8+ food, drink, music and art festivals in Louisville you can still attend this summer
When we think of summer, we think of festivals, of course. For those who love everything from craft beer, bourbon, the Kentucky State Fair, food, and the arts, here are almost 10 festivals to attend this summer.
3rd Annual Summer Beer Festival
WHAT: The block party features more than 200 specialty beers with 80 local, regional, and out-of-state breweries; a selection of standard craft and specialty beers, gluten-free/gluten-reduced beers, low-calorie IPAs, hard ciders, and spiked seltzers. Also, food, music by Squeezebot and Hot Sauce Brass Band, and a fun zone with cornhole, shoot pop-a-shot, axe throwing, dunk booth, and more.
WHERE: Frazier History Museum, 829 Main St.
WHEN: July 29, 5-8 p.m.; 4-8 p.m. VIP
COST: $55, $85 VIP and includes access to the Gateway Garden, the inside of the Frazier History Museum and indoor restrooms; $10 designated driver, for those who want to attend but not drink
MORE INFORMATION: For ages 21 and older. fraziermuseum.org/beer-fest.
14th Annual Big Green EGGFest
WHAT: A two-day cooking competition using a ceramic charcoal barbecue cooker called, "The Big Green Egg." Friday features the People’s Choice competition “Chopped” Big Green Egg Style. Saturday features a best beef or pork contest; tons of food to sample and Big Green Egg classes at 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Attendees receive food, drinks and get to vote for their favorite dish.
WHERE: Brownsboro Hardware & Paint, 4858 Brownsboro Road
WHEN: Aug. 4, 6-9 p.m.; Aug. 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
COST: Friday, $30; Saturday $20 per person; free for ages 12 and younger
MORE INFORMATION: 502-897-1591; brownsborohardwarepaint.thundertix.com.
Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: The 11-day fair features more than 45 food vendors serving up local fair food oddities; concerts, carnival rides, games, World’s Championship Horse Show, exhibits, entertainment and more.
WHERE: Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane
WHEN: Aug. 17-27
COST: Early bird tickets are $9 and include admission and parking (excluding Beerfest, Thrill Ville, and evening performances of the World's Championship Horse Show), free for ages 5 and younger; Thrillville/midway, $30; World’s Champion Horse show, $8-$11 (depending on the day).
MORE INFORMATION: Minor attendance policy will be in effect Monday-Thursday after 6 p.m. and Friday-Sunday all day. Fair-goers ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 21 years of age or older. Proof of age is required. IDs will be verified at the gate. Tickets are available in-person at participating Kroger locations and online. kystatefair.org.
Louisville Wine & Food Festival
WHAT: Taste, savor and explore the Louisville culinary scene, from local trends to regional traditions at the USA Today Wine & Food Experience. Taste food from local chefs, emerging talent and renowned culinary leaders; sip premier wine, beer and spirits from the best mixologists and sommeliers, and live demonstrations. Proceeds to benefit Friends of Waterfront.
WHERE: Big Four Lawn, Swing Garden, Waterfront Park
WHEN: Aug. 19, 1-4 p.m; noon to 4 p.m. VIP
COST: $65 general admission and includes a tasting cup, unlimited food and beverage samples (while supplies last), access to demonstrations and more; $100 VIP and includes admission to the VIP Lounge, a tasting cup, unlimited food and beverage samples (while supplies last), access to demonstrations and more.
MORE INFORMATION: For ages 21 and older. wineandfood.usatoday.com/louisville/
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Sellersburg Celebrates
WHAT: Fun-filled weekend for the whole family with craft booths, carnival rides, entertainment, food, balloon tethered rides (Aug. 24, 25); balloon glow (Aug. 25, 9 p.m.), parade (Aug. 26), car show and Little Miss Pageant (Aug. 26). Entertainment: DJ dance party, Egg Man and the Spoons, Juice Box Heroes, dance and cheer showcase, Outbreak, Big Steel Train.
WHERE: Silver Creek Township Park, 249 N. Fern St., Sellersburg
WHEN: Aug. 24, 5-10 p.m.; Aug. 25, 5-11 p.m.; Aug. 26, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
COST: Admission is free
MORE INFORMATION: sellersburgcelebrates.org
Old Lou Brew Craft Brew Festival
WHAT: Enjoy craft beers from 16 Kentucky independent brewers, live music by Indie band Bridge 19 and Little Band, food trucks, entertainment and more.
Participating breweries: Against The Grain, Akasha Brewing Company, Atrium Brewing, Falls City Brewing Company, Gallant Fox Brewing, Goodwood Brewing, Gravely Brewing, Holsopple Brewing, Hometown Brewing, Mile Wide Beer Company, Monnik Beer Company, Noble Funk Brewing, Old Louisville Brewery, Pivot Brewing, Ten20 Brewery, and West Sixth Brewing.
WHERE: Central Park, 1340 S. 4th St.
WHEN: Aug. 25, 6-10 p.m.
COST: $15, free for ages 18 and younger
MORE INFORMATION: Pet friendly, bring a leash for your dog. oldlouisville.org/old-lou-brew-craft-beer-fest.
Brew at the Zoo with Wine & Food Too!
WHAT: The Louisville Zoo’s annual fundraiser features tastings from craft breweries, wineries, appetizers, animal encounters, lawn games, silent disco and musical entertainment by Mary Mary (in the Oasis Field). Guest will receive twenty tickets for two-ounce pours of beer and wine. A selection of non-alcoholic products and water will also be provided.
WHERE: Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way
WHEN: Aug. 26, 5-9 p.m.
COST: $125
MORE INFORMATION: Proceeds to benefit the Louisville Zoo. For ages 21 and older. louisvillezoo.org/brew.
21st Annual WorldFest
WHAT: Louisville’s international festival is one of the most diverse, inclusive, and equitable events in the region, featuring three stages showcasing international, national, regional, and local performers; a vendor village with nearly 150 international-themed arts, crafts, merchandise, and food booths; The WorldFest Global Village and The Parade of Cultures.
WHERE: Belvedere, 141 N. 6th St.
WHEN: Sept. 1-4
MORE INFORMATION: louisvilleky.gov/government/city-events/worldfest
Mayor's Hike, Bike & Paddle
WHAT: Cyclists, paddlers, and walkers will be on the move at this annual event. Also, free fitness activities include yoga with Yoga East; Tai Chi with Nu Chapter Tai Chi Chuan and QiGong Institute, and Zumba with Nu Image Fitness.
Hike: A 4-mile walk with multiple marked turnaround points throughout. Travel from the Great Lawn and follow the Ohio River east all the way to the Beargrass Creek Pump Station
Bike: Cycle 15.7 miles from the Great Lawn to Iroquois Park and back.
Paddle: Paddlers will have the option of launching at the Harbor Lawn or the University of Louisville Boat Docks and paddle downstream to meet the other paddlers. This year’s paddle will go from the Harbor Lawn upriver to Beargrass Creek and to the pump station.
WHERE: Great Lawn, Waterfront Park
WHEN: Sept. 4. Fitness activities start at 8 a.m.; Hike, Bike & Paddle at 10 a.m.
MORE INFORMATION: louisvilleky.gov/government/city-events/mayors-hike-bike-and-paddle
Reach Features news clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Food, music and art festivals you can attend this summer Louisville
