LOUtoday reader Maggie S. snapped this pic of Chappell Roan performing at last year’s Kentuckiana Pride Festival. | Photo courtesy Danny Wimmer Presents
School is out, it might start getting warmer, and we have 12+ hours of daylight every single day. That can only mean one thing: Summer is here.
We’ve rounded up the best of the best events happening around the 502 this June, so be sure to bookmark our full guide so you’re always in-the-know.
Ali Fest Carnival | Sunday, June 1 | 12-5 p.m. | Muhammad Ali Center | Free | Tour the Muhammad Ali Center to learn why Louisville’s boxing legend is the G.O.A.T. and enjoy food, games, music + face painting.
Louisville Horror Con | Saturday, June 7-Sunday, June 8 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Triple Crown Pavilion Convention Center | $25 | Gather with other fans of the weird and the wild for panels, workshops, cosplay contests, and a film festival.
Theater + film
Dropout Improv | Thursday, June 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Louisville Palace | $53 | You might know them from Instagram reels or YouTube shorts — this comedy group will perform an all-new, all-improvised show.
An Evening with John Cusack | Friday, June 20 | 7 p.m. | Louisville Palace | $40+ | Join the actor for a special screening of “Grosse Pointe Blank” followed by a Q+A.
Seasonal
Juneteenth Celebration 2025 | Thursday, June 19 | 8:30-10 a.m. | Muhammad Ali Center | Free | This celebration honors freedom, reflection, and collective healing while exploring the date’s significance.
Kentuckiana Pride Festival | Saturday, June 21 | 12-10 p.m. | Big Four Lawn | $12+ | Celebrate the region’s LGBTQ+ community in a safe, affirming space with vendors, drag shows, concerts + more.
WFPK Waterfront Wednesday | 5-10 p.m. | Big Four Lawn | Free | Bring a blanket, chair and your closest friends to see Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes, Southern Avenue, and Relaay.
Bugs & Burgers | 6-8:30 p.m. | Idlewild Butterfly Farm | $40 | Admire exotic insects, then chow down on some grilled burgers.
Thursday, May 29
Free Cane Run Bluegrass Concert | 7-9 p.m. | Bourbons Bistro | Free | Hear a Lexington-based bluegrass + gospel group sing in four-part harmony.
Friday, May 30
Couture on Tour | 8 p.m. | Louisville Palace | $39.50+ | Experience high fashion, dine on french cuisine, and shop luxury resale couture.
Saturday, May 31
Kentucky Bead Show | Saturday, May 31-Sunday, June 1 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Triple Crown Pavilion | $5+ | This traveling show features gemstones, charms, pendants + juried exhibitions.
Aloha Lou! | 1-5 p.m. | Central Park | Free | Celebrate Polynesian culture with dance performances, food, and art vendors.
Sunday, June 1
Kick Off of Riverside Farmers’ Market | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Farnsley-Moremon Landing | Free | Shop for fresh vegetables, locally raised chicken + pork, local honey, eggs, preserves, baked goods, and more as this market starts its season.
Discover a summer of fun at this ideal staycation destination
Presented by Shaker Village KY
In addition to workshops (basket weaving, chair taping + watercolors) and nature hikes (butterfly walks and stargazing), Shaker Village has a variety of Signature Events happening this summer. | Photos courtesy of Shaker Village KY
Shaker Village offers more than just a place to stay — immerse yourself in a summer of fun just a short drive away.
Whether you’re celebrating Dad during a day of 1860s-style baseball, savoring a farm-to-table feast, or enjoying hands-on activities with the kids, there’s something for everyone. The possibilities are endless at Shaker Village.
Explore what to add to your itinerary, and book your stay or escape for the day below.
The French importer Ça et Là will soon open a new bistro with — you guessed it — French fare on Frankfort Avenue. Stay tuned to social media for an opening timeline.
Cause
Get a free cup of coffee at The Well Coffee Co. this Saturday, May 31 — it’ll only cost you some blood. Anyone who donates at the on-site Red Cross blood drive will receive a free house coffee or cold brew.
Number
88. That’s how many goals Cameron Lancaster has scored for LouisvilleCity FC, the most of any player in the team’s history. The forward returned to LouCity on loan from Lexington SC, and is one of only two remaining players from the team’s initial roster from the inaugural season.
Arts
Applications are open for the 502 Film Front Porch Film Lab. Up to 10 director-producer teams will be selected to participate in the October event, where a finished script will be put into production. Apply by Monday, June 30. (Louisville Public Media)
Health
If you’ve been a bit sneezy lately, you’re not alone. Grass pollen levels are very high right now, and projected to remain there through next week at least. Try an indoor activity like one of Louisville’s museums.
Sports
Louisville football has landed an intriguing 2026 running back prospect in Lekhy Thompkins, a 230-pound powerhouse with surprising agility. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Fun Fact
You can co-own a movie studio. Add Hollywood to your portfolio + join 50,000+ investors including Morgan Freeman with Legion M, the world’s first fan-owned movie studio.†‡*
Category
Post of the Day
The 4th annual Zinefest will return to Logan Street Market this Saturday, May 31.
Zines — that’s short for magazine — are small, often handmade, publications that often contain poetry, essays, or artwork.
The free Kentuckiana Zinefest features zines, comics, and other print art for sale, 3-7 p.m. It’s hosted by Junior Jr., a local risograph studio.
The Buy
This digital measuring spoon. Perfect for baking or any time you need a precise measurement, it features a battery-operated scale with multi-unit measuring.
If you feel like this year has been especially damp, you’re not wrong. January-April was the wettest start of the year on record in Kentucky history.
Statewide, the average rainfall during those four months was 26.42 inches, beating out the previous record by almost a full inch.
‡This is a paid advertisement for Legion M’s Regulation CF Offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.legionm.com.
Answered
Answered
What memories do you have from previous cicada years?
“I was 8 years old and I recall school being canceled for a couple days. The wind took out our power, but I remember playing outside all day long with my neighborhood friends. We would jump and the wind would carry us back a few feet. It was like a snow day without the snow!” — Donovan M., a memory from 2008.
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