5 things to do in the Louisville area the weekend of April 17-19

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The weekend is upon us, and there are plenty of things to do and see across Kentuckiana.

Here are a selection of events, markets, concerts and more happening the weekend of Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19.

Thunder Over Louisville

Thunder Over Louisville is the all-day event that serves as the opening ceremony of the Kentucky Derby Festival on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The theme for Thunder's 37th year is "Thunder in the U.S.A." in honor of America's 250th anniversary. From the music to the fireworks to military aircraft involved, it'll be a celebration of all things red, white and blue.

The event is free to all who purchase a 2026 Pegasus Pin. The $7 pins are sold at hundreds of retailers in Louisville and southern Indiana.

There are plenty of vendors in viewing areas along the Ohio River, if you don't bring your own food and drink.

The day begins with an airshow that includes a variety of military aircraft and aerial acts, with a nighttime drone show before the fireworks. The big event is the 30-minute fireworks along the waterfront from two barges and the Second Street Bridge. It's the longest continuous fireworks show in the U.S.

For WDRB's complete guide to Thunder Over Louisville, with information about traffic changes, no parking zones, where to watch, what is and isn't allowed and more, click here.

1st annual Weenie Derby

The "most adorable afternoon in Louisville" is set for this weekend.

The Kentucky Humane Society and The Collective Louisville are hosting the inaugural Weenie Derby this Sunday, April 19, at E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park on Freys Hill Road in Louisville.

Organizers say they're bringing together the "fastest (and cutest) weens in the region for a day of racing, community, and giving back to the Kentucky Humane Society."

More than 60 dachshunds will compete for glory in four categories: The Puppy Heat, the Adult Heat, the Senior Heat and the "Special Ween" Heat for dogs with mobility needs and wheeled warriors.

There will also be food trucks, carnival games, dogs available for adoption and more.

The event starts at noon and runs through 6:30 p.m., with races starting at 1 p.m. Races take place at Shelter Two and the grass area. Admission is free, but donations to KHS at the gate are encouraged.

To learn more, click here.

Paristown Garden Show

The fifth annual Paristown Garden Show is set for this weekend.

The free event will be held Sunday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Brent Street and in Christy's Garden in the Paristown Arts & Entertainment district, located at 720 Brent Street.

Organizers say the show features nearly 100 garden-centric vendors and 40 educational seminars from nonprofit organizations.

Vendors will have flowers, native plants, trees, shrubs and outdoor garden decor.

There will also be a children's area with educational activities. Local author Bob Hill will be in attendance for a meet-and-greet and book signing. Margaret Shay, owner of Deep Seed Native Plant, will also share advice on growing native plants. Joe Autry will conduct live tree carving demonstrations.

Attendees will be able to sip on specialty cocktails while they stroll.

To learn more, click here.

Earth Day Fest

You can join The Parklands of Floyds Fork in celebrating Earth Day this Friday, April 17, at Broad Run Park on Bardstown Road.

While April 22 is Earth Day, The Parklands said it's getting the festivities started early.

The festival will consist of live music and nature trivia, tree giveaways and live acoustic performances in the Woodland Garden.

There will also be vendor booths, food trucks, field games and more. The free tree giveaway is set for 5 p.m.

The festival will be held at the Ogle Foundation Woodland Pavilion and the Moss Gibbs Woodland Garden. It is free and family-friendly, but organizers ask that you don't bring any outside drinks or coolers.

Earth Day Fest runs from 5-9 p.m. at Broad Run Park, located at 11551 Bardstown Road, in Louisville.

To learn more, click here.

CeLOUbrate Print 2026

A celebration of Louisville printmaking is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at Louisville's Portland Museum.

CeLOUbrate Print 2026 is a community printmaking festival, bringing together hands-on activities, art exhibitions and local art booths.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can explore two new printmaking exhibitions, participate in printmaking activities from over 15 tabling artists, food and drinks from local vendors and more.

The festival offers a chance to learn about the artform of print and make some of your own pieces.

Other activities include Steamroller Printing — which involves heavy machinery. Organizers say student volunteers from UofL's printmaking department will be on hand to help participants ink up their custom-designed blocks, which will be laid on the pavement and rolled over onto paper or fabric. This printing process uses wooden blocks called "woodcuts," that are carved.

To learn more about the free, family-friendly festival, click here.

These are just a handful of events scheduled for this weekend. Click here to look at what else is happening across Kentuckiana this weekend.