SB NOTE: These suggestions are all made with social distancing and safety precautions in mind, and each event is subject to change depending on COVID in each location. Please look at websites and social media for updates, and check the most up-to-date CDC guidelines for the latest safety recommendations.
***
April is the season of luck that Louisvillians wait for all year long, and it’s officially kicking off! Here are the top Louisville events happening this month, including the start of Derby events, taco tastings and jewelry workshops. This month is sure to keep you busy. Happy April!
Enjoy delicious tacos such as these during Louisville Taco Week. Image: Agave & Rye
11 Louisville Events & Happenings: April 2021
April 8, 2021: Craft & Chat: Spring Decorations
Make a fun spring decoration at Louisville Free Public Library’s virtual “Craft & Chat” event. Choose between making a floral paper wreath or a bird’s nest paper wreath. Limited supply kits are available for curbside pickup at the South Central Regional Library. Upon registration, participants receive both class and supply kit information. This event is for children 13 and up and starts at 3 p.m. Reservations can be made by emailing [email protected]. events.lfpl.org
April 10, 2021: Garden Tai Chi: Spring
Attend a tai chi class at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens as Daniel Lally and Amy Conner return with Garden Tai Chi. The class begins at 10 a.m. and is designed to connect participants to the changing season of spring through calming and fluid movements. This class is open to all skill levels, and sessions are included with the price of admission (free for garden members, $9 for adults, and $5 for children). Note that reservations are encouraged. eventbrite.com
April 10, 2021: The Louisville Bee School
Join HoneyBear Farms for a fun-filled day all about bees. Learn from helpful instructors and hands-on demonstrations as you learn how to properly care for bees and harvest their honey. At lunchtime, attend the beekeeping school’s Honey Show and hear from expert beekeepers. The class is $45 and begins at 8 a.m. honeybearfarmsky.com
April 10, 2021: Wailing Trumpets: Ragtime and Jazz
Enjoy a spectacular celebration of ragtime and blues music. The Louisville Orchestra hosts a virtual concert on April 10 titled “Wailing Trumpets.” Listen to long-time collaborators Bob Bernhardt and Byron Stripling captivate audience members with charming ragtime, blues and jazz standards. The concert is a part of the spring season of Louisville Orchestra Virtual Edition ($75) but can also be purchased separately for $20. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. louisvilleorchestra.vhx.tv
RELATED: 5 New Louisville Restaurants to Try (Updated March 2021)
April 10 & 11, 2021: Touring Pegasus Parade
The Pegasus Parade began in 1956 and is one of the biggest parades in North America. While this year’s event may look different, the parade’s “A Tribute to the Community” theme features nearly 20 floats, including colorful inflatables and mascots. The parade is traveling over 60 miles and through more than 35 Louisville neighborhoods. If you wish to be a part of the magic, the parade encourages community members to decorate their porches, yards, cars and homes. The official route is yet to be announced, so stay tuned for more details. discover.kdf.org
April 12 – 18, 2021: Louisville Taco Week
Louisville Taco Week is back! Enjoy $2 tacos from Louisville’s favorite taco spots. Each participating restaurant offers its own one-of-a-kind tacos, and passports are provided to help aid taco lovers along the way. Passports are stamped by the restaurant for each order of tacos purchased (minimum three tacos). Stay tuned for an official list of participating restaurants and passport prices. tacoweeklouisville.com
April 17, 2021: Clay Jewelry Adult Workshop
Polymer clay jewelry has been a recent fashion trend that has taken Etsy by storm. This April, learn how to make your own. Join KMAC Museum educators as they teach you techniques on how to make polymer clay jewelry. Participants receive supplies to make both earrings and a necklace. The workshop is $40 for museum members and $50 for non-members. The price of the virtual workshop includes all tools and materials, plus 90 minutes of instructional learning. The workshop is from 10:30 a.m. to noon. kmacmuseum.org
April 17, 2021: The Dinner Detective: Murder Mystery Comedy Dinner Show
Attend an interactive murder mystery dinner at the Embassy Suites in downtown Louisville. The Dinner Detective is a comedic murder mystery show set in present day. Enjoy a delicious dinner while trying to figure out which of your dining companions is the culprit. The show begins at 6 p.m. General admission is $64.95 and includes the murder mystery experience, dinner and gratuity. thedinnerdetective.com
RELATED: Your 2021 Guide to Louisville Farmers’ Markets
April 18, 2021: PNC Tour de Lou
The Kentucky Derby Festival once again partners with the Louisville Bicycle Club to put together the PNC Tour de Lou. This annual bike event offers participants the opportunity to ride three separate distances, depending on their experience level. The ride tours all areas of Louisville — from downtown to the South End and Highlands. Rides begin at 6:30 a.m., and registration starts at $45. A virtual option is also available. discover.kdf.org
April 22 – 25, 2021: Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon
It’s the moment runners have been training for all winter. The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon are back. The miniMarathon takes place over the course of four days (April 22-25), while the regular marathon takes place on April 24 only. Participants have the opportunity to run on a new socially distanced course as well as the option to participate virtually. Registration begins at $45. derbyfestivalmarathon.com
April 24, 2021: Opening Night at Churchill Downs
Kick off Kentucky Derby week by attending opening night at Churchill Downs on Saturday, April 24, at 5 p.m. Entertainment includes live performances, musicians, visual artists and Thoroughbred races. Evening attire is “dress to impress,” so women are encouraged to wear party and cocktail dresses (and a hat, of course!), and men are encouraged to wear sharp pants and a dress shirt (a tie is optional). Tickets are $19 for general admission. kentuckyderby.com
Happy April, Louisville!
**********
To see even more great events, click HERE.
