Summer is here, and we’re welcoming it with open arms! There are so many events this month, both inside and outside, to kick off summer. These are our top picks for June, and they are definitely worth checking out.
Happy Summer, Louisville! | Image: @wowitsomar
24 Louisville Happenings in June
Thursdays in June 2018: Twilight Thursdays at Churchill Downs
Enjoy the thrills of live Thoroughbred racing and $1 beers after work in the Paddock Plaza. Listen to live music, enjoy local food trucks and get betting tips from resident handicappers. Gates open at 4 p.m. and $1 beers are available from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. General admission tickets are just $3 — the atmosphere is infectious. churchilldowns.com
June 1, 2018: Denim & Diamonds Gala at Locust Grove
Time to break out your blue jeans and bling! Rock your finest country-chic attire at the 11th Annual Denim & Diamonds fundraiser for the Parkinson Support Center. Come out to Locust Grove to enjoy a live auction, great cocktails, a seated dinner and dancing into the night. The event is from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and tickets start at $200. denim-diamonds.parkinsoncenter.org
June 1-3, 2018: Louisville Tango Festival at The Gillespie
The third annual Louisville Tango Festival combines a breathtaking venue with the very best dancers, teachers and musicians. Although you’ll be at The Gillespie, the authentic Argentinian food and drink bring the feel of Buenos Aires. This three-day event will highlight Argentine tango dancing to live music and guest DJs. You will also enjoy workshops, private lessons and a Great Gatsby party! Class and party times vary throughout the weekend. Tickets range from $15 to $249, and a cash bar that includes Argentine wine and beer will also be available. louisvilletangofestival.com
June 2 & 16, 2018: Downs After Dark at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs to a Louisvillian is like bread to butter. Mix these two plus a lit racetrack, great food & drinks and exceptional entertainment, and you’ve got a night to remember! Downs After Dark is where nightlife meets thrilling racing. Lucky for us, this event takes place on two different days this month: June 2 and June 16. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the first race goes off at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $10. Go bet the ponies, drink a cocktail, enjoy a great dinner and listen to live music! churchilldowns.com
June 5-10, 2018: Kentucky Bourbon Affair at Omni Hotel
Imagine a fantasy camp for bourbon lovers … that’s exactly what The Kentucky Bourbon Affair is. Over the course of five days, you will experience behind-the-scenes tours, private barrel selections and special events at the world’s most iconic distilleries and famous Louisville hot spots. This unique bourbon experience is unlike any other. Buy one pass for all five days or go a la carte. Prices and times are dependent on each individual event. Enjoy! kybourbonaffair.com
June 6, 2018: The Big Run 5K Louisville at Waterfront Park
On a health kick? Come out to Waterfront Park on June 6! All Fleet Feet Sports locations will participate in the The Big Run, a nationwide event coinciding with Global Running Day. Can you think of a better way to celebrate this day in our beautiful city? Fleet Feet Louisville will hold a chip-timed 5K where every finisher receives a commemorative medal and a tech tee! The Big Run 5K is at 7 p.m. and $40 to enter. There is also a free Kids Dash for kids 10 and under from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. runsignup.com
June 7, 2018: Bourbon and Bowties at Fleur de Lis Farm
The Bridgeman residence will host the ninth annual Bourbon & Bowties event at Fleur De Lis Farm. This year will be dedicated to 6-year-old Mya White. A unique Vineyard Vines bowtie, tie and Bourbon & Bowties bangle have been designed in her honor, and these exclusive items will all be available for purchase at the event! Enjoy music, hors d’oeuvres prepared by some of Louisville’s top chefs and an auction benefiting Norton Children’s Hospital. Tickets start at $175, and the event is from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. nortonchildrens.com
June 7, 2018: Former Vice President Joe Biden’s The American Promise Tour at The Kentucky Center
Former Vice President Joe Biden will continue his American Promise Tour here in Louisville on June 7 at The Kentucky Center! He will be talking about his #1 New York Times bestselling memoir and revealing the biggest political moments of his career and how he perseveres through times of hardship. Our former VP will also open up about the loss of his son, Beau, and how he overcame such a devastating time. The event starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets start at $45. kentuckycenter.org
June 8, 2018: Sunset Concert Series at Foxhollow Farm
June 8, 2018: Concerts in the Village at Westport Village
Do you like food, drinks, games and free concerts? We sure do! Check out Concerts in the Village — a lineup of free concerts one Friday a month throughout the summer. The first free concert on June 8 features Hot Brown Smackdown and is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hot Brown Smackdown ensures an upbeat, energetic time with their use of unique instruments such as the mandolin, banjo and saxophone. This event will be partnered with Norton Children’s Hospital’s ‘Splash N’ Dash,’ which is a walk and run supporting the health of kids at Norton Children’s Hospital. westportvillage.com
June 9, 2018: Bourbon by the Bridge under the Big Four Bridge
If you’re in the mood to drink for a cause, listen up! CASA of the River Region is hosting a premiere bourbon tasting event benefiting abused and neglected children. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of distilleries that will offer all-you-can-taste pours and cocktails. The University of Louisville Jazz Ensemble will set the perfect mood as the sun sets over the river. Ladyfingers Catering will also provide heavy hors d’oeuvres. The event will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. under the Big Four Bridge, and tickets are $75. casariverregion.org
June 9, 2018: The Big Event — Club Cirque at Louisville Marriott Downtown
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana will host “The Big Event – Club Cirque: A Night Under the Big Top” on June 9 at 6 p.m. This annual gala evening will be filled with cocktails, dinner and silent and live auctions. This celebratory event brings together donors, supporters, volunteers and staff. The Big Event will be held at the Louisville Marriott Downtown and tickets start at $200. Black tie is optional. bgckyana.org
June 9, 2018: The Color Run at Waterfront Park
The Color Run is coming back to Louisville for their ever popular 5K filled with fun, laughter and a lot of color. Come out to Waterfront Park on Saturday, June 9, at 8 a.m. for the happiest 5K on the planet! Whether you walk or run, this race is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. Along with a participation medal, you’ll bring out your inner kid by getting blasted with vibrant paint colors. Participation fees start at $29.99. thecolorrun.com
June 10, 2018: Tri Louisville at Waterfront Park
Why not TRI for a day!? Get in the zone, and race while embracing downtown Louisville. Dive into the Ohio River, cruise through the skyline while riding along a closed bike path and transition to a run through the beautiful Waterfront Park. Cross the finish line to receive a finisher’s medal, and add Tri Louisville to your bank of extraordinary races. The race starts at 7:30 a.m., and registration prices range from $45 to $195. trilouisville.com
June 10, 2018: The Prelude: Urban Garden Party at Heigold Façade
The Waterfront Botanical Gardens is hosting their annual fundraiser, The Prelude, to support the building of the Education Pavilion and its surrounding gardens. Join them for libations, a farm-to-table supper and performances from artists of the Louisville Ballet and Ben Sollee & Friends! This event will take place directly on Frankfort Avenue — where city meets garden. The fundraiser runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and tickets are $200 per person. Field-friendly footwear is encouraged! waterfrontgardens.org
June 10, 2018: Waggin’ Trail Festival for the Animals at the Louisville Water Tower
Grrr-ab your leashes and your four-legged best friend! Join the Kentucky Humane Society for the 24th annual Waggin’ Trail Festival. Join thousands for a 2-mile walk followed by a fun-filled festival, including animal booths, food and drink, music and more! The event begins at 2 p.m., and the walk starts at 2:30 p.m. Adult participant tickets are $35, and child participant tickets are $25. Come move your paws for a cause! support.kyhumane.org
June 12, 2018: Jackson Browne at The Kentucky Center
The Kentucky Center and NS2 present legendary singer and songwriter Jackson Browne on Tuesday, June 12. Browne is known for his advocacy on behalf of the environment, human rights and arts education. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will last approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Tickets start at $46, and $1 per ticket will go to charity! kentuckycenter.org
June 15 & 16, 2018: Kentuckiana Pride Festival at the Big Four Lawn
Join thousands of people on the Big Four Lawn for the Kentuckiana Pride Festival! This year’s parade and concert are on Friday, June 15, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and the festival and more pride-filled fun are on Saturday, June 16 from noon to 11 p.m. VIP passes start at $70, and general admission tickets start at $5. Children age 5 and under along with seniors age 65+ are admitted free of charge! kypride.com
June 16, 2018: Slow Food Bluegrass Taco Challenge at Gravely Brewing
Calling all taco lovers! Slow Food Bluegrass will be hosting the 3rd Annual Taco Challenge uniting multicultural recipes with proteins and produce from Kentucky’s local farms. Judging will be determined by “People’s Choice” ballots and a cash prize will be given to the winners to show Slow Food Bluegrass’s dedication to supporting local farmers and chefs. There will be music, amazing locally prepared food, drinks and fun! This event is free and tastings are $3. It is from noon to 4 p.m. signupgenius.com
June 19, 2018: Bark in the Park at Slugger Field
Who let the dogs out? Slugger Field did! Enjoy a Louisville Bats game, eat a $1 hot dog and kick back and relax with your four-legged best friend. Tickets are $8 for humans and $3 for dogs. This event strives to raise money for the Kentucky Humane Society, so each dog ticket sold will benefit the organization. Bark in the Park will be a night to remember for your perfect pooch! The game starts at 7 p.m. milb.com
June 23, 2018: Kentucky Craft Bash at Waterfront Park
For one day this summer, the Kentucky Guild of Brewers and HopCat will transform Louisville’s Waterfront Park into the state’s largest, most exclusive taproom. Yep, that’s right! The Kentucky Craft Bash is back this year at Waterfront Park. This event will feature over 30 Kentucky breweries and more than 70 varieties of beer. Not only will you be able to enjoy the Kentucky brews you’ve come to love, you will be able to sample unique, experimental beers too. General admission tickets are $45, and VIP tickets are $70. VIP ticket holders are admitted at noon and all others are allowed entry at 1 p.m. with tastings and fun lasting until 5 p.m. kycraftbash.com
June 23 & 24, 2018: Bike MS: Bluegrass Bourbon Ride
Want to embark on a journey filled with laughter, excitement, support and a profound sense of accomplishment? Bike MS: Bluegrass Bourbon Ride will take cyclists on a grand, unforgettable Kentucky experience. The ride will begin in Lawrenceburg and travel to Heaven Hill Distillery. On Saturday evening, participants will enjoy dinner at the distillery and cyclists will then overnight in Bardstown with hotel or camping options. On Sunday morning, cyclists will head back to Lawrenceburg, where they will enjoy an afternoon of fun finish-line festivities. The registration fee is $45, and the minimum fundraising goal is $300. main.nationalmssociety.org
June 24, 2018: Family Adventure Day at Churchill Downs
Bring the kids to Churchill Downs for a day of racing and lots of fun! Family friendly activities will include pony rides, inflatables, a petting zoo, stick horse races, face painting and more. Family Adventure Day will also feature activities such as a character meet-and-greet with Moana and Spider-Man, gemstone mining and a Mighty Titans obstacle course! Gates open at 11:30 a.m., and activities run through 6 p.m. Tickets start at $8 and include unlimited access to all kid-friendly activities offered. churchilldowns.com
June 27, 2018: Waterfront Wednesday on the Big Four Lawn
Along with summer comes the WFPK Waterfront Wednesday Concert Series! June’s free concert on the Big Four Lawn will feature music from Bettye Lavette, Company of Thieves and Dr. Dundiff with Otis Junior. Each free concert attracts large audiences to mingle, dance and enjoy the river in a family-friendly park atmosphere with a cash bar and upscale festival fare. Grab your chairs and blankets, pack a snack and head down to the Big Four Lawn to enjoy an evening full of music and fun! wfpk.org
June is here, so start summer off with a bang. Stay cool, Lou!
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