16 Louisville Events & Happenings: May 2026

The most exciting two minutes in sports — and arguably the most festive time in Derby City — will be over in the blink of an eye, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing else to do this month. A charming Mother’s Day tea service, lively outdoor concerts, and an exciting food festival round out May’s lineup. Here are a few of our favorite spring events happening in Louisville.

May 1, 2026: Unbridled Eve: The Official Derby Weekend Gala Experience

Celebrate the 152nd Kentucky Derby as the Unbridled Eve Gala returns for its “lucky” 13th year. Held at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville, the gala benefits several charities and features world-class entertainment, national and international celebrities, Southern-inspired food and drinks, and more. Tickets start at $500. unbridledeve.com

May 2, 2026: High Stakes Moonlight & Mint Julep Lounge

Keep the Derby vibes going as High Stakes Rooftop at Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown transforms into the Moonlight & Mint Julep Lounge. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., the space becomes a stylish, late-night salon with a sophisticated soundtrack from DJ JayBird setting the tone. Sit back and sip on La Marca Prosecco, Red Bull cocktail creations, and tequila selections from Patrón. You’ll also find Grey Goose vodka, Bacardi rum, and bourbon cocktails featuring Castle & Key. Prepaid tickets are $135 for this 21-and-older event. opentable.com

May 5 – 10, 2026: The Book of Mormon

See the nine-time Tony Award®-winning show that follows two young Mormon missionaries as they embark on a life-changing assignment that goes hilariously — and sometimes darkly — wrong. You’ll see why The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century,” and The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” To see a list of showtimes and purchase tickets, visit louisville.broadway.com.

May 8 – 10, 2026: Mother’s Day Tea at Hermitage Farm

What better way to spend Mother’s Day than with a refined afternoon of pastries, savory bites, and locally curated teas, all crafted by the Barn8 culinary team? Seatings in the historic main house are available at noon and 4 p.m. each day, and tickets are $75 per person. (Note: Reservations are required, and some of the time slots are already sold out.) exploretock.com

May 8 & 9, 2026: Louisville Ballet Spring Dance Festival

Join The Louisville Ballet and The Louisville Ballet School as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary school year and showcase the artists of the next generation at The Brown Theatre. The performance schedule includes: Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble Gala on May 8 at 7 p.m., Matinee Medley on May 9 at 1 p.m., and Sleeping Beauty Suite on May 9 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $12. louisvilleballet.org

May 9, 2026: Evenings of Note with the Cincinnati Brass Band

Bring your favorite food and beverage and head to Oxmoor Farm for an outdoor concert on the front lawn. Here, you can enjoy your picnic while listening to the sounds of the Cincinnati Brass Band as they play show tunes and other favorite selections. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the music begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 per carload or $10 per person. oxmoorfarm.org

May 15, 2026: Old Louisville LIVE

The Crashers take the stage at 8 p.m. at this free concert series at Central Park, but you’ll want to arrive early to enjoy the kids’ activities and local food trucks at this community event. On-site concessions will offer wine, bourbon, and Old Louisville Brewery craft beers beginning at 7 p.m. oldlouisville.org

May 15, 2026: NuLu Nights

Shop, sip, savor, and soak in the culture at this evening event where the NuLu neighborhood shines with live music, pop-up art activations, and exclusive in-store experiences. Retailers and local businesses stay open late, offering special discounts, limited-time offers, and one-of-a-kind finds. Happening six times a year, it’s a night you don’t want to miss! NuLu Nights are free and open to the public. nulu.org

May 15, 2026: Night at The Frazier

Honor America’s 250th anniversary at this star-spangled gala that brings together supporters, partners, and friends of the Frazier Kentucky History Museum for an experience that reflects the spirit of Kentucky. This evening of culture and community offers thoughtfully curated food and cocktails, live entertainment, immersive gallery experiences, and opportunities to engage with the museum’s work in education, preservation, and cultural connection. The VIP experience starts at 5:30 p.m. and is $250. The main party kicks off at 8 p.m., and tickets are $100. fraziermuseum.org

May 15 – 17, 2026: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show On Earth

Witness jaw-dropping moments, world-class performances, and incredible sights during this classic circus that has been delighting audiences worldwide for more than 100 years. Accompanied by state-of-the-art special effects and set to a pop music playlist combining today’s biggest hits and original tracks, Ringling’s The Greatest Show On Earth offers a fresh and unforgettable take on the time-honored, all-ages circus experience. To purchase tickets and see a list of performances, visit ticketmaster.com.

May 15 – July 26, 2026: Wild Lights at The Louisville Zoo

Explore the magic of the Louisville Zoo at night during the Wild Lights festival happening from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. You’ll journey through four immersive themed realms — Magical Forest, Magical Ocean, Pre-Historic Animals, and Wondrous Asia — brought to life through vibrant color, larger-than-life sculptures, and intricate cultural craftsmanship. You can also check out the debut of a brand new collection of handcrafted Chinese lantern displays. Tickets start at $16. louisvillezoo.org

May 16, 2026: BloomFest

Celebrate spring at Bernheim Forest’s annual BloomFest, a family-friendly event held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy whimsical nature activities for all ages, including arts and crafts, faerie house building, live music, and naturalist-led discovery stations. This is a free event, with a $15 suggested admission per car for non-members. Registration is not required. bernheim.org

May 21 – 25, 2026: Abbey Road on the River

Celebrate peace, love, and music at the world’s largest Beatles-inspired music festival. Held over Memorial Day Weekend at Jeffersonville’s Big Four Station Park, the event features dozens of performances by tribute acts and legendary artists, including former Wings guitarist Laurence Juber. Tickets start at $35. arotr.com 

May 29 – 31, 2026: 4th Annual Bonsai Weekend

Slow down and connect with nature during Bonsai Weekend at Waterfront Botanical Gardens. The three-day, family-friendly event features a stunning bonsai exhibition, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and a vendor market. Enjoy cultural performances, local food and drinks, and a special appearance by nationally recognized bonsai artist Jennifer Price. waterfrontgardens.org

May 30, 2026: Rollin’ on the River Fest

Get ready to raise your glass and roll into this annual festival featuring craft drinks, music, and community — all benefiting the WHAS Crusade for Children. This year’s fun has relocated to the expansive Big 4 Station Park, offering more space, experiences, and ways to enjoy the day. Guests can expect craft beverages, food, music, games, an Ale-8 Cocktail Competition, and a Hofbräu Stein Hoisting Competition. The festival runs from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and tickets are $45. rollinontheriverfest.com

May 30, 2026: Louisville Taco Beer Tequila Festival

Eat and drink your way through Mellwood Art Center as the region’s best taquerias and taco trucks come together from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. More than 15 restaurants and food trucks will be on hand, inviting you to sample multiple margarita bars, a guacamole pavilion, a churros and chocolate pavilion, and live entertainment and games. Tickets start at $17.82. tacobeertequila.com

Have a marvelous May, Louisville!

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