Publication Date: 06-30-2026
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bryn Alston
(502) 614-4122
balston@louisvilledowntown.org
SAVE THE DATE: PARK(ING) DAY RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE SEPTEMBER 18
Businesses and organizations invited to participate
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 29, 2026) – Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP), with support from the Louisville Metro Department of Transportation (DOT), today announced Park(ing) Day will return to Downtown Louisville on September 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Park(ing) Day is a global movement that transforms ordinary parking spaces into temporary public spaces for a day. Instead of cars, individuals will see small parks, seating areas, art displays, and creative pop-up spaces lining the streets.
“This event showcases how creative placemaking can bring people together and reimagine our streets as more than just corridors for cars,” said Rebecca Fleischaker, executive director of LDP. “We’re excited to see the innovative ways participants will activate these spaces and demonstrate the potential for making Downtown even more welcoming and engaging.”
Local businesses, organizations, and community members are encouraged to take part in Park(ing) Day by converting on-street parking spaces along the Main Street corridor, and 4th, 5th, and 6th streets, into vibrant and engaging community spaces. Other locations may also be considered.
“Park(ing) Day demonstrates how even small changes to our streets and public spaces can have a big impact on community life,” said Michael King, assistant director of transportation planning at Louisville Metro’s DOT. “Past events have inspired lasting initiatives, including Louisville’s Parklet and Streetery programs, which helped support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. By reimagining how we use public space, we can create more vibrant, welcoming places for everyone.”
LDP and DOT will be hosting a virtual information session for interested participants on Wednesday, July 15 at 2 p.m. Click here to register for the information session.
Participants in Park(ing) Day 2025 included Work Architecture, Strong Towns, Louisville Water Company, KPFF Consulting Engineers, Louisville Parks and Recreation, Louisville Metro Office of Planning, Louisville Metro Office of Management and Budget, and Louisville Downtown Partnership x Booker Design Collaborative.
LDP and DOT will facilitate all permitting and traffic management for the event, as well as cover meter costs. Participants will be responsible for bringing their own materials, installation/breakdown of the space, and staffing throughout the day.
To learn more about Park(ing) Day, visit louisvilledowntown.org/parking-day. To access 2025 photos, click here.
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