THINGS TO DO

Summer's not over yet! Don't miss these free outdoor movies and concerts in Louisville

Courier Journal

No, summer don't go!

You'll be kicking yourself in January if you don't enjoy every last second of the warm temperatures and sunny skies in August.

So how can you make the most of these last warm days? The most obvious outdoor event is the annual Kentucky State Fair, which takes over the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, through Sunday.

But don't let summer slip by without filling your dance card with a few other options, including several concerts held under the stars and family movie nights in the great outdoors.

Outdoor concerts in Louisville

This month at Iroquois Amphitheater, 1080 Amphitheater Road, you can catch a few different music genres in the beautiful open-air venue.

On Friday, Umphrey's McGee performs at Iroquois Ampheathre at 8 p.m. Tickets are $32.50.

On Saturday, Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd take the stage at 7 p.m. Tickets are $49-$79.

If that's not enough, check out "The Concert That Never Was," featuring 2 Back 2 Mac with E L Faux, I Heart Heart and Steely Danish" on Sunday. The show starts at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are $10-$20.

Get your tickets at the Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office or visit iroquoisampheather.com

Of course, you may be saving your money for upcoming events like September's Hometown Rising, Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life.

If that's the case, that might mean you're looking for something a little more, well, free. You're in luck! There are two more WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays on the bill and a few free family outdoor movies still scheduled for August and September.

Here's the breakdown.

WFPK's August Waterfront Wednesday

When it comes meeting up with friends to listen to great music at an incredible setting —we're talking about the banks of the Ohio River — nothing compares to WFPK's monthly outdoor concert series "Waterfront Wednesday."

And did we mention it's free?

On Aug. 28, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Devon Gilfillan headlines the evening. Also performing are C2 and The Brothers Reed.

Music starts at 6 p.m. and concessions are available on-site. Bring your lawn chair or blanket but leave your pets at home.

And you might as well mark your calendar for the final Waterfront Wednesday of the season since it's going to be a good one.

Josh Ritter, Amanda Shires and GRLwood wrap up the 2019 Waterfront Wednesday season on Sept. 25.

The free monthly series runs April to September each year on the Big Four Lawn in Louisville Waterfront Park, adjacent to the iconic Big Four Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge.

Outside alcohol is prohibited. No coolers, no glass or pets allowed in the event area of the Big Four Lawn and the adjacent park areas.

Beer lovers rejoice:West Sixth Brewing announces NuLu brewery and taproom

Shoe Sensation Summer Concert Series

This free Friday night outdoor concert series is held May through August at the Jeffersonville RiverStage, 100 W. Riverside Drive, in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Bring your picnic blanket and boogie shoes for the free Riverstage concerts along the Ohio River. Music begins at 7 p.m.

On-site concessions are available and there is a cash beer garden for those over 21. For weather or schedule updates, follow the Jeffersonville RiverStage on Facebook.

On Friday, The Juice Box Heroes will perform with special guest Sound Machine.

Bike-In Series

It's like a drive-in movie with your bicycle. Grab your bike and a blanket and discover a different neighborhood park on Saturdays this summer and fall while you enjoy a free movie, "live" music and more.

The community event, hosted by Olmsted Parks Conservancy and curated by Louisville musician Ben Sollee and Hal Riedling, will feature a variety of musical acts, a different movie each month, activities for kids of all ages and food and beverage vendors.

Each event begins at 5 p.m. with the movies starting at dusk.

Bike-In locations (movies TBA):

Sept. 21: Victory Park, 1051 S. 23rd St.
Oct. 19: Tyler Park, 1501 Castlewood Ave.

For movie updates and to preregister for the Bike-In events, visit olmstedparks.org.

Summer Concerts at Willow Park in Cherokee Triangle

A Sunday evening tradition in the Cherokee Triangle neighborhood brings music, family and friends together in the little park in front of the Willow Building in the Highlands.

On Sept. 1, catch the Ovation Orchestra, which is big band swing music.

Many families bring dinner and a blanket to spread out while they enjoy the music coming from the gazebo from 7-9 p.m. Please bring a donation of canned goods, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, paper towels, dishwashing liquid and deodorant to support the Highlands Community Ministries’ Dare-to-Care food pantry.

Free outdoor movies in Louisville

Although Louisville has been showing great movies all summer, there's still time to hit a couple of free family outdoor movie nights around town. The Louisville Zoo and the cities of Jeffersonville and Clarksville, Indiana, aren't done yet.

Coca-Cola Twilight Cinema

100 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana

Inflatables, games and more kick off Saturday at 7 p.m., with the feature film, "Dumbo," starting at 8:30 p.m

Clarksville Movies in the Park

Gateway Park, 500 Little League Boulevard, Clarksville, Indiana

Sept. 6: 'Little Giants' ('90s Throwback Night)
Oct. 4: 'Hotel Transylvania 3'

Free admission and movies begin at dusk. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Coolers are welcome, but food, including fresh popcorn, candy and drinks are available for purchase.

Louisville Zoo

1100 Trevillian Way

Catch "Hocus Pocus" on Sept. 13 during the Great Clips Friday Night Movie Series. The event is free for zoo members or $5 for nonmembers plus a $5 parking fee. The Zoo Crew will provide entertainment before the show. The field opens at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at sundown. Don’t forget to pack your blanket or lawn chairs.

Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/kirbya.