Publication Date: 03-16-2026
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bryn Alston
(502) 614-4122
balston@louisvilledowntown.org
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 16, 2026) – Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP) today announced the return of the Downtown Pickleball Street Fest for its third year, sponsored by Angel’s Envy Distillery. The all-day event will convert E. Main Street into an outdoor pickleball destination with competitive tournaments and open play, alongside a wellness expo, yard games, food trucks, cocktails and beer, and DJ entertainment.
The street fest will take place on Saturday, May 30, from 8:30am – 2:00pm transforming E. Main Street, between S. Jackson and S. Hancock streets, into a pickleball oasis bringing together athletic competition and neighborhood energy in the center of Downtown Louisville.
“The Pickleball Street Fest is a perfect example of what’s possible when we reimagine our public spaces,” said Rebecca Fleischaker, executive director of LDP. “By activating our streets with programming like this, we’re showcasing that Downtown Louisville is a place where community, competition, and celebration can come together.”
The fest will include Pickleball celebrity matches, open play, and a multi-ranking round-robin tournament hosted by Goodbounce Pickleball Yard & Wellness, welcoming competitors of every skill level. Registration is open now through May 27, with entry fees of $10.00 – $20.00 per player. REGISTER HERE. Medals will be awarded to the top three teams in each division. Every participant will receive a colorful, branded pickleball paddle grip band.
“The Pickleball Street Fest is one of the most exciting ways to introduce people to the sport,” said John Flodder, CEO and founder of Goodbounce Pickleball Yard & Wellness. “You hear about pickleball everywhere as the fastest growing sport, but once people step onto the court and try it for themselves, they instantly understand why. We’re thrilled to help bring the event back for its third year and to add wellness and recovery experiences that highlight how sport, community, and healthy living all come together.”
Sponsored by Angel’s Envy Distillery, the fest will feature entertainment by DJ Ace, a variety of food trucks, a pop-up bar with local beer – including Downtown’s Beer – from Ten20 Craft Brewery, and a specialty Angel’s Envy bar featuring their signature Peach Smash cocktail. Tournament participants will receive a complimentary cocktail or mocktail along with 20% off non-spirit merchandise purchases in Angel’s Envy’s retail store on the event date.
“We’re thrilled to once again partner with Louisville Downtown Partnership for an event that brings our community together,” said Gigi DaDan, General Manager of Angel’s Envy. “Building on last year’s momentum, the annual pickleball tournament is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the everyday wins that deserve a toast. From a great day out with friends to a victory on the pickleball court, we love creating moments where people can come together and raise a glass with Angel’s Envy.”
Beyond the annual Pickleball Street Fest, LDP manages Baird Urban Sports Park, at 615 W. Main Street along the historic W. Main Street. The park features two Pickleball courts and a wiffle ball field which is open to the public six days a week, Monday – Saturday, from 10am – 8pm for open play, April through October.
For tournament registration and more information about the Downtown Pickleball Street Fest, visit here. To access event photos and graphics, click here.
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About LDP
LDP’s mission is to improve the economy of downtown Louisville’s Downtown by promoting the redevelopment, vitality and economic growth of the Central Business District and surrounding areas through creating a safe, clean and enjoyable environment.
About ANGEL’S ENVY
ANGEL’S ENVY is a global brand that produces finished whiskeys at their Louisville, Kentucky-based distillery. Founded in 2010, ANGEL’S ENVY was among the first American whiskey producers to employ a secondary finishing process broadly across its portfolio. Today, each of its award-winning whiskeys are finished in hand-selected barrels to add a distinct layer of flavor and complexity, and the ANGEL’S ENVY team continues to produce several highly acclaimed core offerings – a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels, a Rye Whiskey Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks, and a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in a blend of Hungarian, Chinkapin, and French Oak Barrels – as well as a variety of innovative, special releases.
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