Luxury Events 2015

(June 3rd ? August 9th, 2015)

Half of this event is already done, and it’s about an hour away from our main destination (Louisville). The performances are held in Old Louisville, but can you really pass up Shakespeare in the Park? The plays being featured this year are “The Tempest,” “The Birds,” “The Comedy of Errors,” “The Tamina of the Shrew,” and the legendary “Macbeth.” The shows are all free, so why not catch one? You only have about a month left, so if you’re in the area, or visiting the Louisville area soon, be sure to see one of these classics.

(July 17th ? 19th, 2015)

One of the most anticipated summer festivals in Kentucky, the Forecastle Festival has blown up since it was founded in 2002. Tens of thousands of people come to enjoy the musical acts of well known musicians, and the activities going on. There will be local eats and drinks available, a bar featuring 11 brands, a bourbon lodge, and a great line up for performers.

(July 18th, 2015; Shelbyville)

Come to the Clear Creek Amphitheater in Shelbyville to enjoy the 5th anniversary of RobFest. The main point of this festival is to spread awareness and help prevent teen suicides, and raise funds to help a young man, Robert “Robbie” Phillips, who attempted suicide and suffered brain damage, recover. After many trials, Robbie began to regain brain function due to stem cell treatment. In 2011, twenty six bands volunteered to play at RobFest, and over 1600 people came to the festival. Every year, RobFest takes place to continue to support Robbie and others in need of aid. For only a $5 entry, you can enjoy live music, grilled foods, and check out all the other vendors out on the lawn.

(July 24th ? 25th, 2015; Elizabethtown)

Ready for two days full of fun, cars, and cruising the town? On Friday, things just start to pick up, being a work day and what not, with the car show awards at 8pm, and then a drive-in move after that. Saturday is when the real fun begins, with food vendors, live music entertainment via DJ Freestyling, a Kid’s Area if you’re coming with the family, a live Elton John Tribute Concert, and more. When the show ends though, the streets will be open for cruising around town and enjoying the night life downtown with everyone else.

(July 24th ? 26th, 2015)

This year is the 40th and final return of Kentucky’s Premier Folk Festival, so do not miss out. All throughout the weekend, there will be concerts featuring folk music singers performing their hit songs. On Saturday, food concessions will be made available, and there will be areas for jamming if you’d like to try your hand at playing some music, or join in with other musicians. There will also be a Kentucky State Dulcimer Competition, basically a competition for acoustic instrument players to compete for a trophy and brand new dulcimer.

(August 20th ? 30th, 2015)

For 10 days of fun for the whole family, it’s time for the Kentucky State Fair. Every day there will be a line up of shows to keep everyone entertained, from air balloon creations to beatbox comedy. If you’re a bit of a foodie, or just want to jot down some notes for your next DIY cuisine, chefs and bakers will be putting on live demonstrations and showcasing their culinary delights. There will also be music, games, dancing, karaoke – there’s really a little bit of everything going on here.

(August 22nd ? 29th, 2015)

The Kentucky State Fair covers many things, it’s the main event in August, and takes up much of the spotlight. However, we know there’s some horse lovers out there, and it’s hard to mention everything going on. During the fair, there will be a Championship Horse Show, featuring over 2000 horses and their trainers, competing for over $1 million in awards.

(September 4th ? 7th, 2015)

Louisville, Kentucky has become a very culturally diverse place in the last decade. 50% of its population has been due to international residents, and over 90 languages are spoken in its public schools. With such a large amount of diversity, Louisville, Kentucky celebrates this with a festival dedicated to cultural diversity. It is the region’s largest international festival, and has been going on for more than 10 years, sharing a variety of world food, dance, music, education, and culture. The citizens of Louisville believe that such an event will allow the city to thrive, and its people will have a greater appreciation for the many cultures present in the city today.

(September 4th ? 6th, 2015)

Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to. Come to Louisville Water Tower for a chance to listen to some live bluegrass music. Moreover, this year, they’re adding something a little special. They’re adding bourbon to the mix, a strong part of Kentucky’s heritage. You’ve heard of wine tasting, and beer tasting, but bourbon? That’s a new one, and you’ll get a chance to taste some of the most unique bourbons this year in Kentucky, the bourbon capital of the world.

(September 12th, 2015; Mt. Washington)

Like cars? Why not go to a car show that also benefits a charity, because that’s exactly what the JDRF Car Show is all about. ?JDRF? stands for ?Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation,? and by coming to this car show, you’ll be helping a great cause, for only $20. All makes and models of cars, trucks, and bikes are accepted into the show, and there will be several activities as well as award shows.

(September 15th ? 20th, 2015)

It seems the fall is the beginning of bourbon celebrations, as this is the second big bourbon event this month. For six days of bourbon, food, and entertainment, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is one to add to the list. This is a family-friendly event, but there will also be a night life for the older crowd who wants to party. There will black tie galas and club parties to take part in, whiskey tastings, live bluegrass entertainment, a cigar bar, multiple exhibits, and much more. If you bring the little ones, there is a family fun area, a scavenger hunt, an entertaining faux-train ride robbery, music on the lawn, and an art show or two.

(September 25th ? 27th, 2015)

For over 40 years, people have been supporting the River Cities Community Sailing Program, a non-profit organization that teaches children and adults how to sail. This year marks the 44th Captain’s Quarters Regatta, a fundraiser that also acts as one of the region’s most premier sailing events. You can enter your own crewship, or just watch and enjoy a weekend of fun and competition.

(September 27th ? 28th, 2015)

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Irish culture, now is your chance. During the last weekend of September, the Irish Fest comes to Louisville, Kentucky to celebrate Irish heritage and tradition. The festival is primarily a fundraiser, as the Irish Arts Foundation hosting the festival is a non-profit organization that has worked with several charities in the past. Come and enjoy a variety of events and exhibits, such as performances by Irish musicians and dancers, displays of Irish history and art, and of course, the chance to sample Irish food and beverages.

(September 29th ? October 2nd, 2015)

It’s that time of the year when people from all paths of life come together to share ideas and are inspired to collaborate and think differently about the world. It’s a place for people who want to take steps moving forward; it brings together technologists, musicians, educators, artists, business leaders, and people who play a hand in the community and even the government. It’s a chance to be heard, to be surrounded by like-minded people. If you’re looking for a new idea to get in on while it’s still on the ground floor, there may even be a chance to make an investment with some new and upcoming entrepreneurs. If you’d like a chance to mingle and network with people before IF, there is a street festival thrown by NuLu on the 26th, where everyone can enjoy live music, art galleries, micro-brewed beers, and a variety of activities.

(October 1st ? 3rd, 2015)

Looking for a chance to sit back and be entertained this fall? Louisville has its own International Film Festival (LIFF), and its coming back for its 6th year. This isn’t just a chance to watch films though – if you’ve ever been interested in film production, there will also be educational workshops and open dialogue for conversation about film. The turnout has been getting better as the years go by too; just the other year, filmmakers from all over the world flew in for the festival.

(October 2nd ? 4th, 2015; Old Louisville)

Although a little out of the way from Louisville, KY, the St James Court Art Show has grown to be quite the spectacle over the years. Set in Old Louisville, the center of the country’s largest collection of Victorian-style homes, the show has expanded to several parts of the city with more additions and artists. Now, over 700 exhibitors put their work on display, and the show draws in a crowd of more than 300,000 people. It’s a nice way to spend a cool day in the Fall, whether to make a purchase or to be inspired.

(October 7th, 2015)

Calling all foodies! The Taste of Louisville is returning this year, and only for a single day. Like the past 40 years, the rundown of restaurants that make an appearance bring your taste buds to the holy land. Over 30 restaurants, legends and newcomers, come to this event every year. Another great addition, The Taste of Louisville raises money for local charities to support the community, and thus has raised a quarter million since 1974.

(October 9th ? 10th, 2015)

Hitting its 20th Anniversary, the Garvin Gates Blues Festival has become a very prestigious event. It’s free to join and watch the show, but the proceeds from sponsorships and vendor sales benefit the Garvin Gate Neighborhood and the Old Louisville Preservation District. For two days, two streets are closed off for this event as bands take up one of four stages, and vendors and craftsmen set up shop. The GGBF is not just a celebration of the Blues, but of the arts as well.

(October 10th ? 11th, 2015; Bardstown)

Going on for over 30 years, this arts fair is very successful. It’s a great chance to get out in the fresh air, enjoy a southern taste, live music, and find a new trinket or art piece that piques your interest. With over 200 artists and craftsmen making their debut every year, you can find everything from jewelry to antiques. The fair runs for only two days, but the turnout is always outstanding.

(October 10th ? 11th, 2015)

National Gun Day is celebrated in Louisville, Kentucky with a large gun show, and vendors from all over the United States coming to display and sell their artillery. With over 600 tables registered, you can find all kinds of firearms, from revolvers to rifles. It doesn’t cost much to come to the event, and your admission covers two gun shows: The Great Eastern Gun Show and a J.A.G Military Gun Show.

(October 14th ? 19th, 2015)

Celebrating 100 years, the Centennial Festival of Riverboats is nearly a week long, and has events happening every day. There will be free live musical performance, food samplings, and special events involving small cruises. Enjoy breakfast on the water, or watch the fireworks show while on a steamboat. Basically all of these events deal with cruising in some form, whether its sight-seeing and learning the history of Kentucky while sailing on the river, or the riverboat parade.

(October 24th, 2015)

Celebrate Halloween in style, and by style, Louisville means party like it’s 1899. The Spirit Ball is a masquerade party held every year in the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, a lavish mansion in the heart of Old Louisville. Masks aren’t mandatory, as you can choose dress up in a costume or 19th century style clothes instead. Being a Victorian-centered city, Old Louisville is the perfect location for such a party. Of course, known for this particular spirit, and we don’t mean ghosts, there will also be plenty of bourbon to enjoy as you dance the night away.

(November 19th ? December 27th, 2015)

It’s that time of the season, where Santa Claus starts to double-check his list for all the boys and girls come Christmas time. But before he takes off on his sleigh, you can come to the Galt House Hotel and have an early Christmas celebration with the kids. Come and enjoy ?A Christmas Carol,? told by performers and hand-crafted luminaries, explore Christmas Village, create a snowman, have tea with the Snow Fairy Princess, Dinner with a Christmas Show by Pam Tillis, or breakfast with Santa. There’s so much more going on throughout this month-long event, you’ll have to check it out for yourself.

(November 20th, 2015 ? January 3rd, 2016)

Now this is something a little different, you may not even expect it. The name, Lights Under Louisville, is literal. For nearly two weeks, the Louisville MEGA Cavern is lit up with over 2 million lights. So far, it’s the only underground light show in the world, lasting 30 minutes long through 17 miles of underground passage. You get to drive your own car, so all you need to do is pay the ticket fee (charged by the vehicle type), drive safe, and enjoy.

(November 25th, 2015 ? January 1st, 2016; Elizabethtown)

Do you remember driving around, listening to holiday music, and looking at all of the Christmas lights around the neighborhood? In Elizabethtown, they have free admission to their own ?Christmas in the Park? with over 100 light displays. There are over one million lights to illuminate Freeman Lake Park, and they have holiday music being transmitted so you can tune in on your radio and listen as you drive. It’s another great chance to treat your family to a beautiful light display during the holidays.

(November 27th, 2015)

Every year, the day after Thanksgiving, the streets of Louisville are lit up for 40 nights. It’s a tradition that’s been going on for over 30 years, taking over four-blocks on 4th street, between the Galt House and Fourth Street Live. Trees and street lights are synchronized with music to create light shows, accompanied by light projections on buildings, and followed by a firework show every night. Each fireworks show is at a new location, so if you miss one, you may be able to catch another.

(November 27th,2015 ? January 3rd, 2016)

Recently having become an annual event, this has become a popular and interesting exhibit to catch. At the Frazier Museum, “Holidays Around the World” displays the holiday traditions of Louisville’s diverse community. Trees, lights, and traditional objects, each of which is actually created by the city’s own residents, will be showcased at the exhibit, to share how other people celebrate the holidays.

(December 4th ? 5th, 2015)

Looking for a holiday gift that’s a little more unique? You’re in luck, because that’s exactly what the Winter Fair is about. For 24 years, artists have come together to make original art for customers looking for something different, who want to give a gift that is original. At winter fair, artists are there to present fine art and and craft gifts at great prices; gifts such as fine art media, clothes, wood works, sculptures, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and much more. Each piece is also one-of-a-kind, there is no mass manufacturing here. Come on over and find that special gift for a special someone.

(December 11th ? 13th, 2015)

Heralded as the largest free admission Christmas Show in the nation, the Christmas Gift & Decor Show returns to celebrate over 25 years of Christmas cheer in Louisville. With over 700 exhibitor booths to show off high quality gifts, and over 50,000 people attending each year, this show is bound to be a grand celebration. Plus, if you come with the kids, you can get a free picture of them with Santa Claus himself. What a treat for the holidays!