Spring is right around the corner – and in Louisville, that means Derby Season and all of the events that surround it! Do you have guests coming into town but not for Derby? No problem! Louisville still has a ton of spring events to offer!

NULU Bock Beer Fest – March 30

This year will mark the fourth year of Bock Beer celebrations in the city of Louisville. NuLu is home to two coincidentally named alleys - Nanny Goat Strut and Billy Goat Strut, thus making it a fitting place for the Bock Beer Fest! Drink locally brewed bock beers and enjoy safe and fun racing of the goats on Market Street! NuLu Bock Fest is a day full of great traditions, beer and fun!

Via Nulu Bock Fest

Louisville Bats Spring Season –Opening Night is Thursday, April 11

Louisville will once again host 70 home games during 2019 season, highlighted by Thunder Over Louisville (Saturday, April 13), Mother's Day (Sunday, May 12), Father's Day (Sunday, June 16), Independence Day Eve Fireworks (Wednesday, July 3), along with many more new and exciting promotions that will be announced at a later date!

Individual game tickets for the 2019 season will go on sale now. For more information on the Bats, visit batsbaseball.com or contact the Louisville Bats Front Office at (502) 212-2287.

Cherokee Triangle Art Fair – April 27th & 28th

The Cherokee Triangle Art Fair is a juried fair with more than 200 artists’ booths. The outdoor event is in Louisville’s historic Cherokee Triangle neighborhood on tree-lined Cherokee Parkway between Willow Avenue and Cherokee Road adjacent to the Gen. John Breckinridge Castleman statue. Activities begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday with the Children’s Parade, which lines up on Cherokee Road at Longest Avenue.

The Art Fair includes dozens of veteran exhibitors as well as new artists not only from Louisville and Kentucky, but also from out of state. Art Fair patrons can view and purchase original art and often meet and talk with the artists. Fairgoers also enjoy food, drink, entertainment and music. On Saturday evening, music and food service will continue until 8 p.m. Then, it’s time to rest up for Sunday’s activities.

The annual Cherokee Triangle Art Fair is the major fundraiser for Louisville’s Cherokee Triangle Association, and the event’s proceeds are returned to the community and neighborhood in numerous ways. Annually, proceeds from the fair, along with other revenue sources, help fund events such as the annual free summer concerts in Willow Park.

There’s a popular children’s activities area with a variety of fun events. Other attractions of the fair include the plant booth with a lush variety of plants and herbs, and there’s a wide variety of festive food and drink available at numerous booths.

Via Cherokeetriangleartfair.org

Kentucky Derby Festival – March 14 –May 2nd

In Louisville, Derby isn't just a one-week celebration, it starts SOON! The first “official” Kentucky Derby Festival event of 2019 is Festival Unveiled at Mellwood Art Center on March 14. From then, there are weekly events leading up to Derby weekend. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse your guests in Derby activities if they are visiting before the first weekend in May.

Check out the full Kentucky Derby Festival Schedule here.

Keep a lookout for our next blog exclusively featuring Kentucky Derby Festival events!

Mint Julep Month – All of April

Since 2013, Louisville has designated April as “Mint Julep Month®” celebrating the official cocktail of the Derby and the arrival of Spring in Kentucky. The Mint Julep is a fine Southern tradition dating back to the 18th Century, as well as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938. Today, more than 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over Derby weekend at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack.

For a calendar of events celebrating all things Mint Julep, click here

For a list of Shopping, Food & Drink that celebrate Mint Julep, click here

Last year, our friends at 21c Celebrated Mint Julep Month with this tasty twist on the cocktail, check it out!

Old Louisville Springfest – May 18

With nearly 10,000 visitors, tons of vendors, food trucks and artists, the Old Louisville neighborhood is brimming with excitement! Springfest is Old Louisville's biggest springtime festival and neighborhood market, and is always FREE and open to the general public. Springfest kicks off at 10 AM and rocks, eats, and shops until 7 PM! More info here!

Kentucky Reggae Festival – May 25-26

The sound of steel drums. The savory smell of Caribbean-inspired food. That’s what makes the Four Roses Bourbon Kentucky Reggae Festival Louisville’s premiere Memorial Day Weekend event. You’ll love the authentic, delicious dishes from the Jamaican Association of Louisville and A Piece of Jamaica. You’ll find unique treasures among the arts, crafts, jewelry and more in the Caribbean Vendor Market. And you won’t be able to stop swaying to the contagious, soul-satisfying sounds of live Reggae music. Come and escape to the islands – without ever leaving the city.

Via http://www.kentuckyreggaefestival.com/

Abbey Road on the River – May 23-27

For festival goers, Abbey Road on the River is truly the weekend they mark their year by. That’s because each year when people from all over the U.S. and abroad come together to celebrate the music of one of the best bands of all time, they reunite with their “Beatles family” and celebrates 5 days of peace, love and rock-n-roll.

Attendees will enjoy over 250 Beatles and 60’s themed concerts performed by 50 different bands from around the world, including our 2019 headlining bands... The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots, The Cowsills, and special guests Peter Asher & Jeremy Clyde!

Attendees can also enjoy a Beatles-merchandise marketplace, on-site food and beverages, retail and craft vendors, interactive art and a kid’s area.

Via https://www.arotr.com/about-1

Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike, and Paddle – May 27

The Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle is a twice annual event held every Memorial & Labor Day. Thousands of participants flock to Waterfront Park to enjoy a morning full of fun. Bring the entire family for this free, healthy community event. Various fitness demonstrations start the day including yoga, tai chi and zumba. There are numerous vendor booths available for information and giveaways. After all of that, take your pick from a 5k hike, 12.5-mile bike ride or a paddle on the Ohio River. This event is not a race. It is open to participants of all levels and we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the festivities!

Via louisvilleky.gov