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The Ultimate Guide To Louisville's Fall & Winter Festivals In 2024

By LEO Weekly Staff on Thu, Sep 12, 2024 at 4:22 pm

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, Louisville comes alive with fall and winter festivals that celebrate everything from bourbon to bluegrass. Whether you're a fan of live music, craft beer, or holiday cheer, there's something for everyone.

Highlights include the Bourbon & Beyond Festival, offering a mix of pop, rock, and Americana with a side of bourbon appreciation, and the lively Oktoberfest featuring German-inspired food and local brews.

Plus, don't miss the festive holiday markets that bring seasonal joy to the city. Here's your guide to the best fall and winter festivals in Louisville!

Slideshow

The 15 Best Things To Do In Louisville This September

WorldfestFriday, August 30-Monday, September 2The Belvedere | FREE | https://louisvilleky.gov/government/city-events/worldfest | All AgesHead 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 PaddleMonday, September 2Waterfront Park | FREE | https://louisvilleky.gov/government/city-events/mayors-hike-bike-paddle | All AgesThis 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 5KFC Yum! Center | Showtimes & prices vary | cirquedusoleil.com/ovoGet 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 2024Saturday, September 7-8Big Four Bridge | $5 | https://bigfourbridgeartsfestival.com/ | All AgesThe 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 FestivalSaturday, September 7-8Fourth Street Live! | $12.99+ | https://www.tacofestival.com/ | All AgesThe 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 FestivalFriday, September 13114 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.

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Gaslight Festival

Monday 9/7-Tuesday 9/15
10434 Watterson Trail

Community/Neighborhood Festival

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Louisville Fringe Festival

Thursday 9/12-Sunday 9/15
Actors Theatre of Louisville

Theatre and performance art festival

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Louisville Pride Festival

Saturday 9/14
Bardstown Rd.

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.

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Simpsonville Fall Festival

Saturday 9/14
106 Old Veechdale Rd., Simpsonville

Family friendly harvest festival

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Bourbon and Beyond Festival

Thursday 9/19-Sunday 9/22
Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Ln.

Pop, Rock, Americana, Bluegrass & Bourbon appreciation festival

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Photo by Kathryn Harrington.

Louder Than Life

Thursday 9/26-Sunday 9/29
Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Ln.

Metal and harbor music festival

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Dark Castle Fest

Thursday 9/26-Saturday 9/28
Art Sanctuary, 1433 S. Shelby St.

Goth, dark wave, dark folk & new romantic music festival

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NuLu Festival

Saturday 9/28
600 - 900 blocks of East Market St.

The 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.

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Finchville Fall Festival

Saturday 9/28
5596 Taylorsville Rd., Finchville

Family friendly harvest festival

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Nunnlea Craft Fair

Monday 9/30-Tuesday 10/1
1940 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy.

Arts and crafts festival

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Kathryn Harrington

St. James Court Art Show

Friday 10/4-Sunday 10/6
1402 St James Ct.

Arts and crafts festival

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Huber's Fall Festival

Sunday 10/6
Huber Winery, 19816 Huber Rd., Borden, IN

Family friendly harvest festival

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Louisville Wine and Food Experience

Saturday 10/5
Louisville Waterfront Park, 129 River Rd.

Food and wine festival

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Kentuckiana Medieval Fair

Saturday 10/5
Enchanted Forest & Music Hall, 45 W. 1st St., New Albany

Medieval fair

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Kentucky Bat Festival

Saturday 10/5
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W. Main St.

Bat and endangered species festival

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Louisville’s International Festival of Film

Thursday 10/10-Saturday 10/12
111 E. Kentucky St.

Film festival

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Goatman Festival

Friday 10/11-Saturday 10/12
Legend at Pope Lick, 4002 S. Pope Lick Rd.

Horror/Urban legend festival

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BowmanFest

Sunday 10/6
Bowman Field, 3345 Roger E. Schupp St.

History of aviation and Bowman Field celebration festival

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Belknap Fall Festival

Friday 10/11-Saturday 10/12
Douglass Loop

Community/neighborhood street festival

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Steins on Main

Saturday 10/12
RePurposed, 615 W. Main St.

Oktoberfest festival complete with German-inspired food, games, music, and drinks from local breweries.

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