Louisville Events & Entertainment
Derby Dinner Playhouse presents THE LITTLE MERMAID Through August 9
Derby Dinner Playhouse announced the production of Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID that will play through August 9. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and Disney’s classic animated film, THE LITTLE MERMAID is a heartwarming musical adventure for audiences of all ages.
Featuring unforgettable music by eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a captivating book by Doug Wright, this Broadway favorite is filled with memorable songs including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.”
Performance Preview: Broadway in Louisville: The Outsiders – August 18-23
Stay Gold: The Outsiders Brings Grit, Heart and Broadway Power to Louisville
Few stories have captured the emotion and uncertainty of growing up quite like The Outsiders. Now, S.E. Hinton’s beloved coming-of-age classic has been transformed into one of Broadway’s biggest hits as The Outsiders arrives in Louisville. Winner of the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical, the production delivers a thrilling theatrical experience filled with emotional storytelling, cinematic staging, and a powerful folk-rock score that has audiences across the country raving.
Performance Preview: Louisville Ballet: Frankenstein
October 30 & 31
The Brown Theatre
Humanity, Horror and High Drama: Louisville Ballet Brings Frankenstein to Life This October
This fall, Louisville Ballet takes one of literature’s most haunting and misunderstood stories and transforms it into a sweeping theatrical ballet experience. On October 30 and 31 at The Brown Theatre, Artistic Director Anthony Krutzkamp unveils Frankenstein powered by LG&E and KU, a new full-length adaptation inspired by Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking novel — a production that promises gothic atmosphere, emotional complexity, cinematic visuals, and a surprisingly human heart.
Behind the Music: Louisville Orchestra Musicians Share Their Passion for the 2026-27 Season
The Louisville Orchestra’s 2026-27 season promises a compelling mix of beloved classics, daring contemporary works, and ambitious collaborations that reflect the ensemble’s growing artistic reach across Kentucky and beyond. But while audiences will experience the finished performances under the lights of The Kentucky Center’s Whitney Hall and venues statewide, the season’s true heartbeat begins long before the first downbeat.
For the musicians of the Louisville Orchestra, each concert is the culmination of months of study, rehearsal, reflection, and collaboration. Recently, Audience Magazine publisher Doug Dreisbach caught up with some of the orchestra members to share their perspective about what excites them most about the upcoming season, how they prepare for demanding performances, and why performing for Louisville audiences remains deeply meaningful
Kentucky Getaway: Carter Caves State Resort Park
Recently, Kentucky tourism and state park leaders celebrated the completion of a $3.8 million campground renovation at Carter Caves State Resort Park.
“Kentucky State Parks greatly contribute to our $14.6 billion tourism industry by strengthening our local economies and offering unforgettable experiences,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The upgrades to Carter Caves’ campground will help more families enjoy the outdoors and offer inclusive, modern amenities for travelers visiting our New Kentucky Home.”
Festival Preview: Big Four Arts Festival
September 12 & 13
Big Four Bridge Lawn at Waterfront Park
Arts Festival Celebrates a Decade on Louisville’s Waterfront
As summer gives way to fall, one of Louisville’s most anticipated arts traditions returns to the banks of the Ohio River. The Big Four Arts Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary September 12-13, transforming the scenic lawn beneath the Big Four Bridge into a vibrant showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and community.
Railbird Rewind: 2026 Delivers Another Weekend of Music, Bourbon and Kentucky Culture
Another year of Railbird Music Festival is in the books, and once again, the two-day celebration at Lexington’s Red Mile proved why it has become one of the region’s premier music events.
The 2026 festival wrapped up Sunday night with Kentucky native Tyler Childers taking the stage before a packed crowd, delivering a powerful set that blended fan favorites, newer material and plenty of singalong moments. Childers capped off a weekend that featured an impressive lineup spanning multiple genres and generations of artists.
Festival Preview: Railbird Returns to Lexington This Weekend
The wait is over. Railbird Festival, one of Kentucky’s premier music festivals, returns to the Red Mile in Lexington on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, bringing together an impressive mix of Americana, folk, bluegrass, country, rock, bourbon, food, and unforgettable live performances.
Check out our festival preview, band spotlights and more…
Artist Spotlight: Oteil Burbridge – Bass Player for Dead & Co, The Allman Bros and More Comes to Iroquois Amphitheater – Thursday May 27
Artist Spotlight: Oteil Burbridge
Genre: Jam Band / Rock / Jazz / Blues / Funk
Age: 61
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Instruments: Bass guitar, drums, piano, bass clarinet, banjo
Bands: Dead & Company, The Allman Brothers Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Aquarium Rescue Unit
Derby Dinner Playhouse Announces 52nd Season Lineup
Derby Dinner Playhouse is proud to announce its highly anticipated 52nd Season, featuring a dynamic lineup of beloved musicals and laugh-out-loud comedies.
The 2026/27 season promises something for everyone, continuing Derby Dinner’s long-standing tradition of delivering high-quality entertainment.
2026 KPA Bradley Awards Announces Nominees for May 31 Ceremony
The Kentucky Performing Arts (KPA) Bradley Awards is officially announcing this year’s nominees and the ceremony will take place on May 31, 2026 at the historic Brown Theatre in Louisville. This program is an official regional awards program of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®), known also as The Jimmy Awards®. The KPA Bradley Awards will introduce talented youth in Kentucky and Southern Indiana to the national stage while celebrating the importance of theatre arts education.
Teddy Abrams Conducts the Louisville Orchestra for a Free Independence Day Weekend Concert
The Louisville Orchestra, under the dynamic direction of Teddy Abrams, is thrilled to announce the fourth annual Independence Day concert, Play America, a spectacular free concert event celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America’s founding! This musical extravaganza, set to take place on July 2nd, 2026, at America Place at River Ridge, promises to be our biggest year yet with an evening of community, family fun, and musical excellence.
Leslie Smart Transitions Role as Louisville Ballet CEO to Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the 75th Anniversary Celebration
After a pivotal chapter of leadership, Louisville Ballet’s CEO, Leslie Smart, will transition from her role as Chief Executive Officer of Louisville Ballet to serve on its Board of Directors and as Co-Chair of the 75th Diamond Anniversary Committee.
Smart stepped into leadership nearly three and a half years ago during a critical moment for Louisville Ballet, guiding the organization to a strong financial footing with renewed momentum. “Leading Louisville Ballet during this transformative period has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Smart. “Together with our board, staff, donors, and community, we have built a strong, stable foundation for the future. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished and confident
in the organization’s continued growth and artistic excellence.”
Actors Theatre to Host Season Launch Party June 7 w. Tony Awards Broadcast
Actors Theatre of Louisville will host its 2026–2027 Season Launch Party on Sunday, June 7 in the Pamela Brown Auditorium. The event is a celebratory fundraiser that weaves live performances from the upcoming season with a live broadcast of the Tony Awards®.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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