March is the month for finding that lucky four-leaf clover and throwing back a pint or two, but it also marks the beginning of spring and time to set our clocks ahead for daylight savings time. But that’s just part of our to-do list this month. There’s chili to try, craft fairs to attend and plenty of other fun-filled Louisville events this March! Below are 20 leprechaun-pleasing concerts, classes, parades and more. As always, let’s have some fun!
From Derby preparation to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to musical performances, Louisville is sure to keep you busy with its March events.
20 Louisville Events & Happenings: March 2020
March 1, 2020: Logan Street Market Chili-Off Presented by Billy’s Chili
You can find all kinds of chili concoctions at Logan Street Market’s first annual chili contest. LSM vendors, along with proprietors from Germantown restaurants, serve their creations in hopes of winning the Golden Crockpot. Tickets are $10 before the event or $15 at the door. Come out and vote for your favorite chili! The event starts at noon and finishes at 6 p.m. facebook.com
March 2, 2020: The Future of Food is Female
Food Network personality and Louisville Chef Damaris Phillips hosts a conversation with three top-rated chefs: Kristen Smith, farmer and owner of the Wrigley Taproom & Eatery in Corbin, KY; Samantha Fore, Food & Wine Magazine’s 2019 feature cover chef and proprietor of Tuk Tuk Sri Lanken Bites in Lexington, KY; and Nikkia Rhodes, a full-time culinary instructor at Iroquois High School. The event is presented by Kentucky to the World, an organization dedicated to enhancing the intellectual reputation of the state and its people through live events and video outreach. The program is held at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts at 6:30 p.m. on March 2. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. kentuckyperformingarts.org
March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2020: Art in the Park – Intro to Glass Mosaics
Join instructor Rhonda Snyder for this five-week program at Riverside, the Farnsley-Moreman Landing, where you learn the basic techniques of glass mosaic work. The workshop is designed for students ages 14 and older. Registration is $50 and classes take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday in March. facebook.com
March 5, 2020: Citizens Union Bank & Four Roses Bourbon Presents: Festival Unveiled
This is what we’ve been waiting for, the kick-off party for the 2020 Derby season! General admission is $40 and includes the unveiling of the official 2020 Derby Festival poster and an artist meet and greet, as well as a buffet dinner, Four Roses Bourbon cocktail competition sampling, a silent auction of framed posters and free goodies like a commemorative 2020 julep glass and poster pin. VIP tickets are $75 and include all of the above, plus an exclusive Four Roses Bourbon tasting, photo opportunities and a VIP gift bag. The event takes place at Mellwood Arts Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 5. discover.kdf.org
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March 5: Louisville Philharmonia Winter Concert
Take a break from your daily routine and enjoy an evening of marvelous music presented by this dedicated ensemble of musicians offering a high standard of work. At this concert, you can hear pieces inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, along with works by Beethoven and Delius. The free concert is held at the Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church starting at 7:30 p.m. on March 5. louisvillephilharmonia.org
March 5 – April 25, 2020: Wild Lights: Asian Lantern Festival
The Louisville Zoo presents one of the largest lantern festivals in the nation, featuring over 2,000 beautiful lanterns wrapped in more than 60,000 feet of handmade silk. Come see the amazing water dragon, glowing moon swings and LED lily pads, and marvel at the deft ability of the incredible Chinese acrobats at the nightly stage show. Wild Lights is open Thursday through Sunday, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Prices start at $15.50 and can be purchased at wildlightslouisville.com.
March 7, 2020: Waterfront Botanical Gardens Presents: “The Best of All Seasons” Luncheon with Margaret Shaw
Meet Margaret Shaw, Editor-in-Chief of Flower Magazine, as she shares ideas and decorating tips for different seasons and humorous anecdotes from her work life. After lunch, Margaret’s book Living Floral is available for purchase and autographing. Tickets are $55 for Waterfront Botanical Gardens members and $65 for the general public. The event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 7. To register, visit waterfrontgardens.org.
March 12 – 15, 2020: Kentuckiana Cluster of Dog Shows
Dogs of every kind show off their cool canine cunning at this four-day event at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center. Doors open at 8 a.m. daily and admission is free Thursday. Tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4 to 13 and $20 for families. You’re sure to have a tail-wagging good time! thekentuckianaclusterofdogshows.org
March 14, 2020: Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The theme for the 2020 AOH St. Patrick’s Parade is “Irish Eyes 20/20.” Dress in green and view as many as 150 units in this parade celebrating the kick-off of spring and St. Patrick’s Day. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. at Baxter and Broadway. This event is often referred to as the “people’s” parade as families join a mix of vehicles and civic groups along the parade route. Over 100,000 attendees watched or marched in 2019, so be sure to get there early to grab a good spot. louisvilleirish.com
March 17, 2020: St. Patrick’s Day at O’Shea’s with MaryMary
Celebrate St. Patty’s Day the Irish way with a raucously good time at Patrick O’Shea’s. One of our favorite local rock cover bands, MaryMary, is kicking the night into high gear with its rendition of popular tunes like “Billy Jean,” “Bad Romance” and “Don’t Stop Believing.” The shenanigans start at 7 p.m. facebook.com
March 17, 2020: River Cities Concert Band with Oldham County Community Band
These engaging bands take the stage at the University of Louisville’s Margaret Comstock Concert Hall to present an evening of music. This is a delightful, low-key way to spend St. Patrick’s Day. Bring the entire family to this free concert starting at 8 p.m. facebook.com
March 18, 2020: The Irish Tenors at Louisville Memorial Auditorium
Continue the St. Patty’s celebration by taking in a concert with the talented lads of The Irish Tenors. The band has performed all over the world, sold millions of albums and is one of the most popular groups to perform on PBS. This trio performs at the Louisville Memorial Auditorium at 8 p.m. on March 18. Tickets start at $35, but you can purchase special meet and greet tickets for $125. louisvillememorialauditorium.com
March 18, 2020: Rise Up & Shine Breakfast Hosted by USA Cares
This is a terrific networking opportunity to learn how you can make a difference in the lives of military veterans and their families. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and breakfast and programming start at 8 a.m. The event is free and is held at the Galt House Hotel. facebook.com
March 21, 2020: Westport Middle School Orchestra’s Vendorpalooza
Geer up for spring, Mother’s Day and Easter by shopping this craft and vendor event to raise money for Westport Middle School’s orchestra. The event features beauty products, children’s clothes, jewelry, housewares and much more for sale. Admission is free, and the event begins at 9 a.m. facebook.com
March 21, 2020: Pearls & Pumps
Pearl & Pumps is a great way to get a first look at fashion and support cancer. Taking place on March 21 at 10 a.m., the event features boutiques, 2020 Derby looks, raffles, silent auctions, brunch, mimosas and gifts for attendees. Tickets start at $125 and benefit Charles and Mimi Osborn Cancer Center and 3 Park Tower. For more information, visit supportbaptisthealth.org.
March 21 & 22, 2020: Louisville Orchestra Family: Peter + The Wolf
Join the Louisville Orchestra, accompanied by the Squallis Puppeteers, as they present this symphonic children’s fairy tale. Performances begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Brown Theatre and 3 p.m. on Sunday at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall. Tickets are $15. kentuckyperformingarts.org
March 22, 2020: Derby at Dee’s
C’mon, girls, let’s go! It’s time to get your party on and come to Dee’s for its annual unveiling of the hottest hat and fascinator trends for 2020. Shop for your Oaks and Derby toppers, enjoy some light bites and sip on cool cocktails on March 22. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the fun lasts until 5 p.m. This event is free to the general public. facebook.com
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March 24, 2020: Women Refugee & Immigrant Monologues Hosted by the UNA Women of U of L
Listen to the stories of local women sharing their experiences as refugees or immigrants on March 24 at the George Howe Red Barn. The UNA Women of Louisville is a student organization affiliated with the United Nations and works to advance the status of women. This program is free and begins at 5:30 p.m. Register for your space at eventbrite.com.
March 26, 2020: Macy’s Presents: The Derby Festival Spring Fashion Show
Not sure what to wear on Derby day? Join Macy’s at Caesar’s Southern Indiana for an evening of fine fashion as it shows off the season’s latest clothes and accessories. Arrive early for shopping and cocktails starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets range from $55 to $75. (Note: this event is 21+). eventbrite.com
March 28, 2020: An Evening with Michael Bublé
Spend a laid-back evening listening to modern crooner Michael Bublé as he performs his hit songs at the KFC Yum! Center on March 28. This popular Canadian-American is the recipient of four Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. It is definitely a night you and your friends will remember. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $120. kfcyum.centerlouisville.org
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