May in Louisville is a magical time filled with festivals, Mother’s Day events, and — you know it — the Kentucky Derby. The hats grow bigger, the horses run faster, and the bourbon flows… well, freer this month!
We locals know to reserve the first weekend in May for horses, betting, and a little Mint Julep tasting. Thurby and the Kentucky Oaks are happening in the days leading up to the Run for the Roses, and then the Derby will speed down the track on Saturday, May 3 at Churchill Downs. Whether you’ve scored a seat or are spending the day with friends, cross your fingers that the track is smooth and the winner is a longshot! Go, baby, go!
Happening on May 10 is the International Food Truck Festival at Waterfront Park. Enjoy “eating around the world” with food trucks serving all kinds of fare. Some faves include Celtic Pig, The German Corner, and Rollin’ Tacos. Admission is free, and enjoy the entertainment from 11am-8pm.
Spend some time with your mom this Mother’s Day weekend at your choice of several lovely events around town. She might like checking out the flowers, plants, and artisan creations at the The Beachmont Festival of Flowers on Saturday, May 10 from 9am-3pm. Or, take her out to eat on May 11 at Churchill Downs or Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. If you want to be a little more active and outdoorsy, spend Mother’s Day at the Zoo, where moms will enjoy free zoo admission. And even Kentucky Kingdom is celebrating the glory of mom-dom with a card-making table, a free blackberry ice cream cone for moms, and free flowers for the first 300 mothers on their way out of the park after a fun day.
End your month — and get your summer started — with the Louisville Taco, Beer, Tequila Festival at the Mellwood Art Center from 11am-8pm on May 31. Open to all ages, this festival will offer live music, games for the family, and all sorts of yummy food from taco trucks to churros. For the adults, there will be multiple margarita bars, tequila pavilions, and great craft beers. Choose from two ticketed sessions, and kids under 10 are free!
By Tonilyn Hornung
P.S. You may also enjoy: Let’s Hike: Cherokee Park Scenic Loop.
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