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The weather has warmed up across Kentucky, so you know what that means!? Outdoor entertainment all around. Live music, shows, festivals and more and we are bringing you all the info you need to enjoy the great outdoors and the beautiful sounds of Kentucky.
I love live music, it doesn't matter if it’s just a random guy and his guitar, a soulful bluegrass band, or a full blown concert. There's something about live music that soothes the soul, and it's even better when it’s on a beautiful summer or fall night.
Kentucky has so many amazing outdoor venues and festivals that no matter what city or town you are in, you can enjoy! We’ve rounded up not only the best outdoor venues to catch a live concert in Kentucky, but also the top festivals and concerts in Kentucky too.
Outdoor Live Music Venues in Kentucky
First up, let’s talk about the venues. These are the best spots you can grab an outdoor concert around Kentucky really just about any given weekend.
Iroquois Amphitheater
Iroquois Amphitheatre is located in Iroquois Park in Louisville, Kentucky. This is also where they host the annual Jack-O-Lantern spectacular where Reid and I had our first date in 2018. The amphitheatre is covered and is a perfect size that anyone attending has a great seat. They offer a range of shows including movie nights, live music shows, youth orchestra and more. Check out their full lineup here. Prices for each show vary.
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is located in Louisville, and offers some of the best FREE concerts in Louisville, Kentucky. Each Wednesday throughout the summer they hold “Waterfront Wednesdays” where guests can bring their chairs or blankets, enjoy food and drinks from local vendors and food trucks. The best part is that it is completely free to attend, it’s a summer tradition that locals and visitors alike enjoy each summer. Check out their weekly entertainment lineup here.
Christy’s Garden at Paristown Hall
Old Forester's Paristown Hall is an indoor concert venue, however just outside it features Christy's Garden, a 5,000 sq ft artificial lawn with a fully powered amphitheater and outdoor bar that is covered. They often host parties and live concerts, and it’s an all around great time. During the winter time Christy’s Garden actually turns into an ice skating rink during their annual Fete De Noel Christmas festival. Check out their full event and concert lineup here.
Norton Commons Music By the Water Concerts
Another FREE concert series! We love a good free summer night by the water listening to good tunes. Norton Commons is a neighborhood on the outskirts of Louisville that hosts a free concert series at the Norton Commons amphitheater. Typically occurring on Saturday evenings throughout the summer. You can see the full summer concert series here.
The Burl
The Burl is located in the Distillery District in Lexington. The Burl campus has an indoor concert venue, outdoor concert venue, brewery, arcade and more. You are sure to have a great time at one of their shows. You can see the full concert series here.
Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa Mansion
Music at The Mansion is a free, family-friendly outdoor concert series held on the front lawn of the Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa Mansion. Concert goers can bring their lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music, delicious food, refreshing drinks, local vendors, and fun for all ages. The music at th mansion summer series is completely FREE! See the full summer line-up here.
Moondance Amphitheater
The Moondance Amphitheatre is located in Lexington and is managed by Lexington Parks & Recreation. It’s a large venue with tiered grass seating, allowing show-goers to bring lawn chairs and blankets. See the full summer line-up here.
The Grove
Probably one of my favorite outdoor venues, the Grove in Glasgow, is a beautiful venue in the trees. Bringing an ambiance and vibes like no other, this venue is amazing and is even open for wedding rentals, morning yoga nad more. See the full concert line-up here.
The Amp at Logstill
Another favorite, the Amp at Logstill is located on the grounds of the Logstill Distillery in New Haven. Set in front of historic railroad tracks and gorgeous countryside, the Amphitheatre is huge with permanent seating close to the stage, a large grassy area for blankets and bleachers at the very back. The experience is full with a walk-up bar and several “VIP” options that include tastings and food. The Amp typically has pretty big names, mostly country music. It’s amazing and makes for an iconic summer night! See their full concert line-up here
Stephen Foster Story
Bardstown's only amphitheatre, the Stephen Foster Story, is located in My Old Kentucky Home state park and is the home of musicals, dramas and concerts. People come in from all over to attend the shows and enjoy the gorgeous park scenery. See the full list of shows here.
Beaver Dam Amphitheatre
I feel like this one is severely underrated and alot of people don’t know about it, but the Beaver Dam amphitheater hosts some really big names like upcoming summer 2025 Travis Tritt, Gene Simmons and more. Make sure you grab your tickets in advance for this one! See the full list of shows here.
Live Music Festivals in Kentucky
Festivals and Concerts in Louisville Kentucky
Most small towns in Kentucky have weekly or monthly fairs or festivals, so many that I can’t list them all here, BUT I have listed some of the bigger concerts and festivals across Kentucky.
The Kentucky Derby Festival
What: Live concerts and music during the Fest-A-Ville Kentucky Derby Festival.
Where: Waterfront Park in Louisville, KY
When: April 24 - May 2, 2025
Tickets: Admission is a Pegasus Pin that can be purchase online or at the gate for $10
Forest Fest
What: A family-friendly festival of bluegrass and Americana music, local food and crafts in the largest municipally-owned forest in the U.S.
Where: 12304 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Fairdale, KY, United States, Kentucky
When: May 17,2025
Tickets: Click here
The Big Stomp
What: The Big Stomp is an immersive, multi-day experience is dedicated to stomping the stigma around mental health through music, mindful programming, and interactive experiences.
Where: Waterfront Park, Louisville KY
When: July 25-26
Tickets: Click here
The Kentucky State Fair
What: The Kentucky State Fair has a variety of outdoor concerts, most popular is the Texas Roadhouse concert series which is FREE with admission to the fair. The lineup will be released in June. There are also several additional tents with live music going daily.
Where: Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY
When: August 14-14
Tickets: Click here
Bourbon and Beyond
What: A four day concert filled with amazing bands, amazing bourbon, food and more! With acts going on on several stages all day, it’s an amazing time.
Where: Kentucky Exposition Center lawn, Louisville, KY
When: September 11-14,2025
Tickets: Click Here
Louder Than Life
What: The largest rock and metal festival filled with four days of amazing music and more! With acts going on on several stages all day, it’s an amazing time.
Where: Kentucky Exposition Center lawn, Louisville, KY
When: September 18-21, 2025
Tickets: Click Here
Festivals and Concerts in Lexington Kentucky
Railbird
What: 2 days full of the best country music headlining Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll, Riley Green, Shaboozy and more.
Where: The Infield at Redmile, Lexington KY
When: May 31-June 1, 2025
Tickets: Click Here
Festivals and Concerts in Eastern Kentucky
Rock the Country Festival
What: Headlined by Kid Rock and Nickelback, the Rock the Country festival is a two-day festival filled with amazing music, food and more.
Where: Boyd County Fairgrounds, Ashland KY
When: July 11-12,2025
Tickets: Click here
Healing Appalachia
What: Headlined by Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton, Healing Appalachia is a music festival where music, community, and hope come together to combat the opioid crisis in the Appalachian region. Every ticket purchased and donation made, goes to building a brighter, healthier future for the Appalachia region.
Where: Boyd County Fairgrounds, Ashland KY
When: September 19-20,2025
Tickets: Click here
Festivals and Concerts in Southern Kentucky
Master Musicians Festival
What: Music, food, crafts, kids areas make for an amazing time at the Master Musicians Festival headlined by Jamey Johnson.
Where: Festival Field on the Campus of Somerset Community College, Somerset, Ky
When: July 11-12,2025
Tickets: Click Here
What are your favorite venues or festivals in Kentucky? Let me know by sending me a DM or email!
