July is hot in Kentucky but that doesn’t stop the outdoor fun in Louisville, Kentucky. With everything going on this month in the city, there is something for everyone.
Tuesday, July 3rd
Fifth Third Bank Waterfront Independence Festival
This is event is Louisville’s “official” July 4th celebration, and features concerts, a kids area, and fireworks. The celebration will be held on both the 3rd and 4th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Waterfront Park. For more information call (502) 574-3768 or visit the Fifth Third Bank Waterfront Independence Festival website.
Wednesday, July 4th
24th Annual Crescent Hill Fourth of July Celebration
Crescent Hills will hold their annual Fourth of July Celebration at the Peterson Dumesnil House located at 301 South Peterson Street. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will end at 10 p.m. Activities include a 5K Run/Walk, Bike Ride, car parade, food court, and arts and crafts. For additional information please visit Crescent Hill’s website.
Friday, July 6th
First Friday Gallery Hop
Presented by the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) and Louisville’s Downtown galleries, this event takes place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. It includes free TARC trolley rides along Main, Market, and 4th Street Corridors allowing you to visit participating galleries for artist openings, socializing, refreshments painting, sculpture, photography and glass art. For more information visit the First Friday Gallery Hop website.
Saturday, July 7th
Summerfest Threshing Days
This event is held at Otter Creek Park, which is celebrating it’s 70th Birthday this year, and will take place on both the 7th and the 8th. Festivities will include crafts, live music, kid’s games, antique tractors, and farm equipment displays. In addition camping fees at Otter Creek Park’s campground will only be $0.37 per campsite on this weekend. For more information please visit Otter Creek Park’s website.
14th Annual Old Louisville “Hidden Treasures” Garden Tour
This annual event will take place on both the 7th and 8th, and will focus on five blocks of gardens along South Third Street. The tour will feature a Victorian Carriage House, and eight private gardens. This event also includes a Silent Auction, “Art in the Garden” at the DuPont Mansion B&B;, and an exhibit of miniature trees displayed by the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society. Tickets, which cost $10 if purchased in advance or $12 the day of the tour, are good for both days of the tour. For more information please visit The Old Louisville website.
Sunday, July 8th
Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social
This Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social, which will run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., will include activities such as musical entertainment, children’s games, a miniature train-ride, horse-drawn carriage rides, farm animal petting zoo, magical entertainment, tours of the Farnsley-Moremen House, and an ice cream eating contest. Admission to the event is free, but some activities will charge a fee. For more information please call (502) 935-6809.
Friday, July 13th
Louisville Blues-n-Barbeque Festival
This annual event has been in existence since 1998, and will take place on both the 13th and 14th. Gates will be open from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday, and from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $6 before 6 p.m. and $9 after 6 p.m. For more information call (502) 583-0333.
Friday, July 20th
6th Annual Lebowski Fest
This annual event will be held at Executive Strike and Spare, and will last from the 20th until the 22nd. This event includes costumes, trivia contests, and bowling. For more information please visit the event’s website.
Friday, July 27th
Forecastle Festival
The Forecastle Festival will take place at Waterfront Park on the 27th and 28th, and will feature musicians, artists, and activists. For more information please visit the Forecastle Festival website.
Saturday, July 28th
Gospel Show and Buffet
Joe Huber Family Fun and Restaurant will host the Melody Boys Southern Gospel Concert from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information call (812) 923- 5255, or visit Joe Huber’s website.
