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Louisville celebrates 86 years of the Iroquois Amphitheater

The octagenarian venue is still going strong.

An angular, wooden roof stands over an outdoor amphitheater.

The Iroquois Amphitheater opened in July of 1938.

Photo via Louisville Metro Government

A South End gem is celebrating a milestone this week, and it’s going to need a lot of candles on its next birthday.

This week marks the start of the 86th season for the Iroquois Ampitheater. Fun fact: It is the official amphitheater for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

It was built in 1938 over a period of just 75 days as part of a Works Progress Administration project which utilized 275 workers. The 2,348-seat venue opened to a sold-out performance of “Naughty Marietta” on July 4, 1938.

Here’s a bit of what you can do at the Amphitheater this summer:

  • See a movie. The Amphitheater is hosting family movie nights throughout the summer, including a “Paw Patrol” + “The Little Mermaid” double-feature this Saturday, April 27.
  • Catch a concert. Nationally touring acts like Kansas + The Flaming Lips will grace the Amphitheater stage this year.
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