Fall in Louisville is alive with vibrant festivals, cultural celebrations, and seasonal charm. Whether you crave bourbon-soaked tunes, glittering jack-o’-lanterns, or ghostly strolls through historic streets, the city's autumn calendar delivers something for everyone. Here's your curated guide to the must-attend events this fall season:
Quick-Find Event Calendar
| Date Range | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug 29–Sept 1 | WorldFest |
| Sept 5–7 | Kentucky Bourbon Festival |
| Sept 5–14 | Gaslight Festival Week |
| Sept 6 | Louisville Pride Festival |
| Sept 6–7 | Big Four Bridge Arts Festival |
| Sept 11–14 | Bourbon & Beyond |
| Sept 18–21 | Louder Than Life |
| Sept 26–Oct 26 | Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom |
| Sept 27 | NuLu Fest |
| Oct 3–5 | St. James Court Art Show |
| Oct 7–Nov 2 | Jack O’-Lantern Spectacular |
| Oct 10–11 | Belknap Fall Festival |
| Oct 10–11 | Garvin Gate Blues Festival |
| Oct 11 | Louisville Book Festival |
| Oct 14–19 | Water for Elephants (Musical) |
| Oct 17–19 | Victorian Ghost Walk |
| Oct 18 | Urban Bourbon Half Marathon |
| Oct 18–19 | Via Colori Street Painting Festival |
| Oct 26–Nov 30 | Fall Meet at Churchill Downs |
| Nov 1–2 | ColorFest at Bernheim Forest |
| Nov 2 | Louisville Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K |
| Nov 13 | Crowder & Zach Williams Concert |
| Nov 13–15 | North American Championship Rodeo |
September Highlights
WorldFest (Aug 29 – Sept 1) — Downtown Louisville, The Belvedere
Celebrate global culture at one of Louisville’s largest international festivals. Enjoy the Parade of Cultures, Global Village, a naturalization ceremony, and hundreds of vendors across three stages—all for free during Labor Day weekend.
Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Sept 5–7) — Bardstown, KY
Discover the spirit of Bourbon Heritage Month just 45 minutes outside Louisville. Taste rare bourbons, enjoy signature cocktails, attend dinners and auctions—and maybe try your hand at the World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay.
Gaslight Festival Week (Sept 5–14) — Jeffersontown (J-Town)
This 10-day festival offers a colorful mix of events: a car show, golf scramble, 5K run, parade, balloon glow, motorcycle rally, live music, and over 200 arts and crafts booths.
Louisville Pride Festival (Sept 6) — Highlands, Bardstown Road
Marking its 10th anniversary in 2025, this all-ages, free block party features drag shows, DJs, live performers, and a celebratory atmosphere along one of the city’s liveliest nightlife corridors.
Big Four Bridge Arts Festival (Sept 6–7) — Waterfront Park
Stroll along the Ohio River and explore booths from 150+ juried artists—featuring jewelry, sculpture, photography, painting, and live music.
Bourbon & Beyond (Sept 11–14) — Highland Festival Grounds
The world’s largest bourbon and music festival returns with headliners like Phish, Noah Kahan, Sturgill Simpson, The Lumineers, and Jack White, alongside bourbon workshops and celebrity chef demos.
Louder Than Life (Sept 18–21) — Highland Festival Grounds
Louisville’s massive rock and metal festival brings Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones, Rob Zombie, and Slayer, paired with bourbon tastings and local eats.
Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom (Sept 26–Oct 26) — Kentucky Kingdom Amusement Park
The park transforms into a pumpkin wonderland—1,000+ glowing jack-o’-lanterns, giant gourd sculptures, mazes, and family-friendly entertainment.
NuLu Fest (Sept 27) — NuLu (East Market District)
A festive street fair with food and retail booths, regional beer and bourbon, and live music—perfect for exploring Louisville’s creative heart.
October Highlights
St. James Court Art Show (Oct 3–5) — Old Louisville
Now celebrating its 69th year, this free, juried art show spans four blocks in a historic Victorian neighborhood with more than 600 artists.
Louisville Jack O’-Lantern Spectacular (Oct 7–Nov 2) — Iroquois Park
Walk a magical 1/3-mile art trail of over 5,000 glowing, intricately carved pumpkins—a family-friendly Louisville tradition.
Belknap Fall Festival (Oct 10–11) — Douglass Loop, Highlands
This beloved community celebration features live music, art vendors, local food and drinks, and family-friendly activities—capturing the Highlands’ creative pulse in autumn color.
Garvin Gate Blues Festival (Oct 10–11) — Garvin Place & Oak Street, Old Louisville
Two nights of soul-stirring blues in a tree-lined Old Louisville setting, with national and local acts, bourbon, food, and community spirit.
Louisville Book Festival (Oct 11) — Kentucky International Convention Center
A free celebration of reading and literacy where kids can take home a free book, meet authors, and enjoy story-themed activities.
Water for Elephants (Broadway Musical) (Oct 14–19) — Kentucky Center
A breathtaking new musical adaptation of the bestselling novel, filled with cirque-style artistry and stirring storytelling.
Victorian Ghost Walk (Oct 17–19) — Old Louisville
Step into “America’s most haunted neighborhood” with this guided ghost walk that blends history, theater, and chilling tales.
Urban Bourbon Half Marathon (Oct 18) — Whiskey Row to Cherokee Park
Run through scenic neighborhoods while sipping bourbon along the way, capped with a lively post-race party (21+ only).
Via Colori Street Painting Festival (Oct 18–19) — Big Four Bridge Lawn, Waterfront Park
Watch as more than 150 artists transform walkways into stunning chalk murals. Expect live music, cosplay guests, food, and interactive activities.
November Highlights
Fall Meet at Churchill Downs (Oct 26 – Nov 30) — Churchill Downs
Catch live Thoroughbred racing, with themed days including brunches, Senior Day, and a Breeders’ Cup Watch Party.
ColorFest at Bernheim Forest (Nov 1–2) — Bernheim Forest
Celebrate fall foliage with nature games, pumpkin rolling, giant slides, and corn pits in one of Kentucky’s most scenic landscapes.
Louisville Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K (Nov 2) — Various Louisville Routes
Thousands of runners hit the streets in this annual race series, experiencing the city’s landmarks and vibrant fan support.
North American Championship Rodeo (Nov 13–15) — Freedom Hall
High-energy rodeo action including bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and rodeo clowns keeps crowds on the edge of their seats.
Crowder & Zach Williams: Christian Music Concert (Nov 13) — KFC Yum! Center
Award-winning Christian musicians bring powerful lyrics, uplifting energy, and a faith-filled evening to Louisville’s biggest arena.
Why Louisville in Fall Is Simply Unmissable
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Diverse Experiences: From bourbon and bluegrass to chalk art and marathons, Louisville’s fall calendar blends culture, music, art, and fitness.
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Family-Friendly & Adult-Only Fun: Jack O’-Lantern Spectacular and Boo at the Zoo for kids; bourbon runs and music festivals for adults.
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Historic Charm Meets Festival Energy: Stroll through Old Louisville’s Victorian blocks or dance under the stars at Waterfront Park.
Plan Your Louisville Experience with Laura Rice
Louisville’s fall season is packed with unforgettable events, but living here means you get to enjoy this vibrant city year-round. If you’ve been thinking about making Louisville your home—or simply want to learn more about its unique neighborhoods, lifestyle, and real estate opportunities—reach out to Laura Rice today.
With her deep local knowledge and commitment to personalized service, Laura can help you find the perfect home close to the festivals, culture, and community that make Louisville such a special place.
📞 Contact Laura Rice now to start your Louisville journey!
