A Vibrant Entertainment Destination
Fourth Street Live! is a 350,000-square-foot entertainment and retail complex in Downtown Louisville, Kentucky. This lively destination is filled with popular restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, offering a variety of options for both tourists and locals to enjoy.
With a mix of family-friendly eateries, upscale dining experiences, and high-energy nightlife spots, Fourth Street Live! has something for everyone.
Some of the notable venues include:
- The Sports & Social Club (restaurant and bowling alley)
- Birracibo
- T.G.I. Friday’s
- Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
Although some venues like Tavern, The Fudgery, and the bourbon raw bar have closed, Fourth Street Live! continues to be a hub for entertainment in the city.
The complex is well-known for its diverse range of bars and nightclubs, such as Howl at the Moon, The Sports & Social Club, and PBR Louisville. These venues contribute to the vibrant atmosphere that makes Fourth Street Live! a must-visit destination.
In addition to its thriving nightlife, the complex regularly hosts large public gatherings for music concerts and other events. The pedestrian-friendly design of Fourth Street allows for easy access and a safe environment for visitors to enjoy these special occasions.
A Storied History
From Pedestrian Mall to Entertainment Complex
The idea for a pedestrian mall in downtown Louisville dates back to 1943 when Mayor Wilson W. Wyatt proposed it.
Throughout the years, numerous plans were proposed, yet it wasn’t until 1971 that funding for the $1.5 million River City Mall project was finally obtained. The mall originally stretched from Liberty to Broadway and was initially successful, but over time, vehicular traffic was reintroduced, and the mall was scaled back.
Fourth Street Live! was designed to revitalize downtown and modernize the former Louisville Galleria, which had similar goals but was ultimately unsuccessful.
The Louisville Galleria opened in the early 1980s and was built on the site of the River City Mall, which began in 1973 with the same intentions. Fourth Street had long been downtown Louisville’s primary shopping and entertainment destination.
Tenant Changes and Expansions
On February 16, 2007, the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau inaugurated its brand-new Visitor Information Center at the North entrance of Fourth Street Live!
This center showcases exhibits dedicated to Kentucky Bourbon and Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, as well as a cutting-edge video wall displaying various cultural events and attractions.
On May 8, 2017, the Cordish Company revealed expansion plans, announcing the addition of Spark Louisville, a fresh collaborative workspace launched in 2018. This addition aimed to boost the commercial development of the area further further further and provide new opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Exciting Events and Performances
Throughout the years, Fourth Street Live! has hosted numerous concerts featuring national acts such as Kid Rock, Justin Bieber, Tracy Lawrence, and Goo Goo Dolls. The venue has also welcomed a wide range of other artists and bands.
The venue is also the starting and finishing point for the University of Louisville’s annual “Run for the L of It” 5K and the Louisville Ironman Triathlon. Furthermore, Fourth Street Live! has been the site of numerous celebrations and events related to the University of Louisville’s athletic teams, such as pep rallies for the teams that made the 2005 Final Four, the 2007 Orange Bowl, and the 2007 College World Series.
Fourth Street Live! attracts large crowds for its annual events, which include the Summer Concert Series, Mardi Gras parade, Halloween trick-or-treating, and New Year’s Eve celebration. These events showcase the diverse entertainment and community engagement opportunities available at the venue, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors.
The venue also participates in the city’s annual Holiday extravaganza, Holiday in the City. This festive event features a variety of seasonal activities and attractions, adding to the appeal of Fourth Street Live! during the holiday season.
Laugh Louisville Comedy Club: A New Addition
The newly-renovated Laugh Louisville Comedy Club recently hosted its grand opening weekend on April 1-2, 2023. The Fourth Street Live! theater space has been upgraded with a larger stage, increased seating capacity to 330, cosmetic improvements, and a brand-new sound system.
National acts like Michael Rapaport, Nate Jackson, and Ryan Hamilton are scheduled to perform in the coming months.
The comedy club’s addition to Fourth Street Live! further diversifies the entertainment offerings available at the complex, ensuring that visitors have an even more fantastic selection of experiences.
With comedy shows, concerts, sporting events, and more, Fourth Street Live! continues to solidify its reputation as a premier entertainment destination in Downtown Louisville.
Conclusion
Fourth Street Live! is a cornerstone of Downtown Louisville, offering a unique blend of entertainment, dining, and shopping for locals and tourists alike. Boasting a storied past and a promising future, Fourth Street Live! remains a significant contributor to the ongoing revitalization and development of downtown Louisville.
Whether you’re interested in catching a comedy show, attending a concert, dining at a popular restaurant, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, Fourth Street Live! has something to offer everyone.
As the complex continues to evolve and expand, it remains a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Downtown Louisville’s best.
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