Wondering if there are any things to do in Louisville? The first thing that probably comes to mind is the Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday of May each year. The first weekend of May is a crazy weekend for us because of the Derby, but since it’s only a 2-minute race, it’s over and done with that weekend.
Right now, we are gearing up for other things to do in Louisville that don’t center around horses. These events will collectively last almost a month. They start in mid-September and create what is by far our busiest (and most exciting) time of year! We’ve written before about how vibrant the live music scene is in Louisville. Well, this whirlwind of things to do begins when Louisville becomes a mecca for live music, bourbon and art. Hundreds of thousands of visitors will be in our city, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome guests from all over the world!
The excitement begins with Bourbon & Beyond from September 19-22. It’s touted as “The World’s Largest Music, Food and Bourbon festival”. We’re thinking it’s probably the only music, food and bourbon festival in the world, but it is definitely large. In 2023, more than 140,000 people pulled out their list of things to do and checked the box next to “attend Bourbon & Beyond.” This year, we’re expecting an even bigger turnout, with a lineup that includes Matchbox Twenty, the Beach Boys, Neil Young, Dave Matthews Band and more. Five stages, 100 bands and endless bourbon. What more could you ask for?
No sooner do we sober up and catch our breath when Louisville’s next big “thing to do” rolls into town the following weekend: Louder Than Life (September 26-29). Last year’s festival attracted a mind-blowing 180,000 fans, making it the largest rock festival in the United States. Can you believe that? Right here in Louisville! This year’s performers include legends like Mötley Crüe, Slipknot, Korn, and Slayer — about 150 bands in total on 5 stages. We are pretty sure that the inn will be buzzing with excitement and rock fans!
And just when you think there couldn’t be any other things to do in Louisville, and we couldn’t be any busier, the very next weekend brings the 67th Annual St. James Court Art Show. This one is right in our backyard in Old Louisville. In fact, we’re right smack in the middle of it all. “St. James,” as it’s called by the locals, was named the #1 “Best Fine Art and Design Show in America,” after idling at #3 last year. About 600 artists from around the U.S. will exhibit and sell their works. But not just any artist gets to exhibit. You have to pay a fee, submit an application and be approved — and then pay a hefty fee to exhibit. Despite the cost, it’s extremely competitive. Only about 1 in 4 applications are accepted. This art “thing to do in Louisville” will bring an estimated 250,000 people to our neighborhood over the weekend.
So if you ever wondered whether there are any things to do in Louisville, the answer is a resounding Yes!
To all our guests joining us during these busy weeks: If you see us racing around, just know we’re delighted to have you here — even if we look a bit ragged! With these amazing events coming up, we are thrilled and excited to share our version of “busy season” with you.
See you soon!
