Louisville, Kentucky Set to Shine Bright in 2025

Andrea Thompson

ByAndrea Thompson

January 6, 2025

Famous for its bourbon, horse racing, and Southern hospitality, Louisville is set to dazzle visitors in 2025 with an exciting line up of events, openings, and a nod to its storied history.

From iconic celebrations to new attractions, Bourbon City is ready to shine brighter than ever.

Highlights of What’s New in 2025

A Landmark Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs’ 150th Anniversary
Churchill Downs celebrates 150 years with $90 million in upgrades, perfectly timed for the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, 2025. The Kentucky Derby Museum will also mark its 40th anniversary with updates to its immersive Greatest Race film and the launch of a Derby through the Decades fashion exhibit.

Louisville’s Disco Ball Legacy
Few know that during the height of the disco era, Louisville produced up to 90% of the US’s disco balls. This sparkling history will take centre stage in 2025 with:

  • The Myriad Hotel: A boutique hotel located in a former disco ball factory, featuring a disco ball-inspired lobby and décor.
  • The Lucky Penny Speakeasy: Offering a signature Mirror Ball cocktail in a bar adorned with mirror-tiled accents.
  • Frazier History Museum’s “Cool Kentucky” Exhibit: Featuring a disco ball from the local manufacturer Omega National Products, which still operates in the city.

Thriving Bourbon Culture
Louisville’s bourbon scene continues to flourish, with two new tasting rooms opening in 2025 from Green River Distilling Co. and Pursuit Spirits. Don’t miss Bourbon & Beyond, the world’s largest bourbon and music festival, or unique experiences like the Ideal Bartender Experience at Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, where visitors learn about Louisville native Tom Bullock, the first African American to publish a cocktail book.

Grand Openings and Transformative Spaces

  • Hotel Bourre Bonne: The newest addition to Hilton’s Curio Collection, this six-story hotel with a rooftop pool, bar, and upscale dining at Bourré Bonne Steakhouse, opening in early 2025 near Whiskey Row.
  • Waterfront Park Expansion: A new phase connecting downtown Louisville to the historic Portland neighbourhood.
  • Speed Art Museum Sculpture Park: A $22 million addition featuring 13 outdoor sculptures, open to the public 24/7.

100 Years of The Great Gatsby
Louisville’s Seelbach Hotel, which inspired scenes in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, will celebrate the centennial of The Great Gatsby with the debut of a Gatsby Suite and themed events around the city. Visitors can also enjoy a Seelbach Cocktail at the historic bar that once entertained Fitzgerald himself.

Cuisine and culture
Recently named one of the “Best Food Neighbourhoods in the USA,” NuLu continues to attract food lovers with its diverse cuisine, including Cuban, Mayan, French, and Mediterranean-inspired restaurants. Pair your meal with a visit to Rabbit Hole Distillery, founded by an Iranian-born bourbon visionary.

Whether you’re captivated by the shimmer of disco balls, the timeless charm of the Kentucky Derby, or the smooth allure of bourbon, Louisville promises something different for 2025.

Plan your visit today at GoToLouisville.com