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List of attractions and events in the Louisville metropolitan area facts for kids

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Louisville, Kentucky, is a lively city with many fun places to visit and exciting events happening all year! From big festivals and historic sites to cool museums and outdoor adventures, there's always something new to explore. This guide will help you discover some of the best attractions and activities in the Louisville area.

Annual Festivals and Events

Louisville hosts many exciting events throughout the year. These festivals celebrate everything from music and art to history and local traditions.

Spring Fun

Spring in Louisville is packed with energy, especially leading up to the famous Kentucky Derby!

  • Abbey Road on the River: A big festival celebrating the music of The Beatles. Many bands play their songs. It used to be in Louisville but moved to Jeffersonville, Indiana in 2017.
  • Cherokee Triangle Art Fair: An art fair held just before the Kentucky Derby.
  • Highland Renaissance Festival: Step back in time to the Renaissance period in Scotland! This festival in Eminence, Kentucky features old-time fun and highland games. It runs from late May to early July.
  • Kentucky Derby Festival: This is Kentucky's biggest yearly event! It lasts for two weeks in late April and early May, leading up to the Kentucky Derby horse race.
    • Thunder Over Louisville: A huge fireworks and air show that kicks off the festival.
    • Great Steamboat Race: A fun race between old steamboats on the river.
    • Great Balloon Race: Watch colorful hot air balloons float across the sky.
    • Pegasus Parade: A lively parade with floats and marching bands.
    • miniMarathon & Marathon: Running races for all ages and skill levels.
  • Kentucky Reggae Festival: A music festival held on Memorial Day weekend.
  • Starlight Strawberry Festival: A sweet festival in Starlight, Indiana, also held during Memorial Day weekend.
  • VEX Robotics World Championships: A big competition where teams from all over the world show off their robots. It was held in Louisville from 2015 to 2017.
  • WHAS Crusade for Children: A huge fundraiser that helps children with special needs. It happens on the first weekend of June.

Summer Excitement

Summer brings outdoor concerts, unique gatherings, and the official state fair!

  • Jane Austen Festival: The biggest event in North America celebrating the famous author Jane Austen. It's a three-day event held in July at Historic Locust Grove.
  • Forecastle Festival: A popular three-day festival in July that combines music, art, and environmental awareness.
  • Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival: A fun festival in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, held in September (late summer).
  • Kentucky Shakespeare Festival: Also known as "Shakespeare in Central Park," this festival offers free plays by William Shakespeare in Central Park, Louisville during the summer.
  • Kentucky State Fair: Kentucky's official state fair! It runs for 11 days in August at the Kentucky Exposition Center. You can enjoy rides, exhibits, competitions, concerts, and the World's Championship Horse Show.
  • Kentuckiana Pride Festival: A series of events in June that celebrate and support the LGBT community.
  • Louisville Zombie Attack: Thousands of people dress up as zombies and walk down Bardstown Road! It's usually held on the last Saturday in August.
  • Oktoberfest: A festival held in September (late summer) that celebrates German culture.
  • Street Rod Nationals: A large gathering of classic cars and "street rods" held in early August.
  • WorldFest: A four-day international festival celebrating cultures from around the globe, held on Labor Day weekend.

Fall Fun

As the leaves change, Louisville offers spooky attractions, art shows, and unique gatherings.

  • Asylum Haunted Scream Park: Five haunted attractions in one place, open from mid-September through Halloween.
  • Danger Run: A spooky scavenger hunt that takes place from late September through October.
  • Farmington Harvest Festival: Held in October at the historic Farmington Historic Plantation.
  • Garvin Gate Blues Festival: A music festival held in Old Louisville in October.
  • IdeaFestival: A three-day conference in early fall that encourages new and creative thinking.
  • Light Up Louisville & 40 Nights of Lights: Kicks off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving with lights and celebrations.
  • National FFA Organization Convention & Expo: A large event for students interested in agriculture, held in late October/early November.
  • North American International Livestock Exposition: A big show featuring farm animals, held in November.
  • Spirit Ball: A fancy, Victorian-themed masquerade ball held before Halloween at the Conrad-Caldwell House.
  • St. James Court Art Show: One of the best art shows in the country, held in Old Louisville on the first weekend of October.
  • The World's Largest Halloween Party: A fun and spooky event at the Louisville Zoo, held on 14 nights in October.
  • Big Four Bridge Arts Festival: An art festival held on the first weekend after Labor Day.
  • Festival of Faiths: A multi-day event in November at The Kentucky Center that brings together people from different religions for music, art, and discussions.

Winter Events

Even in winter, there are exciting shows and expos to enjoy.

  • Carl Casper's Custom Auto Show: A car show held in February at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
  • Kosair Shrine Circus: A circus held in February.
  • Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow: An expo for boats, RVs, and sports gear, held in January.
  • National Farm Machinery Show: A large show featuring farm equipment, held in February.

Distinctive Locales

Louisville has many unique neighborhoods and areas, each with its own special feel and things to see.

Louisville Metro

  • East Market District (NuLu): This area is full of art galleries and cool restaurants. It's especially lively during the monthly "First Friday Hop."
  • The Highlands: A popular area known for its unique shops, restaurants, and nightlife along Baxter Avenue and Bardstown Road. It also includes the historic Cherokee Triangle and Original Highlands neighborhoods.
  • Frankfort Avenue: Another area with interesting shops and restaurants, including the Clifton and Crescent Hill neighborhoods.
  • Louisville Urban Bourbon Trail: A path that connects many places related to Kentucky's famous bourbon whiskey.
  • Old Louisville: This is the third-largest historic preservation district in the U.S. It has the most Victorian architecture buildings in any U.S. neighborhood. You can also find Louisville's Central Park and St. James Court, famous for its art show.
  • West Main District (Downtown): This part of downtown is known as "Museum Row" and has some of the city's oldest buildings.

Southern Indiana

Just across the river in Indiana, you'll find more historic and charming areas.

Historic Properties

Louisville and the surrounding area are rich in history, with many old buildings and sites that tell stories of the past.

  • Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral: Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, this was the first Roman Catholic cathedral built west of the Appalachian Mountains.
  • Belle of Louisville: This is the oldest Mississippi-style steamboat still running on U.S. rivers! Built in 1914–1915, she celebrated her 100th birthday in 2014.
  • The Brennan House: A historic home in Louisville.
  • Brown Hotel: A famous hotel in Louisville where the "Hot Brown" sandwich was invented.
  • Cathedral of the Assumption: A beautiful historic cathedral in Louisville.
  • Colgate Clock: In Clarksville, Indiana, this is the fourth-largest clock in the United States!
  • Conrad-Caldwell House: A stunning historic mansion in Old Louisville.
  • Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site: In New Albany, Indiana, this mansion is famous for its annual haunted house in the carriage barn.
  • Farmington Historic Plantation: This includes a home designed by Thomas Jefferson and was visited by Abraham Lincoln.
  • The Filson Historical Society: A place where you can learn about history, with a museum and many old collections.
  • Fort Knox: A famous U.S. Army post that includes the U.S. Bullion Depository (where a lot of the country's gold is stored!) and the General George Patton Museum of Leadership.
  • Historic Locust Grove: The old farm home of George Rogers Clark and where Lewis and Clark returned after their famous journey.
  • Louisville Stoneware: A company that has been making pottery since 1815.
  • My Old Kentucky Home State Park: In Bardstown, Kentucky, this park features the Federal Hill mansion, which inspired Stephen Foster's famous song "My Old Kentucky Home."
  • Riverside, The Farnsley-Moremen Landing: A historic site along the river.
  • Seelbach Hotel: A famous hotel written about by F. Scott Fitzgerald and often visited by Al Capone.
  • Thomas Edison House: The former home of the famous inventor Thomas Edison.
  • Union Station: A historic train station in Louisville.
  • Waverly Hills Sanatorium: A large, historic building known for its spooky stories and history.
  • Whiskey Row: A collection of historic buildings on West Main Street, built between 1852 and 1905.

Museums, Galleries, and Interpretive Centers

Louisville has many museums where you can learn about art, history, science, and more!

Art Museums

  • 21c Museum Hotel: A unique hotel that also serves as a contemporary art museum.
  • Carnegie Center for Art & History: An art and history center in New Albany, Indiana.
  • Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft: Showcases beautiful art and crafts from Kentucky.
  • Speed Art Museum: Kentucky's oldest and largest art museum, with a wide range of art from different periods.

Regional History Museums

These museums focus on the history of Louisville and Kentucky.

  • Falls of the Ohio State Park Interpretive Center: A museum that teaches about the natural history of the area, including ancient fossils, and the human history of Louisville.
  • The Filson Historical Society: Features a museum and many historical collections.
  • Historic Locust Grove Visitors Center: Includes a museum about the history of the site and its famous residents.
  • Howard Steamboat Museum: In Jeffersonville, Indiana, this museum is dedicated to steamboats.
  • Kentucky Derby Museum: Learn all about the famous Kentucky Derby horse race and its history.
  • Kentucky Railway Museum: In New Haven, Kentucky, this museum is all about trains and railways.
  • Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory: See how famous baseball bats are made and learn about the history of baseball.
  • My Old Kentucky Home State Park: In Bardstown, Kentucky, this park includes a museum about the famous song and mansion.
  • Portland Museum: Focuses on the history of the Portland neighborhood in Louisville.
  • Riverside, The Farnsley-Moremen Landing Visitors Center: Includes a museum about this historic river landing.
  • Thomas Edison House: Learn about the life and inventions of Thomas Edison.
  • Whitney Young Birthplace and Museum: The birthplace and museum of civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr..

Bourbon History

Kentucky is famous for bourbon whiskey, and you can learn about its history here.

  • Evan Williams Bourbon Experience: Located on Louisville's Whiskey Row, this place teaches about bourbon history and Louisville's riverfront past.
  • Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center: In Bardstown, Kentucky, another place to learn about bourbon.
  • Jim Beam American Stillhouse: In Clermont, Kentucky, you can learn about the Jim Beam brand.
  • Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History: In Bardstown, Kentucky, this museum is all about the history of whiskey.

City History Museums

County History Museums

U.S. and World History Museums

  • Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind: Learn about how books and materials are made for people who are blind.
  • Civil War Museum: In Bardstown, Kentucky, this museum covers the American Civil War, especially in the western parts of the U.S.
  • Frazier History Museum: Features old weapons and historical items, focusing on conflicts involving the British and U.S.
  • Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory: Learn about the history of the Louisville Slugger baseball bat and the game of baseball.
  • National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution: Has a museum and collections about American history.
  • General George Patton Museum of Leadership: At Fort Knox, this museum is about military leadership.

Other Interesting Museums

  • Kentucky Science Center: A fun, hands-on science museum with a four-story digital theater.
  • Louisville WaterWorks Museum: Located at the historic Louisville Water Tower, it tells the story of Louisville's water system.
  • Muhammad Ali Center: A museum dedicated to the life and legacy of boxing legend and humanitarian Muhammad Ali.
  • Schimpff's Candy Museum: In Jeffersonville, Indiana, a sweet museum about candy making.

Parks and Other Outdoor Attractions

Louisville is known for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, many designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

  • Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve: A natural area for enjoying wildlife.
  • Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest: A large forest and research area in Bullitt County.
  • Big Four Bridge: A pedestrian and bicycle bridge that connects downtown Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana. It's great for walks and bike rides!
  • Blackacre Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead: A nature preserve with a historic farm.
  • Cave Hill Cemetery: A historic cemetery that is also a beautiful arboretum.
  • Central Park: A lovely park in Old Louisville.
  • Cherokee Park: A large park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, with trails, golf, and scenic views.
  • Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area: In Clarksville, Indiana, this area has the oldest exposed Devonian fossil beds in the United States! You can see ancient fossils here.
  • Huber's Orchard, Winery and Vineyards: In Starlight, Indiana, a place to pick fruit and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Indiana Caverns: Explore underground caves near Corydon, Indiana.
  • Iroquois Park: Another large park designed by Olmsted, featuring the Iroquois Amphitheater and great views.
  • Jefferson Memorial Forest: The largest municipal urban forest in the United States, located in southwest Louisville.
  • Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay: A 63-acre (25 ha) amusement park with over 50 rides and a water park. It was named one of the top ten amusement parks in America in 2015!
  • Louisville Loop: A partially finished 110-mile (180 km) bike and pedestrian trail that will eventually go all the way around Louisville.
  • Louisville Water Tower Park: A historic site with a beautiful water tower and museum.
  • Louisville Waterfront Park: A popular park along the river, where the annual Thunder Over Louisville fireworks show takes place.
  • Louisville Zoo: Home to many animals from around the world.
  • Mega Cavern: Explore a huge underground cavern with zip lines, bike trails, and even a Christmas lights display in winter.
  • The Parklands of Floyds Fork: A large system of parks and trails along Floyds Fork creek.
  • Patriots Peace Memorial: A memorial dedicated to peace.
  • Riverfront Plaza/Belvedere: A plaza next to downtown Louisville and the wharf.
  • E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park: A large state park with many sports facilities.
  • Seneca Park: Another Olmsted-designed park with a golf course.
  • Shawnee Park: An Olmsted-designed park along the Ohio River.
  • Squire Boone Caverns: Explore more caves in Mauckport, Indiana.
  • Zachary Taylor National Cemetery: The burial place of U.S. President Zachary Taylor.

Shows and Performing Arts

Louisville has a vibrant arts scene with many places to enjoy plays, concerts, and other performances.

Venues

  • Actors Theatre: A famous theater known for producing new American plays.
  • Derby Dinner Playhouse: In Clarksville, Indiana, this theater offers dinner and a show.
  • Fourth Street Live!: A downtown area with entertainment, restaurants, and shops.
  • Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium: At the University of Louisville, where you can watch shows about space.
  • IMAX theaters: Experience movies on giant screens at the Kentucky Science Center and Showcase Stonybrook Cinemas.
  • Iroquois Amphitheater: An outdoor theater in Iroquois Park.
  • The Kentucky Center: A major performing arts center in downtown Louisville.
  • KFC Yum! Center: A large arena that hosts concerts, sports events, and more.
  • The Louisville Palace: A beautiful historic theater that hosts concerts and shows.
  • Mercury Ballroom: A popular music venue.

Performers

  • Kentucky Shakespeare Festival: Performs free plays by William Shakespeare in Central Park during the summer.
  • Louisville Chorus: A local choir.
  • Louisville Orchestra: The city's professional orchestra.
  • Squallis Puppeteers: A puppet theater company that puts on fun shows.
  • StageOne Family Theatre: A theater company that creates shows for families and young audiences.

Sports-Related Attractions and Venues

Louisville is a big sports town, especially known for horse racing and basketball!

  • Alpine Ice Arena: An ice skating rink.
  • Churchill Downs: The famous thoroughbred racetrack where the Kentucky Derby is held. You can also visit the Kentucky Derby Museum here.
  • David Armstrong Extreme Park: A skate park for skateboarding, BMX biking, and inline skating.
  • Freedom Hall: A historic arena that has hosted many sports events.
  • Jim Patterson Stadium: Home field for the University of Louisville baseball team.
  • Kentucky International Convention Center: A large center that hosts many events, including sports expos.
  • KFC Yum! Center: Home arena for the University of Louisville basketball teams.
  • L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium: Home stadium for the University of Louisville football team.
  • Louisville Champions Park: A park with flexible space for various field sports like soccer.
  • Louisville Metro Parks public golf courses: Several golf courses open to the public, including those in Cherokee Park, Iroquois Park, and Seneca Park.
  • Louisville Slugger Field: A baseball park that is home to the Louisville Bats minor league baseball team.
  • Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory: Learn about the history of baseball and see how famous bats are made.
  • Lynn Family Stadium: Home stadium for Louisville's professional soccer teams, Louisville City FC (men's) and Racing Louisville FC (women's).
  • Lynn Stadium: Home field for the University of Louisville soccer teams.
  • Muhammad Ali Center: A museum dedicated to the life and legacy of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
  • Valhalla Golf Club: A championship golf course designed by famous golfer Jack Nicklaus.

Miscellaneous

  • Rooster Run: In Nelson County, Kentucky, this is a well-known general store with a huge 13.5-foot (4.1 m)-tall fiberglass rooster statue out front! It's famous for its unique charm.

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