From concerts to WorldFest: Here's 15+ ways to celebrate Labor Day in Louisville
Labor Day weekend is the last holiday of the summer and in Louisville, there are tons of fun activities and events on deck, starting with a concert with Parrotheads in Paristown, a huge flea market; WorldFest, a full-blown festival to honor the diverse population and different cultures, The Mayor's Hike, Bike and Paddle and more. Here is a list of things to do around Louisville for the (last!) holiday weekend of the summer.
SEPTEMBER 1
Parrotheads in Paristown: Trop Rock Music Festival
WHAT: This music festival presented by Derby Parrotheads features a lineup of Jimmy Buffet tribute artists and trop rock bands. Also, photo activations, tasty food trucks, drink vendors and giveaways.
Performers include:
Friday: John Allan Miller (5 p.m.); Peter & Brendan Mayer (6:30 p.m.); Conch Republic (8:30 p.m.)
Saturday: Sandbar Soul (1 p.m.); Rum Monday (2:45 p.m.); Dan Sullivan (4:30 p.m.); Jonas Lorence Band (6 p.m.); Johnny Russler & The Beach Bum Band (8:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Christy’s Garden, 731 Brent St.
WHEN: Sept. 1, 5-10:30 p.m.; Sept. 2, 1-10:30 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $25, free for ages 10 and younger with an adult; $125 for a reserved garden table (add-on).
MORE INFORMATION: No outside food, beverage, coolers, large bags, or weapons permitted. paristown.com.
Kentucky Flea Market Labor Day Spectacular
WHAT: Shop the annual Labor Day Spectacular which will have more than 600 booths filled with quality dealers selling antiques, jewelry, clothes, and more.
WHEN: Sept. 1 and 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sept. 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: West Wing and Pavilion at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane
COST: Free admission. Parking is $12 per vehicle with $6 cash back with any purchase.
MORE INFORMATION: kyexpo.org.
Red Clay Strays
WHAT: Born and bred in the red dirt clay of south Alabama, Brandon Coleman (lead vocals/guitar), Drew Nix (vocals/electric guitar/harmonica), Zach Rishel (electric guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass) and John Hall (drums), blended their unique individualities and influences together to create a band with a rare sincerity that is not often seen in today’s industry.
WHERE: Mercury Ballroom, 611 S. 4th St.
WHEN: Sept. 1, 8 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $16
MORE INFORMATION: mercuryballroom.com.
Murder by Death
WHAT: Murder by Death is a band of meticulous and literary songwriters matched by a specific brand of brooding, anthem-riding balladry and orchestral indie rock. With special guest American Aquarium.
WHERE: Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Road
WHEN: Sept. 1, 9 p.m.
COST: $30 advance, $35 day of show
MORE INFORMATION: headlinerslouisville.com.
Punk Rock Night
WHAT: With Tiger Sex, Indignant Few, The Response and Mommy’s Cigarettes.
WHERE: Zanzabar, 2100 S. Preston St.
WHEN: Sept. 1, 8 p.m.
COST: $15
MORE INFORMATION: For ages 21 and older. zanzabarlouisville.com.
An-ten-nae
WHAT: With Austin Found and Slick.
WHERE: Zanzabar, 2100 S. Preston St.
WHEN: Sept. 1, 11:55 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $10
MORE INFORMATION: For ages 21 and older. zanzabarlouisville.com.
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. 1-3, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sept. 4, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: louisvilleky.gov/government/city-events/worldfest.
SEPTEMBER 2
The Black Boy Narratives
WHAT: The Black Narratives is a play of monologues written by Christian Loriel Lucas. In 2021, Christian began interviewing Black males between the ages of 5 to 25. She recorded their personal stories and reflections, which later inspired the play.
WHERE: Martin Experimental Theater, The Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
WHEN: Sept. 2, noon
COST: Free, tickets are not required
MORE INFORMATION: kentuckyperformingarts.org.
BroCode: A Storytelling Event
WHAT: Featuring Def Jam poet Black Ice, spoken word artist and storytellers Lance Newman, Deep C. Rice and Tripp Fontane. Host: Elliot Kelly, Jr. Music by DJ John Q.
WHERE: Martin Experimental Theater, The Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
WHEN: Sept. 2, 7 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $20
MORE INFORMATION: Recommended for ages 18 and older. kentuckyperformingarts.org.
Fleur De Flea Vintage Urban Market
WHAT: More than 200 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, vinyl, vintage, handmade and repurposed furniture, and more; food trucks, pop-up bars and beer gardens with local breweries.
WHEN: Sept. 2, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Festival Plaza, Waterfront Park, 231 Witherspoon St.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: Pets are welcome on a leash. ourwaterfront.org/events.
Racing Louisville City FC vs Portland Thorns FC
WHAT: Racing Louisville City FC takes on the Portland Thorns FC
WHERE: Lynn Family Stadium, 350 Adams St.
WHEN: Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $17
MORE INFORMATION: racingloufc.com.
Yoke Lore
WHAT: Yoke Lore layers like Bon Iver, beats like M83 and gets to the heart of things like Phoebe Bridgers. With Girlhouse.
WHERE: Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Road
WHEN: Sept. 2, 8 p.m.
COST: $20
MORE INFORMATION: All ages event. headlinerslouisville.com
Music Under the Stars
WHAT: Celebrate Iroquois Amphitheater's 85th Anniversary with performances of musical numbers from the 'Golden Age of Musical Theater.' In partnership with American Musical Productions, they will perform music from “Naughty Marietta,” “Show Boat,” “The Desert Song,” “Anything Goes,” “The Student Prince” and more. Featuring soloists Emily Albrink, Chad Sloan, Erin Alcorn, Tristan Tournaud, and a 25-piece orchestra and chorus under the direction of Joseph Rubin.
WHERE: Iroquois Amphitheater, 1080 Amphitheater Road
WHEN: Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: iroquoisamphitheater.com.
More: 'The hit parade': How Broadway shaped the 85-year history of Louisville's Iroquois Amphitheater
All White Yacht Labor Day Weekend Party
WHAT: There will be two party cruises, a day and a night cruise. Enjoy the three-hour cruises with DJ's Darryl Jaye and C-Wiz, deluxe buffet with tea, water, and coke products all included. Cash bar available on the second floor.
WHERE: Captain Quarters, 5700 Captains Quarters Road
WHEN: Sept. 2. Day party, 2-5 p.m.; night, 7-10 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $99.99
MORE INFORMATION: All white attire is required to board (shoes and accessories are an exception). Giveaways during both cruises. eventbrite.com.
SEPTEMBER 3
Cannons
WHAT: The trio includes Michelle Joy, vocals; Ryan Clapham, lead guitar; and Paul Davis, drums performing alternative electro-pop. With special guests Constellation and Jane Leo.
WHERE: Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Road
WHEN: Sept. 3, 8 p.m.
COST: $27.50 advance; $32.50 day of show; $94 VIP and includes meet and greet, general admission ticket, early entry, photo with Cannons, intimate Q&A with Cannons, crowd-free merchandise shopping.
MORE INFORMATION: All ages event. headlinerslouisville.com.
Pardon Our Pride Drag Brunch
WHAT: Drag show and lunch buffet.
WHERE: Zanzabar, 2100 S. Preston St.
WHEN: Sept. 3, noon
COST: $35
MORE INFORMATION: For ages 21 and older. zanzabarlouisville.com.
Goodtimers Labor Day Day Party
WHAT: Music by DJ Bandcamp and DJ YK, cigar lounge provided by Easy Lounge. All white attire is requested but not mandatory.
WHERE: Old Forester Paristown Hall, 724 Brent St.
WHEN: Sept. 2, 6-11 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $22
MORE INFORMATION: Stylish and fitted attire required. Must be 21 and over with proper ID to enter. kentuckyperformingarts.org; goodtimersentertainment.com.
Louisville Bats Backyard Bash
WHAT: Celebrate Labor Day Eve at Louisville Slugger Field. Enjoy music by Jake & Elwood and the Boys, craft beer tastings, food, and family activities including face painting, inflatables, and fireworks by Zambelli to cap off the night.
WHERE: Louisville Slugger Field, 401 E. Main St.
WHERE: Sept. 3, 5-9:30 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $10; $20 for admission and meal (hamburger or hot dog, chips, and all-you-can drink-fountain soda).
MORE INFORMATION: Bring canned food donations to support the Dare to Care Food Bank and receive a free small popcorn. milb.com/louisville/ballpark/upcomingevents.
SEPTEMBER 4
Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle
WHAT: Enjoy hiking, biking and paddling and various fitness activities from yoga and Zumba to Tai Chi at the Mayor's Hike, Bike and Paddle.
Hikers: This year’s hike will consist of a 4-mile walk with multiple marked turnaround points throughout. From the Great Lawn follow the Ohio River east to Beargrass Creek Pump Station.
Bikers: Cycle from the Great Lawn to Shawnee Park and back. The roads will be closed for safe travel and there will be individuals riding along to help with any roadside assistance
Paddlers: Will have the option of launching at the Harbor Lawn or the University of Louisville Boat Docks and paddling downstream to meet the other paddlers. This year’s paddle will go from the Harbor Lawn downriver to the McAlpine Locks, through the locks, and to the Shawnee Park Boat Ramp.
Free fitness activities include Yoga with Yoga East, Tai Chi with Nu Chapter Tai Chi Chuan & QiGong Institute, and Zumba with Nu Image Fitness.
WHERE: Great Lawn, Waterfront Park, 231 E Witherspoon St.
WHEN: Sept. 4. Fitness activities will begin at 8 a.m. The Hike, Bike & Paddle will begin at 10 a.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: Presented by Norton Sports Health. hikebikeandpaddle.org.
You may like: Ever wanted to paddle through the McAlpine Locks at the Falls of the Ohio? Now you can.
Reach Features news clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Labor Day 2023: Louisville events and celebrations in the city
