15 Louisville Events & Happenings: January 2026
From ice skating to chocolate tasting, there are lots of fun ways to welcome 2026! Here are a few of our faves. Image: Facebook / Paristown - Louisville, KY
Happy New Year, Louisville! Though the holiday season is essentially over, there’s no shortage of fun happenings around town. From basketball and wedding planning to dinosaurs and winter tea, we’ve compiled our favorite ways to ring in the new year. Find a few to enjoy as you turn the page to 2026.
Through January 3, 2026: Lights Under Louisville
Take a drive through the Mega Cavern to experience the only underground holiday light show in the world. The annual event features over 900 light displays, numerous light tunnels, holiday music, and more than seven million points of light — all set to popular Christmas music. Standard passes start at $42.99 per vehicle. lightsunderlouisville.com
Through January 4, 2026: Fête de Noël Winter Holiday Festival
Paristown’s Winter Holiday Festival offers ice skating, a trackless train ride, themed movie nights, a curling championship, and more. Festival goers can also expect lots to eat and drink from The Village Market’s bars and restaurants. Admission to this all-ages event is free and open to the public. paristown.com
January 1, 2026: Swags 10K
Kick off 2026 with a 10K at Iroquois Park. This popular New Year’s Day event welcomes runners of all abilities to participate in a scenic race or a one-mile run. The event supports the Swag Hartel Generosity Initiative, providing local youth with running gear, enhancing community wellness programs, and aiding global efforts through the Kenyan Kids Foundation. The run begins at 10 a.m., and registration starts at $11.60. rungroop.com
January 1 – 4, 2026: Kentucky Flea Market New Year’s Spectacular
Shop more than 250 booths for thousands of deals on antiques, collectibles, electronics, clothing, accessories, and more at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Plus, a $5-and-under overstock sale runs concurrently. Admission is free, and parking is half off. stewartpromotions.com
January 2 – 4, 2026: Dinosaur Adventure
Take a step back into the Jurassic era during Dinosaur Adventure at the Kentucky Expo Center. This family-friendly event features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and unforgettable activities for kids, families, and dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages. Tickets start at $31.80. universe.com
January 9 – 18, 2026: Emma
Kentucky Shakespeare presents Emma, the story of a clever, educated, and energetic young woman in imminent danger of going mad with idleness. A fresh feminist take on a treasured classic, this performance breaks down convention and expectation, leading audiences “forward, onward, and upward!” Showtimes vary by date, and tickets start at $30. actorstheatre.org
January 11, 2026: Ultimate Wedding Expo
Explore everything you need for your wedding, all in one place. Chat with wedding experts, taste cakes and other catered treats, and discover awe-inspiring decor options and more. The expo is held at Mellwood Art Center from noon to 3 p.m.; tickets are $15. ultimateweddingexpo.com
January 16, 2026: Harlem Globetrotters: 100 Year Tour
See the Harlem Globetrotters dribble, spin, slam, and dunk their way through the KFC Yum! Center. Guests can expect to see jaw-dropping basketball skills, hilarious stunts, and more family-friendly entertainment. The show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $50. kfcyumcenter.com
January 16 – 18, 2026: Louisville Build, Renovate & Landscape Expo
Discover the latest innovations and design trends at this comprehensive home show, where homeowners and knowledgeable remodeling experts come together. The Kentucky International Convention Center event explores every aspect of the home, from the smallest design detail to the most significant house addition. Professionals are on hand to share their valuable knowledge, bringing ideas to life or inspiring new ones. Tickets are $4 for adults. Children ages 18 and younger may enter for free. homeshowcenter.com
January 18 & 25, 2026: Winter Tea at The Brown Hotel
The Brown Hotel’s beloved ‘Kentucky Afternoon Tea’ is a unique take on a classic European tea, infused with the essence of the Bluegrass. Seatings offer an array of artisanal teas, savory scones, Kentucky-inspired petite sandwiches, and assorted desserts for $49. Reservations are required and must be made via email to general manager Samuel Battcher at [email protected].
January 21, 2026: Bernheim Fire Tire Tour & Guided Hike
Bernheim’s iconic fire tour is not always open, but this month, Volunteer Naturalist Guides offer a special opportunity to climb to the top. The guided hike also includes a brief walk that explores the forest’s past. The event begins at 10 a.m. Admission is $15 for Bernheim members and $20 for non-members. bernheim.org
January 23 – 25, 2025: RiverCityCon 2026
Join the fun with a diverse community that enjoys playing board, card, and social games. Adult entry badges start at $55 and include access to more than 1,000 board games, tournaments, family-friendly activities, and more. The event is held at the Holiday Inn Louisville East. rivercitycongaming.com
January 27, 2026: The Moth StorySLAM: New Leaf
Listen to true stories or share your own at this open-mic storytelling competition. January’s theme is New Leaf, and includes five-minute stories about new chapters, bold beginnings, fresh starts, and the mess that got left behind. Doors open at 7 p.m., and storytelling begins at 8 p.m. Ticket sales start at 3 p.m. on January 6. themoth.org
January 28 – February 1, 2026: Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow
Prepare for your next road trip, or browse the latest gear for boating and fishing fun at this annual show. Outdoor enthusiasts and newcomers alike come together for this annual five-day event, which brings together the newest boat and RV models, as well as a range of outdoor accessories, all in one place. Times vary, and general admission is $12 online and $14 at the door. louisvilleboatshow.com
January 31, 2026: Louisville Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival
Enjoy chocolate in a multitude of decadent presentations, from sweet, hand-rolled truffles to gooey, melted chocolate fondue and a selection of bean-to-bar artisanal chocolates. Admission includes chocolate, wine, and whiskey samples, boozy milkshakes, spiked hot chocolate, and more. Savory food items are also available for purchase. Tickets start at $66.97. chocolatewinewhiskey.com
Have a joyful January, 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.