Being within a day’s drive of over half the U.S. population, Louisville is the perfect destination for your upcoming summer road trip. From sporting events to beer to bourbon. Here we suggest 5 top drive-worthy festivals and events to attend this summer. After the year that was 2020, we have a lot of fun to make up for in 2021.
Ali Festival | June 3-13
Five years after the passing of Louisville’s native son, the annual Ali Festival celebrates Muhammad Ali’s impactful legacy and love for Louisville. With the recent societal issues that continue to shake up the world—the coronavirus pandemic, a reawakening of racial justice and equality, and a consequent downturn in the tourism industry—the 2021 Muhammad Ali Festival is crafted to provide inspiration, entertainment, education, and activation through events that generate a sense of unity, justice, and a rebirth of Muhammad Ali’s hometown. This year’s festival will feature daily screenings of CITY OF ALI, a new 81-minute documentary capturing the stories and events that occurred in Louisville during the week between his passing and his memorial.
Shakespeare Festival in Central Park| June 16 – August 15
Taking place in Old Louisville’s scenic Central Park, the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival continues its decades long tradition of providing free live action plays of some of Shakespeare’s greatest works. This year’s performances include Shakespeare in Love, Henry V, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shows begin nightly at 8pm, but guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or chair in case bench seating is unavailable. Food and drinks are available for purchase on-site and dogs are even welcome.
Kentucky Craft Bash| June 26
For one day this summer, the Kentucky Guild of Brewers will transform Louisville’s Waterfront Park into the state’s largest, most exclusive taproom during the 4th annual Kentucky Craft Bash – Kentucky’s only craft beer festival by brewers, for brewers. Only pouring beers from breweries in the Commonwealth, the Craft Bash hosts over 60 local breweries and serves more than 150 different varieties of beer. Experimental beers and collaborations that don’t go into widespread distribution and are rarely found outside of a brewery’s taproom will also be available to sample.
Abbey Road on the River| September 2-6
The long-time Beatles festival tribute has been moved from its original May 2021 dates to September 2-6, 2021 and will take place just across the river from Louisville at Big Four Station Park in Jeffersonville, IN. The Labor Day weekend festival will feature some of the best Beatles cover bands Thursday through Monday on the banks of the Ohio River. The lineup already has dozens of acts scheduled with headliners including The Fab Four, Peter Asher, the Weeklings and Gavin Pring. A smaller tribute to the popular British boy band will occur May 29-30 with the inaugural installment of Penny Lane at the Park.
Big Four Arts Festival | September 11 & 12
Following Labor Day, the 5th annual Big Four Bridge Arts Festival will be held on Waterfront Park’s Big Four Lawn, which consist of four acres of tree lined walks overlooking the Ohio River, located at the base of the popular Big Four Walking Bridge. Over 150 juried artists set up shop during the two-day event featuring mediums ranging from painting, jewelry, sculptures, photography and more. Tickets for the event are just $5 and can be purchased at the entrance of the festival.
The Louisville International Airport
The Louisville Muhammed Ali International Airport (SDF) is home of the Jerry E. Abramson Terminal Building. The Louisville International Airport along with Bowman Field (LOU) is owned and operated by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority.
Just 10 minutes from downtown, Louisville International Airport offers nonstop service and convenient connections to cities worldwide.
The airport accommodated more than 4.2 million passengers in 2019. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport ranks second in North America – and fourth in the world – in the total amount of cargo handled as we are home to the United Parcel Service (US) International air-sorting hub.
You can find a very special prices on cheapoair.com, jetradar.com, Kiwi.com, or omio.com. We recommend arriving 1.5 hours prior to your domestic flight and 2 hours if you have an international destination.
Accommodation
We suggest The Grady Hotel – Louisville’s newest hotel property for your stay. The Grady Hotel Constructed in the 1880s nestled in the heart of the downtown Market District. The building originally housed a Bourbon apothecary and at one time The Swann-Abram Hat Company. Book one of the 51-rooms or make a reservation for the Wild Swann Restaurant and Bar.
During your stay you will enjoy the Complimentary Champagne & Refreshments Upon Arrival, Concierge Services, Dramatic Lobby Fireplace, Living Room-Style Reception Space, High Ceilings, Large Windows, & Tall Library Shelving, Historical Artifacts & Artwork,
Complimentary High-Speed WiFi, Spaces To Read, Work, Meet, Dine, & Enjoy a Drink.
