A guide to Louisville’s best festivals
Plan your Louisville getaway around the Kentucky Derby, Bourbon & Beyond, and more.
Edited by Taylor Cahan | November 13, 2025
Louisville is a city that celebrates every season with a festival, parade, or cultural happenings. Whether you’re drawn to the dynamic energy of Derby week, the sips and sounds of Bourbon & Beyond, or the local flavor of NuLu Fest, there’s something for everyone year-round. Louisville’s walkable neighborhoods and vibrant downtown make it easy to enjoy all the events the city has to offer.
Louisville’s events calendar at a glance
Louisville’s four seasons each bring their own signature festivals and rhythms. Spring is all about the Kentucky Derby with the two-week long Kentucky Derby Festival leading up to the main event at Churchill Downs in early May. Summer heats up with music and food festivals, culminating in the Kentucky State Fair at the Expo Center. Fall is prime time for Bourbon & Beyond, Louder Than Life, WorldFest, and the St. James Court Art Show. Winter delivers lighter crowds and holiday events like Light Up Louisville. For peak events such as Derby and Bourbon & Beyond, consider booking your stay at hotels in Louisville several months ahead. If you want year-round access to Louisville’s historic heart, The Seelbach Hilton Louisville offers a taste of Prohibition-era glamour with modern comforts, including convenient on-site dining and walkable proximity to festival venues and downtown attractions.
Spring: The Kentucky Derby Festival
Spring in Louisville is all about anticipation and spectacle. The Kentucky Derby Festival brings two weeks of parades, concerts, and local traditions, with Thunder Over Louisville’s air show and fireworks lighting up the riverfront in late April. Crowds swell during this time, so consider booking your downtown stay early to enjoy the best access to events and avoid parking challenges. May is typically Louisville’s rainiest month, so pack layers and waterproof gear. Families will find plenty of daytime events and museums to visit, while nightlife seekers can explore bars and live music. Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown is less than five miles from Churchill Downs and within walking distance to Museum Row, the Urban Bourbon Trail, and Whisky Row. You’ll also get access to a free airport shuttle and free made-to-order breakfast to fuel busy days plus access to the free airport shuttle.
Summer: The Kentucky State Fair
Summer brings a lively mix of outdoor concerts, food festivals, and the Kentucky State Fair, an 11-day festival held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in August. The state fair features a full calendar of unique Kentucky traditions, including the World's Championship Horse Show, the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series, Thrill Ville rides, and, of course, famous fair food like Deep-Fried Derby Pie. The fair is popular, so allow extra time for parking and navigating crowds. For easy access to the fairgrounds, stay at Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport. The hotel makes your entire trip a breeze, from the complimentary airport shuttle to the comfortable guest rooms. With temperatures rising and humidity high, plan indoor afternoons at local museums or distilleries. Whether you’re sampling fair treats or catching a headline show, staying cool and comfortable is key to enjoying Louisville’s summer events.
Fall: Bourbon, art shows, and more
Fall in Louisville is a festival lover’s dream. Can’t miss festivals include Bourbon & Beyond, a four-day celebration of music and Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, and Louder Than Life, America’s loudest rock and metal festival — both held at the Highland Festival Grounds in September. Nulu Fest brings live music, craft beers, bourbons, and local bites to the streets of the artsy East Market District (New Louisville), while the St. James Court Art Show fills historic Old Louisville with fine arts and contemporary crafts in early October. Fall festivals draw large crowds, so book early and use rideshare or walk between venues. October is typically Louisville’s driest month, ideal for outdoor events. Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu places you steps from the NuLu’s restaurants, galleries, and nightlife, with convenient amenities like café with gourmet coffee and a rooftop grill to enjoy the stunning weather.
Winter: Holiday lights and local flavors
Winter is Louisville’s value season, with lighter crowds but still plenty of festive events starting in the holiday season. Favorites include Light Up Louisville, the city’s annual holiday kickoff downtown, and Lights Under Louisville, the drive-through light show held underground in the Louisville Mega Cavern. In the new year, culinary celebrations take center stage with the Bourbon Classic, Pig & Swig, and the Louisville Chocolate, Wine, & Whiskey Festival. Homewood Suites by Hilton Louisville Downtown provides a comfortable retreat for festival weekends, offering easy access to holiday lights, cultural venues, and cozy dining downtown.
Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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