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Style Blueprint
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
15 Louisville Events in June 2024
You know summer has arrived when pools are open, outdoor activities are in full swing, and al fresco dining options are abundant. Whether you're into beer, bites, plays, or parades, June in Louisville offers something for everyone. Here's a roundup of some of our favorite upcoming local events. June 1 – 30, 2025: NuLu Sites and Bites Walking Tour Explore the flavors and stories of Louisville's East Market District on the NuLu Sites and Bites Walking Tour, a new offering from Louisville Historic Tours. This three-hour guided experience dives into the area's dynamic food, art, and cultural scene. Enjoy sips and bites from local favorites like Parlour Pizza, Goodwood Brewing, Biscuit Belly, and Muth's Candies, plus a bourbon tasting and local brews. Tours run Friday through Sunday at 11 a.m. Tickets are $129 per person. June 4, 2025: Whiskey Files featuring Owen Martin of Angel's Envy Sip and learn at Hermitage Farm's next Whiskey Files event. Held in the historic Stud Barn, this evening features Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angel's Envy, sharing insights during an intimate bourbon tasting and discussion panel. Guests can enjoy curated pours, stories from the distilling world, and time with resident horses. Tickets are $68 and space is limited. June 6 & 7, 2025: Louisville GreekFest Experience a taste of the Mediterranean at Louisville's only Greek festival, a lively celebration of food, music, and culture. Enjoy authentic Greek dishes, pastries, and desserts while enjoying live performances. Shop from Greek vendors, explore cultural demonstrations, and soak in the festive spirit. June 7, 2025: St. Matthews' 75th Anniversary Celebrate 75 years of St. Matthews with a full day of family fun at Brown Park. The festivities kick off with Rise & Shine Yoga at 10 a.m., followed by live music, food trucks, a beer garden, kids' activities, storytelling, and cooking demos. From zip lines to a silent disco, there's something for everyone. The night ends with a dazzling drone show. Admission is free, with food and drinks available for purchase. June 7, 2025: 2nd Annual Rollin' on the River Craft Beer Festival From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., raise a glass at the Howard Steamboat Museum in Jeffersonville, IN. Enjoy tastings from local, regional, and international breweries, plus live music from Runaway Souls. VIP tickets offer early entry and exclusive perks inside the Carriage House. Proceeds benefit the Howard Steamboat Museum. General admission is $65; VIP is $80. June 7 & 8, 2025: Butchertown Art Fair Stroll through tree-lined streets and discover handcrafted works at the Butchertown Art Fair on the 800 block of East Washington Street. Featuring over 70 juried artists, this vibrant event also offers live music, food trucks, and local beer, wine, and cocktails. Admission is free, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits and the preservation of Butchertown's historic charm. June 8, 2025: Buy Local Fair Support local at the Buy Local Fair at Lynn Family Stadium's Fan Zone from noon to 6 p.m. This family-friendly event features a vibrant mix of local businesses, food and drink vendors, artists, and makers. Don't miss the Kidpreneur Market from noon to 3 p.m., and catch the high-energy cooking competition at 2 p.m. between Chef Devon Rosenblatt and Chef Tabitha Criswell. Admission is free, with $10 stadium parking supporting Louisville Independent Business Alliance and the Buy Local movement. June 9 – 15, 2025: National Bourbon Week in Bardstown Take a day trip to the Bourbon Capital of the World for exclusive tastings, cocktail classes, culinary events, and more from world-class distilleries. New this year is The Mash Up, a one-night event pairing distillers with local chefs. On June 14, head downtown for National Bourbon Day festivities, complete with family fun, free samples, and live music. June 13, 2025: 9th Annual Dream Maker Awards Gala Join Amped from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Progress Park Airstream Resort for this ninth-annual soirée. The picnic-style evening honors graduates of Amped's Music Academy and changemakers in tech and entrepreneurship. Enjoy live music, local bites, craft cocktails, a silent auction, and dancing under the stars. Tickets are $150 and include all food and entertainment. June 13 – 22, 2025: Gender Play, or what you Will Honor Pride Month with Gender Play, or what you Will at Actors Theatre of Louisville. Co-created by Will Wilhelm and Erin Murray, this genre-bending production invites audiences to a mystical evening of laughter, tarot, and self-discovery. Performed by Will and directed by Emily Tarquin, the play uncovers the queer brilliance within Shakespeare's works. Tickets start at $12.50. June 14, 2025: Spring Wing Fest Spice things up at the annual Spring Wing Fest from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Spring Street Bar & Grill. This free, family-friendly outdoor bash features live music, kids' activities, outdoor games, and the return of the crowd-favorite hot wing eating contest. Proceeds benefit local food and beverage workers in need. June 21, 2025: Kentuckiana Pride Festival & Parade Celebrate love, identity, and community at the Kentuckiana Pride Festival & Parade, taking place from noon to 11 p.m. on the Big Four Lawn. Performers include Natasha Bedingfield, Saucy Santana, The Scarlet Opera, Tanner Adell, and Molly Grace, to name a few. General admission starts at $12. You can also keep the party going all weekend long with the Love & Pride '25 Neon Fantasy Drag Brunch and Pool Party the following day. June 21, 2025: Juneteenth Fest Commemorate the heritage and legacy of African Americans at Kentucky's official Juneteenth event, held from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Attendees can expect mouthwatering food, soulful live music, and activities for all ages. June 21, 2025: Downs After Dark Experience Churchill Downs like never before during one of Louisville's favorite summertime traditions. The historic track extends its hours, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and the final race running as late as 11:10 p.m. Enjoy live music, festive fashion, and signature cocktails under the lights. General admission is $24.95. June 28, 2025: Kentucky Craft Bash Raise a glass at Kentucky Craft Bash on the Brown-Forman Lawn at Waterfront Park. With over 50 breweries and more than 175 craft beers to sample, this is the biggest beer festival in the Bluegrass. Sip everything from tried-and-true favorites to bold experimental brews while mingling with the makers behind them. Whether you're a seasoned beer lover or just beer-curious, this one-day event is your chance to taste what Kentucky is brewing. General admission starts at $55. Have a sizzling summer, Louisville! ********** For the best of the South — delivered to your inbox daily — subscribe to StyleBlueprint! 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.
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Feasting In Louisville Begins Long Before The Running Of The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby lasts all of two minutes but in Louisville it begins days before with a series of parties that can last all day and half the night. Of course, the city always has a vibrant nightlife in the bars and restaurants around town, and, once you've clinched a tough-to-get hotel room, joining the festivities is just a question of showing up. During the preceding week in Louisville, which is promoted as Bourbon City, hordes of people will be joining the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which begins at the Welcome Center within the Frazier Museum and takes buses out to visit distilleries like Angel's Envy, Michter's, Evan Williams and Old Forester, while the city's own Urban Bourbon Trail heads down Whiskey Row on Main Street, which is now dotted with distilleries and restaurants. At any time of year eating Kentuckians' favorite foods is easy but requisite during Derby Week, not least pimento cheese and country ham and biscuits, which will be found at every party, with puffy split buttermilk biscuits with a thin slice of rosy, salty, thinly sliced country ham on the table. With this you drink a mint julep, a cocktail made from bourbon, sugar, and mint, traditionally served at the running of the Derby. The cocktail dates back to before 1800. Historian Frances Parkinson Keyes observed that 'The last instructions which a Virginia gentleman murmurs on his deathbed are, 'Never insult a decent woman, never bring a horse in the house, and never crush the mint in a julep!'' The other famous local cocktail is the Old Fashioned, made with whiskey (bourbon or rye), sugar, and bitters, served in a squat Old Fashioned glass. It was created around 1881, possibly at the Pendennis Club that opened that year. Another signature Louisville dish is the created at the Brown Hotel in the 1920ss when one night guests at its dinner dance went to the restaurant for a late bite, and chef Fred Schmidt came up with an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a delicate Mornay sauce. It is still the featured dish at the hotel, though not easily found outside of it. But no dish is more specific trace day than the Derby pie, a trademark name of the Kerns Bakery in town, for a very thick, rich chocolate-chip pecan pie. You can find dishes like these at Churchill Downs's nine food and drink venues, including Starting Gate Pavilion Balcony, the Skye Terrace, Millionaire's Row and Stakes Dining Room. One of my favorite places in town, dating back to 1958 is Pat's Steakhouse, set on two floors of a 150-year-old coach house with décor of dark woods, brass chandeliers, Waterford crystal, hundreds of old photos and white tablecloths, along with a wall of more than 60 bourbons. Begin with a platter of oysters, maybe the frogs' legs in garlic butter and then the 16-ounce strip steak or Pat's fried chicken. Jack Fry's pre-dates Pat's by a quarter century in business, decked out in decades of sports and gambling memorabilia. Here's where to get shrimp and grits with redeye gravy or the pork chop with smoked bacon and roast potatoes and the angel's food cake. Kentucky has a string barbecue culture, and one of the best I found in Louisville is Pork ribs BBQ at Backdeck. John Mariani owned by Chan Nelson, who insists you don't drown his succulent ribs in sauce. Best bargain is the three-meat platter with beans, smoked mac and cheese, and yams. Red Hog is a butcher shop that also purveys terrific sandwiches, soups and charcuterie. The Fat Tony sandwich ($16), mounted with mortadella, salami cotto, city ham, provolone, mayo, hot pepper tapenade, lettuce and onion, is terrific. There's first-rate Italian food at ROC, owned by chef Rocco Cadolini, for sumptuous pastas. Try for an outdoor patio table. For the big, brash splurge––and it's sure to be packed every night––make a reservation in advance at Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, which does indeed have 14 cuts of steak, as well as 15 variations of sushi, wagyu meatballs, a massive pork porterhouse with polenta cakes and heady black pepper jus and for dessert a three-layer carrot cake with warm caramel cream cheese icing. The restaurant's wine list deserves its many awards for great breadth and depth.
The Independent
18-04-2025
- The Independent
Travels through the Bluegrass state: Where to visit in Kentucky
From the rolling green hills of Lexington 's horse country to Appalachia's rugged mountains, Kentucky offers experiences like no other for the intrepid traveller. As distinctive as the landscapes are the cultures you'll find. This is a state where bluegrass mixes with honky tonk and country, where cuisine ranges from fine dining to hearty southern breakfasts (not to mention that famous fried chicken) And needless to say, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to bourbon. It can be tempting to stick to the larger towns and cities (Louisville and Lexington alone have enough to fill a week or more), but for a taste of small-town America and country Kentucky, it's worth hiring a car and exploring the charming main street of Bardstown or venturing east into the hills where you'll see a different side of the state and find endless opportunities for climbing, hiking, rafting and other outdoor activities. While by no means an exhaustive list, these are the spots I'd recommend adding to your route. Louisville This lively city might be best known as home of the Kentucky Derby – as well as seemingly endless bourbon tastings – but beyond the tourist trail you'll find live music, secret bars and street art, all surrounded by rolling green countryside. Save at least a couple of hours for the Muhammad Ali Center, where you'll learn about the life and career of the legendary Louisville born-and-raised boxer, and his legacy of pursuing justice and inspiring social change. It's a fascinating, and also very moving, experience. The nearby Slugger museum, which teaches you everything you need to know about baseball bats, is surprisingly fun, even if you have no interest in the sport. On a sunny day, take a walk through Cave Hill Cemetery, where you'll find Muhammed Ali's grave (Colonel Harland Sanders is also buried here if you want to pay homage to the king of fried chicken). But back to bourbon. There are six distilleries all within five minutes' walk of one another in the Bourbon District – Angel's Envy is a favourite of mine – and tastings, speakeasies and bars abound. For a truly special bourbon experience, Heritage Farm takes the crown. Here you can enjoy a tasting in one of the most beautiful horse barns in the state and meet some of the much-loved retired race horses while enjoying an old fashioned or two. This is picture-perfect Kentucky – we're talking red barns, green hills and white fences. No matter how you feel about horse racing, Churchill Downs is worth a visit to understand the phenomenon that is the Kentucky Derby. Beyond touring the impressive grounds themselves, there are also exhibits on past winners, how Derby Day is put together, and the African American experience in horse racing. For bedding down at night, the Omni hotel has a great central location, but for a full bourbon experience I'd recommend Hotel Distil. Meanwhile, the wonderful Trouble Bar has now been turned into a bookstore/coffee shop – you'll find the same revolutionary energy, but now powered by caffeine rather than booze. Lexington Lexington is Louisville's younger (and possibly slightly cooler) sister. Check in for a couple of nights at the beautifully designed Manchester Hotel, which is an ode to the racehorse. Both the ground floor and rooftop bars are perfect spots to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine, plus there's an incredibly chic gym. Of course, bourbon is a big deal here, too. There are a number of distilleries in the city itself – including Barrel House Distilling Co., Bluegrass Distillers and James E. Pepper Distillery – as well as plenty in the surrounding countryside. Visits and tastings can be arranged as part of a tour or with the distillery directly, but do book ahead as spots fill up fast. There are plenty of lively restaurants and bars in the Distillery District – the Burl Arcade and Crank & Boom Ice Cream lounge are top choices – but it would be a mistake to miss the small plates at Epping's on Eastside. Just across the street is glass art studio and fine art gallery Trifecta, which is also home to a speakeasy with a lounge and outdoor seating, where you can have a drink while watching the impressive art of glass blowing. Any bourbon cocktail you order here will be memorable, but I'd recommend trying the Paper Plane, which also contains Aperol, Amaro Nonino and lemon. Lexington also does coffee well; Common Grounds and Java Jukebox are two of my favourite spots to grab a brew – make sure you try one of the grilled cheeses at the latter. Bardstown While Louisville and Lexington are top destinations for bourbon, ultimately it's Bardstown that takes the crown. This charming little town has 11 distilleries within a 16-mile radius – including the popular Bardstown Bourbon Company, as well as Jim Beam, Heaven Hill and Log Still – and wherever you step you'll find bars, tastings and fun bourbon experiences. But you don't have to love bourbon to love Bardstown. This is quintessential small-town America. There are a slew of fun, boutique hotels, including the Motor Lodge which can be found on the road leading into town, as well as Distill-Inn, Talbot Inn, and former 19th-century jailhouse The Jailer's Inn, which are all downtown. For a big southern breakfast, head to Mammy's, where you'll find huge pancakes, Kentucky's famous Hot Brown (turkey and ham piled on toast), and the friendliest service. The doughnuts at Hadorn's Bakery are legendary in Kentucky, while Big Wally's serves ice cream and soda floats that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Glasgow The main tourist draw of this region is the impressive Mammoth Caves, but base yourself in the nearby town of Glasgow for a classic American small-town experience. Copper and Elk is a gorgeous, huge apartment right on the main square that can be booked on Airbnb. The local owners also have the Plaid Peacock interconnecting apartment, which I've not stayed at but have confidence in the quality. Also on the main square is the bustling Hive cafe with excellent coffee, while Fine Arts Bistro is a top recommendation for breakfast, with some great vegetarian options (which is not always easy to find in Kentucky). Make sure you save some time to browse Off the Square and the Nadine West Book Co, which are both locally owned businesses and very welcoming. The Plaza Theater, which you'll spot at the south end of the square is a historic spot where performances and community events are held throughout the year. Cave tours at Mammoth do get busy so it's a good idea to book ahead. Across the south, you'll often hear counties boasting they have the best caves, but Mammoth really does have a legitimate claim here – it's home to the longest-known cave system in the world. To the south of Glasgow (a roughly 30-minute drive) at Barren River Lake State Resort park you can also hike, hire a canoe or boat, and play a round of golf, and there is a rustic lodge with rooms and cabins if you're keen to stay out in nature. Red River Gorge Under two hours from Louisville and a mere hour's drive from Lexington you can find yourself deep in some of Kentucky's most stunning nature. Red River Gorge is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, which has long been popular with climbers and is fast becoming a desired destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. There are a few pleasant locally owned spots to base yourself in – Blackbird Cabin, which can be booked on Vrbo is a good choice – or you can immerse yourself in nature at Canopy Crew Treehouses and Cliffhouses. For camping, secure yourself a spot at Miguel's. A Red River institution, Miguel's Pizza has been serving delicious hot pies loaded with toppings since 1986. The surrounding campsite is a particular draw for climbers keen to explore the area, and the store is quite literally filled to the rafters with clothing and equipment. Other top spots for food include Redpoint BBQ and Red River Rockhouse, which serve classic American fare. If you're planning on climbing, Southeast Mountain Guides will help you plan the perfect trip, and also have a Via Ferrata that takes you around the cliff face and under a waterfall – it's terrifying and thrilling in equal measure. The Gorge Underground offers a kayaking experience like none other. Kitted out with helmets and head torches you explore a flooded underground limestone mine, which has been prettily lit up. For a mud-soaked rip-roaring ride, the staff at Red River Gorge Off-Road UTV Tours know how to have a good time, following trails that thunder through creeks, up hills and along mountainsides. Corbin For a taste of Appalachia without having to head deep into hill country, spend a day in Corbin, a small town nestled in the foothills of the mountains. The town holds the rather dubious accolade of being the home of the first ever KFC, and at the Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum you can learn about the (surprisingly chequered) past of the Colonel himself, as well as how KFC became the phenomenon it is. There's also a pinball museum, axe-throwing, several quirky little stores and boutiques, and some great spots to eat. Folktale is a very pleasant for coffee and pastries, while Wrigley's Taproom should be your first port of call for beers or bourbon. Corbin sits on the doorstep of some of the most accessible hiking, rafting, climbing and horse riding in the state. You're right next to Daniel Boone Forest, and just a 30-minute drive from the impressive Cumberland Falls. Pikeville Tucked in the northern corner of Kentucky right on the border with Virginia and West Virginia is Pike county, centred around the town of Pikeville. Thanks to its university and medical centre, Pikeville has thrived in recent years (while other eastern Kentucky towns have sadly struggled with poverty and unemployment), and there is plenty to do and see, especially if you love country music. Pikeville is on Kentucky's Country Music Highway, which is a road trip that takes you through key points in a region that has produced the likes of Loretta Lynn, Chris Stapleton, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tom T Hall, Dwight Yoakam and Patty Loveless – to name just a few. Pikeville is also the home of the legendary blood-filled Hatfield–McCoy Feud that started over a hog in 1878 and raged for decades between the two families, resulting in murder, bloody brawls and bitterness. It's a real lesson on not holding a grudge. At Chirico's Ristorante you can enjoy pizza, pasta and calzones in the building that Randolph McCoy (head of the McCoy clan) last called home. Ask the staff to show you the upstairs which is largely unchanged since McCoy lived there. Country music fans might want to make the pilgrimage to the former family home of Loretta Lynn, the coal miner's daughter, in Butch Hollow, just 45 minutes outside of Pikeville. Just note, it's worth calling ahead and arranging a tour, which starts at the Grocery Store. You can make the drive alone, but the road is narrow and the area has an interesting vibe, to say the least – my car was pursued by two furious barking guard dogs for a good 200 metres. My top tip for Pikeville: stop in and visit Tony and Jay from the Welcome Center out by Hardee's as soon as you arrive – their remarkable knowledge and enthusiasm for the area will give you more than enough ideas on how to spend your time in the county. The nearby town of Paintsville is quieter, but worth a wander – and make sure you stop in at The Coffee Shop for a brew. Airlines including British Airways, Delta, American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic fly to Louisville with one stop, often in Atlanta, Chicago or Charlotte. Flight time is usually somewhere between 12 and 14 hours. Alternatively, fly direct with British Airways to Nashville, which is just across the border from Kentucky in Tennessee, and rent a car.
