Summer is over but don’t start mourning that the sunny fun is gone just yet. There are still plenty of happenings around town in September to enjoy before the cold air arrives.

Louisville Events: September 2017

September 1-4, 2017: WorldFest

WorldFest is four days of great international food, entertainment, music, dancing and culture in downtown Louisville. Admission is free, and the entire family is welcome. WorldFest takes place on the Belvedere Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Monday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. louisvilleky.gov

September 2 & 3, 2017: Kentucky Music & Bourbon Experience

Celebrate summer’s end Kentucky style with a glass of bourbon, some live bluegrass music and savory barbecue. The Kentucky Music & Bourbon Experience is two days of fun, marking the end of the sunny season at Water Tower Park. The fun starts on both days at 4 p.m. and lasts until 11 p.m. kentuckybluegrassfestival.com

September 4, 2017: Subway’s Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle

Subway’s Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle is held every Memorial and Labor Day. Bring the entire family down to Waterfront Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for this free event. Various fitness demonstrations start the day, including yoga, tai chi, Zumba and pickleball. After all the demonstrations, you will be nice and warm for your choice of a 5k hike, 15-mile bike ride or a paddle down the Ohio River. It’s important to note that this event is not a race, and people of various fitness levels are encouraged to participate. hikebikeandpaddle.org

September 7, 2017: Craft Beer Throwdown at Bowman Field

The 1st Annual Craft Beer Throwdown will be held at Bowman Field on Thursday, September 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. For a $20 donation, attendees can taste exclusive and regular favorites from six local breweries and enjoy food trucks and entertainment. Proceeds will benefit the Coalition for the Homeless and its efforts to prevent and end youth homelessness in Louisville. louhomeless.org

September 7-17, 2017: CenterStage presents Smokey Joe’s Cafe

Smokey Joe’s Cafe is a pop music revue and a compelling piece of musical theater. Leiber and Stoller’s songs — considered by many to be the inventors of rock and roll — provide the backdrop for an electrifying musical illuminating a golden age of American culture. This musical is not to be missed at CenterStage at the J. Tickets are $20 each on Monday and Thursday and $22 each on Saturday and Sunday. jewishlouisville.org

September 8 through November 2, 2017: Fifth Third Bank’s Dracula at Actors Theatre

It’s never too early to get into the Halloween spirit. Join Actors Theatre of Louisville for their adaptation of Dracula. For two hours, this suspenseful classic will captivate you! Don’t worry; you get a 15-minute intermission to catch your breath and relax. Show times range from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sundays. Tickets start at $62. actorstheatre.org

September 9, 2017: CQ Jam for WaterStep

The 6th Annual CQ Jam for WaterStep will be held at Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille on Saturday, September 9, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. The fundraiser will benefit WaterStep, a local organization that works to save lives around the world with safe water, and will feature nine full hours of entertainment, including a performance by The Gators with lead singer of The Legacy Platters, Lonza Barlett. The suggested donation is $20 per person. waterstep.org

September 9 & 10, 2017: Big Four Bridge Arts Festival

Each year, The Big Four Bridge Arts Festival invites guests to start the weekend of fine art, food and entertainment off with their Preview Party. Guests for this evening event have exclusive access to the entire Big Four Bridge Arts Festival to view the art of the guest artists, enjoy delicious food and beverages and, of course have the chance to buy limited edition works of art before the general public. The Big Four Bridge Arts Festival will feature more than 80 juried artists, international cuisine, children’s activities and entertainment. The free event is supported by artists, vendors and local sponsorship. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on September 9 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 10. bigfourbridgeartsfestival.org

September 10, 2017: Art in the Park Picnic

The 4th Annual Art in the Park Picnic will take place on Sunday, September 10, in the Speed Art Museum Art Park. This free family-friendly event, hosted by the Speed Museum pARTnership, will include games and activities in the Art Park, live music by Appalatin, face-painting, balloon-making and much more. speedmuseum.org

September 14, 2017: Give for Good Louisville

Give for Good Louisville, a 24-hour day created online to inspire people to give generously to local nonprofits, will take place on Thursday, September 14. This was a huge success last year and, once again, the Community Foundation of Louisville and their partners will maximize the community’s generosity with Golden Tickets, prizes and bonus dollars. Together, we can make this the biggest day of local giving for our community. givelocallouisville.org

September 15-17, 2017: Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival

The annual Gaslight Festival is the region’s fifth-largest festival and takes place September 15 through 17, 2017. This popular event has everything under the sun: a motorcycle rally, live entertainment, a balloon glow and a golf scramble. All the fun starts at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 15. Visit the website for a full list of events and times. jtownchamber.com

September 16, 2017: National Jug Band Jubilee

Rain or shine, it’s Jug Band Jubilee time. This free event will take place Saturday, September 16, at the Brown-Forman Amphitheater, located next to the Big Four Bridge on the Waterfront, from noon until 11 p.m. Enjoy local vendors and food, as well as workshops, and of course great music! At this is a family-friendly event, no alcohol, coolers or pets are allowed. jugbandjubilee.com

September 17, 2017: reGeneration Fair

Waterfront Botanical Gardens is hosting their annual, family-friendly fair on Sunday, September 17, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be environmental demonstrations such as beekeeping and water filtration, crafts, animals, live music, food trucks and drinks. Louisville Visual Art will also be on site hosting their plein-air paint out, with judging and artwork sales at 3 p.m. This is a free event. waterfrontgardens.org

September 23, 2017: Downs After Dark: Bourbon, Bets & Bow Ties

Louisvillians love going to Churchill Downs, especially at night with the lit racetrack and great entertainment. The next Downs After Dark is scheduled for Saturday, September 23. Bet the ponies, drink a cocktail, enjoy bourbon inspired specialty dishes and listen to live music. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the first race at 6 p.m. churchilldowns.com

September 26-28, 2017: IdeaFestival

Are you curious, an entrepreneur, interested in the future or a lover of TED talks? By all means, get thee to The Kentucky Center the weekend of September 26 for the IdeaFestival. There is something for everyone here — and be prepared for a lot of intellectual stimulation, all weekend! Check out the schedule here. Tickets are $249. Get them fast because prices increase on September 5. ideafestival.com

September 29, 2017: Rivalry Gala

The battles on the football field and basketball court are not the only rivalry for UK and UL fans this fall. Team faithfuls will also put their loyalties to the test at the third annual Rivalry Gala on September 29 at The Seelbach Hotel. The Rivalry Gala is Louisville’s signature gala-and-fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s work in our local communities. The goal is set to raise over $100,000 to support cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services. New to the black-tie event this year is live music from Linkin’ Bridge, appearances from former UL and UK players, a live auction and the presentation of 10 American Cancer Society Cure Champions. Individual tickets are $250 and can be purchased online. rivalrygala.org

September 30, 2017: Bourbon Heritage Southern Supper

Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky with the Bourbon Heritage Southern Supper from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Enjoy distillery tours, an old-fashioned pig roast with delicious Southern sides, a cash bar featuring your favorite Woodford Reserve cocktails and a little bluegrass music to round out the evening. Reservations are required. Tickets are $65 per person. woodfordreserve.com

September 30, 2017: NuLu Fest

We all love NuLu for its shopping, food and ambiance, and we are so proud of how far this area has come in recent years. The ninth annual NuLu Fest celebrates the revitalization of Louisville’s East Market District. Live music, micro-brewed beers, lots of local food and retail booths by area vendors will be on hand for the festivities, which last from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Oh, and did we mention it is FREE? nulufest.com

September 30, 2017: Dixie Soul Fancy Flea in La Grange

The Dixie Soul Fancy Flea is the place to get early holiday shopping checked off your list while having a ball. Dozens of vendors set up on the courthouse lawn in historic downtown La Grange, Kentucky, to sell their one-of-a-kind treasures, handmade crafts, antiques, art and vintage items. And when you’re not shopping the goods, enjoy tasty eats from food trucks, a refreshing beverage and delicious tunes from the live music stage. The Dixie Soul Fancy Flea takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. facebook.com

******

We have more local happenings! Visit our Happenings page and check out local events and happenings each day in the FREE SB App. Click here to download today!