The 15 Best Things To Do In Louisville This September

KY Flea Market Labor Day Spectacular

Friday, August 30-Monday, September 2
KY Exposition Center | FREE | https://www.stewartpromotions.com/ | All Ages

Shop 800 booths at this year's Kentucky Flea Market. Find all kinds of trinkets from antiques to jewelry to clothes and so much more.

Worldfest

Friday, August 30-Monday, September 2
The Belvedere | FREE | https://louisvilleky.gov/government/city-events/worldfest | All Ages

Head down to the Belvedere to experience one of the region's largest international festivals, Louisville's WorldFest. For more than 20 years, this festival has showcased and celebrated various cultures from around the world. There will be nearly 150 international booths with items such as art pieces, crafts, merchandise, and food. Don't miss the Global Village highlighting cultures and customs from all over the world.

Hike, Bike, and Paddle

Monday, September 2
Waterfront Park | FREE | https://louisvilleky.gov/government/city-events/mayors-hike-bike-paddle | All Ages

This year’s Hike will consist of a 4-mile walk with multiple points to turn around throughout. As for biking, there is a 12-mile route from the Great Lawn out to Shawnee Park and back. For paddlers, they have the option of launching at the Harbor Lawn or the U of L Boat Docks and paddle downstream to meet other paddlers. Free shirts are available for the first 2,000 people.

Cirque Du Soleil’s OVO

PIC Thursday, September 5
KFC Yum! Center | Showtimes & prices vary | cirquedusoleil.com/ovo

Get ready, Louisville! The thrilling spectacle of Cirque du Soleil's OVO is making its way to the KFC Yum! Center from September 5-8. This dynamic show, perfect for all ages with a mesmerizing blend of color, energy, and extraordinary acrobatics. OVO, which means "egg" in Portuguese, delves into the fascinating world of insects. This show is a lively portrayal of the bustling life within a colony, where insects' unique personalities and abilities are showcased through stunning acrobatic performances. The show's narrative explores the beauty and diversity of these tiny creatures, presenting a captivating and energetic performance that has something for everyone.

Big Four Arts Festival 2024

Saturday, September 7-8
Big Four Bridge | $5 | https://bigfourbridgeartsfestival.com/ | All Ages

The Big Four Arts Festival is the most attended two-day event at Waterfront Park with over 20,000 attendees. Held on the Big Four acre park lawn, this festival will feature 150 national artists, tons of yummy food, and music, and activities for kids.

Louisville Taco Festival

Saturday, September 7-8
Fourth Street Live! | $12.99+ | https://www.tacofestival.com/ | All Ages

The biggest taco festival in Kentucky is returning to Fourth Street LIVE! For the sixth year in a row. Enjoy delicious tacos from over 20 vendors, yummy drinks, desserts, a fun zone for kids, and live entertainment. You will also gain access to all of Fourth Street Live’s restaurants and bars.

KY Bourbon Festival

Friday, September 13
114 N. Fifth St. | https://kybourbonfestival.com/ | 21+

Head down to the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, KY to celebrate the history of distilling during National Bourbon Heritage Month. Over 50 distilleries will be attending this year’s festival giving out samples and allowing guests to engage with popular brands. During this weekend event, you’ll get the chance to buy bottles from distillery booths, and access the KYBF exclusive single barrel selections. You can also meet master distillers, attend workshops, discussions, and try delicious food from over 30 vendors.

Grim Trails: The Haunt of Fairy Tales, Myths, and Legends

Friday, September 13-Saturday, November 2
2600 Frey’s Hill Rd. | $20 | https://grimtrails.com/ | All Ages

The longest walk through attraction in Louisville is back! Covering 20 acres in Tom Sawyer Park, take a stroll through the dark, spooky world of fairytales. Perfect for spooky fans, see monsters and sinister legends from around the world.

Louisville Pride Festival

Saturday, September 14
Highland Entertainment District | FREE | https://louprideky.org/festival/ | All Ages

Louisville Pride festival is returning to Bardstown Rd. this September! With live entertainment, over 150 vendors, drag shows, a wellness zone, food trucks, VIP lounges, and more, it’s going to be a day to remember.

Steins on Main

Saturday, September 14
615 W. Main St. | FREE | https://louisvilledowntown.org/event/steins-on-main-2/ | All Ages

Head downtown for an all new Oktoberfest celebration, Steins of Main. Enjoy an Oktoberfest festival complete with German-inspired food, games, music, and drinks from local breweries. On top of bringing the traditional Bavarian celebration to Louisville, Steins of Main also supports the Coalition for the Homeless, a Louisville non-profit aiming to end homelessness in Louisville.

Bourbon and Beyond

Thursday, September 19 KY Exposition Center-Highlands Festival Grounds | $150+ | https://bourbonandbeyond.com/ | All Ages

Country music fans, Bourbon and Beyond is back with epic performances by Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Maren Morris, and more. Enjoy delicious Bourbon, food, and great music all weekend right here in Louisville.

Louder Than Life

Thursday, September 26
KY Exposition Center-Highlands Festival Grounds | $141+ | https://louderthanlifefestival.com/ | All Ages

For four nights, Louisville will be louder in life. America’s largest rock festival is back in Louisville with performances from Slayer, Korn, Slipknot, and many more. Rock fans, grab your tickets and enjoy great shows.

NuLu Fest

Saturday, September 28
600, 700, 800 blocks, East Market St. | FREE | https://www.nulu.org/nulu-fest | All Ages

The 14th annual NuLu Fest will host local vendors, shops, food, drinks, and music. The streets will be shut down for a block party style festival for you to enjoy with your friends or family.

Boo at the Zoo

Saturday, September 28-Sunday, October 27
Louisville Zoo | https://louisvillezoo.org/event/boo-at-the-zoo-2024/2024-10-18/ | All Ages

The Zoo is turning into a Halloween wonderland this fall with characters, music, and trick-or-treating for your little ones 11 and under. This experience is designed to be exciting and fun, with no scares involved. Aside from taking in all the animals, hear tales, ride attractions, and visit some creepy crawlies. This event is the perfect place for families to enjoy a cool, autumn night.

Oktoberfest at the German American Club

Friday, September 6-7
German American Club | $10 | http://gaclouisville.com/ | All Ages

Head to the German American Club for one of their biggest events of the year. The annual Oktoberfest celebration will feature German food, pretzels by Klaus, imported beers, live music, and plenty of Gemütlichkeit. The Friday night Oktoberfest will last from 4-11pm, and the Saturday event will take place from 2pm until midnight. The River City Polkatz will play each night with Rheingold band also making an appearance on Saturday. The cost for the event is $10 for adults and free for children.