Your guide to the 26 best things to do this summer in Louisville and Kentucky

Kathryn Gregory and Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal

Summer is almost here! But that doesn't necessarily mean endless hours of doing nothing, especially in Louisville, Kentucky.

Whether you're seeking something outdoorsy or food-related, looking for live outdoor music, or something out of the ordinary, we've got you covered.

Ready to start enjoying life? Here's our unofficial ultimate Louisville summer bucket list.

We'll update this page throughout the summer with more information and links. Did we miss something? Send a note to kadams@courier-journal.com.

Summer outdoor activities in Louisville

The Belle of Louisville passed the Big Four Bridge as they fell behind the Belle of Cincinnati during the Great Steamboat Race on the Ohio River in Louisville, Ky. on May. 1, 2024.
The Belle of Louisville passed the Big Four Bridge as they fell behind the Belle of Cincinnati during the Great Steamboat Race on the Ohio River in Louisville, Ky. on May. 1, 2024.

Here are 10 things to do in Louisville now that the weather is getting warmer: Looking to get outdoors? Here are 10 free, or not too expensive, ways to get outdoors now that the weather is warming up.

Kentucky Kingdom opens soon! What to know from tickets to rides: Kentucky Kingdom opens for the season soon! When does Kentucky Kingdom open in 2024? How much do tickets cost? Passes? Rides? Hotels? What to know.

Here are 8 places to hike in and around Louisville to find wildflowers: Even when it's no longer wildflower season, these suggestions are great locations to enjoy an outdoor stroll or adventure.

Courier Journal columnist Maggie Menderski hiked up the trail on a recent outing to Tioga Falls in Radcliff, Ky.
Courier Journal columnist Maggie Menderski hiked up the trail on a recent outing to Tioga Falls in Radcliff, Ky.

Take a break from the city with these 5 hiking spots within 50 miles of Louisville: If you’re looking to step away from the noise of the city, there are several spots that are just an easy drive away. Whether you're a novice or an experienced hiker, here are a few places to try.

Here are 5 single-day outdoor excursions within an hour of Louisville: If you haven't already explored the many Metro Parks and Olmsted Conservancy Parks, you might start there. But if you are itching to feel like you have traveled somewhere — even just 20 miles from home — we have a few family-friendly suggestions to get you started.

Pickleball courts are available at Goodbounce Pickleball Yard on River Shore Drive off River Road in Louisville. The establishment opened Monday. Pickleball is played like tennis but the court is the size of a doubles badminton court. Pickleball was invented in 1965 as a children't game in Washington state but since then has become one of the fastest-growing sports. April 17, 2023

Do you love pickleball? Here are 5 new places to play in Louisville: Louisville is no stranger to the love of pickleball, seeing a slew of new facilities open over the last few years, with more coming soon.

More: Looking for a new restaurant in Louisville? Try these recommendations around the area

Here are 10 parks, green spaces getting facelifts in Louisville in 2024: In some cases, the improvements include new pickleball courts or swimming pools. On the other hand, the projects include new parks for the city.

Bourbon, markets and outdoor dining in Louisville

Strawberries picked at Eckert's Orchard in Versailles, Kentucky.
Strawberries picked at Eckert's Orchard in Versailles, Kentucky.

Louisville's farmers markets are now open. Here's your 2024 guide: Spring is in full force, and that means it's farmers market season. Here's what to know about these 30 Louisville-area farmers markets.

It's almost strawberry season! Here are 10 places near Louisville to go strawberry picking: Here are 10 places near the Louisville area that offer you-pick strawberries and other fall fruits and treats.

Looking for locally grown food? Check out these farm-to-table options: As family farms face historic headwinds, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs can bring stability to farms and nutrition to communities.

Latte art at Bean in Germantown.
Latte art at Bean in Germantown.

12 must-try Louisville coffee shops, cafes with outdoor seating: Nothing says nice weather like a coffee (hot or iced!) on an outdoor patio. And Louisville has tons of places where you can sip and sit outside.

More: New grocery stores, shops, distilleries, hotels and more opening around Louisville in 2024

30+ bars and restaurants have opened so far in Louisville in 2024: Save this list for the next time you want to try a new restaurant in Louisville — and let us know about any new places around town we missed.

Check out the 9 newest distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: The Kentucky Distillers' Association has added nine new distilleries to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour in the past two years.

We took a Louisville Food Tour in NuLu and visited 7 restaurants. Was it worth the hype?: Here's a look at the history of Louisville Food Tours, the idea behind the company, and why you should add the experience to your must-try list.

Concerts and shows in Louisville

WFPK's free Waterfront Wedneday concert series at Louisville's Waterfront Park
WFPK's free Waterfront Wedneday concert series at Louisville's Waterfront Park

Waterfront Wednesday is back! Here's the 2024 free concert lineup: For a 22nd season, 91.9 WFPK, has announced its lineup for Waterfront Wednesday, the free monthly outdoor concert series at Waterfront Park. This season's headliners include Phosphorescent, Pokey LaFarge, Paula Cole, Modern English, Matthew Sweet, and Dark Side of the Wall.

Free Kentucky Shakespeare Festival returns for its 64th season. Here's what to know: The free Kentucky Shakespeare Festival promises your summer will be filled with comedy, romance, and magic. Here's what to know about the 2024 season.

The crowd at Bourbon & Beyond on the final day, Sunday, September 17, 2023
The crowd at Bourbon & Beyond on the final day, Sunday, September 17, 2023

Who's performing at Bourbon & Beyond 2024? See the full lineup: Bourbon & Beyond returns to Louisville Sept. 19-22 at the Highland Festival Grounds. Here's your complete guide with ticket information and lineup.

Who's performing at Louder Than Life 2024? See the full lineup: Louder Than Life returns to Louisville Sept. 26-29 at the Highland Festival Grounds. Here's your complete guide with ticket information and lineup.

Louisville Ballet 2024-25 season includes 'Nutcracker,' Jack Harlow & more. What to know: Louisville Ballet's 2024-25 season features a mix of contemporary and classic performances, including Jack Harlow-inspired "502" and "Cinderella." Here's what to know.

More: More than 30 bars and restaurants have opened so in Louisville this year: See the full list

Actors Theatre of Louisville announces 2024–25 season. What to expect: The 11 shows that will make up the 2024-25 Actors Theatre of Louisville season are a diverse collection of music, theater and fun. What to expect.

Louisville Orchestra has announced its 2024-2025 season, which kicks off in September and features a range of concerts led by music director Teddy Abrams.
Louisville Orchestra has announced its 2024-2025 season, which kicks off in September and features a range of concerts led by music director Teddy Abrams.

Louisville Orchestra announces its 2024-25 season. Here's the full lineup: The 2024-25 Louisville Orchestra season includes "Carmina Burana," 'Rick Steves' Europe," multiple film concerts, including "Harry Potter" and more.

Uniquely Kentucky travel

Joy Ride is a tourism campaign supported by Team Kentucky through the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
Joy Ride is a tourism campaign supported by Team Kentucky through the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.

Kentucky's Joy Ride campaign is all about slow travel. What that means: Rather than a whirlwind trip changing locations every two to three days, slow travel is a more authentic experience. How you can do that in Kentucky.

7 Kentucky towns you should visit on your next in-state road trip: If you are itching to slow down in a small town, here are seven you should visit soon.

Exploring Mammoth Cave: Your guide to a unique Kentucky attraction: Mammoth Cave is a Kentucky icon. From fees to hotels to times of operation, here's what you should know if you're planning a visit.

Riders were treated to a 10-mile round-trip scenic view of bourbon distilleries and horse farms aboard Rail Explorers railbikes in Versailles, Ky. on July 27, 2023.
Riders were treated to a 10-mile round-trip scenic view of bourbon distilleries and horse farms aboard Rail Explorers railbikes in Versailles, Ky. on July 27, 2023.

Rail Explorers railbike tour opens in Kentucky. Here's what to know: Bluegrass Rail Explorer is a new Kentucky company offering unique adventures on pedal-assist railbikes along a seldom-used railroad track.

Louisville Whiskey Row Walking Tour: Blend history with bourbon tasting: Known as "The Bourbon Baron," Drew Shryock's Whiskey Row Walking Tour in downtown Louisville is the perfect blend of bourbon history with tastings.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville summer activity guide things to do, places, attractions 2024

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