13 Louisville Events & Happenings: August 2025
The heat of the summer is on high, but Louisville’s event lineup is hotter, with music, festivals, art, and more. Mark your calendar for these fun events! Image: Facebook / Kentucky State Fair
Summer activities are in full swing this August, with everything from jazz under the stars and jugglers under a tent to multicultural festivities and internationally acclaimed feline cinematography (you read that right). Whether you’re looking to catch a few rays outdoors or keep cool inside, here’s a roundup of some of our favorite Louisville events coming up!
Through August 3, 2025: The Wiz
Catch the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz at The Kentucky Center. Audiences are swept to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in this soulful, joyous reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, brought to life with dazzling costumes, engaging choreography, and a vibrant, all‑star cast. Showtimes vary, and tickets can be purchased at louisville.broadway.com.
Through August 10, 2025: Kentucky Shakespeare Festival
Celebrate the Bard at the 65th Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, running through August 10 at the C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater in Old Louisville‘s Central Park. This summer tradition invites audiences to enjoy free, professional performances, including Cymbeline, Twelfth Night, and a dance-inspired A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Arrive early for food trucks at 6 p.m., pre‑show entertainment at 7:15 p.m., and nightly shows at 8 p.m. Blankets, chairs, and leashed pets welcome. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. kyshakespeare.com
July 31 – August 10, 2025: Venardos Circus
Discover the magic of Venardos Circus: “Far Beyond” at Waterfront Park’s TurfMutt Great Lawn. Expect to see aerialists, contortionists, jugglers, and more Broadway‑style flair — all without animals. Showtimes vary, and tickets are available at venardoscircus.com.
Aug 1 & 2, 2025: Louisville Jazz Festival
Treat your ears to soulful tunes while sitting under the stars during the Louisville Jazz Festival, held for two nights at the Iroquois Amphitheater. On Friday, groove to Najee, Brian Simpson, and the legendary Victor Wooten & the Wooten Brothers before enjoying your Saturday with Nicholas Cole, Lindsey Webster, and the Ubiquity Band with Brian Culbertson. Standard, one-day admission starts at $78.60. iroquoisamphitheater.com
Aug 1, 2025: First Friday Hop
Celebrate the city’s vibrant art scene during this community-run, monthly art festival. Held the first Friday of each month from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., the festival encourages guests to wander open galleries, meet local artists, catch live music, view pop‑up exhibits, enjoy food trucks, and attend hands‑on workshops. Admission is free. irstfridayhop.com
August 1, 2, 3, 6 & 7, 2025: CatVideoFest at Speed Cinema
See this international program’s selection of the best feline videos, along with some classics and unique submissions. CatVideoFest features screenings in dozens of cities around the world, including Louisville. A portion of ticket proceeds from every Speed Cinema CatVideoFest screening goes directly to Alley Cat Advocates to support local cats in need. Tickets start at $8. speedmuseum.org
August 2, 2025: Fox Fest
Celebrate community, music, and good vibes at the 4th annual Fox Fest at the Fox Den in St. Matthews. This summer bash features two stages and 10 bands — including headliner Nappy Roots — plus an all-star lineup of local favorites. Fuel up with street eats from top food trucks like Tiny Taco Truck and Dub’s Delights. Doors open at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 day-of. A portion of the proceeds benefits Love City Inc. thefoxdenlouisville.com
August 8 & 9, 2025: St. Joe’s Picnic for the Kids
Bring the family to enjoy carnival and casino games, food and drinks, and numerous raffles at the 176th free picnic on Frankfort Avenue. The annual fundraising event supports the St. Joseph Children’s Home. Event hours are Friday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, noon to midnight. sjkids.org
August 14 – 24, 2025: Kentucky State Fair
Celebrate all things Kentucky at this annual event that boasts daily activities, artist performances, hundreds of vendors, and dozens of entertainment acts. And, don’t miss the thousands of competitive entries for everything from photography to homebrewed beer. Admission is $12. kystatefair.org
August 16 – 23, 2025: World’s Championship Horse Show
Check out the world’s most prestigious Saddlebred show, which is held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair. Over 2,000 horses compete for more than $1 million in awards, with world champion Saddlebreds, Hackney ponies, and road horse winners named in various divisions. Tickets start at $8. wchorseshow.com
August 22 & 23, 2025: African Heritage Festival
Celebrate African, African-American, and Caribbean cultures during this free festival at Ben Washer Park. Attendees can expect to enjoy music, food, sports, fashion, children’s activities, cultural demonstrations, and resources for healthy living. bridge-kids.org
August 23 – September 21, 2025: St. Jude Dream Home Tours
Purchase a $100 ticket for your chance to win the 2025 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, then check out your potential new abode in person. Built by Fischer Homes, the house in Mount Washington boasts four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and has an estimated value of $482,000. The house is open for viewing on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. stjude.org
August 29 – September 1, 2025: WorldFest
Enjoy three stages of entertainment, nearly 150 vendors, and a kids’ zone with educational activities and games at this 23rd annual international festival. WorldFest also includes a naturalization ceremony to welcome more than 300 new Louisvillians to Derby City. louisvilleky.gov
Have an amazing August, Louisville!
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Lennie Omalza
Originally from Hawaii, Lennie Omalza is a Louisville-based freelance writer of over 18 years. Lennie is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can and enjoys writing about food, homes, and weddings. You can find more of Lennie's work at Eater, Hawaii Home & Remodeling, and The Louisville Courier-Journal.