Louisville Events & Entertainment
Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors
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.
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.
A Homecoming in Motion: New Artistic Director Anthony Krutzkamp Reimagines Swan Lake for Louisville Ballet
When Louisville Ballet announced that Kentucky native Anthony Krutzkamp would become its new Artistic Director, the excitement was immediate and well-earned. A celebrated former principal dancer and a rising leader in the national ballet world, Krutzkamp brings with him not only extraordinary artistic experience but a deep personal connection to the state he still calls home.
We caught up with Krutzkamp to hear about his career and what he is looking forward to about his new role at the Louisville Ballet. Listen to the interview here:
Share Your Review – We Want to Hear From You!
You’re the Star of the Show!
We would love to hear about your recent live entertainment experience — whether it was a Broadway in Louisville performance, a concert at the Palace, or a night under the stars at Kentucky Shakespeare, let us know what you thought!
Share your thoughts below — we may feature your review (and your first name and city) in Audience Magazine or on Audience502.com!
Brett Shepherd, Chief Development Officer, Appointed Fund for the Arts Interim President/CEO
Fund for the Arts’ Board of Directors has appointed Brett Shepherd as the Interim President and CEO of the organization, starting January 1, 2026. Shepherd has served as the organization’s Chief Development Officer since August 2022.
In June 2025, current President and CEO Andre Kimo Stone Guess announced his plan to depart Fund for the Arts at the end of June 2026, completing five years at the helm of the organization. Guess will work alongside Shepherd in the transition period.
“Brett has been critical to the success of Fund for the Arts since starting in 2022, and I am so grateful for him for stepping into this leadership role,” said Guess. “I’m excited to work together to ensure a smooth transition for our stakeholders and staff.”
Performance Spotlight: A Velveteen Rabbit Christmas @ Derby Dinner Playhouse thru Dec. 20
Derby Dinner Playhouse is excited to host the holiday musical “A Velveteen Rabbit Christmas” thru December 20th as part of their Children’s Musical Theatre. Don’t miss this classic Musical where Christmas presents come to life as a very special toy discovers what it truly means to be real and is changed forever in this enchanting holiday musical based on the classic book by Margery Williams. Santa leads us back to the 1920’s to experience this classic tale in a new and vibrant way, and helps us realize the true spirit of Christmas.
Kentucky Opera Names Ben Robinson as General Director and CEO
The Kentucky Opera recently named Ben Robinson as its General Manager and CEO. The acclaimed director and arts leader returns to his roots to lead Kentucky Opera’s next chapter. An accomplished singer, stage director, and arts executive, Robinson brings creative vision, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to opera as a community-building force.
Most recently, Robinson was General Director of Anchorage Opera and Managing Director of Lyric Fest in Philadelphia. In Anchorage, Robinson led a season that expanded community programming, forged new artistic partnerships, and closed with a six-figure operating surplus.
Holiday Magic in Louisville: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Shows, Music & Cheer!
The holidays are shining bright in Louisville! From dazzling light displays and heartwarming stage productions to concerts that bring the spirit of the season to life, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. Whether you’re laughing along with Elf at Derby Dinner Playhouse, taking in the timeless beauty of The Nutcracker, or rocking out with JD McPherson and Sara Evans, Louisville’s stages are bursting with seasonal joy.
So grab your coat, gather your friends and family, and experience the magic of the holidays all across the city — because there’s no place like Louisville for the holidays!
A Christmas Carol Returns to Actors Theatre Dec. 4-21
It’s the homecoming Louisville has been waiting for. After years away from the stage, Actors Theatre’s A Christmas Carol returns to the Pamela Brown Auditorium, December 4–21, in a heartwarming, spirit-lifting production that rekindles the magic, memory, and meaning of the holidays. Tickets are on sale now at actorstheatre.org starting at $30.
After years of anticipation, it’s the return of a Louisville institution. For generations, families have gathered at Actors Theatre to share Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption and joy. Now, A Christmas Carol is back where it belongs—on the mainstage.
Music Go Round Ticket Giveaway: Mac McAnally-November 21 @ The Louisville Palace (Free to Enter)
Don’t miss your chance to see 10-time CMA Musician of the year Mac McAnally live at The Louisville Palace on November 21!
The hit songwriter, and longtime Jimmy Buffett friend and bandmate, brings an evening of stories and songs you know by heart to Louisville — and you could be there for FREE!
Enter your information below for a chance to win! (Winners will be announced November 10)
A Decade of Dead: Grateville Festival Returns to Louisville’s Waterfront – Oct 17, 18, 19
Louisville’s festival scene is alive and well, and for fans of the Grateful Dead, and there’s one weekend that stands out above the rest. The Grateville Dead Music Festival returns this weekend — Friday through Sunday, October 17–19 — at the Brown-Forman Amphitheater at Waterfront Park. What began as a small, one-day gathering of local Deadheads has evolved into a beloved three-day celebration of music, community, and creative spirit.
To mark the festival’s 10th anniversary, Audience Magazine caught up with co-founder Ashley Angel, who, along with local entrepreneur Dennie Humphrey, launched the festival back in 2015. What started as a spontaneous idea has grown into one of Louisville’s most unique and soulful music events.
Listen to the full interview with Grateville Co-Founder, Ashley Angel:
A New Era of Leadership @ Louisville Ballet & Actors Theatre of Louisville
Two of Louisville’s most storied arts institutions are beginning a new chapter. The Louisville Ballet and Actors Theatre of Louisville — cornerstones of the city’s cultural identity — have both announced dynamic new leaders who promise to bring fresh vision, bold ideas, and renewed community connection.
In August, Louisville Ballet named Kentucky native Anthony Krutzkamp as its new Artistic Director, beginning September 15. Just weeks later, Actors Theatre confirmed a dual leadership model, appointing Amelia Acosta Powell as Artistic Director and Emily Tarquin as Managing Director. Together, these announcements signal an exciting infusion of energy into Louisville’s performing arts scene as both organizations look ahead to milestone seasons.
Fund for the Arts hosts 4th Year of local Performance Village at the St. James Court Art Show on October 3-5
Fund for the Arts will host performing artists and arts organizations at the Republic Bank Performance Village as part of St. James Court Art Show (October 3 – 5) in Old Louisville. This local performance village brings just a sampling of Louisville’s vibrant performing arts community to the beloved visual arts and craft fair, regularly attended by thousands of locals and tourists alike.
Be sure to stop by and say hello to your friends at Fund for the Arts!
Jim Gaffigan Taps Into Bourbon, Comedy, and Kentucky Charm for Louisville Shows
Eight-time Grammy-nominated comedian and actor Jim Gaffigan returns to Louisville October 7–9 for a three-show run at the Bomhard Theater at The Kentucky Center—and this time, he’s bringing something extra neat: bourbon.
In a recent conversation with Audience Magazine, Gaffigan offered a spirited preview of what fans can expect from his upcoming Louisville performances, which he’s dubbed his “Bourbon Set.”
In addition, he will also be appearing at the Bourbon & Beyond Music Festival on Sunday Sept. 14th for part of their Fork & Flask culinary and bourbon experiences.
Listen to the full interview below:
Bourbon Through Bluegrass at Frazier History Museum thru December
There is an exciting new Bourbon Tasting being hosted at the Frazier History Museum starting Monday September 8th and will take place every Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through December 22nd. This tasting is called Bourbon Through Bluegrass and it brings the history and stories of the evolution of bourbon alive by pairing those stories with not only appropriate whiskeys, but with Live Bluegrass Music!
Led by Bourbon Icon Bernie Lubbers, a.k.a. The Whiskey Professor, and Bluegrass Legend Steve Cooley, this live musical experience brings Kentucky’s Native Spirit to life – Literally. As the stories of Bourbon’s past unfold, they are paired with the appropriate Kentucky whiskeys that pair with that history, and then they are further paired with live renditions of the music that shaped a culture.
“Come From Away” Lands at Derby Dinner Playhouse – Finding Hope in the Heart of Strangers
Derby Dinner Playhouse brings the award-winning Broadway sensation Come From Away to the stage August 13 – September 28, 2025.
Set in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of how nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers found unexpected refuge when U.S. airspace was shut down on September 11, 2001. In the days that followed, the locals welcomed these “Plane People” with open hearts, warm meals, music, and generosity—proving that kindness can bridge even the widest divides.
Louisville Ballet Names Anthony Krutzkamp as New Artistic Director
Louisville Ballet is proud to announce the appointment of Anthony Krutzkamp as its new Artistic Director, effective October 1.
A nationally recognized artistic leader, choreographer, and former principal dancer, Krutzkamp was selected following a rigorous national search process.
Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life Announce Festival Site Expansion and Enhancements
Festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents is excited to announce a major festival site expansion and extensive enhancements to elevate the experience for fans at Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky for the upcoming Bourbon & Beyond (September 11-14) and Louder Than Life (September 18-21) festivals.
These incredible upgrades to the 2025 festival site are possible as part of DWP’s recently announced 10-year lease agreement with Kentucky Venues to host Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life at the Highland Festival Grounds. The 10-year commitment runs from 2026-2035 and showcases both DWP’s and the city’s commitment to Louisville’s cultural and economic future.
Big Four Arts Festival Returns September 6–7, 2025, with Global Talent and Local Flavor
Big Four Arts Festival Returns September 6–7, 2025, with Global Talent and Local Flavor
Art lovers, mark your calendars. This September, Louisville’s scenic Waterfront Park will once again transform into a vibrant, open-air gallery as the Big Four Arts Festival returns for its 9th year. Held beneath the iconic Big Four® Bridge, this two-day celebration of creativity and culture is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated events on the city’s arts calendar—and for good reason.
Despite challenges, StageOne moves forward, serves community
Before Producing Artistic Director Andrew D. Harris took over this role at StageOne Family Theatre in 2020, he was the longtime Education Director and Associate Artistic Director. Before that, Harris was a self-admitted “self-righteous, hormone-infused” teenager that argued with his mother over math. Harris believed since he was going into a theater career, he wouldn’t need math.
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