Louisville South KOA Holiday

ECO Kids Discovery Days

Starts: 07/05/2025 - Ends: 12/31/2025

Held on the first and third Saturday of each month year round (weather permitting), ECO Kids Discovery Days at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest invite children of all ages to explore the outdoors and connect with nature. E-C-O stands for Every Child Outside, encouraging hands-on learning through guided hikes, nature-based activities, and interactive exhibits. It's a fun, educational experience that inspires curiosity and fosters a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

Care Camps Big Weekend

Starts: 05/08/2026 - Ends: 05/09/2026

Join Us for Care Camps Weekend May 8–9, 2026 

Stay with us on Friday, May 8, and receive 50%* off your Saturday, May 9 stay. KOA will then donate 50% of the funds raised from Saturday night's stays to the Care Camps Foundation.  
Book Your Stay Now!

Care Camps Foundation is a national non-profit organization that funds 100+ medically supervised pediatric oncology camps across the US and Canada. Their mission is to give joy, hope, and the healing power of the outdoors to children with cancer and their families. KOA has been a foundational partner to Care Camps since 1984. Learn more at carecamps.org.

The Kentucky Derby

Starts: 05/02/2026 - Ends: 05/02/2026

The Kentucky Derby is the most-watched and most-attended horse race in America. Since the first race in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has fascinated millions of viewers at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby Festival is a collection of events that begin building excement for the race weeks in advance.

Our campground will be offering a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings, derby watch party with grab and go snacks, designing special derby-inspired crafts, and lighting a community bonfire.

Looking for lodging near the Kentucky Derby? Churchill Downs can be reached from the Louisville South KOA Holiday in about 30 minutes, with both locations being easily accessible from Interstate 65.

RISE Cheerleading Legacy Regionals

Starts: 12/14/2025 - Ends: 12/14/2025

Get ready for high-energy performances at the RISE Cheerleading Legacy Regionals in Louisville, KY! Watch top teams compete for glory in this exciting regional event that showcases talent, teamwork, and spirit. Don't miss this premier cheerleading competition in the heart of Kentucky!

Fête de Noël Winter Holiday Festival

Starts: 11/28/2025 - Ends: 01/04/2026

Get into the holiday spirit at the Fête de Noël Winter Holiday Festival, held at Paristown Point in Louisville. This festive six-week winter celebration starts the day after Thanksgiving and runs into early January. Visitors can enjoy Louisville's only authentic outdoor ice skating rink, shop at the Brent Street Holiday Market with dozens of local vendors, and take a festive train ride through the lights and décor. There are also special events like holiday movie nights, photo opportunities with Santa at Santa's Workshop, themed skating nights (including “Drag Queens on Ice”), and new additions like the skillet curling competition. The festival offers a lively outdoor village atmosphere complete with holiday décor, food and drink vendors, and plenty of family-friendly fun. With seasonal attractions and experiences for all ages, the Fête de Noël is a standout winter event in Louisville

Yuletide at Yew Dell

Starts: 11/28/2025 - Ends: 12/20/2025

Each winter, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens transforms into a magical holiday destination for the event known as Yuletide. Visitors are welcomed by dazzling light-displays throughout the gardens, a charming model train village, beautifully decorated holiday trees, and plenty of festive décor to set the mood. Families can enjoy greeting Santa, sipping hot cocoa, taking seasonal photos in the glow of the gardens, and participating in a fun takeaway craft. Food and beverage options are available onsite for added comfort and cheer. This event is perfect for all ages, offering a blend of holiday magic and horticultural beauty. Tickets are required for evening sessions, and advance purchase is recommended.

Louisville Christmas Gift & Decor Show

Starts: 12/12/2025 - Ends: 12/14/2025

The Christmas Gift & Decor Show in Louisville is a holiday shopper's dream, and best of all—it's free to attend. Held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, this annual late-November/early-December event features over 700 booths filled with holiday decor, gifts, crafts, jewelry, toys, and seasonal goodies. Families can enjoy a festive day out with activities like free photos with Santa, and there is truly something for everyone—from interior decorators hunting for wreaths and ornaments to bargain hunters looking for unique stocking stuffers. Parking is available with a nominal fee. If you're planning a holiday trip to Louisville, this show is a must-visit to kick off the season with festive vibes and plenty of shopping inspiration.

Lights Under Louisville

Starts: 11/14/2025 - Ends: 01/03/2026

Lights Under Louisville is a dazzling, one-of-a-kind holiday experience held deep underground at the Louisville Mega Cavern in Louisville, Kentucky. This magical drive-through light show transforms the cavern's vast passageways into a 30-minute journey illuminated by over 7 million points of light, themed displays, lasers, holiday music, and more. Visitors can drive their own vehicle (or book a guided “Christmas Express” tour) through the festively decorated cavern during the annual season, which typically runs from mid-November through early January. Suitable for families, groups, and anyone looking for a unique holiday outing, Lights Under Louisville offers a memorable blend of wonder, creativity, and festive spirit — all beneath the surface of the city.

Christmas At Kentucky Kingdom

Starts: 11/22/2025 - Ends: 01/03/2026

Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom transforms Louisville's largest amusement park into a dazzling winter wonderland from late November through early January. Visitors can enjoy over 1.5 million twinkling lights, more than 300 decorated Christmas trees, and four immersive holiday zones, including the Snow Zone with Kentucky's largest snow tubing hill, Classic Christmas with traditional décor, Holly Jolly™ Junction featuring Rudolph-themed experiences, and Santa's Village for meet-and-greets and festive strolls. Guests can also enjoy select rides, seasonal attractions, and plenty of photo opportunities. With activities for all ages, Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom is a family-friendly holiday tradition that combines thrills, lights, and festive cheer in a magical evening under the winter sky..

Adidas Bluegrass Tournament

Starts: 03/06/2026 - Ends: 03/08/2026

Get ready for an action-packed weekend at the Kentucky Exposition Center, March 6–8, 2026, as elite volleyball teams from across the nation face off at the Adidas Bluegrass Tournament. This premier event brings together top talent, fierce competition, and nonstop excitement. Watch fast-paced matches, thrilling points, and championship moments as athletes showcase their skill and teamwork. Enjoy vendor booths, Adidas merchandise, and opportunities to connect with the volleyball community. Whether you're a player, coach, or fan, this unforgettable Louisville tournament is where passion and competition collide!

Dinosaur World Live

Starts: 01/23/2026 - Ends: 01/23/2026

Embark on a thrilling prehistoric adventure with Dinosaur World Live, the award-winning interactive show that brings dinosaurs to life right before your eyes! Join a fearless explorer as you journey through uncharted lands to encounter astonishing, life-like creatures — from the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex to the gentle Triceratops, towering Giraffatitan, and more. After the show, brave adventurers can enjoy a special meet-and-greet and even make a new dinosaur friend. Back by popular demand for its third major U.S. tour, this international hit is a must-see for families and dino fans of all ages. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic, mystery, and excitement of Dinosaur World Live — a Jurassic adventure like no other!

North American Honey Bee Expo

Starts: 01/08/2026 - Ends: 01/10/2026

The North American Honey Bee Expo is the ultimate gathering for beekeepers, industry leaders, and some of the most popular YouTube creators in the beekeeping world. It's the perfect opportunity to share, learn, and network with thousands of fellow enthusiasts. Explore an industry-leading lineup of vendors showcasing the latest innovations in beekeeping from around the globe. Enjoy educational sessions led by top experts, hands-on learning opportunities, and the excitement of the largest honey show in North America. Whether you're a commercial beekeeper, hobbyist, or simply passionate about pollinators, this event is a must-attend celebration of all things bees.

Bourbon Classic

Starts: 02/25/2026 - Ends: 02/28/2026

The Bourbon Classic is a premier multi-day celebration of bourbon, cocktails, and culinary arts, taking place at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The event brings together top distillers, chefs, bartenders, and enthusiasts for an immersive experience, featuring highlights like the Cocktail & Culinary Challenge, where chefs and bartenders pair inventive small plates with creative bourbon cocktails; Bourbon University, offering hands-on educational sessions on bourbon history, distilling techniques, and tasting methods; and TASTE, an exclusive tasting event with dozens of bourbons, master distillers, and gourmet food from celebrated restaurants. Since its launch in 2013, Bourbon Classic has earned national recognition, including being named one of Travel + Leisure's “7 Best Cocktail Festivals in the U.S.” and featured in USA Today. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon aficionado or just beginning your journey, Bourbon Classic delivers an unforgettable experience full of flavor, education, and celebration in the heart of Bourbon Country.

The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour

Starts: 01/16/2026 - Ends: 01/16/2026

Celebrate 100 years of thrills, laughs, and unforgettable moments with The Harlem Globetrotters' most legendary tour ever! Experience a century of jaw-dropping moves, high-flying dunks, and game-changing tricks as the team that redefined basketball takes the court. Feel the excitement of this once-in-a-century celebration featuring brand-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding®, epic pre-game entertainment, and post-game fan interactions that bring you closer to the action than ever before. Don't miss your chance to be part of sports history — join the celebration of The Harlem Globetrotters' 100-Year Tour and experience the legacy live!

Kentucky State Fair

Starts: 08/20/2026 - Ends: 08/29/2026

The Kentucky State Fair is an 11-day celebration of Kentucky agriculture, culture, and fun held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. At the fair you'll find more than 600,000 visitors each year enjoying a wide range of attractions — from livestock shows, horse competitions, and blue-ribbon contests, to thrill rides, concerts, vendor exhibits, and Deep-fried culinary treats. Highlights include the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series, a large midway called Thrill Vil­le with dozens of rides, and many unique Kentucky-themed exhibits (like the Country Ham auction, tobacco displays, and bourbon barrel crafts).

It's truly the place where you can experience “All Things Kentucky, All in One Place.”

Looking for a place to stay near The Kentucky State Fair? The fair can be reached from the Louisville South KOA Holiday in about 20 minutes, with both locations being easily accessible from Interstate 65.

The Kentuckiana Cluster of Dog Shows

Starts: 03/12/2026 - Ends: 03/15/2026

The Kentuckiana Cluster of Dog Shows is a major annual dog-show event held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The cluster brings together thousands of purebred dogs for all-breed conformation, obedience, rally, agility, barn hunt, dock diving, and more. Spectators can expect a lively atmosphere featuring breed judging, performance trials, vendor booths, and opportunities to meet dogs up close during “Meet the Breeds.” With over 3,000 dogs competing each day and more than 13,000 entries over the weekend, it stands as one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the country.

Searching for pet-friendly lodging near the Kentuckiana Cluster of Dog Shows? The Louisville South KOA Holiday offers pet-friendly cabins, RV Sites with private pet lawns and a KampK9 dog park. From the campground, you'll have roughly a 20 minute drive along Interstate 65 to the expo center.

Kentucky Derby Festival

Starts: 04/12/2026 - Ends: 04/30/2026

The excitement surrounding America's most watch horse race begins building weeks in advance! The Kentucky Derby Festival is a collection of events that countdown to the most famous day in horse racing, the Kentucky Derby! Key celebrations will include:

April 12 | PNC Tour de Lou
April 17 | They're Off! LuncheonThunder Over Louisville
April 18 | Thunder Over Louisville
April 23- May 1 | Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront
April 23-25 | Great BalloonFest
April 26 |Pegasus Parade
April 27 | Samtec Great Bed Race
April 30 | Festival Day at the Downs