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Calendar of Events

Share in the casual festivities and enjoy southern hospitality at Kentucky's exciting events. Green horse pastures, Louisville's scenic Waterfront Park and River Walk, and local arts and music make Kentucky a lovely place to visit year-round.

Learn more about upcoming activities below. Many of our festivals and horse-racing events take place in the spring, summer and fall.

2008 Annual Events

2008 Annual Events

Humana Festival of New American Plays
February 24 - March 30, 2008
Address: 316 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202

Kentucky Derby Festival
April 12 - May 4, 2008
Address: 1001 South 3rd Street, Louisville, KY 40203
Information: info@kdf.org

Kentucky Oaks
May 2, 2008
Information: www.kentuckyoaks.com

Kentucky Derby
May 3, 2008
Information: Toll Free, (800) 28-DERBY

Kentucky Reggae Festival
May 24-25, 2008
Information: www.bisigimpactgroup.com

Kentucky Shakespeare Festival

Julius Ceasar
June June 18-28; July 9, 11, 13

Pericles
July 2-8

Twelfth Night
July 16-20

NOTE: Rest of schedule TBA

Waterfront Independence Festival
July 3-4, 2008
Information: info@louisvillewaterfront.com

Louisville Blues-n-Barbeque Festival
July 11-12, 2008
Information: www.bisigimpactgroup.com

Kentucky Bluegrass Festival
August 1-2, 2008
Information: (502) 583-0333; www.bisigimpactgroup.com

Kentucky State Fair
August 14-24, 2008
General event info: (502) 367-5180; www.kystatefair.org

Kentucky Country Jamboree
August 30-31, 2008
Information: www.bisigimpactgroup.com

Corn Island Storytelling Festival
September 4-6, 2008
Information: cornisland@insightbb.com
Address: 651 South 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202

Oktoberfeast
Ocober 10-11, 2008
Information: (502) 583-0333; www.bisigimpactgroup.com

St. James Court Art Show
October 3-5, 2008
Information: mesrock@stjamescourtartshow.com

American Girl Fashion Show®
October 10-12, 2008

American Girl® fans are invited to an American Girl Fashion Show® and tea party Oct. 10-12 to benefit the Kosair Children's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The shows will be held on Millionaires Row at Churchill Downs and will feature American Girls such as Addy, Felicity, Kirsten, Molly and Samantha. Tickets for a special preview party dinner with the American Girls at 7 p.m., Oct. 10, are $50; and tickets for the 1 and 4 p.m. teas and fashion shows on Oct. 11 and 12 are $35.

Information: Call (502) 629-KIDS or visit HelpKosairChildrensHospital.com to purchase tickets.

Festival of Trees & Lights
November 21-23, 2008

Start the holiday season with a visit to the 19th annual Festival of Trees & Lights to benefit the Kosair Children's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Nov. 21 to 23 at Louisville Slugger Field. This year's festival will include skill sessions with creative ideas for holiday decorating and entertaining. Enjoy family and children's activities, including a meet 'n greet with Santa Claus and special holiday entertainment. This event is presented by Republic Bank. Louisville Slugger Field is at 401 E. Main St. in downtown Louisville.

Information: Call (502) 629-KIDS or visit HelpKosairChildrensHospital.com to purchase tickets.

Light Up Louisville Intl. Festival
November 28 - December 31, 2008
Information: info@gotolouisville.com; www.gotolouisville.com

Cheer on your favorite horse at the world-renowned Kentucky Derby.
Local horse breeders participate in a championship horse show at the
Kentucky State Fair.
Santa Claus makes an appearance during the Light Up Louisville International Festival.