Summer Events and Things to Do in Louisville, KY

Louisville has so much to offer during the summer. Without spending a fortune or even any money at all, you can enjoy movies, picnics, music and more!

Summer Movies

The University of Louisville has a summer movie series called "Cards Under the Stars" that starts on June 11th. They will be showing the original Toy Story movie which is sure to make for great family fun. There will be a play area for kids and the movie is set to begin at around 8pm. You can bring a cooler (no alcohol) but refreshments will also be sold. The movie will be shown on the south side of Belknap Campus on the lawn next to the Natural Science building. There will be more movies in July and August!

Norton Commons hosts outdoor movies several times during the summer. They are scheduled for June 25th, July 23rd and August 13th at sunset. Norton Commons is located just north west of the Gene Snyder/I-71 interchange. The movie will be shown on the main lawn in the middle of the community and you can bring a picnic, blankets and chairs to help you and your family get comfortable for a terrific evening.

Cinemark Tinseltown on Town Center Drive in the Springhurst shopping area hosts the Summer Movie Clubhouse. The movies are only $1 per person and have a very family friendly atmosphere. Everyone is there with kids of all ages, just looking to beat the heat and watch a cool movie. The movies are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am until August 4th.

Festivals & Fairs

The Greek Festival starts on June 11th and runs to June 13th. It is open 11am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday and from noon until 8pm on Sunday. Held downtown at 5th and Main Street, this festival is full of great food and entertainment. You can get free parking in the 6th street garage on Saturday and Sunday! There will be plenty of music, dancing, children's activities and shopping. Go with a hearty appetite so that you can enjoy the dinners or pastries!

The Downtown Louisville Arts Festival will be held at Fourth Street Live! on June 12th and 13th from 10am to 5pm. Artists from across the country will come to showcase their talent!

The Lyndon Fair will be held on June 18th from 4pm to 10pm and the 19th from noon until 10pm at Robsion Park. The event will host musical guests, dancing troops, children's activities and evening fireworks. This fair will be a fantastic family event.

The Waterfront Independence Festival is the place to be to celebrate the 4th of July in Louisville. It will be held on July 3rd and 4th at Waterfront Park's Main Lawn from 5pm until the fireworks end! This event has endless free fun for kids including crafts, live music and inflatables. For adults, there is the Coors Beer Garden and live concerts! This year, the featured performer is country music star John Rich. And of course, there will be fireworks celebrations both nights! Note, you cannot bring a cooler and your pet but you can bring a blanket and lawn chairs for sitting.

The Kentucky State Fair means fun for the entire family in August. The fair runs from August 19th to the 29th and the gates open at 7am. Parking is $8 and tickets range from $2 to $6 if purchased in advance on the fair's website or at Kroger. The four main-stage events will cost an extra ticket fee but will definitely be worth it. The acts lined up are Sugarland, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts and Jeff Dunham. There are free concerts shows such as horse shows. There will be many agricultural exhibits as well as exhibits covering Kentucky heritage or the latest cooking techniques. There's nothing missing at the state fair! Of course, there will be rides and fantastic fried fair food.

Jeff Fest is meant for the whole family. It is on June 12th from 11am to 4pm in Preservation Park in Jeffersonville, IN. There will be live music, food, free activities for kids, free pony rides and much more.

Music

Waterfront Wednesdays takes place on the Harbor Lawn at Waterfront park on the last Wednesday of the month through September. The concert begins at 5pm and is a great treat for after work or just a long day. You can bring a blanket or lawn chair and food and beverages are available for purchase. Coolers and pets are not allowed.

Jeffersonville Concert in the Park takes place on Fridays at 7:30 in Jeffersonville, IN. Held in Warder Park at Court Ave and Spring Street, these events are pure and simple. You can go and enjoy wonderful local music and kick back and relax in a great community atmosphere.

Enjoy one or many of these great events in the Louisville metro area!