Louisville Events & Entertainment
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Got an idea? A story? A show update? A review? Let us know...we would love to hear from you!