Louisville's native son in 2016, the annual Ali Festival celebrates Muhammad Ali’s impactful legacy and love for Louisville. The community celebration will include an array of events and activities that highlight his impact, core principles, and the city he called home. In addition to a visit to the Muhammad Ali Center and the Champ's final resting place at Cave Hill Cemetery, the festival will include a Community Carnival, Trolley Tours, a Bats game at Louisville Slugger Field, and more. If you can't be in town for the week-long celebration, try following in the Footsteps of Greatness while taking this self-guided tour around the city.
Sailing Into Summer featuring Tony & The Tan Lines | June 7
For one night only, Tony & The Tan Lines will take over Waterfront Park's Brown-Forman Amphitheater for a night of musical entertainment. The local yacht rock band will bring their smooth and sexy sounds, with PIG Beach BBQ on deck providing savory and delicious bites, as well as a full bar with beer, bourbon, and other spirits available for purchase. The event will take place from 7-10pm and directly support Friends of Waterfront Park and their ongoing support and fundraising for Waterfront Park.
Germantown Schnitzelburg Blues Festival | June 7 & 8 | FREE
The Kentuckiana Blues Society and Check's Cafe will play host to the Germantown Schnitzelburg Blues Festival at the corner of Hickory Street and Burnett Ave. The annual street fest includes an outdoor stage and will feature ten acts over two days. Music kicks off at 7pm on Friday and goes until 11pm, while Saturday starts around 4pm.
Louisville GreekFest | June 7 & 8 | FREE
Celebrate Grecian hospitality and culture with Louisville's Greek community at the annual Louisville Greek Fest. Food vendors will be offering popular Greek items like gyros, souvlaki sandwiches, tiropitas, along with an assortment of pastries and desserts. Live music and traditional Greek dancing will also be performed by a number of local groups. Weather permitting, the event will be held outside of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in the Lyndon neighborhood off of Ormsby Lane.
UFC Fight Night | June 8
The Octagon returns to Louisville for the first time since 2011 with the UFC Fight Night main event taking place at KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville. The night will be one to remember, as middleweight contenders Jared Cannonier and Nassourdine Imavov clash in a bout expected to shake up the 185-pound Top 10. Plus, 19-year-old bantamweight phenom Raul Rosas Jr. collides with Ultimate Fighter winner Ricky Turcios. VIP ticket packages and experiences are available and include behind-the-scenes access, meet-and-greets, and all-inclusive hospitality.
La Caja China | June 8
The 2nd Annual La Caja China is returning to La Bodeguita de Mima on the second Saturday in June. Presented by Jim Beam, this event brings the heat and flavor of the authentic Cuban experience to the NuLu neighborhood with traditional Cuban food, live music by +Flow, and AllSensation DJs, cigars, dominoes, and crafted cocktails. The event is family-friendly and open to all ages with 100% of proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities Kentuckiana.
Buy Local Fair | June 8 | FREE
Local retailers, organizations and artists will fill Lynn Family Stadium's Fan Zone for the annual Buy Local Fair. Fair-goers are invited to enjoy performances by local musicians, sip libations, watch cooking competitions, and let the kids run wild at the on-site kid zone. While admission is free, a portion of parking fees and in-kind donations will benefit the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA)-- the organizers of the festival.
Juneteenth Celebrations | June 8-19
Louisville will be home to a variety of Juneteenth festivals and celebrations, marking the anniversary of the federal holiday. For the fourth consecutive year, Louisville Metro Government will coordinate and host the city’s official Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration (June 8-19) with this year’s theme as “Our Story, America’s Glory”. The 2024 celebration includes numerous events from Agape Day to Amplify Songs of Justice to The Journey Walking Tour. The Louisville Juneteenth Festival (June 12-15) has a schedule that includes an opening night Brunch, bourbon-infused events, and a day-long festival at a new location, Lynn Family Stadium. The MELANnaire Marketplace (June 15) will host a day-long event at Louisville's Fourth St. Live! highlighting local Black entrepreneurs selling everything from food, arts, and retail products. Jammin in Jeff (June 15) is a free event taking place across the river at the Jeffersonville Riverstage, and will feature an afternoon celebrating Juneteenth and the vibrant contributions of Black Women in music including headliners En Vogue.
Lionel Richie is coming to the KFC Yum! Center this June with very special guests, and one of the best-selling bands of all time, Earth, Wind & Fire. The 2024 shows follow a highly successful 2023 sold-out 20-date run which made its way through North America with stops in Chicago, Boston, Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and more.
Kentuckiana Pride Parade & Festival | June 15
Held at Louisville’s Waterfront Park, the Kentuckiana Pride Parade & Festival has been a tradition in downtown Louisville for more than 20 years. Start the day with the annual Pride parade down East Market Street in the popular NuLu neighborhood as it marches 1.5 miles toward the Ohio River and the iconic Big Four Bridge. This year's headliners include Icona Pop, Chappell Roan, and Robin S. More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the event, one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in the state. You can find more Pride and LGBTQ-inclusive events here.
Downs After Dark | June 15
One of Louisville’s longest-running traditions extends their hours just a few times a year for what Churchill Downs has coined Downs After Dark. With gates opening at 5pm and the last horse race not starting until 11:10pm, racing fans will have a chance to see Churchill Downs in a whole new light. Live music, festive attire, and of course, classic cocktails add to the excitement.
Louisville Funk Fest | June 21 & 22
Combining Hip Hop and R&B, the two-day Louisville Funk Fest returns to the banks of the Ohio River at Waterfront Park with big-name artists Jeezy, Charlie Wilson, Marsha Ambrosius , and Boosie, along with many others.
Bluegrass VegFest | June 22 | FREE
Louisville’s Ultimate Vegan Food Festival is back at the Mellwood Art Center for a day of mouthwatering plant-based cuisine from over 17 incredible restaurants and food trucks. Savor local favorites from V-Grits, Half Peach, Cosmic Bird, Abol’s Café, and Spinelli’s Pizza, along with Branch Out Foods from Paducah, That Vegan Joint (Indianapolis), the delightful Oh My Cod Vegan Seafood (Florida), and more. In addition to delectable eats, enjoy local craft beer and cocktails, listen to inspiring speakers, watch live cooking demos, and explore a large indoor marketplace packed with plant-based and cruelty-free products. Plus live music, educational exhibits, and fun activities for kids.
Kentucky Craft Bash | June 29
For one day this summer, the Kentucky Guild of Brewers will transform Louisville's Waterfront Park into the state’s largest, most exclusive taproom during the annual Kentucky Craft Bash - Kentucky’s only craft beer festival by brewers, for brewers. Pouring only beers from breweries located in the Commonwealth, Craft Bash hosts over 50 local breweries and serves more than 150 different varieties of beer. Experimental beers and collaborations that don't go into widespread distribution and are rarely found outside of a brewery’s taproom will also be available to sample.
For a roundup of more events taking place this Summer, visit here.
