Louisville Orchestra announces an expanded slate of free community concerts this spring, featuring OrKIDStra: The Science of Sound on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Whitney Hall and Music Without Borders: Voices, Rhythm, and Culture with neighborhood performances on March 26 and 27, 2026. Together, these programs reflect the orchestra’s long standing commitment to accessibility, education, and meaningful connection through live orchestral music. Through its OrKIDStra and Music Without Borders programs, the orchestra continues to remove financial and cultural barriers, inviting families, students, and neighborhood audiences to experience world class music in welcoming, familiar spaces.
Comedian Nikki Glaser has announced The Stunning Tour, making 29 stops across Europe and North America beginning in June, including The Kentucky Center in Louisville Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Tickets for the newly added shows go on sale Friday, January 9 at 10am (local time) with presale beginning Wednesday, January 7 at 10am (local time) at NikkiGlaser.com and KentuckyPerformingArts.org.
Louisville’s festival season never really ends — and if you’ve ever wondered who’s behind many of the city’s most energetic, eclectic, and wildly fun community events, look no further than local entrepreneur and event producer Trevor Cravens. As co-owner of HB Productions and Crowler Catering, Cravens and his business partner, Tish Gainey, have spent the last decade shaping the city’s cultural calendar with beloved traditions like Tailspin Ale Fest, NuLu Bock Fest, Germantown Oktoberfest, St. Matthews Summerfest, the Bowman Aviation Festival, and nearly 30 other vibrant experiences.
We caught up with Cravens to hear about the in’s and out’s of making great events for the Louisville community. Listen to it here:
When Ben Robinson stepped into the role of General Director and CEO of Kentucky Opera this fall, it felt less like a new hire and more like the closing of a very personal circle. “Kentucky is where I got my start,” he said during a recent interview.
Back in the 2008-09 season, Robinson was a studio artist at the Kentucky Opera — fresh out of school, singing five productions in five different languages. “It was like being shot out of a cannon,” he laughs, “but one thing was crystal clear: this is a town that really has a great investment in the arts.”
The Louisville Orchestra will host its fourth annual Spring Gala on Thursday, April 16, 2026 — an elegant evening that pairs fine dining, community celebration, and an unforgettable performance by one of the world’s most beloved musicians, Itzhak Perlman.
This year’s gala honors Jim Welch, a longtime supporter whose leadership, generosity, and vision have helped guide the orchestra through one of the most transformative eras in its history. Guests will gather at the Muhammad Ali Center for a cocktail reception and dinner, where Welch’s profound impact on the organization and the Louisville arts community will be celebrated.
