LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville is bracing for a surge of visitors this month as two major music festivals and dozens of other events are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people and pump millions into the local economy.
Tourism officials said September is one of the busiest months of the year for the city, anchored by the Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life festivals. Together, the events are expected to attract nearly 400,000 people and generate more than $42 million.
A larger festival footprint at the Kentucky Exposition Center could make this year's festivals bigger than ever, according to Louisville Tourism.
"Last year, Bourbon & Beyond set a single-day attendance record — we hope to see the same numbers for both Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life this year," said Zack Davis with Louisville Tourism. "Certainly the hotel community feels it. We expect occupancies to be near 90% on several of the peak days."
In all, Louisville Tourism says 28 events are scheduled in September, ranging from conventions to concerts. Those include the Gas Machinery Conference, National Business Conference, and the LouCity Academy 2025 Fall Invitational.
The busy calendar won't stop when the month ends. October is also expected to draw large crowds with the Utility Expo, St. James Court Art Show, and the Harvest Homecoming festival just across the river in New Albany, Indiana.
More Coverage:
Crews build stages, tear out parking lot medians at Ky. Expo Center for music festivals
Louisville's 2 big September music festivals expected to draw 370,000 people
Bourbon & Beyond releases set times for 100+ artists in next month's festival in Louisville
Louder Than Life releases full schedule for next month's rock festival in Louisville
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