Learn More About Louisville, Kentucky
Background, General Information and Weather in Louisville, Kentucky –
Louisville is located in the great state of Kentucky and is also the largest city in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It is also the 29th most populated city in the United States. Louisville was founded back in 1778 by George Rogers Clark. This makes Louisville one of the oldest cities West of the Appalachian Mountains. This city got its name from King Louis XVI of France. Louisville is situated along the border between Kentucky and Indiana as well as the Ohio River. As of 2016 the population here was just under 620,000. According to the United States Census Bureau, Louisville is a total is 380.46 square miles in size with just about 17 miles of that being water. When it comes to the weather here, it falls under the category of “Humid Subtropical.” This means that the summer months will be hot and muggy and the winter months will be cold and often times, very wet. The cold season here lasts for exactly three months. From November 28th until February 28th the daily average high is just about 52 degrees. The low for this time a chilly 28 degrees. The hot season on the other hand lasts for almost four months. From the end of May until almost the end of September the daily average high is just about 80 degrees. The low for this time is a very comfortable 71 degrees. Although the average temperatures for the winter can sometimes be in the 20’s, there have been some cold blasts here that have taken then temperature all the way down to 12 degrees. This usually happens in January and February. Even though it gets pretty cold here, you will only see about 9 inches of snow per year which is relatively low. During the summer months there have been times when the thermometer has shot up to close to 100 degrees. This tends to happen in July and early August. Overall, the weather here is perfect if you want to experience all four seasons. Louisville also receives close to 50 inches of rain per year.
Annual Events and Fun Things to do here –
Louisville is known for its many events and festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous is the Kentucky Derby which happens on the first Saturday of May every year. After the Derby there is a two week long Kentucky Derby Festival which starts off with the Thunder Over Louisville which is the largest annual fireworks show in North America! The Kentucky Derby Festival has many other events like the Pegasus Parade, Great Balloon Race, The Great Steamboat Race as well as a marathon. In total there are about 70 events that take place within this two week period alone! Think of all the fun you could have here during the month of May? There is so much to do here and experience. Some of the events here are adults only but there are plenty of family friendly events as well. If you are a fan of the Beatles you can head to the largest Beatles Festival in the world on Memorial Day weekend. This event lasts for five days and is located on the Belvedere in downtown Louisville. During the summer months there are tons of cultural events here like the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival. This event takes place in July and features free Shakespeare plays in Central Park in Old Louisville. This is definitely something you want to check out if you are into theatre. Besides that event in July, there is also the Forecastle Festival which pulls in more than 35,000 visitors each year. This event takes place at the Louisville Waterfront Park and celebrates the best music and art found here in Louisville. There have been hundreds of performers that have graced this festival such as The Black Crowes and The Smashing Pumpkins. The talent list for this event is always changing and evolving.
Parks in Louisville –
The Louisville Metro area has 122 city parks that cover more than 13,000 acres. Many of these parks were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted who helped design Central Park in New York as well as countless other parks, college campuses and public facilities in the United States. One of the most visited parks here in Louisville is Cherokee Park. This park has gorgeous landscaping as well as a 2.6 mile trail for you to walk or bike on. There is also the Louisville Waterfront Park which is located on the banks of the Ohio River. This park has tons of open area which is often used for free concerts and several of the above mentioned festivals.
Summary –
Louisville is an incredible place to live if you love outdoor festivals and live music. There is always something to do here! The options are endless.
