It may be difficult to think about planning an autumnal excursion while enduring the sweltering heat of summer… But if you want to enjoy these fantastic fall experiences in the Louisville area, you’ll need to plan ahead so you don’t fall behind (don’t worry, we’ll leaf the puns alone from here on out).

Many of these fall festivals are beloved annual events that delight locals and visitors alike. And they’re all reachable from our cozy Inn.

Looking for a Fall Weekend Getaway? You’re Going to Love Louisville!

Few things bring greater peace and joy than taking in some breathtaking fall foliage, with its vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange. There’s a certain crispness in the air and the sound of leaves crunching under your feet that is just oh-so-satisfying.  We’d dare say that few places offer deciduous delights that rival those found here in Kentucky.

If you consider yourself an avid leafer, then look no further than the Louisville area, where the foliage, friendliness, and fall festivities abound.

But be forewarned: many of these events sell out well in advance, so we recommend securing your spot as soon as possible. Sit back, pour yourself a glass of bourbon, and get ready to find a can’t-wait-til-it-gets-here autumn festival in Louisville.  

2025 Fall Festivals: Louisville, Kentucky

1. WorldFest (Labor Day Weekend)

Location: Downtown Louisville
Drive time from Inn: 15 minutes
Date: August 29th to September 1st, 2025

Start fall strong with a visit to the largest international festival in Kentucky! For the entire Labor Day Weekend, downtown Louisville transforms into one large and vibrant international celebration.

This three-day extravaganza brings the best from around the globe to the heart of Louisville. Sample delicious dishes at one of the many food trucks while enjoying some of the best performers and parades from around the world. I don’t know about you, but food and culture are a winning combination in our book!

WorldFest is completely free and is a very family-friendly festival. In the Children’s International Activity Zone, kids learn about all the exciting cultures from different parts of the world. 

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2. Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Location: 114 North Fifth Street, Bardstown, Kentucky
Drive time from Inn: 50 minutes
Date: September 5th to 7th, 2025

If you only participate in one event in the Louisville area this (or any) fall, it should be taking a scenic drive to revel in the picturesque scenery the area has to offer, and that trip should definitely culminate at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival!

Located in Bardstown (about 40 miles from the Inn), the ride to the festival provides ample opportunity to drink in the sights before drinking up some delicious bourbon. In 2025, the KBF runs September 5 – 7 and is an absolute must for bourbon lovers to experience in their lifetime!

Of course, festival goers can enjoy samples from some of the area’s biggest names in bourbon, but the real treasures can be found in the lesser-known local hidden gems such as Bardstown Bourbon Company, Peerless Distilling, and Neeley Family Distillery.

With nearly 40 amazing distilleries participating, it is easy to see why this event sells out quickly. In fact, several of the weekend festival packages have already sold out! If you go, make sure you let us know which distillery was your favorite!

Want to learn more about bourbon? Let us share this passion with you:

• Louisville Bourbon Trail Planning Guide
• The 5 Best Bourbon Tours In Louisville
• How To Drink Bourbon Like a Local in 5 Easy Steps

3. Jack o’Lantern Spectacular

Location: Iroquois Park, 4800 New Cut Road, Louisville, KY 40214
Drive time from Inn: 30 minutes
Date: October 7th to November 2nd, 2025

We all know that the beautiful Iroquois park is a great location for some leaf peeping during the day but from October 7th to November 2nd, did you know that it transforms into a scary Halloween celebration at night?

Every year, a virtual army of volunteers and artists decorate a walking path with Halloween-themed decorations. As you walk along a winding path through the dark forest, you can see (literally) thousands of carved pumpkins that illuminate the trail.

To make the experience even more dreamy and immersive, the stunning displays of carved pumpkins are accompanied by haunting music.

This ‘Luminary Art Experience’ is a popular event that attracts well over 100,000 visitors every year. Tickets sell out fast so don’t postpone booking your tickets! You can get them on the official website.

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4. Via Colori Street Painting Festival

Location: Big Four Bridge Lawn at Waterfront Park – 1101 River Rd. Louisville, Kentucky
Drive time from Inn: 15 minutes
Date: October 18th to 19th, 2025

If the beautiful changing leaves spark massive joy within your heart, the Via Colori Street Painting Festival will leave you feeling absolutely giddy!

This free event takes place from Saturday, October 18th to Sunday October 19th. With over 150 artists creating original masterpieces on the sidewalks of Waterfront Park, something is bound to speak to your artistic sensibilities.

And the event is filled with plenty of other activities to please everyone: live music, animal rescue opportunities, cosplay guests, a food court, and there will be a TARDIS on display (unfortunately, time-traveling is not authorized during the festival, but Whovians and non-Whovians alike will have the chance for a photo op).

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5. ColorFest

Location: Bernheim Forest, Clermont, Kentucky
Drive time from Inn: 40 minutes
Date: November 1st to 2nd, 2025

Only a short 25-mile car ride away, the organizers behind this festival invite you to join them and thousands of others in the beautiful Bernheim Forest on the 1st and 2nd of November.

This two-day festival consists of a series of outdoor events that are fun for both kids and adults. Join volunteer forest experts to explore the wonders of the wild or go down one of the giant slides or take part in the hilarious pumpkin rolling event if you dare!

For the less curious-minded or adventurous, the festival offers local food as well as arts and crafts to enjoy. Don’t forget that November is still a great time to do some leaf peeping!

6. Gaslight Festival

Location: Chamber of Commerce, 10434 Watterson Trail, Jeffersontown, Kentucky
Drive time from Inn: 15 minutes
Date: September 4th to 14th, 2025

For ten days in September (September 4th to 14th), the small Louisville suburb of Jeffersontown is home to the absolutely amazing Gaslight Festival.

Describing this festival is almost impossible since there are so many events that it would take too long to list them all. In addition to the obvious food trucks and local vendors selling arts and crafts, there are car shows, balloon glows, and even a full-on bowling tournament!

Located a mere 15-minute drive away from the Inn at Woodhaven, you can combine this festival with a stay at the inn for the perfect romantic getaway.

Keep in mind that every year, there is a run on accommodations as more than 200,000 people flock to Jeffersontown for the festivities. Book now before beds run out!

For the full details as well as the complete schedule, check out the official festival website here.

7. Hayride on the Hill

Location: 2120 Rundill Rd, Louisville, Kentucky
Drive time from Inn: 30 minutes
Date: September 13th to 14th, 2025

If you’re fortunate enough to be in town mid-September, you’re not going to want to miss Hayride on the Hill. This annual tradition takes place on September 13th and 14th at Iroquois Park. Other parks sometimes join in on the fun and it’s always worth checking out their FaceBook page for updates!

Visitors can not only enjoy a free guided hayride around the park but also listen to some live music, and purchase some tasty seasonal treats.

If you happen to make it out to the park in fall for the Hayride on the Hill, you won’t be disappointed but you may be chilly, so be sure to take a sweater or jacket!

8. Trick or Treating at Churchill Downs

Location: 700 Central Ave. Louisville, Kentucky
Drive time from Inn: 15 minutes
Date: October 26th, 2025

Every year at Halloween time, Churchill Downs hosts a Trick or Treat at the Track event. This year, on Sunday, October 26th, visitors can enjoy horse racing and Halloween fun. With a rich history and so much to do, you’ll see why Churchill Down’s is a favorite for visitors and locals alike!

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Bonus 1: Fall Feasting at 610 Magnolia

Location: 610 W. Magnolia Ave. Louisville, Kentucky
Drive time from Inn: 15 minutes
Date: Ongoing

If you’re feeling fancy, there is no better place to flaunt your finery than at 610 Magnolia. Located in historic Old Louisville, 610 Magnolia offers a tasting menu (that varies in both the number of courses and offerings from week to week) and is guaranteed to please even the most percipient palate.

With innovative seasonally based items that include delectable delights such as pickled mussels, chanterelle hummus, and butternut squash/goat cheese agnolotti, Chef Edward Lee’s tasting menus may seem a bit intimidating. Trust us that your tastebuds will thank you for giving it a try (especially if he is serving the “Bourbon Aficionado:” drunken banana cake, butterscotch, chocolate pappy maple syrup, corn, brown butter ice cream, and smoke for dessert)!

If you plan on going, be aware that they are only open Wednesday – Saturday from 5:30 – 9:00, and they do require reservations, which you will need to make well ahead of time.

Bonus 2: Burgoo at Against the Grain Smokehouse

Location: 401 E. Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky
Drive time from Inn: 15 minutes
Date: Ongoing

Burgoo is as fun to say as it is to eat (in fact, we’re going to say it again… Burgoo!). Kentucky’s answer to France’s Daube (which is not nearly as fun to say), Burgoo is a stew meant to be made with whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand. Typically, in Kentucky, that means corn, lima beans, okra, and meat.

Against the Grain Smokehouse (located in downtown Louisville) serves up a spectacular Burgoo that provides the perfect way to warm yourself on a chilly autumn afternoon. Pair this delicious fall comfort food with one of their amazing seasonal fall beers, and you’re sure to leave with a full stomach and a happy heart.

While it’s not technically a festival, burgoo is a specialty at Against the Grain and is something worth putting down on the calendar for your autumn Louisville visit. The flavors will make you feel like you’re a part of a special party for one.

Get Your Fall Louisville Getaway On the Calendar

Perhaps planning a fall vacation wasn’t on your radar yet. However, with the popularity of Louisville in the coming months, it’s important to make your reservations now. We would love to host you at the Inn at Woodhaven (pictured below!) and are here to answer any questions you may have to ensure you get the most out of your Louisville vacation or staycation. Happy fall, y’all!