The 2025 Cultural Pass and Summer Reading programs officially kick off on May 31, offering young people and their families free access to arts, culture, and educational experiences — and this year, there’s a big upgrade: the launch of the brand-new Cultural Pass App.
As schools across Louisville and Southern Indiana dismiss for summer break, families have a new tool to keep kids engaged, learning, and having fun all season long. The 2025 Cultural Pass and Summer Reading programs officially kick off on May 31, offering young people and their families free access to arts, culture, and educational experiences — and this year, there’s a big upgrade: the launch of the brand-new Cultural Pass App. Check out all of the information at fundforthearts.org/culturalpass/
For the first time, participants can browse events, create custom schedules, get reminders, and even check in at participating venues — all from their phones. The goal, organizers say, is to make the Cultural Pass even more accessible and easier to use.
“We’re incredibly excited to introduce the city to the Cultural Pass App as we work to expand this beloved program and make it more accessible to everyone in our community,” said Andre Kimo Stone Guess, President and CEO of Fund for the Arts. “It is our hope that the Cultural Pass App brings more families on more visits to more partners than ever before, helping our young people get engaged and STAY engaged in their arts and culture ecosystem.”
The Cultural Pass is a free program that opens the doors to more than 45 arts, cultural, science, nature, and heritage institutions across Louisville and Southern Indiana. Running from May 31 through August 10, it is available to those who live or work in Jefferson or Bullitt counties in Kentucky, and Clark, Floyd, or Harrison counties in Indiana.
To celebrate the season launch, the Louisville Free Public Library’s Main Branch will host a special Summer Reading and Cultural Pass Kick Off event on May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can enjoy performances and activities from Cultural Pass partners like the Kentucky Science Center, Speed Art Museum, and the Louisville Zoo, alongside food vendors, roaming characters, and hands-on fun for all ages. Staff will also be on hand to assist with signing up for the Summer Reading program and helping families download and navigate the new Cultural Pass App.
For those unable to download the app, accessibility help is available at participating libraries including Louisville Free Public Library, Bullitt County Public Library, Charlestown Clark County Public Library, The Floyd County Library, Harrison County Library, and Jeffersonville Township Public Library.
The Cultural Pass App is a collaborative effort presented by Fund for the Arts, Louisville Metro Government, Arts & Culture Alliance (ACA), and the Kentuckiana Cultural Consortium, with support from a wide range of local foundations and sponsors.
Meanwhile, the Louisville Free Public Library’s Summer Reading Program continues its longstanding tradition of encouraging kids and teens to read for pleasure throughout the summer. The free, 10-week program offers prizes and incentives to keep young readers motivated. Participants who complete the program — by reading a set number of books depending on their age — will earn a backpack or shoulder bag, plus passes to attractions like the Kentucky Science Center, Louisville Bats games, Racing Louisville FC matches, and more. Sweet treats from local favorites like Fazoli’s, Ehrler’s, Raising Cane’s, and Georgia’s Sweet Potato Pie Co. are also part of the rewards.
Summer Reading is open to all children from infancy through 12th grade. To register, visit LFPL.org/SummerReading or call (502) 574-1611.
With two powerhouse programs ready to roll and a new app to make access even easier, Louisville families are all set for a summer packed with adventure, learning, and fun — all at no cost.
