The 15 Best Things To Do In Louisville This July

By Sydney Catinna on Wed, Jul 3, 2024 at 9:34 pm

July is here and summer is in full swing. If you're looking to get out and enjoy the summer sunshine, you're in luck. This month, there are tons of food, festivals, music events and local traditions to check out.

Whether it's checking out the Speed's exciting new art exhibition, trying new food during Louisville Burger week or cheering on the competitors at Dainty Fest, there are tons of things to do around the city this July!

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Waterfront ParkThursday, July 4
4th of July Celebration

129 River Rd. | 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

This free event on the Big Four Lawn will begin with Kosair for Kids family activities, and then continue into opening ceremonies, entertainment, the Waterfront Park’s Most Talented show, and then a fireworks.

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ROARchestra

SATURDAY, JULY 6
Louisville Zoo | louisvillezoo.org | $30 (Adults) $15 (Kids) 2 & under free! | 7-10 p.m.

The Louisville Zoo is teaming up with Louisville Orchestra to bring back the exciting ROARchestra event after a 15-year hiatus. During this family-friendly evening, you can get up-close with animal wildlife while listening to live classical music. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 8:30 p.m. Conductor Teddy Abrams will be joined by guest vocalists Jason Clayborn and Daria Raymore with backup singers Teaira Dunn, CeCe Dunn, and Latiana Clayborn, Don’t miss this evening of classical masterpieces accompanied by soulful pop hits!

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Kusama: Infinity Mirror opens at Speed

FRIDAY, JULY 12
Speed Art Museum | 2035 S. 3rd St. | speedmuseum.org

The Speed Art Museum presents Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrored Room– LET’S SURVIVE FOREVER, one of the artist’s seminal immersive artworks that explores ideas of “self-obliteration” through repetition and play with space, light, color, and time. INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM — LET’S SURVIVE FOREVER (2017), which is on special loan from the Art Gallery of Ontario, envelops the visitor inside a large, mirrored space with stainless steel balls suspended from the ceiling and arranged on the floor. The reflective balls recall Kusama’s installation Narcissus Garden, which was first shown at the 1966 Venice Biennale. This presentation will mark the first time that a major Kusama artwork has ever been on view in Kentucky.

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Astrology Ball at Pigment Gallery

SATURDAY, JULY 13
Enjoy an enchanting evening under the stars at Louisville's very first Astrology Ball. This in-person event promises a night of cosmic fun and celestial wonders. Get ready to explore the mysteries of the zodiac, dance to celestial tunes, and indulge in a delicious meal. Whether you're a seasoned astrologer or just curious about the cosmos, this event is perfect for everyone.

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Nulu Summer Fest

SATURDAY, JULY 13
East Market Street | 600-800 Blocks of East Market St. | nulu.org | Free | 12 p.m.

Heading outdoors this weekend and look- ing for a spot to shop? NuLu has the spot for you. Featuring live music, cocktails, food and summer fun, NuLu is set to host its latest summer fest for Louisvillians all over the city. The event will also include the NuLu Summer Fest Cocktail Competition for spectators to enjoy.

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Louisville Anime Fest

SUNDAY, JULY 14
Triple Crown Pavilion | 1780 Plantside Dr. | Search Facebook | $20, Kids Free | 10 a.m.

If you’re a fan of Anime, Louisville is hosting the second annual Anime Fest to celebrate all things Anime. Otaku culture is alive and well. Expect to see voice actors, artists, lip sync contests, a maid cafe, and more.

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Louisville Burger Week

MONDAY, JULY 15
Various | LouisvilleBurgerWeek.com | $7 per burger | Times Vary

Get ready for Burger Week where participating restaurants will share some of their most adventurous burger creations for the low price of $7. Patrons can participate in prize drawings with chances to win up to $300. Download the Burger Week app and get ready for a week of trying new places and lots of burger fun.

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Mag Bar Music Festival

THURSDAY, JULY 18-21

It’s year 3 for Mag Bar Music Fest and they’re ready to do this thing again! Four days of live music, multiple genres, and good times in the Magnoliadome. They’re planning on all ages so everyone gets a chance to enjoy these all these sets that’ll be performing under our roof. Tickets are $7-$50.

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Flyover Film Festival

THURSDAY, 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!

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The Big Stomp Music Festival

SATURDAY, JULY 26-27

The Big Stomp, a music festival in Louisville that celebrates mental health, will return this month. This is the first year the festival will be held at Waterfront Park. Formerly known as PeteFest in honor of Pete Jones, a percussionist who died by suicide at the age of 23 in 2016, features programming and activities that promote mental wellness. Last year, those included a quiet tent in which participants could listen to meditation music on headphones from Louisville Silent Disco, music therapy sessions, therapy dogs and horses, and more.

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Summer Beer Fest at the Frazier

SATURDAY, JULY 27
Frazier Museum | 4 p.m. | $50

The Summer Beer Fest is back and celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024. Tickets are available for you and your friends. Right now, there is a limited-time ticket package available, with a $50 discount when you buy four tickets. There are over 200 specialty beers, plus live music and food for everyone who comes to celebrate beer at Frazier.

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Louisville Street Food Festival

SATURDAY, JULY 27-28
The 2nd annual Louisville Street Food Festival is returning to Fourth Street Live & taking over an entire city block. This spectacular weekend event will feature the Louisville area's best food trucks & restaurants with ALL food items priced at $5 or less.

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Dainty Fest

SATURDAY JULY 27-29
One of Louisville's most unique traditions returns for the 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, and listen to ragtime music. Enjoy bands, drink specials, games, and raffles at The Merryweather, Haucks and more.

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Waterfront Wednesday

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31
1101 River Rd | lpm.org/music | Free | 6 p.m. | All ages

91.9 WFPK’s Waterfront Wednesday returns for its 22nd season in grand style. Bring the kids and visit Waterfront KidsDay, a dedicated area for kids and families to do hands-on activities. The lawn open at 5 p.m., and music begins promptly at 6 p.m.

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Kentucky Shakespeare Festival

ALL MONTH
Central Park | 8 p.m/. | 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.

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