The transition from summer to fall is about more than changing leaves, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice — there’s lots to do around Louisville, too. From paddling on the Ohio River to rocking out at a four-day music festival, we’ve got a lineup of Louisville happenings to help you usher in a new season and (hopefully!) cooler temperatures.

Through September 1, 2024: The Generous Pour at The Capital Grille

Take a curated wine journey through California’s Sonoma, Mendocino, and Santa Barbara regions during this unique wine-tasting and educational experience. This annual event is designed to educate guests on notable wine varietals and how to select and pair them. Pricing starts at $45 with the purchase of a dinner entrée. thecapitalgrille.com

Through September 22, 2024: St. Jude Dream Home Tours

Buy a $100 ticket for your chance to win the 2024 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, then check out your potential new abode in person. Built by Fischer Homes, the four-bedroom house in La Grange boasts four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. With an estimated value of $485,000, the house is open for viewing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. stjude.org

August 30 – September 2, 2024: WorldFest on the Belvedere

Enjoy three stages of entertainment; nearly 150 vendors offering arts, crafts, and food; and a kids’ zone with educational activities and games at this annual international festival. WorldFest also includes a naturalization ceremony to welcome more than 300 new Louisvillians to Derby City. louisvilleky.gov

September 2, 2024: Mayor’s 20th Hike, Bike, & Paddle

Bike, hike, and paddle, then enjoy lots of fun, music, and free fitness activities on the Waterfront Park Great Lawn from 8 a.m. to noon. There is no cost to attend, and free T-shirts are available to the first 2,000 people. louisvilleky.gov

September 2, 2024: Labor Day Pool Party at The Myriad Swim Club

Dive into a day of fun, food, and beats by DJ Syimone at the Myriad Swim Club. Attendees can enjoy a day pass to The Myriad Hotel’s pool area, with access to the full drink menu featuring an array of cocktails, mocktails, and a specialty pool bar menu. Tickets are $25 per person. myriadhotel.com

September 7, 2024: Readers’ Market at Foxing Books

Gather with fellow bibliophiles at Foxing Books’ first Readers’ Market from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Like a farmers’ market for books, this event hosts multiple booksellers, food and drink vendors, as well as bookish crafts, wearables, and more. Admission is free. For additional details, see the event’s Instagram post HERE.

September 7 & 8, 2024: 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; drink; and more. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the entrance on the day of the event. Admission for children ages 12 and younger is free. bigfourbridgeartsfestival.com

September 7 – 15, 2024: Gaslight Festival

Participate in the motorcycle rally, golf scramble, 5K, parade, or car show at this annual Jeffersontown fête — or browse arts and crafts from more than 135 arts and crafts vendors from around the country. Dates and times of specific events vary. For additional details and to see the complete schedule, visit jtowngaslight.com.

September 9 – 14, 2024: 8th 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. 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 11, 2024: Racing Louisville Mixer at PG&J’s Dog Park Bar

Gather your furry friends to mix and mingle with the players of Racing Louisville — and their pups! — at Louisville’s first dog park bar. Get photos and autographs with your favorite players while enjoying a drink or two with Fido. Ages 21 and older are welcome, and entry is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. soccer-holdings.formstack.com

September 12, 2024: 2nd 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 19, 2024: Paula Cole Concert at Mallard Hall Estate

Immerse yourself in an evening of luxury during an intimate outdoor concert in Shelby County. Grammy Award-winning artist Paula Cole is slated to perform during this $389 experience, which includes valet parking, signature drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, access to the Mallard Hall Estate Grounds, and a meet-and-greet opportunity. A portion of the proceeds support ASRIK American Saddlebred Rehabilitation in Kentucky. mallardhallky.com

September 19 – 22, 2024: Bourbon and Beyond

Blend bourbon and music at the Kentucky Exposition Center’s Highland Festival Grounds. This year’s music festival headliners include artists like Zach Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, Tyler Childers, and Sting. Tickets start at $140.99. bourbonandbeyond2024.frontgatetickets.com

September 26 – 29, 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 2024 headliners include Slipknot, Slayer, Motley Crue, and Korn. Tickets start at $141.99. ouderthanlife2024.frontgatetickets.com

September 28, 2024: NuLu Fest

Head to the NuLu neighborhood for this free, family-friendly event. Held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Market Street from Clay Street to Campbell Street, the annual fall festival features food, craft beers, wine, cocktails, art, and shopping. There is live music from noon through the end of the event. nulu.org

Have a spectacular September, Louisville!

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Lennie Omalza
About the Author
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.