ZooTales: Louisville Zoo hosts a wonderful storytelling event designed for children, with guest authors and free drinks and snacks. It’s great for children from across the world, as everyone loves a good story.
Louisville Auto Show: hosted by the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, this auto show is a must for car lovers. There are vintage cars displays, previews of the newest models and lots of family entertainment.
Norton Southwest Hospital Easter Egg Hunt: this is a free Easter egg hunt which is held annually in mid-March and is hugely popular with children. There are over 12,000 eggs up for grabs as well as other prizes. It’s great fun for all of the family.
Hats and Haute Couture: this event is held at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, and is aimed at helping visitors find the perfect Derby Hat while enjoying a glass or two of an Hpnotiq cocktail and appreciating the museum's artwork.
Rodes City Run: held in late March, this annual race is held at Louisville Slugger Field and sees over 6,000 participants of all ages run every year.
Running of the Rodents: is a sporting event with a difference. Visitors will be able to watch a well-prepared rat race, a rat parade, a rat hat competitions and a fruit-loop eating contest.
Annual Oaks Brunch Fundraiser: this is the perfect way to kick start the Derby weekend. There are cocktails on offer, craft stalls and a silent auction. There is always a guaranteed feast and live music.
Kentucky Derby: is the biggest event of the year, sporting and otherwise. It is just a two-minute race, but it attracts thousands of spectators, with the woman showing off their impressive hats. The race is held at Churchill Downs and if you are visiting in May, you should take a gamble and place your bet.
Kentuckiana Pride Festival: held in mid-June, this is a major event for gay people across the state. Thousands take to the street during Gay Pride, which is always great fun regardless of your lifestyle.
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom Music Festival and Conference: held in late June, this four-day event offers 200 musical performances across 10 stages. Crowds gather in their thousands to come and hear their favourite artists sing. It is held at the Six Flags theme park, which also allows for a great family day out.
Dew Action Sports Tour: this event features skateboard, BMX and motocross competitions as well as exhibitions and displays of equipment. Many competitors take part to try and win the prestigious first prize.
Lebowski Fest: is annual celebration that ensures fun and entertainment. Bowling competitions are held, fancy-dress costumes are paraded, film premiers are shown and celebrities make appearances. It is a great time to be in the city.
National Quartet Convention: this is the gospel event of the year. It has been running since 1957 and is reputed to be the oldest gospel quartet convention in the South. You will have the chance to listen to 80 quartets perform to thousands of people.
Bourbon Ball: this is an annual fundraiser that has been running since 1985. The ball is black-tie and is a chance for everyone to put on their finest apparel and enjoy themselves – all in the name of charity.
Race for the Cure: held in early October, this is another charitable event which aims to raise money for breast cancer. It attracts over 10,000 participants every year.
Breeders Cup: not as popular as the Derby, although still attracting large crowds, this annual race is held at Churchill Downs, where spectators have the chance to watch jockeys compete for the title and cash prize.
North American International Livestock Exposition: is the largest livestock fair in the world. There are nine different livestock competitions as well as a large selection of wholesalers.
Christmas Gift and Décor Show: held at the Kentucky fair and Exposition Center, visitors can browse over 700 stalls which are filled with gifts and crafts. Santa is available for photos with the children.
