15 Louisville Events & Happenings: May 2025
Derby festivities may kick off the month, but there's plenty more fun in store once the excitement winds down. Here’s what’s happening around Louisville this month! Image: Louisville Tourism
May in Louisville is synonymous with Derby season — but there’s plenty to see and do this month outside of Thurby, Oaks, and Derby Day. Check out this list of can’t-miss May events!
May 1, 2025: Mint Julep History Cocktail Class
Dive into the rich history of the mint julep at this hands-on cocktail class at High Stakes Grill. Guests can taste four unique versions of the iconic drink — including a centuries-old recipe made with rose petals — while learning about its origins and evolution. Light snacks are included, and space is limited for this intimate experience. Tickets are $58 per person. highstakesgrill.com
May 1, 2, 6 – 10, 13 – 17 & 27 – 31, 2025: Oxmoor Bourbon Company Origins Tour & Tasting
Now an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, Oxmoor Bourbon Company offers a one-of-a-kind tour blending bourbon history and historic preservation. Guests explore three centuries of architecture, beautifully designed gardens, and the largest collection of preserved outbuildings in the region. Each $42 visit ends with a tasting. Tours run at scheduled times and require reservations. oxmoorbourbon.com
May 1 – 3, 2025: Derby Dining at Brasserie Provence
Celebrate Derby Weekend with French flair at Brasserie Provence. From Thursday through Saturday, guests can enjoy a $100 three-course prix fixe “Trifecta Menu,” featuring four appetizers, entrées, and dessert options. Tables are reserved for the entire evening, and an optional “Gourmand” Platter for four is available for $80. (Note: The regular menu is not offered, and reservations are required.) brasserieprovence.com
May 1 – 3, 2025: Derby Weekend Prix Fixe at Decade
Head to Butchertown’s Decade Restaurant for another special Derby Weekend dining experience. From Thursday through Saturday night, the restaurant offers an $85 prix fixe dinner menu with an optional $35 wine pairing. exploretock.com
May 2, 2025: Unbridled Eve Derby Gala
Celebrate Derby Eve in style at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala, held at the Galt House Hotel. This black-tie event features Southern-inspired cuisine, a star-studded guest list, and live music ranging from award-winning performances to karaoke. Guests can bid on exclusive auction items, with proceeds benefiting Blessings in a Backpack and other charities. Tickets start at $500. unbridledeve.com
May 2 – 4, 2025: Cinco de Mayo at Liquor Lab
Kick off the season with a hands-on cocktail experience at Liquor Lab’s Cinco de Mayo celebration. Learn to mix three signature margaritas alongside expert mixologists, then enjoy your creations with a side of delicious tacos, plus chips and salsa. Various time slots are available, and tickets are $75 per person. sevenrooms.com
May 3, 2025: Hermitage Farm Derby Brunch
Celebrate Derby Day in classic Kentucky style at the Hermitage Farm Derby Brunch. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests can enjoy a gourmet buffet brunch by Barn8, an open ultra-premium bar, and exclusive access to the farm’s Stud Barn and retired sport horses. Tickets are $200 per person. exploretock.com
May 9 & 10, 2025: Louisville Ballet School Spring Dance Festival
Celebrate the next generation of dancers at the Louisville Ballet School’s Spring Dance Festival at The Brown Theatre. This year-end showcase features performances from the Studio Company, Youth Ensemble, Children’s Program, Pre-Professional Program, and more. Highlights include the Youth Ensemble Gala, Swan Lake, and a mixed bill of spring works. Single tickets are $35, and full-access festival passes are $65. louisvilleballet.org
May 10, 2025: Throo the Zoo 5K
Lace up for Throo the Zoo, Louisville’s only 5K that takes you through the scenic pathways of the Louisville Zoo. The race kicks off at 8 a.m., offering a unique chance to see the animals as the zoo wakes up. Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, finisher medal, post-race refreshments, and a free return ticket. Packet pickup is May 9, and prices vary by registration date. runsignup.com
May 10, 2025: How-To Festival at the Main Library
Discover something new at the 12th Annual How-To Festival, a free, hands-on learning event held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Main Library. With more than 50 sessions led by local experts, attendees can explore topics like gardening, home improvement, dance, music, crafts, and more. Outdoor gardening workshops are also featured, courtesy of the Urban Ag Coalition. lfpl.org
May 9 – 11, 2025: Mother’s Day Tea at Hermitage Farm
Celebrate Mother’s Day with an elegant tea at Hermitage Farm’s historic main house, which is typically reserved for private events. Guests can sip locally curated teas while enjoying small bites, mini sandwiches, and sweet treats, with wine available for purchase. Teas are held daily at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $70 per person, and reservations are required. exploretock.com
May 17, 2025: Forest Fest at Jefferson Memorial Forest
Spend the afternoon enjoying live bluegrass music, local art, and family fun at Forest Fest, held at Jefferson Memorial Forest. This free, family-friendly event kicks off at noon and features performances by the Tray Wellington Band, Tommy Prine, Kentucky Gentlemen, Relaay, and Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts. Explore arts and crafts booths, food vendors, and kid-friendly activities. All ages welcome, and parking is $15 per vehicle. facebook.com
May 13 – 18, 2025: Shucked
Catch this Tony Award®-winning musical comedy at The Kentucky Center. Featuring a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn, a score by the Grammy® Award–winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien, this corn-fed, corn-bred American musical boasts a runtime of two-and-a-half hours including intermission. Tickets start at $46.80. louisville.broadway.com
May 17, 2025: BloomFest at Bernheim Arboretum
Celebrate spring at Bernheim’s annual BloomFest, a free, 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. (Note: Registration is not required.) bernheim.org
May 22 – 26, 2025: Abbey Road on the River
Celebrate peace, love, and Beatles music at Abbey Road on the River, the world’s largest Beatles-inspired music festival. Held over Memorial Day Weekend at Jeffersonville’s Big Four Station Park, the event features more than 200 concerts by tribute acts and legendary performers, including Wings guitarist Laurence Juber. Tickets start at $50. arotr.com
Have a marvelous May, Louisville!
**********
For the best of the South — delivered to your inbox daily — subscribe to StyleBlueprint!
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.