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 Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27, 2025.
55th annual Dainty Festival
The 55th Annual Dainty Festival kicks off this weekend, leading up to the annual World Championship Dainty Contest next week.
The Dainty Contest is held on the last Monday of July each year on George Hauck Way, near Goss Avenue. This year, the German game that dates back centuries will return to the streets of Louisville's Schnitzelburg neighborhood Monday, July 28, at 5 p.m.
Contestants, who must be 45 years or older, use a broomstick to try to hit a five-inch peg called a dainty as far as possible.
The competition begins at 5 p.m. and will feature a food court, beer garden, and family area.
The Dainty Contest started in 1971 when George Hauck, Charlie Vettiner and others gathered at the corner of Goss and Hoertz Avenue to play the German street game.
But first, a weekend of festivities leads up to the big day. Sunday, the Dainty FUNdraiser Carnival at The Merryweather. There will be old school carnival games, the Dainty batting cage, food, drinks, pickle ice cream, live wrestling and more.
The event starts at 5 p.m. and ends "late."
Sunday is Schnitzelburg Sunday Funday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at George Hauck Way. The Sunday Funday serves as the opening ceremony for the 2025 Dainty Contest, starting with brunch at The Merryweather from 11 a.m. to noon. From there, the Dainty Parade takes off from the bar with a live performance from the Hot Sauce Brass Band, marching through Schnitzelburg to the corner of George Hauck Way—the home of the Dainty.
Sunday also includes the famous Bologna Sandwich Eating Contest, Pickle Juice Chugging Contest, The Dainty Magic Show and Petting Zoo and booths from area neighborhood associations and businesses.
To learn more and look at a full lineup for the weekend, and Monday, click here.
The Big Stomp 2025
A music festival with a mission returns to Waterfront Park this weekend.
The Big Stomp takes place Friday and Saturday, July 25–26, at the Brown-Forman Amphitheater in Louisville’s Waterfront Park. The event blends live music with mental health advocacy through immersive experiences, wellness programming, and interactive exhibits aimed at stomping out the stigma surrounding mental health.
This year’s lineup includes Murder by Death, The Record Company, Bendigo Fletcher, Say She She, Ruen Brothers, Friko, and Kathryn Brooks. Local and regional acts such as Buddy Crime, Duchess, In Flight Entertainment, Louisville Folk School, Relaay, Roadie, and Adam Thomas will also take the stage.
Festivalgoers can take advantage of an exclusive “Friends & Family” deal: Buy three general admission weekend tickets and get one free. Just place four tickets in your cart, and the discount will automatically apply at checkout. The savings total more than $75, including waived fees. Tickets are available at: bigstomp.ticketspice.com.
Important note: The Big Stomp will go cashless in 2025. Bars will accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as digital payment options like PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Proceeds from the festival benefit The Pete Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, education and access to care.
For more information, follow #StompTheStigma or click here.
The Big Stomp
Where: Louisville's Waterfront Park. 1301 River Road, Louisville, KY 40202
When: Friday, July 25 from 5-11 p.m. and Saturday, July 26 from 1-11 p.m.
How much: General admission is $61.05 and the weekend passes are $79.68.
Lineup:
- Murder by Death
- The Record Company
- Bendigo Fletcher
- Say She She
- Ruen Brothers
- Friko
- Kathryn Brooks
- Buddy Crime
- Duchess
- In Flight Entertainment
- Louisville Folk School
- Relaay
- Roadie
- Adam Thomas
Frazier Summer Beer Fest
The Frazier History Museum is officially of legal drinking age — and it’s celebrating with one of Kentucky’s biggest beer-tasting events.
The Frazier Summer Beer Fest returns for its fifth year this Saturday, July 26, with more than 200 specialty craft beers, live music, food, and Kentucky pride on tap. The event also marks the 21st anniversary of the museum, located in downtown Louisville.
The beer fest will feature breweries from across the region and beyond, with guests invited to sample a wide selection of creative and seasonal brews. The atmosphere includes music, food trucks, and a lively crowd of craft beer enthusiasts.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Frazier History Museum, a nonprofit that supports exhibitions and educational programming, including free or reduced admission for Title 1 students, youth camps, tours, and community engagement programs such as “Let’s Talk: Bridging the Divide” and “Stories in Mind.”
Ticket Options:
- General Admission: $50
- VIP Admission: $90
VIP tickets include early access from 4-5 p.m., indoor bathrooms, air conditioning, and entry to museum exhibits and the Gateway Garden, along with exclusive beer selections and access to a shaded VIP tent area.
All attendees must be 21 or older to enter.
For tickets and additional information, click here.
Bardstown Road Aglow in July
Highlands shoppers can get a head start on the holiday spirit — in the middle of summer.
“Aglow in July” will take place Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Bardstown Road, Baxter Avenue and Barret Avenue. The event is a preview celebration for the 40th anniversary of Bardstown Road Aglow, which returns in full this December.
The community shopping event will feature free trolley rides aboard the Trolley de ‘Ville, running between Douglass Loop and Barret Avenue. Local restaurants and retailers will offer exclusive discounts and specials throughout the day.
Organized by Councilman Ben Reno-Weber (D-8) and the Highlands Commerce Guild, the summer event is meant to celebrate the local business community while building anticipation for the December festivities.
“Make plans to celebrate the holidays in July,” Reno-Weber said. “Many businesses and restaurants will offer discounts and specials during the event, and Santa Claus will make a special appearance in his summer suit. Shop local and support the Highlands area!”
The main Bardstown Road Aglow 40th anniversary celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
F.A.T Friday Trolley Hop returns
A beloved Louisville tradition is making a comeback this weekend along the Frankfort and Brownsboro corridor.
The F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop returns Friday, July 25, after a six-year hiatus. The free event will run from 4 to 9 p.m., offering residents and visitors a chance to explore local shops, restaurants and galleries along Frankfort Avenue.
Originally launched in 2004, the Trolley Hop became a signature monthly event celebrating the Crescent Hill and Clifton neighborhoods before it ended in 2019. The revived series is set to include three dates: July 25, 2025; Oct. 24, 2025; and May 29, 2026.
Participants can take advantage of free parking and shuttle service from the Mellwood Arts Center at 1860 Mellwood Ave. Two complimentary trolleys will run every 15–20 minutes on a loop that includes eight stops, from Brownsboro Road to Hillcrest Avenue and down Frankfort Avenue.
Trolley stop locations include:
- Mellwood Arts Center (1860 Mellwood Ave.)
- Bingham Park (Brownsboro Road & Haldeman Ave.)
- Chicken Steps (Brownsboro Road & N. Clifton Ave.)
- Frankfort Avenue & S. Galt Ave.
- Crescent Hill Library (Frankfort Avenue & S. Birchwood Ave.)
- The Irish Rover (2319 Frankfort Ave.)
- Core Fluency / Retta’s Ice Cream (2015 Frankfort Ave.)
- The Silver Dollar (1761 Frankfort Ave.)
Local businesses along the route will offer special discounts and promotions during the event.
The revival is presented by Councilman Andrew Owen (D-9) in partnership with the Frankfort Avenue Business Association, Crescent Hill Community Council, Clifton Community Council, and Clifton Heights Community Council.
More information, including sponsorship opportunities and a full list of participating businesses, is available by clicking 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.
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