Welcome to Louisville

Louisville Welcomes You to #OTOForum26

Louisville, Kentucky, is where Southern hospitality and Midwestern friendliness shake hands. With its electric arts scene and booming food and craft beer culture, “Derby City” isn’t just hosting the AAO-HNS/F 2026 OTO Forum—it’s rolling out the red carpet. Join the Academy March 20-21, 2026, and experience all that Louisville has to offer.

Fun Facts About Louisville

  • Louisville is home to the longest-running sporting event in the U.S., the Kentucky Derby. Since 1875, the famous annual horse race has taken place at Churchill Downs.
  • The cheeseburger was created in Louisville in 1934.
  • Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville in 1942.
  • The “Happy Birthday to You” song was written by Louisville-born sisters Mildred and Patty Hill.
  • Louisville is home to the nation’s oldest operating river steamboat, the Belle of Louisville.

*Please note that some of these attractions are located in Indiana, as Louisville and Indiana are located less than 10 minutes from each other. 

Arts & Entertainment

Louisville pulses with artistic energy—from ancient masterworks and classical treasures to cutting-edge galleries championing the city’s next generation of talent. Live performances electrify both intimate indoor venues and open-air stages throughout the city. Discover your next cultural obsession in Louisville’s thriving arts scene.

Museums and Galleries:

Performing Arts:

Dining in Louisville

Louisville has earned its reputation as the epicenter of “New Southern Cuisine,” where talented chefs reimagine beloved regional classics with bold, innovative twists. From sunrise to sunset, the city’s culinary scene delivers unforgettable flavors at every meal.

Coffee and Tea Shops:

Top Rated Restaurants:

Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants:

Fun Activities

Whether you’re exploring solo or with family, Louisville offers something for everyone. Seek out thrilling adventures, discover historic parks and green spaces, or support local businesses—this city has it all.

Family Fun:

Parks:

Shopping:

Louisville’s Neighborhoods

Every neighborhood in Louisville has its own distinct character, weaving together a tapestry of charm that makes Louisville unmistakably itself. These neighborhoods create a city that’s both diverse and cohesive—a place where you can explore something new around every corner while still feeling the warmth of a tight-knit community.

Sports Attractions

Louisville lives and breathes sports history. This is Muhammad Ali’s hometown—where the Greatest honed his skills and shaped his legacy. It’s also home to the Kentucky Derby, the longest continuously running sporting event in America, where every first Saturday in May becomes a thundering celebration of speed, tradition, and spectacle. Throughout the city, you’ll find attractions that bring Ali’s remarkable story to life, dive deep into Derby tradition, and celebrate the other champions and defining moments that make Louisville a true sports destination.

The Urban Bourbon Trail

Dive into Kentucky’s bourbon culture without leaving the city limits on Louisville’s iconic Urban Bourbon Trail. This curated collection of local bars and restaurants takes your appreciation to the next level, with expert bartenders ready to guide you through impressive whiskey collections and bourbon-infused dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

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