There are so many reasons to visit Louisville in the summer! From live music to street festivals and bourbon tours, here’s our guide to things to do on a summer vacation in Kentucky.
Summer 2019 Events and Festivals in Louisville
July
Spent Fourth of July weekend in Louisville or attend one of our quirky and unique local festivals like Lebowski Fest celebrating the film “The Big Lebowski” or Gonzo Fest honoring Louisville native Hunter S. Thompson.
Waterfront Fourth (July 4)
Brew in the Lou: Louisville Beer Tour (July 7)
Best of Kentucky: Bourbon + Horse Farm Tour (July 7)
Maker’s Mark Express Tour (July 7)
Forecastle Festival (July 12-14)
Lebowski Fest (July 12-13)
Jane Austen Festival (July 12-14)
Southern Supper Series: Southern Fried (July 18)
Cooperage Adventure (July 18)
Gonzo Fest (July 20)
Heaven & Evan Elevated Experience (July 26)
August
From classic cars to corn dogs and global cuisine, there’s something for everyone in August in Kentucky.
Street Rod Nationals (Aug. 1-3)
Kentucky State Fair (Aug. 15-25)
Cooperage Adventure (Aug. 15)
Heaven & Evan Elevated Experience (Aug. 23)
WorldFest (Aug. 30-Sept. 3)
September
One of the most popular months to visit Louisville is September because of our awesome festivals dedicated to Kentucky’s best bourbon, food and music.
Brew in the Lou: Louisville Beer Tour (Sept. 1)
Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle (Sept. 2)
Trifecta Elevated Experience (Sept. 5)
Highlands Festival (Sept. 7)
Big Four Arts Festival (Sept. 7-8)
Southern Supper Series: As Seen On Top Chef (Sept. 12)
Gaslight Festival (Sept. 13-15)
Urban Adventures: Make It A Double (Sept. 13)
Hometown Rising (Sept. 14-15)
Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Sept. 16-22)
Urban Adventures: Make It A Double (Sept. 19)
Bourbon & Beyond (Sept. 20-22)
Urban Adventures: Make It A Double (Sept. 26)
Louder Than Life (Sept. 27-29)
NuLu Fest (Sept. 28)
Customize Your Louisville Tour
Mint Julep Experiences customizes tours for groups of all sizes. Work with one of our experience coordinators to design your day incorporating bourbon, horses, food, drinks and more. We have special partnerships with destinations around Kentucky to offer exclusive tours, high-end tastings and insider experiences not available to the general public. Call or message us today to start planning your summer adventure!
Or check out our new tuk tuk tours of downtown Louisville! Bourbon City Cruisers’ 2.5 to 3 hour sightseeing tours discover the best destinations for photos, bourbon sampling, craft cocktails and more.
About the Author – Rachel Nix
Rachel Nix has been Director of Marketing at Mint Julep since 2017. Her extensive bourbon education includes becoming an Executive Bourbon Steward through the Stave & Thief Society and graduating from Woodford Reserve’s Bourbon Academy. She is a Certified Tourism Ambassador and enthusiastic advocate for her adopted hometown of Louisville. When she’s not promoting Mint Julep’s portfolio of southern experiences, she can be found walking her dog or enjoying a drink on a Germantown patio.