Shakespeare in the Parks Takes You to the Islands in April & May
This spring, Kentucky Shakespeare is bringing The Tempest to a park near you. Or should that be an island?
Set on an enchanted island, the bard’s final play has a tropical feel, complete in this production with toe-tapping Puerto Rican bomba music. Watch it, and you may feel you’ve finally left behind the winter of our discontent (to quote another Shakespeare play).
The 2026 Shakespeare in the Parks tour runs through most of April and May. It will visit 44 parks across the metro area and venues as far away as Berea, Ky., and Richmond, Ind., as well as 20+ area schools. Thanks to presenting sponsors, each park performance is 100% free, although donations are welcome. CLICK HERE for the complete schedule—including rain locations.
Kentucky Tourism: Camping at Kentucky State Parks
Spring has sprung in our New Kentucky Home, and that means it’s time to go camping! Whether you prefer camping in a tent or an RV, Kentucky State Parks have locations across the commonwealth for you to visit.
Campgrounds that have opened for the season include Barren River Lake, Big Bone Lick, Blue Licks Battlefield, Carr Creek, Columbus-Belmont, Dale Hollow Lake, General Burnside, General Butler, Grayson Lake, John James Audubon, Kentucky Dam Village, Kincaid Lake, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Lake Malone, Natural Bridge, Paintsville Lake, Pennyrile Forest, and Yatesville Lake.
The KPA Bradley Awards: Shining a Spotlight on Kentucky’s Next Generation of Theater Stars
The KPA Bradley Awards have quickly become one of the most vibrant celebrations of high school musical theater in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Now in its second year as an official regional affiliate of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards — widely known as the Jimmy Awards — the program honors young performers, technicians, and educators across every facet of the art form. From powerful lead performances and dynamic ensemble work to innovative lighting, sound, costumes, and community outreach, the awards recognize the full spectrum of talent that brings high school musicals to life.
Broadway Preview: A Book of Mormon – May 5-10 – Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center
When The Book of Mormon arrives in Louisville as part of the PNC Broadway in Louisville season May 5-10, audiences can expect an evening of bold satire, dazzling musical theater, and laugh-out-loud comedy. Since its Broadway debut in 2011, the smash-hit musical has become one of the most celebrated shows of the modern Broadway era, entertaining more than 20 million people worldwide with its infectious score, outrageous humor, and surprising heart.
Created by South Park masterminds Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Frozen songwriter Robert Lopez, the musical follows two young Mormon missionaries sent from Salt Lake City to Uganda on a mission to spread their faith. What begins as a straightforward religious assignment quickly spirals into a wildly funny adventure filled with culture shock, unlikely friendships, and plenty of absurd situations along the way.
Derby Dinner Playhouse Presents “Hairspray” Thru May 17
Big hair, big dreams, and even bigger heart take center stage this spring as Derby Dinner Playhouse brings the high-energy Broadway sensation Hairspray to life. Opening April 1 and running through May 17, 2026, this toe-tapping production promises a vibrant night of music, laughter, and feel-good storytelling just across the river.
WFPK Waterfront Wednesday® Set to Kick-off Season on April 22
91.9 WFPK Independent Louisville and Waterfront Park are delighted to announce the 24th season of WFPK Waterfront Wednesday. The concert series returns on Wednesday, April 22, with Deep Blue Something (8:00 p.m.) and Small Time Napoleon (6:30 p.m.). Proceeds from WFPK Waterfront Wednesday benefit two beloved local nonprofits, Louisville Public Media and Waterfront Park.
“WFPK Waterfront Wednesday has always been about coming together through music, and this lineup really feels like that.” said Stacy Owen, WFPK promotions director, “We’ve got artists you already love, a few you’re about to, and a night on the river that just feels good to be part of.”
Songs, Stories & Soul: John Legend Returns to His Midwest Roots at Whitney Hall (Exclusive Interview)
From the modest church pews of Springfield, Ohio, singing gospel hymns and family harmonies, to sold-out stages worldwide and rare EGOT status, John Legend has become one of the most revered voices in contemporary music. Today, the singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer brings his acclaimed intimate theater tour, A Night of Songs & Stories, to Louisville’s Whitney Hall at the Kentucky Center on April 12, 2026 as part of the Glenview Trust Enriching Life Series.
Audience publisher Doug Dreisbach caught up with the famed singer to talk about his Midwestern roots, the pivotal moments that launched his career, his collaborative songwriting process, and what makes his current solo tour so special.
Listen to the interview below:
Broadway in Louisville Performance Preview: Riverdance (**Special 3-show run – March 24-26)
Riverdance returns to Louisville for a special three-show engagement March 24-26, bringing its signature fusion of Irish dance, global rhythms, and breathtaking precision back to The Kentucky Center. Celebrating more than 30 years of worldwide acclaim, this anniversary production pairs the iconic footwork and sweeping music audiences love with refreshed choreography, vibrant visuals, and a dynamic new cast.
The Pulse of a City: How Fund for the Arts Fuels Louisville’s Creative Ecosystem
For more than 75 years, Fund for the Arts has raised funds, distributed grants, and championed programs that make arts and culture accessible to the entire community. Guiding that mission today is interim President and CEO Brett Shepherd, a longtime advocate for Louisville’s arts and cultural institutions.
We caught up with Brett for an interview to hear more about Fund for the Arts.
Listen to the interview below:
Louisville Ballet Announces 75th Anniversay Season
Louisville Ballet’s 2026–2027 season marks a milestone 75th Anniversary, celebrating the company’s rich legacy while embracing a bold vision for the future. Known for blending classical technique with contemporary innovation, the Ballet once again delivers a lineup that is both visually captivating and emotionally engaging, appealing to longtime patrons and new audiences alike.
Celebration of the Arts Returns April 11
Fund for the Arts presents the third annual Celebration of the Arts on April 11 and will feature local performing and engagement artists, music, dancing, onstage and live artmaking and engagement activities for guests offstage—all from local artists and arts organizations. The event will take place at Christy’s Garden at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall.
Every year has been a great acknowledgement to the wealth of talent in the community and we look forward to another fantastic year.
Kentucky Opera Announces 2026-2027 Season
Kentucky Opera recently announced their 2026/2027 season with a powerful blend of four mainstage classics and compelling new works that invite us to see our world through the lens of family, both given and found.
Broadway in Louisville Performance Preview: Beauty & The Beast (March 10-15)
Broadway in Louisville continues in March with an unforgettable production that bring classic stories, iconic music, and global spectacle to Whitney Hall. Don’t miss the magic of Disney with Beauty and The Beast (May 10-15) for must-see theater.
Broadway in Louisville Announces a Blockbuster 2026–2027 Season
The 2026–2027 PNC Broadway in Louisville season was recently announced and offers one of the most dynamic and crowd-pleasing lineups in recent years, blending blockbuster classics, pop-music driven biographies, inventive new musicals, and visually spectacular productions. Anchored at the historic Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, this seven-show season brings together Tony Award® winners, beloved jukebox hits, and fresh Broadway storytelling that spans generations and genres.
Louisville Orchestra Announces 2026-2027 Season
The Louisville Orchestra recently announced their 2026–27 season, continuing the exceptional momentum of one of the nation’s most dynamic arts organizations. The new season offers major collaborations, world premieres, and an ambitious artistic vision rooted firmly in Louisville.
Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors Coming to Iroquois Sept. 8
Get ready to relive the best of ’90s rock and alt-jam magic this fall when Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors roll into Iroquois Amphitheater in Louisville on September 8 for one unforgettable night of hits and high-energy performance.
This co-headlining date — part of a nationwide summer tour — unites three bands synonymous with memorable melodies, harmonica fire, and sing-along classics that helped define a generation.
66th Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Announced for May 27-August 9
Kentucky Shakespeare, the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth, announced the 66th annual free Kentucky Shakespeare Festival May 27-August 9, 2026, at the C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater in Old Louisville’s Central Park.
“We are delighted to share another exciting season of free performances in Central Park, the 66th anniversary season of your Kentucky Shakespeare Festival!” said Matt Wallace, Producing Artistic Director.
NULU Bock Fest Returns March 29 for 9th Year with Goat Racing, Bock Beer, Wurst Fest and More
NuLu Bock Fest, NuLu Business Association’s annual spring goat racing and bock beer celebration returns on Saturday, March 28 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
The tradition traces back to the mid-19th century to mark the changing of the season when the dark German lager, known as bock, was released across the city after a winter of aging. NuLu is home to two coincidentally named alleys – Nanny Goat Strut and Billy Goat Strut, thus making it a fitting place for a bock beer festival featuring adult and baby goat racing, a wurst competition, music performances, and several local vendors and food trucks.
Actors Theatre Announces The Storytelling Revolution Festival
Actors Theatre of Louisville recently announced The Storytelling Revolution Festival, a new work festival celebrating bold new stories that explore the wonder and complexity of our time. Produced in collaboration with the Louisville Fringe Festival, the festival will take place April 1–12, 2026, throughout Actors Theatre’s Main Street Complex. Tickets for the festival will go on sale to members February 3 and to the public on February 17 at actorstheatre.org or by calling 502-584-1205.
Tyler Childers & The Lumineers to Headline Railbird Music Festival 2026
One of Kentucky’s biggest music festivals is coming back for a much anticipated music weekend! The Railbird Music Festival is coming back to The Infield at Red Mile in Lexington June 6–7, 2026 with a lineup topped by headliners Tyler Childers and The Lumineers.
This year’s festival promises a mix of Americana, folk, country, and rock, featuring more than 30 artists across three stages — including Zach Top, Ella Langley, Caamp, Mt. Joy, Sam Barber, Muscadine Bloodline, Stephen Wilson Jr., Houndmouth, Robert Earl Keen, Shane Smith & The Saints, The Wallflowers, Margo Price, Watchhouse, Shakey Graves, Waylon Wyatt, Evan Honer, and more.
Shakespeare in the Parks Takes You to the Islands in April & May
This spring, Kentucky Shakespeare is bringing The Tempest to a park near you. Or should that be an island?
Set on an enchanted island, the bard’s final play has a tropical feel, complete in this production with toe-tapping Puerto Rican bomba music. Watch it, and you may feel you’ve finally left behind the winter of our discontent (to quote another Shakespeare play).
The 2026 Shakespeare in the Parks tour runs through most of April and May. It will visit 44 parks across the metro area and venues as far away as Berea, Ky., and Richmond, Ind., as well as 20+ area schools. Thanks to presenting sponsors, each park performance is 100% free, although donations are welcome. CLICK HERE for the complete schedule—including rain locations.
Kentucky Tourism: Camping at Kentucky State Parks
Spring has sprung in our New Kentucky Home, and that means it’s time to go camping! Whether you prefer camping in a tent or an RV, Kentucky State Parks have locations across the commonwealth for you to visit.
Campgrounds that have opened for the season include Barren River Lake, Big Bone Lick, Blue Licks Battlefield, Carr Creek, Columbus-Belmont, Dale Hollow Lake, General Burnside, General Butler, Grayson Lake, John James Audubon, Kentucky Dam Village, Kincaid Lake, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Lake Malone, Natural Bridge, Paintsville Lake, Pennyrile Forest, and Yatesville Lake.
The KPA Bradley Awards: Shining a Spotlight on Kentucky’s Next Generation of Theater Stars
The KPA Bradley Awards have quickly become one of the most vibrant celebrations of high school musical theater in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Now in its second year as an official regional affiliate of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards — widely known as the Jimmy Awards — the program honors young performers, technicians, and educators across every facet of the art form. From powerful lead performances and dynamic ensemble work to innovative lighting, sound, costumes, and community outreach, the awards recognize the full spectrum of talent that brings high school musicals to life.
Broadway Preview: A Book of Mormon – May 5-10 – Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center
When The Book of Mormon arrives in Louisville as part of the PNC Broadway in Louisville season May 5-10, audiences can expect an evening of bold satire, dazzling musical theater, and laugh-out-loud comedy. Since its Broadway debut in 2011, the smash-hit musical has become one of the most celebrated shows of the modern Broadway era, entertaining more than 20 million people worldwide with its infectious score, outrageous humor, and surprising heart.
Created by South Park masterminds Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Frozen songwriter Robert Lopez, the musical follows two young Mormon missionaries sent from Salt Lake City to Uganda on a mission to spread their faith. What begins as a straightforward religious assignment quickly spirals into a wildly funny adventure filled with culture shock, unlikely friendships, and plenty of absurd situations along the way.
Derby Dinner Playhouse Presents “Hairspray” Thru May 17
Big hair, big dreams, and even bigger heart take center stage this spring as Derby Dinner Playhouse brings the high-energy Broadway sensation Hairspray to life. Opening April 1 and running through May 17, 2026, this toe-tapping production promises a vibrant night of music, laughter, and feel-good storytelling just across the river.
WFPK Waterfront Wednesday® Set to Kick-off Season on April 22
91.9 WFPK Independent Louisville and Waterfront Park are delighted to announce the 24th season of WFPK Waterfront Wednesday. The concert series returns on Wednesday, April 22, with Deep Blue Something (8:00 p.m.) and Small Time Napoleon (6:30 p.m.). Proceeds from WFPK Waterfront Wednesday benefit two beloved local nonprofits, Louisville Public Media and Waterfront Park.
“WFPK Waterfront Wednesday has always been about coming together through music, and this lineup really feels like that.” said Stacy Owen, WFPK promotions director, “We’ve got artists you already love, a few you’re about to, and a night on the river that just feels good to be part of.”
Songs, Stories & Soul: John Legend Returns to His Midwest Roots at Whitney Hall (Exclusive Interview)
From the modest church pews of Springfield, Ohio, singing gospel hymns and family harmonies, to sold-out stages worldwide and rare EGOT status, John Legend has become one of the most revered voices in contemporary music. Today, the singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer brings his acclaimed intimate theater tour, A Night of Songs & Stories, to Louisville’s Whitney Hall at the Kentucky Center on April 12, 2026 as part of the Glenview Trust Enriching Life Series.
Audience publisher Doug Dreisbach caught up with the famed singer to talk about his Midwestern roots, the pivotal moments that launched his career, his collaborative songwriting process, and what makes his current solo tour so special.
Listen to the interview below:
Broadway in Louisville Performance Preview: Riverdance (**Special 3-show run – March 24-26)
Riverdance returns to Louisville for a special three-show engagement March 24-26, bringing its signature fusion of Irish dance, global rhythms, and breathtaking precision back to The Kentucky Center. Celebrating more than 30 years of worldwide acclaim, this anniversary production pairs the iconic footwork and sweeping music audiences love with refreshed choreography, vibrant visuals, and a dynamic new cast.
The Pulse of a City: How Fund for the Arts Fuels Louisville’s Creative Ecosystem
For more than 75 years, Fund for the Arts has raised funds, distributed grants, and championed programs that make arts and culture accessible to the entire community. Guiding that mission today is interim President and CEO Brett Shepherd, a longtime advocate for Louisville’s arts and cultural institutions.
We caught up with Brett for an interview to hear more about Fund for the Arts.
Listen to the interview below:
Louisville Ballet Announces 75th Anniversay Season
Louisville Ballet’s 2026–2027 season marks a milestone 75th Anniversary, celebrating the company’s rich legacy while embracing a bold vision for the future. Known for blending classical technique with contemporary innovation, the Ballet once again delivers a lineup that is both visually captivating and emotionally engaging, appealing to longtime patrons and new audiences alike.
Celebration of the Arts Returns April 11
Fund for the Arts presents the third annual Celebration of the Arts on April 11 and will feature local performing and engagement artists, music, dancing, onstage and live artmaking and engagement activities for guests offstage—all from local artists and arts organizations. The event will take place at Christy’s Garden at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall.
Every year has been a great acknowledgement to the wealth of talent in the community and we look forward to another fantastic year.
Kentucky Opera Announces 2026-2027 Season
Kentucky Opera recently announced their 2026/2027 season with a powerful blend of four mainstage classics and compelling new works that invite us to see our world through the lens of family, both given and found.
Broadway in Louisville Performance Preview: Beauty & The Beast (March 10-15)
Broadway in Louisville continues in March with an unforgettable production that bring classic stories, iconic music, and global spectacle to Whitney Hall. Don’t miss the magic of Disney with Beauty and The Beast (May 10-15) for must-see theater.
Broadway in Louisville Announces a Blockbuster 2026–2027 Season
The 2026–2027 PNC Broadway in Louisville season was recently announced and offers one of the most dynamic and crowd-pleasing lineups in recent years, blending blockbuster classics, pop-music driven biographies, inventive new musicals, and visually spectacular productions. Anchored at the historic Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, this seven-show season brings together Tony Award® winners, beloved jukebox hits, and fresh Broadway storytelling that spans generations and genres.
Louisville Orchestra Announces 2026-2027 Season
The Louisville Orchestra recently announced their 2026–27 season, continuing the exceptional momentum of one of the nation’s most dynamic arts organizations. The new season offers major collaborations, world premieres, and an ambitious artistic vision rooted firmly in Louisville.
Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors Coming to Iroquois Sept. 8
Get ready to relive the best of ’90s rock and alt-jam magic this fall when Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors roll into Iroquois Amphitheater in Louisville on September 8 for one unforgettable night of hits and high-energy performance.
This co-headlining date — part of a nationwide summer tour — unites three bands synonymous with memorable melodies, harmonica fire, and sing-along classics that helped define a generation.
66th Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Announced for May 27-August 9
Kentucky Shakespeare, the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth, announced the 66th annual free Kentucky Shakespeare Festival May 27-August 9, 2026, at the C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater in Old Louisville’s Central Park.
“We are delighted to share another exciting season of free performances in Central Park, the 66th anniversary season of your Kentucky Shakespeare Festival!” said Matt Wallace, Producing Artistic Director.
NULU Bock Fest Returns March 29 for 9th Year with Goat Racing, Bock Beer, Wurst Fest and More
NuLu Bock Fest, NuLu Business Association’s annual spring goat racing and bock beer celebration returns on Saturday, March 28 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
The tradition traces back to the mid-19th century to mark the changing of the season when the dark German lager, known as bock, was released across the city after a winter of aging. NuLu is home to two coincidentally named alleys – Nanny Goat Strut and Billy Goat Strut, thus making it a fitting place for a bock beer festival featuring adult and baby goat racing, a wurst competition, music performances, and several local vendors and food trucks.
Actors Theatre Announces The Storytelling Revolution Festival
Actors Theatre of Louisville recently announced The Storytelling Revolution Festival, a new work festival celebrating bold new stories that explore the wonder and complexity of our time. Produced in collaboration with the Louisville Fringe Festival, the festival will take place April 1–12, 2026, throughout Actors Theatre’s Main Street Complex. Tickets for the festival will go on sale to members February 3 and to the public on February 17 at actorstheatre.org or by calling 502-584-1205.
Tyler Childers & The Lumineers to Headline Railbird Music Festival 2026
One of Kentucky’s biggest music festivals is coming back for a much anticipated music weekend! The Railbird Music Festival is coming back to The Infield at Red Mile in Lexington June 6–7, 2026 with a lineup topped by headliners Tyler Childers and The Lumineers.
This year’s festival promises a mix of Americana, folk, country, and rock, featuring more than 30 artists across three stages — including Zach Top, Ella Langley, Caamp, Mt. Joy, Sam Barber, Muscadine Bloodline, Stephen Wilson Jr., Houndmouth, Robert Earl Keen, Shane Smith & The Saints, The Wallflowers, Margo Price, Watchhouse, Shakey Graves, Waylon Wyatt, Evan Honer, and more.
Got an idea? A story? A show update? A review? Let us know...we would love to hear from you!