Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city, is home to about 1.25 million people. The city is known for being the namesake of the Louisville Slugger baseball bat and has been called “the Gateway to the South”. It is also known as “River City” and “Derby City” – the derby being, of course, the Kentucky Derby. The big and bustling city is full of things to do at any time of year, but May, the month of the Kentucky Derby, is an especially popular time to visit the area. If you’re planning a trip to Louisville this spring, here are the can’t-miss events events.
- The Kentucky Derby. This year’s Kentucky Derby will take place on May 5th, 2013. If you aren’t familiar with it, the Kentucky Derby, sometimes called “The Run for the Roses” or “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” always takes place on the first Saturday in May. The race, a 1.25-mile race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses, is held at Churchill Downs every year. In the days leading up to the race, you’ll have a chance to enjoy some of highlights of the Kentucky Derby Festival. These include Thunder Over Louisville, the world’s largest fireworks show, and the Great Steamboat Race, an annual competition between the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati down the Ohio River. You’ll also enjoy the Pegasus Parade, a massive parade full of floats, bands, and celebrity guests that dates back to the earliest days of the Kentucky Derby.
- The Dalai Lama. This May, the city of Louisville will be host to a very prestigious guest. On the 19th and the 20th of the month, the Dalai Lama will be appearing at the city’s YUM! Center. On the 19th, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to give a two hour public talk about how compassion on an individual and community level can lead to world peace. On the 20th, he will give present a two-part public Buddhist teaching called “Attisha’s Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment.” These events are open to the public and tickets are available through TicketMaster.
- May Concerts in Louisville. Louisville is a great place to go for music. In the month of May, the city will be hosting a range of artists and bands in various venues. Mexican singer Lucero will be appearing at Headliner’s music hall on May 3rd. Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran will be appearing at the YUM! Center on May 7th. English pop group Il Divo will be performing at the Kentucky Center in Whitney Hall on May 10th. The Louisville Palace will be hosting Soundgarden on May 10th and Daryl Hall and John Oates on May 28th. Finally, the Hollywood Undead will be playing at the Expo Five on May 25th.
Throughout the month of May, a visitor can find all kinds of things to do in Louisville. If you were planning to visit the city, there is no better time to do it.
Do you have plans to visit Louisville in May? What will you be doing?
