15 Louisville Events & Happenings: September 2025
Fall and festival season are upon us! Enjoy family fun, live music, and more to kick off the (hopefully!) cooler months. Image: Facebook / Big Four Arts Festival
After the heat of this summer, Louisville is ready for fall. Get ready to see leaves turn, sweaters come out, and pumpkin spice back in full force — plus lots to do around the city! Think festivals galore, movies under the stars, and a whole lineup of can’t-miss events to help you welcome a new season (and fingers crossed, some cooler air).
Through 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
Through September 21, 2025: St. Jude Dream Home Tour & Giveaway
Purchase a $100 ticket for the chance to win the 2025 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, then check out your potential new abode in person. Built by Fischer Homes, the Mount Washington home boasts four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and has an estimated value of $482,000. The house is open for viewing on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. stjude.org
September 4 – 14, 2025: Gaslight Festival
Participate in the bowling event, golf scramble, 5K, parade, or car show at this annual Jeffersontown fête — or browse arts and crafts by vendors from around the country. For additional details and to see the complete schedule, visit jtowngaslight.com.
September 5, 2025: Old Lou Brew Craft Beer Festival
Sample some of the best local craft beer at this annual festival, held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Central Park. From unique summer ales to favorite local staples — plus local food trucks and live music — there’s something for everyone at this family- and dog-friendly event. Admission is $15, and new this year is a Beer Buddy ticket, which includes two admissions for $20. oldlouisville.org
September 5 & 6, 2025: Middletown Family Fun Fest
Celebrate 53 years of small-town charm with live music, local flavor, and fireworks, plus a drone show, parade, dog show, and more. This free, family-focused event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday in Wetherby Park. middletownfunfest.com
September 6, 2025: Louisville Pride Festival
Join the fun on Bardstown Road for a free day of community, celebration, and LGBTQ+ pride. Kentucky’s largest LGBTQ+ event features two stages of entertainment, more than 100 vendors, a wellness tent and family zone, plus food and drink for purchase. louprideky.org
September 6, 2025: Wag N’ Watch: A Dog-Friendly Movie Night
Enjoy a free movie on the TurfMutt Great Lawn at Waterfront Park with this new event for pups and people alike. Festivities, including food trucks, a full bar, and pet-focused vendors, begin at 7 p.m. Then, The Secret Life of Pets starts playing at sunset, around 8:30 p.m. ourwaterfront.org
September 6 & 7, 2025: Big Four Arts Festival
Kick off the fall art festival season at Waterfront Park’s Big Four Bridge. This annual event features more than 150 juried fine artists, craftspeople, jewelers, artisans, and demonstration artists; live music; hands-on activities; food; drinks; and more. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the entrance on the day of the event. bigfourbridgeartsfestival.com
September 8 – 14, 2025: 9th Annual Flutter Fest at The Louisville Zoo
Commemorate the autumn migration of the monarch butterfly as they journey to their overwintering destination in the forested mountains of Mexico. From 10 a.m. to noon, attendees can learn all about butterflies and other pollinators, enjoy various displays, and pick up a take-home craft while supplies last. Entry is included with zoo admission. louisvillezoo.org
September 9, 2025: 3rd Annual Age Smart Fest at Medical Transformation Center
Learn how a healthier lifestyle can help you through the aging process at this free event. Guests can enjoy demonstrations, giveaways, and assessments, as well as food, drink, and other goodies from local businesses. medicaltransformationcenter.com
September 9 – 14, 2025: MJ the Musical
Take a peek into the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status as PNC Broadway presents MJ the Musical. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, this award-winning show is centered around making the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Showtimes vary, and tickets start at $80.73. louisville.broadway.com
September 11 – 14, 2025: Bourbon & Beyond
Blend bourbon and music at the Kentucky Exposition Center’s Highland Festival Grounds. This year’s music festival headliners include artists like Phish, The Lumineers, Noah Kahan, and Sturgill Simpson. Tickets start at $204.01. bourbonandbeyond.com
September 18 – 21, 2024: Louder Than Life
Get loud at the country’s largest, four-night rock festival at the Kentucky Exposition Center’s Highland Festival Grounds. The 2025 headliners include Slayer, Avenged Sevenfold, and Deftones. Tickets start at $238.49. louderthanlife2025.frontgatetickets.com
September 27, 2025: NuLu Fest
Head to the NuLu neighborhood for this free, family-friendly event. Held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on East Market Street, the annual festival features food, craft beers, wine, cocktails, art, and shopping. nulu.org
September 28, 2025: Fall Antiques Market
Celebrate the season with a day of antique shopping at Locust Grove’s Fall Antiques Market. Explore a selection of furniture, decor, and rare finds from expert dealers. Admission is $10 for adults; children under the age of 18 are free. locustgrove.org
Have a spectacular September, 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.