LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Horse racing might have to settle for second place this September. Louisville Tourism is betting on music this month. With three consecutive weekends of music festivals, the city is hoping these events hit all the right notes.
Danny Wimmer Presents hosted Hometown Rising last weekend, with Bourbon and Beyond and Louder than Life soon to follow. Louisville Tourism President and CEO Karen Williams said the events draw in people from all over.
"To have three consecutive music festivals in a city is unheard of," Williams said.
Between the three weekends, Louisville tourism estimates the festivals will bring in around 215,000 people leaving an estimated economic impact of $15 million.
"It's not just people coming in town for the festival. They are staying in our hotels, visiting our attractions and eating at our restaurants," Wiliams said.
David Ball drove four hours from Huntington, West Virginia for Hometown Rising last weekend. For him, the lineup was worth the trip.
"There's a lot of big names you don't get to see a whole lot," Ball said.
While people like Ball come for the music, Williams said it is a great chance to introduce people to everything Louisville has to offer. The hope is that attendees leave after a fun weekend remembering Louisville as a place with great music, delicious food, amazing bourbon, and fun attractions. Williams said she hopes the people who visit Louisville for the first time leave wanting to come back soon.
Bourbon and Beyond runs Friday through Sunday. Louder than Life is the following weekend, Septembr 27-29. Both events are at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Expo Center.