From festivals to movies, here are 10 free things to do in Louisville this summer
Louisville Downtown Partnership has done a lot of the legwork you'll need for that list with a summer menu that includes free events like CycLouvia, open play for pickleball and wiffleball enthusiasts at Baird Urban Sports Park, 615 W. Main St., and Downtown Silent Disco on Waterfront Park's Big Four Lawn.
"Downtown Louisville thrives when our streets and public spaces are filled with activity, community gatherings, and opportunities for connection," Rebecca Fleischaker, executive director of Louisville Downtown Partnership, told the Courier Journal. "By activating key public spaces with regular programming, LDP continues its commitment to creating a vibrant urban core that supports Downtown's visitors, workers, and residents."
From free music and concert series to outdoor group events, festivals and weekly meet-ups, we've put together a list of 10 options to keep you busy — and they don't cost a dime.
WHAT: The annual Kentucky Shakespeare Festival presents some of Shakespeare's most beloved works including, "Much Ado About Nothing," "Hamlet," "Cymbeline," and "Twelfth Night." The Louisville Ballet will present "Shakespeare in Dance: A Midsummer Night's Dream" and The Louisville Improvisors will present Late Night Shakes.
WHERE: C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater, Central Park, 1340 S. Fourth St.
WHEN: Now through Aug. 10
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: For a complete schedule with shows, pre-shows and food truck schedule, visit kyshakespeare.com.
WHAT: Free outdoor movies are a great idea for a summer date night or an activity with the family. The Downtown Drive-in at Waterfront Park is an outdoor cinema series that takes place on select Friday nights through October. Although snacks are available for purchase, you can pack your own treats along with a blanket or lawn chair. Free parking is available at Waterfront Park's Tan and Turquoise lots. The amphitheater will open an hour before sundown, when the movies will start.
WHERE: Brown-Forman Amphitheater, 1301 River Road
WHEN: Now through Oct. 10.
MOVIE SCHEDULE:
June 20: "Fast and Furious" (PG-13)
July 11: "Pretty in Pink" (PG-13)
Aug. 1: "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" (PG)
Aug. 22: "Men in Black" (PG-13)
Sept. 19: "Moana" (PG)
Sept. 26: " Jaws" (PG)
Oct. 3: "Mean Girls" (PG-13)
Oct.10: "Ghostbusters" (PG)
MORE INFORMATION: ourwaterfront.org; louisvilledowntown.org/downtown-drive-in
More: Here's where you can see free movies in Louisville this summer
WHAT: An early summer celebration to promote the upcoming 40th Anniversary of Bardstown Road Aglow, taking place in December. During Algow in July, Trolley de Ville will provide free trolley rides. Trolley riders will get complimentary festive leis, and Santa Claus will make a stop in the Highlands rocking his summer style. Shoppers can visit the Highlands farmer's markets and the unique shops and restaurants that may offer special discounts along Bardstown Road.
WHEN: Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHERE: From Douglass Loop to Bardstown Road and along Baxter and Barret Avenues.
MORE INFORMATION: Follow the Highland Commerce Guild Facebook page.
More: 2025 Kentucky State Fair: From animals to concerts & more, here's your complete guide
WHAT: The annual summer celebration features surf-inspired music, more than 80 vendors, a watermelon eating contest, tie-dye station, limbo contest, putt-putt, pickleball, summer yard games, local food trucks and a tiki bar from Crowler Catering.
WHERE: 700 and 800 blocks of E. Market Street
WHEN: July 19, noon to 7 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: Pets are not allowed. nulu.org/summer
WHAT: Waterfront Wednesday is a popular outdoor concert series held at Louisville's Waterfront Park on the last Wednesday of the month through September. Each concert includes three bands starting at 6 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy dinner from one of several vendors or food trucks set up at the monthly event.
WHERE: Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park
WHEN: the last Wednesday of the month now through September
CONCERT SCHEDULE:
July 30: Ben Sollee and Friends, Marzz, Sydney Sleadd and the Swarm
Aug. 27: Sixpence None the Richer, Kashus Culpepper, Roadie
Sept. 17: Paula Cole, Uwade, Maggie Halfman
MORE INFORMATION: lpm.org
WHAT: The picnic features casino-style and carnival-style games, raffles, children's activities, live music and traditional fair food, including corn dogs, cotton candy and funnel cakes.
WHERE: 2823 Frankfort Ave.
WHEN: Aug. 8, 5-10 p.m.; Aug. 9, noon to midnight
COST: Free. Pre-purchase food, beverages, activity tickets and wristbands online.
More: Here are 23 food, drink, music and art festivals you can attend this summer in Louisville
WHAT: Louisville's international festival is one of the most diverse, inclusive, and equitable events in the region, featuring international, national, regional, and local performers, food booths, a vendor village with international-themed arts, crafts, and merchandise and more.
WHERE: Belvedere, 141 N. 6th St.
WHEN: Aug. 29 to Sept. 1
MORE INFORMATION: louisvilleky.gov
WHAT: The Louisville Bicycle Club offers free clinics to help you learn or improve your cycling skills. The one hour sessions are led by an experienced rider and include everything from basic safety, riding in groups, gearing/shifting, lane positioning, bicycle repair and more. There are three clinics to choose from in various communities around Kentuckiana, each with five classes. Classes are followed by practice on your bike.
WHEN: Classes begin at 6 p.m. and are held at various locations throughout the city.
MORE INFORMATION: louisvillebicycleclub.org
WHAT: This walking club will meet almost twice a month, for a morning and an evening session, to trek all over The Parklands, exploring different trails each time. These hikes are walked at a relaxed pace to encourage conversation, so bring a friend or come solo and join the Parklands community.
WHEN: Free morning sessions will meet the ranger at the designated area at 8:30 a.m., the hike will begin at 8:45 a.m. Evening sessions will meet the ranger at the designated area at 5:30 p.m., the hike will begin at 5:45 p.m.
WHERE: Meet-up locations, routes and distances change, so you'll need to consult the club's information page.
MORE INFORMATION: theparklands.org
More: Here are 9 beer festivals taking place in Louisville this year
WHAT: Yoga is a popular physical exercise activity that requires nothing more than a mat. Louisville offers a number of free classes, some held indoors and others outside during the summer months.
WHERE:
: Free yoga classes are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month from April to October, weather permitting
: Offers a variety of donation-based classes in the studio and also online via Zoom
: The library offers free classes like Chair Yoga with Good Karma and Slow Flow Yoga.
: Free yoga classes are offered every Monday
: Free yoga classes are held on Tuesdays
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: free things to do in Louisville this summer
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