At this point in the summer, it’s not unusual to feel bored. The “school’s out!” induced euphoria has worn off and it’s not hard to fall into the habit of wasting hours on the phone. So, here’s a list of things to do/upcoming events in Louisville that can replace mindlessly scrolling through the Instagram explore page.

Forecastle 

When? July 12-14

How much? $90+

Where? Waterfront Park

Annual music festival in Louisville. Featuring artists such as Judah and the Lion, the Avett Brothers, and Playboi Carti.

Waterfront Wednesday

When? July 31, Aug. 28, Sept. 25

How much? Free! 

Where? Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park

Free monthly concerts where artists play on a 6, 7:30, and 9 p.m. schedule with activities for people of all ages.

Shakespeare in the park 

When? “Twelfth Night” July 24-27, Romeo and Juliet July 28 and 30, “Cleopatra: Queen of Kings” July 31- Aug. 4, 

How Much? Free!

Where? Central Park Amphitheater

Public performances of Shakespeare in the open-air, surrounded by towering Victorian homes. Plus, food trucks!

The Speed 

When? Sundays have free admission! Weekdays have free admission with specific school IDs (Manual, call 502 634-2700 for more information)

How much? Free! 

Where? The Speed Art Museum 

See cool art and unique exhibits! There are also events such as screenings of movies. Say Amen, Somebody is a documentary focusing on gospel and African American culture that is being shown by “Speed Cinema” on July 12 and 13. 

Live Lunch

When? Every Friday

How much? Free to LPM members,

Where? Louisville Public Media 

Reserve a spot and get a box lunch while watching a band play live. Upcoming performances include Paul & the Tall Trees on July 12, The Hammerheads on July 19, and PAKG July 26. You can also tune in to live lunch every Friday at 91.9 WFPL.

Movie at the Louisville Zoo 

When? Every Friday

How much? Free to Zoo members and only $5 after 5:00 pm (not including parking) for non-members!

Where? Louisville Zoo

Watch a movie under the stars at the “wildest theater in town,” but don’t forget to bring something to sit on and extra money for snacks. While the sun is still up, the “Zoo Crew” will provide free entertainment before the movie. Movies coming up: Incredibles 2 (July 12) and Black Panther (August 9)

Bike-In 

When? July 20

How much? Free

Where? Bingham Park 

A drive in, but on bicycles. A screening of a bugs life which also include local food vendors and live music.

Farmer’s Markets

When? Saturdays

Where? Various markets around Louisville such as; St. Matthews, Douglass Loop, Bardstown road, Jeffersontown— look up your location and find one near you!

Markets with fresh produce and homemade goods set up around Louisville, typically on Saturday mornings. 

Celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11

When? July 12 – 8:30 pm

How much? free

Where? The Ogle Foundation Woodland Pavilion, Broad run park

A celebration of the historic moon landing. Includes stargazing, telescopes, and footage from the First Lunar Landing.

America’s Most Haunted Neighborhood Tour

When? Daily at 7:30 pm

How much? $20 per person

Where? Old Louisville
Old Louisville is known to be one of the most “haunted” neighborhoods in the United States. The 90-minute walking ghost tour is based on the book “True Ghost Stories and Eerie Legends from America’s Most Haunted Neighborhood” and takes tour-goers around the most haunted buildings while telling their stories. 

St Joes Picnic

When? August 9-11

How much? Free entry, bring money to buy tickets to participate in games and to buy food!

Where? St Joseph’s Children’s Home

St Joe’s picnic, fun for families and friends of any age, is not only one of Louisville’s popular summer activities (bringing in thousands of people) but also one of Kentucky’s most successful fundraisers, raising money for St Joseph’s Children’s Home.