Annual Events & Festivals - Annual Events
The Derby City celebrates its rich history and diverse culture throughout the year with many festivals, performances, and special events; whatever your interest, there always seems to be something going on in Louisville—and your visit wouldn’t be complete unless you included at least one of its yearly festivals into your plans. Kick back and take it easy in the winter, or lose yourself in a flurry of spring-time activity. Find yourself in the beautiful scenery during the fall or have a ball experiencing Louisville’s exciting nightlife during the summer. There are so many things you can do in this city, you’ll have a hard time deciding how to fit it all in. To help you decide, go to www.gotolouisville.com for a complete and up-to-date listing of events. Remember that times, dates, and locations are subject to change, so call ahead or visit the Web sites listed to verify the details.
1. Kentucky Derby Festival
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (502) 584-6383
Address: 1001 South Third St.
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
3. Derby Marathon And Mini Marathons
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: These are the town’s other big races, when months of training are put to the test. The mini has been run since the 1970s, and the full-length race completed its first decade of existence in 2009. Runners compete on the Saturday that falls between the Run for the Roses and the beginning of the Kentucky Derby Festival at Thunder Over Louisville. The races start simultaneously at 7:30 a.m. with runners in both races sharing the same start and finish lines. In 2009 the races attracted a record 12,000 registrants. A course map of both race routes and information about road closings and alternate driving routes to popular destinations can be found on the official race Web site at www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com.
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
8. Run For The Rosé
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: On the Tuesday before the famous Run for the Roses, hundreds of food service employees gather at the Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront for the annual Run for the Rosé. This event, sponsored by Kentucky Proud, sends waiters and waitresses out to run around an obstacle course in an effort to win bragging rights and great prizes—all while balancing a tray of six full wineglasses. It’s lots of spills and thrills for participants and spectators alike at the Derby’s most spirited event. The event usually starts at 11:30 a.m. and is free with your Pegasus Pin.
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
11. Humana Festival Of New American Plays
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: An internationally renowned festival that celebrates contemporary American playwrights, this prestigious event showcases new theatrical works and has been drawing producers, critics, playwrights, and theater lovers from around the world since 1976. Many converge in Kentucky’s largest city in February and March to get a glimpse of the future of American theater, while others come to see what their favorite playwright has been up to. In any case, most agree it’s a key event in the American theater scene. Produced by the Actors Theatre of Louisville, the festival is made possible by the generosity of the Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. that supports charitable activities promoting healthy lives and communities. Learn more at www.actorstheatre.org.
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
15. Forecastle Festival
City: Louisville, KY
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: Equal parts music, art, and activism, this summer festival on the Belvedere is a symposium for musicians, artists, and environmentalists that connects the progressive Midwest. The goal of Forecastle is to establish a cultural entertainment medium showcased in a scenic, outdoor environment, and since its inception in 2002, it has grown by leaps and bounds and counts as one of the most important events of its kind in the country. In fact, SPIN Magazine has named Forecastle as “One of the Top 101 things to do in America.” It takes place normally the weekend after the Fourth of July. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or at independent record stores throughout the region. More information can be found at www.forecastlefest.com.