Louisville is one of those “hidden” gem towns which pretty much everyone has heard of, yet few have been too. I was once on that list, but no longer! I’m disappointed I didn’t make a weekend trip to Louisville sooner because it was so fun. Yet, before I left I was constantly searching for things to do in Louisville this weekend. It can be hard because weekends come and go, so you’ll often miss out on cool events. So, instead of a list of places that you MIGHT be able to see this weekend, I’ve got ten surefire hits you can put down for a weekend trip to Louisville!
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1. Visit the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum
On our weekend trip to Louisville, this was at the top of my list. I’m a huge baseball fan and grew up playing from pretty much the time I could swing a bat. The Louisville Slugger is synonymous with baseball bat in many households. So when we had the opportunity to spend a weekend in Louisville, there was no way I was going to pass up a chance to visit. As an added benefit, it’s right downtown making it a great starting point for other items on this list.
I’d suggest everyone coming to town put this at the top of their own things to do in Louisville this weekend list. There is actually way more to do here than I initially anticipated. The museum is full of great baseball artifacts, all from players who used Louisville Slugger bats. You can even get a picture holding authentic, game used bats of your favorite players!
Once it is time for your factory tour, you’ll get a chance to see how they are made. Every single bat, both professional and consumer, is produced in this one factory. The tour takes you through the entire process. This starts with the creation of blanks, then carving of the bats, and finally the finishing touches like painting. At each stop you’ll get an opportunity to hold bats from that stage in the process. I was honestly like a kid in a candy store the entire time on our trip!
At the end of your tour, you’ll have a chance to purchase a personalized bat at the gift shop. They run north of $150, so be prepared for that cost ahead of time when you stop. Finally, make sure you head to the very back when you’re inside. There is a batting cage where you get a chance to swing some Louisville Sluggers, in all the styles that the pros use! All in all it’s a really cool experience that can’t be missed if you’re spending this weekend in Louisville.
2. Brave the Paranormal at the Waverly Hills Sanatorium
I don’t usually make my way to very many “spooky” places, but friends have definitely recommended visiting Waverly Hills Sanatorium. This “abandoned” hospital was constructed in the 1920s to serve the needs of tuberculosis patients. Today, it serves the needs of those seeking to find the paranormal in it’s haunted hallways.
There are a variety of ways to tour the Waverly Hills Sanatorium during your weekend in Louisville. Those not wishing to dip their toes into the paranormal, can simply sign up for a history tour of the facility. These tours are conducted during the daytime, and provide a guided tour of all five floors of the Sanatorium. However, if you’re wanting to get the true experience then you need to sign up for a Paranormal tour. You’ll get an opportunity to walk through the hospital after dark and truly experience what Waverly Hills is all about.
However, there is one final way in which you can make a visit to Waverly Hills. If you’re need for the paranormal runs deep, you can even rent out the entire facility for a private investigation! This give you (and up to 9 friends) the chance to spend the whole night exploring the Sanatorium. It is certainly one of the more unique ways to spend a night in the country, and should definitely be considered for anyone with the desire (and money) when making a weekend trip to Louisville.
3. Pay Tribute to “The Greatest”, Muhammad Ali
For boxing fans, this will probably be at the top of your things to do in Louisville this weekend! Muhammad Ali was born and raised in Louisville, and the city was in many ways a microcosm of his life as well. The Muhammad Ali Center is dedicated to the life of “The Greatest” but also serves as a center which strives for social change and justice.
Visitors to the Muhammad Ali center will begin their tour at the top of the facility. A video introduces you to the life of Muhammad Ali. This video helps visitors understand who he was and provides a lot of context to the remaining exhibits that you will see in the museum. In fact, as you walk through the museum you’ll notice that each section is based on the values that drove Muhammad Ali to be the man he was.
The Ali Center advises that it can take at least 90 minutes to tour the museum. However, in our trip there it will take much more time than that. There are a lot of videos and other “interactive” exhibits which allow you to spend much longer exploring the life of Muhammad Ali. During our weekend in Louisville in 2023, we spent probably 2.5 hours here. It was a very fulfilling experience to learn about the man Ali was, especially beyond the ring.
4. Experience the Thrill of Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs could very well be #1 on the list of things to do in Louisville this weekend, if that weekend happens to be first Saturday in May! That’s because Churchill Downs is home to the world famous Kentucky Derby. This prestigious horse race is a main event all on it’s own which attracts tens of thousands of people to Louisville each year. However, even if you don’t get a coveted ticket to the race you can still enjoy a visit to Churchill Downs during any other weekend trip to Louisville during the year.
While the horses aren’t racing year round, there are two other non-Derby times where you can watch. That would include the September Meet (September 12-29, 2024) and the Fall Meet (October 27-December 1, 2024). There are various events during these periods which includes stakes races, night racing, trick or treating, and more! If you’re visiting during these times of year, it can be a great way to enjoy a weekend in Louisville.
Churchill Downs is also home to the Derby Museum. Dedicated to all things Kentucky Derby related, it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Louisville this weekend. While you could just visit the museum, I’d highly recommend taking one of the many different tours on site. These are a great way to get up close and personal with the track, as well as the horses which train here during the year. As the heart of horse racing in America, I think any horse enthusiast would be disappointed by not making a visit here.
5. Sip Bourbon Along Louisville’s Whiskey Row
If you’re over 21, you can’t make a weekend trip to Louisville without making some time for at least one bourbon drink. This delicious alcohol is synonymous with the state of Kentucky. Louisville is home to a number of distilleries, many of which have locations along Main Street. Since you’ll almost certainly find a few other things to do in Louisville this weekend downtown, then you’ll want to find at least one bourbon stop!
One of my favorite ways to explore an area is with a guided tour. Even better when you can combine that guided tour with some history of the streets you’re walking on. One of the best things to do in Louisville this weekend has to be the Phantoms of Prohibition tour of Whiskey Row. This is a great tour that’ll allow you to taste some fantastic bourbon, learn the history of this iconic part of town, and maybe spot a ghost or two! It’s also a wonderful way spend a Friday night and kickoff your weekend in Louisville.
If you’re someone who enjoys a more free-form visit, then you’re still in luck. There are plenty of places you can simply pop in to enjoy a drink along Whiskey Row. I’d recommend starting with distillery tour of Kentucky Peerless, then heading to Barrels & Billets to blend your own custom bourbon. After that, you’ve got a number of options but I’d recommend making stops at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and Angel’s Envy Distillery. Finally, finish your walk down Main Street by getting refreshed at the Tartan House.
6. Focus Your Weekend in Louisville on its Vast History
Louisville is a city which is chock full of history. The city’s geographic location on the Ohio River made it a prime location for trading. The first permanent settlement that would become Louisville started in 1778 during the American Revolution. As one of the oldest cities west of the Appalachian Mountains, there is a wealth of locations you can explore during your weekend in Louisville.
As with the previous option for how to spend a weekend in Louisville, you can partake in a guided tour of town. Whispers on Whiskey Row: Murder, Crime, & Ghosts of Derby City is a wonderful tour of downtown Louisville which is excellent for those who aren’t inclined to imbibe. Taking place after dark, you’ll learn all about the sordid history of Louisville. Paired up with a night at the Waverly Hills Sanatorium, and you’ve got quite the spooky history filled weekend trip to Louisville planned out.
There are also a number of other historical sites spread across Louisville that are worth a visit. The Conrad-Caldwell House stakes it’s claim as “most Haunted House in Old Louisville”, so it’s 100% gotta be one of the spooky things to do in Louisville this weekend. It’s also a great place to enjoy the diverse architecture of the Old Louisville neighborhood. Locust Grove preserves the beautiful final estate of Louisville’s founder George Clark. The Riverside, Farnsley-Moreman Landing provides one of the oldest homes in Louisville along with great views over the Ohio River. These are just a few of the excellent places around town you can experience the history of this great river city.
7. Catch a Concert or Game in Downtown Louisville
This might not be at the top of the list of things to do in Louisville this weekend, but seeing a concert or game downtown certainly is one of the best entertainment options. Louisville has a vibrant downtown with a number of great events going on throughout the year. In fact, when we did our weekend trip to Louisville, it was to see P!nk in concert at the KFC Yum! Center. This is a world-class arena that has hosted the likes of Stevie Nicks, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, Lil Baby, Shania Twain and more!
Beyond concerts at the Yum Center, you can see a variety of other events. At the top of that list is University of Louisville Men’s and Women’s basketball. Louisville is an elite basketball school and that is represented by them playing in the largest dedicated basketball arena in the country by capacity. Yep, even more seats than in any NBA arena! There is also comedy, monster trucks, and more throughout the year. For a full list of events at the arena, check out their page here.
Louisville also is the home to a number of other sports teams, outside of the University. You can see the famous Louisville Bats Triple-A baseball team play games at the wonderful Louisville Slugger Field. If you’re a big soccer fan, then you’re in luck as well. Louisville City FC (a USL Championship team) and Racing Louisville FC (a NWSL team) both play games at the gorgeous Lynn Family Stadium downtown. Sports fans have got plenty to do with a weekend in Louisville.
8. Enjoy Family Time at Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
If your weekend in Louisville is all about the family, then consider spending a day or two at a local theme park. Kentucky Kingdom has been serving the citizens of Louisville and it’s visitors for over 25 years, though it’s seen a few closures in that time. Hurricane Bay is the water park portion of Kentucky Kingdom, which makes the two parks a really great deal for families!
Kentucky Kingdom offers a variety of rides that cater to all thrill levels. For adrenaline junkies, the park features heart-pounding roller coasters like the Lightning Run, a hypercoaster with intense drops and airtime, and the Storm Chaser, a steel coaster with thrilling inversions. Kids can enjoy gentler rides like the Whirl-a-Round, a classic teacup ride, or the Kentucky Flyer, a family-friendly wooden roller coaster. Additionally, the park has a variety of flat rides, such as the Giant Wheel, which offers a panoramic view of the entire park.
Hurricane Bay, is the perfect spot to cool off and enjoy some water-based fun. The park boasts an array of attractions, including the Big Surf wave pool, where guests can experience the thrill of ocean waves right in Louisville. For those seeking a rush, the Deep Water Dive, one of the tallest body slides in North America, offers a nearly vertical drop that’s sure to get your heart racing. Families can enjoy the Adventure River, a lazy river that winds through the park, or the Buccaneer Beach, a themed splash zone for younger children. When combined together, the two parks offer an excellent way to spend a quality family weekend in Louisville.
9. Use Your Weekend in Louisville to Take a Food Tour
Louisville is also home to a number of great food tours which are perfect for couples or solo travelers. If you haven’t found other plans to fill up your weekend in Louisville, then one of these tours is a great way to kill some time and enjoy what the city has to offer. They can also be a great complement to a bourbon walk down Main Street!
Food tours are also an excellent way to explore neighborhoods you might otherwise miss. For instance, you can really get a chance to enjoy the NuLu neighborhood of Louisville by trying the Beyond the Barrel Bourbon Food Tour. You get to try out a few great eateries in one of the hippest places in town. Another excellent guided food tour option is the Historic Highlands Tastes and Tales tour. This will take you across one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.
Knowing that guided tours aren’t for everyone, you can make your own tour of town. Consider starting your morning with a cup of coffee from Louisville’s own Heine Brothers Coffee (found all around town) or a delicious Mexican breakfast at Con Huevos. I’m a sucker for a good deli, so check out Safier Mediterranean Deli or Frank’s Meats and Produce for lunch. At dinner time, Volare serves up a plethora of mouthwatering Italian dishes (my personal favorites) or you can head down to the Lobby Bar and Grill to get Louisville’s own Hot Brown from where it originated.
10. Escape to the Great Outdoors in Jefferson Memorial Forest
Just because you’re doing a weekend trip to Louisville, doesn’t mean the whole time has to be spent in the city! The Jefferson Memorial Forest lies just to the south of town and is a great way to get a few hours in the great outdoors during your weekend in Louisville. The forest covers 7,500 acres and is actually the largest municipally-owned forest in the country.
One of the best locations to visit in the forest is the Tom Wallace Recreation Area. This part of the forest features miles of trails, along with a small lake which is great for a casual day on the water. All of the hikes in this area are rated as easy. It also features the Tulip Tree Trail which is a wonderful accessible trail that is excellent for everyone!
The hiking doesn’t just stay near the lake though. There are hiking trails spread all across the forest. The Siltstone Trail is one of the oldest maintained trails in the forest. It covers 6.5 strenuous miles, over a number of descents, around knobs, and along ridges. You can also find more isolated, yet easy, trails in the Scott’s Gap section of the park. The Meadow Meander Trail is perfect for families who are getting outside on their weekend in Louisville.
The Best Places to Stay on Any Weekend Trip to Louisville
While you might have found plenty of things to do in Louisville this weekend, you’ll probably also want to find a place to stay in town as well. Louisville is home to pretty much any chain you can imagine, but also a number of pretty neat and unique hotels as well.
If you’re looking for a more unique to Louisville stay during your trip then I’ve got a few recommendations. The Bellweather Hotel is a gorgeous 1920s decorated spot which restored a number of old buildings in the Highlands neighborhood. Each of the rooms have their own unique styles, meaning you could make a few stays here without feeling like you’re repeating anything. While 21c Museum Hotel Louisville is not only a hotel but also an art museum. It’s located right downtown and is an excellent way to enjoy Louisville without needing a car. Finally, Hotel Genevieve is one of the newest hotels in Louisville and puts you in the heart of the trendy NuLu neighborhood.
Of course, not every trip has to have a unique hotel. Sometimes you’re committed to travelling on a budget and so am I. I’m a huge fan of IHG’s suite of hotels and their rewards program. Since I often don’t mind staying a bit outside of town (having a car and usually road tripping), you can get some great deals. There are IHG affiliated hotels throughout Louisville, including downtown Louisville and near Kentucky Kingdom.
Final Thoughts on Things to do in Louisville This Weekend
This list is only scratching the surface of things to do in Louisville this weekend. However, I think it’s a surefire way to have a really awesome trip to Louisville. I was honestly surprised by how much there was to do when we traveled up for a concert and a weekend last year. I can’t wait to make it back up and get to explore some of the places I missed. Louisville is simply too awesome to pack into a single weekend, so go ahead and plan yourself a second one!
I’ve also had an opportunity to explore a lot of cities, both big and small, across the US over the last few years. Some of my favorite city trips included Boston, Baltimore, and Denver. I’ve even moved away from Florida to enjoy one of the cities I visited in Chattanooga! Let me know some of your favorite cities to vacation to in the comments below and I’ll put them on my travel to-do list!
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