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Series of activities aims to energize Downtown spaces

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 15, 2025) – Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP) today announced its 2025 event season featuring the return of popular events in Downtown Louisville beginning later this month. The 2025 event season features Open Play at Baird Urban Sports Park, Downtown Happy Hour, Food Truck Wednesday, and Downtown Drive-In, among others – all designed to enhance the pedestrian activity and vibrancy of Downtown spaces.

“Downtown Louisville thrives when our streets and public spaces are filled with activity, community gatherings, and opportunities for connection,” said Rebecca Fleischaker, executive director of LDP. “By activating key public spaces with regular programming, LDP continues its commitment to creating a vibrant urban core that supports Downtown’s visitors, workers, and residents.”

Open Play at Baird Urban Sports Park launched its fourth season on April 1. The park is open to the public to play six days a week, Monday – Saturday, from 10am – 8pm. Open play will continue through the end of October and will be available dependent on weather. Located at 615 W. Main Street along the historic West Main corridor, the park features two regulation pickleball courts and a wiffle ball field. The courts and field operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with participants bringing their own equipment.

New this year, LDP will host the Downtown Happy Hour series with the first taking place on April 17 from 4 – 7pm at the Country Boy Brewing Taproom at the Omni Hotel, 400 S. 2nd St. The after-work event will feature live music by Hickory Vaught, extended hours for the Falls City Market shops, and a festive social atmosphere. The full schedule of locations and dates will be announced soon.

Food Truck Wednesday returns April 30, running weekly through October from 11am – 2pm in the 200 block of S. 4th Street between Jefferson and Market streets. In partnership with Louisville Metro’s Department of Permits, Licenses and Investigations, the lunchtime series will transform the block into a pedestrian-only area where Downtown employees, visitors, and convention attendees can enjoy offerings from up to eight food trucks and live music.

The popular Downtown Drive-In series will kick off on May 16 showing Pitch Perfect (PG-13). The series will take place on select Friday nights through October, with movies beginning at sunset. In collaboration with Waterfront Development Corporation, the movie night series will convert Waterfront Park’s Brown-Forman Amphitheater, 1301 River Rd., into a community theater experience, inviting locals and visitors to enjoy free movie screenings in Downtown’s core.

The Downtown Drive-In schedule:

May 16: Pitch Perfect (PG-13)
June 6: Happy Gilmore (PG-13)
June 20: Fast and Furious (PG-13)
July 11: Pretty in Pink (PG-13)
August 1: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (PG)
August 22: Men in Black (PG-13)
September 19: Moana (PG)
September 26: Jaws (PG)
October 3: Mean Girls (PG-13)
October 10: Ghostbusters (PG)

Beyond the spring lineup, LDP also will bring back fan-favorites including Downtown Pickleball Street Fest, a closed street event featuring Pickleball tournaments, local celebrity exhibitions, food and drink options, and live entertainment; Downtown Cyclouvia, a lively, car-free environment for walking, biking, and community connection; Steins on Main, an Oktoberfest celebration with local brewers and German-inspired cuisine, games, and contests; Downtown Silent Disco, a fun and family-friendly event, combining music, dancing, and community; and the Downtown Holiday Market, held in conjunction with the city’s Light Up Louisville celebration, featuring photo opportunities, food and drink, and a large holiday-themed marketplace. Additional details for these events will be announced in the coming months.

For complete information about all events and programming, visit louisvilledowntown.org/events. To access photos and videos of LDP’s events, click here.