Louisville Parks and Recreation and JenCare Senior Medical Center are hosting the third annual Music in the Park, a free concert series designed for people ages 55 and older, located in parks around the city of Louisville!

Music in the Park will take place on the third Thursday of the month now through October. Those attending the concerts should bring a lawn chair or blanket, as seating is limited.

September's concert will be at Petersburg Park featuring music by Paulette Johnson & The VillEffect Band! In case of rain or extreme heat, the festivities will move indoors to the Newburg Community Center. 

Along with live music, several community vendors will be set up at the event to provide valuable health related information to patrons. Complimentary lunch will be provided while supplies last. Free ice cream from Brain Freeze: Cones for a Cause will also be served.

Call Wilderness Road Senior Center at (502) 964-5151 for more information.

5008 E. Indian Trail, Louisville, KY 40218

Enjoy Twilight Thursdays at Churchill Downs! You can bet on $2 select domestic beer, live music, food trucks and more from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Grove.

Live music performed by Sweet Lady. Food trucks include Red Top Hot Dogs, Mr. C's Cheesecakes, Cooper Kitchen, Celtic Pig, and Annie Up Pizza.

Gates open at 4 p.m. Come out and enjoy the thrill of Thoroughbred racing! Get your tickets here. 

700 Central Ave., Louisville, KY, 40208

Get ready, Loudmouths! Louder Than Life will return to Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center this weekend! Thursday through Sunday enjoy music from talented bands like Foo Fighters, Godsmack, Avenged Sevenfold, Green Day, and more! 

Enjoy live music and so much more with the Big Bourbon Bar, The Music Experience, the Bulleit Arcade, and other fun activities! 

Check out the event map and FAQ here. 

Gates open each day at 12 p.m. Get your tickets here. 

1016 Phillips Ln., Louisville, KY 40209

What's better than donuts or beer? Donuts AND beer!

Atrium Brewing and North Lime Donuts have teamed up to bring you a donut day celebration like no other. To celebrate their businesses anniversaries, they will be releasing a special Atrium / North Lime Donuts collaboration beer, Daryk's food truck will be offering donut burger and a sandwich special, and more!

Sign up to take on the Donut Eating Contest! Sign-ups start at 6 p.m. with the contest beginning at 7 p.m. Cheers!

1154 Logan St., Louisville, KY 40204

The Downtown Drive-In is an outdoor movie night series, taking place at Brown-Forman Amphitheater on select Friday nights through October.

Movies will begin at sundown, with the amphitheater open an hour before to allow guests to grab their spot in the theater. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase with beer from Ten20 Brewery, lemonade from Amiracle Ade Company, and gourmet popcorn from Froggy's Popcorn. Movie-goers are also welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the viewing.

This Friday's movie is Up (2009), rated PG.

No tickets are required for the outdoor film screenings, but guests are encouraged to arrive early to save their spot. The Downtown Drive-In events are weather dependent.

1301 River Rd., Louisville, KY 40202

Join the Louisville Nature Center for the first annual Pawpaw Festival this Saturday starting at 11 a.m.! This free community event will feature guided hikes, engaging workshops, local vendors, music, food, tastings, and more family friendly fun.

Event schedule: 

• 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.: Workshop: How to Grow Pawpaws
• 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Guided hike
• 12:30 to 1:20 p.m.: Workshop: Foraging 
• 1:30 to 2:20 p.m.: Workshop: Pawpaw Tasting
• 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Guided hike
• 2:15 to 3:45 p.m.: Live music

Participants for the guided hikes and workshops will be first come, first serve. 

Donations are greatly appreciated. 

3745 Illinois Ave., Louisville, KY 40213

Family Fun Days at KMAC Museum are free fun-filled days of programming for families and friends of all ages! 

During the Fall Family Fun Day, visitors can expect free admission, art making activities, music, and more! This Family Fun Day is inspired by the work featured in Old Roads and Broken Records: A Solo Show by Nick Doyle and The Birth of Flowers: A Solo Show by Marisa Adesman.

Schedule: 

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Fiber Collage with Denim in the Education Studio
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Paper Sculpture Community Artwork on the First Floor 
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Dolly's Imagination Library Table 
• 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.: UofL Music Therapy Clinic Performances

715 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202

Grab your headphones and vibe out to multiple DJs while each one tries to turn the party to completely their color on the headphones! Enjoy food and drink specials all night long and check out the Smokeasy lounge with cigars and music in the parking lot. 

The Legacy Photo Booth Co. will be set up to capture those moments throughout the night for you as DJ John Q, DJ Empty Beats, and DJ Slikk control the silent disco tunes. 

For birthday tables, reservations, and more information call (502) 417-6791. 

Get your tickets here. 

1821 W. Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40203

The Kicking Butt 5K is all about raising awareness that colon cancer can be prevented through timely screening. Join the Colon Cancer Prevention Project as they bring together survivors, fighters, advocates, healthcare providers and community partners to eliminate preventable colon cancer death and suffering.

This year’s theme is “Beat the Clock!” The race features a scenic paved route at Waterfront Park in downtown Louisville, commemorative race shirts, free race photos, chip timing by RaceRise, Overall & Age group awards, a free Kids Dash (1/4 mile), and more! 

Packet pickup will be held on Friday, September 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the end of the roundabout at the offices of the Colon Cancer Prevention Project (1640 Lyndon Farm Ct., #108, Louisville, KY 40223).

Race morning packet pickup will also be available from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. at Waterfront Park.

Register to be a part of the Kicking Butt 5K here. 

1001 River Rd., Louisville, KY 40206

Don't miss out on the 13th annual NuLu Fest taking place this Saturday! The street will be shut down for the block party celebrating the continued growth and revitalization of Louisville’s East Market District. NuLu Fest features local food, craft beers, bourbons, local and regional vendors, and live music.

Live music from SonaBLAST! records artists include Ben Fugate & The Burning Trash Band, Mod Kiddo, Luke Powers, The Daddy Sisters, and Kiana & The Sun Kings.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Please no pets at the event.

600 - 900 blocks of E. Market St., Louisville, KY 40202

Pajama Jam 2023 is an attempt to break the record for the biggest pajama party at Lynn Family Stadium as a fundraiser for the local chapter of Make a Wish.

The event will feature many fun activities including PJ Jam Bed Races, Pillow Olympics, a live DJ, photo booth opportunities, the Wacky Onesie Contest, and more! 

All concession stands in the stadium will be open serving a variety of food and drinks. Admission for adults in PJ's is $15, children 12 and under are free. 

For more info and to register, click here. 

350 Adams St., Louisville, KY 40206

Head to the Portland Museum this Saturday and be a part of their biggest event of the year! Alongside a full slate of local vendors and arts workshops, come see a new exhibit featuring Portland artists, a live performance from The Louisville Leopard Percussionists at 2 p.m., a free yoga course from Kentucky Yoga Initiative at 11 a.m., free treatments from Tip It Forward starting at noon, puppet DJing from Squallis Puppeteers all day, and so much more!

Start your day with a run, jog, walk, or roll through some of Portland's most beautiful vantage points with the Portland Almost 5K. Sign up to participate in the Portland Almost 5K here. 

The Portland Art & Heritage Fair is free to attend. Learn more here. 

2308 Portland Ave., Louisville, KY 40212

Immerse yourself at the Falls of the Ohio as Spectre Jones and Laura Elliott are joined by The Highlanders for a one-of-a-kind concert on the 390-million-year-old fossil beds at the Falls of the Ohio State Park! 

A place steeped in history, the Falls of the Ohio’s unique beauty will highlight the amazing styles and sounds of these incredible artists. All proceeds benefit the mission of the Falls of the Ohio Foundation.

Members of the Falls of the Ohio Foundation receive a 10% discount on ticket prices with promo code fallsmember.

Event schedule:

• 4 p.m.: Event open
• 5 to 6 p.m.: The Highlanders
• 6 to 7:15 p.m.: Laura Elliott
• 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.: Spectre Jones

Get your tickets to Rock the Rocks here. 

201 W. Riverside Dr., Clarksville, IN 47129

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party returns to Louisville this weekend with 3 epic performances! The one-of-a-kind event brings audiences the only opportunity to see real-life versions of the famous Hot Wheels monster truck toys in the DARK! Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, Boneshaker™, Bigfoot® and more, plus the all-new Gunkster™, will light up the floor in outrageous monster trucks competitions and battles.

Event performances will also feature a dazzling dance party, spectacular laser light shows and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Plus, a special appearance from the car-eating, fire-breathing transforming robot MEGASAURUS, and the electrifying high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Freestyle Motocross!

Special kids pricing is available for all shows providing a great value for the whole family!

Show times are Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Get your tickets here. 

1 Arena Plaza, Louisville, KY 40202

Since its inception, Copper & Kings Distillery has provided sanctuary to the endangered eastern migratory monarch butterfly species with a dedicated 4,300 square foot Monarch butterfly way station lush with critical pollinators, including milkweed which is the only place the monarch lays its eggs.

Copper & Kings will host Brandy for Butterflies, coinciding with the fall migration, to celebrate and raise money for Re-Wilding Louisville, while featuring a monarch tag and release in partnership with Idlewild Butterfly Farm and Insecaritum.

The event will feature specialty cocktails and food from Copper & Kings that showcases local, native ingredients, a selection of local vendors, and a live soulful pop jams provided by Nick Lozano.

Donations accepted for Release raffle. Raffle winners to release tagged monarchs.

Brandy for Butterflies is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. Proceeds from the event will benefit Re-Wilding Louisville, a collaborative organization that plants Native Pollinator Gardens for Louisville area non-profit organizations.

1121 E. Washington St., Louisville, KY 40206

Mark your calendars for a special outdoor vintage market happening in Paristown featuring a free performance by The Crashers in Christy's Garden!

Explore dozens of vendor shops lining Brent Street featuring vintage items, antiques, collectibles, vinyl, artwork, decor, and more.

The Vintage Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the live performance by The Crashers from 2 to 4 p.m.

731 Brent St., Louisville, KY 40204

Join the Tyler Park Neighborhood Association for the 14th annual "Sundays in September" Jazz Festival! The concert series takes place in the lower part of Tyler Park, and runs from 4 to 6 p.m.

This Sunday, enjoy the UofL Jazz Ensemble. Grab a blanket or lawn chair, your friends and neighbors, and enjoy live jazz for the final Sunday in September!

1501 Castlewood Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

This Sunday’s Sunday Sunset Music Series features bluegrass group, back by popular demand, Bourbon Revival. 

Come spread out under the shaded lawn with blankets and chairs located by the horse pasture. The 1792 barn serves as the stage backdrop and offers a spectacular sunset view. It’s the perfect place to meet friends and family for a fun night out!

Explore the grounds and enjoy feeding the farm animals along the fence line. Food and merchandise are available for purchase. 

Upcoming Sunday Sunset Music Series include:

• October 1st: The legendary Jug Band group, The Juggernauts

Admission is $20 per carload at the entrance. Cash appreciated.

3200 Tucker Station Rd., Louisville, KY 40299

Join 91.9 WFPK and Waterfront Park for the final Waterfront Wednesday concert of 2023 featuring Back 2 Mac (9 p.m.), Sheryl Rouse Band (7:30 p.m.) and Sweet G & The Shine (6 p.m.).

The gates open at 5 p.m., with music beginning promptly at 6 p.m. Waterfront KidsDay, a dedicated area for kids and families to do hands-on activities and fun will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during each month’s show and is made possible with support from Francis Parker School and Kentucky Science Center.

Also new this year, you can enter to win a reserved parking space at each of the 2023 shows, backstage access and event swag. Click here to enter for a chance to win the Super Fan prize package. 

The free concerts take place on the Big Four Lawn in Louisville’s Waterfront Park. The Big Four Lawn is located next to the Big Four Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge. 

1101 E. River Rd., Louisville, KY 40206

APRON Inc presents the next edition of their Happy Hour Friend-Raiser at ShopBar! Meet and Greet APRON Inc Board Members and learn all about APRON Inc's mission and more.

Along with a complimentary Green River KY Straight Bourbon tasting, food by Jay's Food Truck, and a special cocktail concocted for the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to Spin the Wheel to win swag or two tickets to Taste of Louisville! 

To learn more and to donate to APRON Inc, click here. 

950 Barret Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

Join the Office for Immigrant Affairs as they celebrate Welcoming Month with lots of wonderful events and activities! These inclusive events are aimed at celebrating the city’s welcoming environment.

In 2018, Louisville became the second city nationwide to be designated as a Certified Welcoming city. This designation was renewed in October 2022 after a rigorous review process of the city’s welcoming infrastructure. Louisville boasts a connected community that is welcoming to all that choose to make Louisville home, regardless of their place of origin. 

Welcoming Month events include:

• Walk A Mile in my Shoes, September 22
• Aflora, September 24
• Asian Night Market, September 30

Interested in volunteering at an event? Click here to sign up. 

Various locations. 

In 2007, the U.S. Senate declared the first National Bourbon Heritage Month to occur annually in September. 

Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month with so many wonderful activities and events around the city. Learn how to make an Old Fashioned cocktail, attend Bourbon and Beyond, check out a bourbon tour, learn how to cook with bourbon, and so much more! 

View more Bourbon Heritage Month events here. 

Various locations. 

Enjoy the beauty of Iroquois Amphitheatre all summer long during the Iroquois Park Free Movie Night! The upcoming free movies are:

• September 20: Godzilla (NR) 
• September 27: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R) 

Gates open at 7:30 p.m. for concessions and door prizes.

1080 Amphitheater Rd., Louisville, KY 40214

Visit beautiful Colonial Gardens this summer during the Summer in the Gardens series! 

The next opportunity to groove on the Patio is September 22nd with the "Summer in the Gardens" radio show/live band from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by Ethan and Joey on the Patio from 7 to 9 p.m.! There are several more to enjoy on the patio the rest of the summer as well as great bands and performers all summer long at Iroquois Amphitheater! 

To view the full list of performances at Summer in the Gardens, click here. 

818 W. Kenwood Dr., Louisville, KY 40214

Each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. experience Food Truck Wednesdays at 4th Street between Jefferson and Market Streets! Louisville Downtown Partnership has curated many amazing food trucks to serve lunchtime patrons each Wednesday!

The street will be closed off to vehicular traffic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each week. Food trucks will serve food from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Come on over to 4th Street and eat some delicious, local food!

S. 4th St. between Jefferson and Market, Louisville, KY

The Food Truck Clinic is a one-stop-shop where food and beverage vendors can get the green light from the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, Louisville Division of Fire and Jefferson County Fire Service, and Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to legally sell food and drinks to the public.

Every Thursday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., from now until Oct. 19, food trucks and other mobile vendors can stop by the alley at Armory Place, behind the Metro Development Center to get their permits to operate.

The Food Truck Clinic not only benefits vendors, but community members, too. Each Thursday, the public is invited to the clinic to enjoy food and beverages after food trucks get the go ahead to open.

444 S. 5th St., Louisville, KY 40202