Photo courtesy Greater Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Trolley hoppers board the trolley at Slugger Field.

Photo courtesy First Friday Trolley Hop/Louisville Downtown Management District

First Friday Trolley Hop & Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop, Louisville, KY

Louisville’s monthly street parties – they’re hoppin’ and they’re free

by Carrie Daut | September 08, 2011

Louisville is a city of close-knit, prideful neighborhoods. We love our food, our art and our history, and we’ll gladly share them with you. On the first and last Fridays of the month, we do just that.

Two different trolley hops – downtown’s First Friday Trolley Hop and the Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop – bring visitors deep into the heart of some of Louisville’s most eclectic districts.

During the trolley hops, Louisville’s historic trolleys run on continuous loops all evening. They’re free to ride and can be boarded and exited at any of the stops along the route. Just look for the signs, and hop on and off as you’d like.

Along the streets, dozens of art galleries, restaurants, cafés, museums, bars, jewelry shops, antique stores, boutiques, consignment shops and wine bars stay open late and offer free admission to trolley hoppers.

Insider Tip: Most participating businesses along the trolley hops also offer free food and drinks – even alcohol. Fill up on these freebies, and don’t spend a dime on dinner!

The First Friday Trolley Hop takes place on the first Friday of every month. The next one is October 7. Trolleys run from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Most galleries will close around 9 p.m., but restaurants, clubs and shops will stay open later.

The trolley hop travels the Main and Market Streets corridor. On the eastern edge, the route circles Louisville’s East Market District, known for its art galleries and upscale restaurants. The trolley then continues into the heart of downtown, passing Slugger Field, the Galt House, the Louisville Science Center, Glassworks and other major landmarks.

The Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop (F.A.T. Friday Hop) takes place on the final Friday of every month (except December). The next one is September 30. Trolleys run from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

This trolley hop tours historic Frankfort Avenue, from the Crescent Hill neighborhood in the east to the Mellwood Arts Center in the west. Frankfort Avenue is one of Louisville’s fastest-growing art communities and is known for its locally-owned boutiques, restaurants and pubs. Insider favorite El Mundo is located along this route.

Both trolley hops are family-friendly activities and often feature special events, including live music, giveaways, face painting and sidewalk exhibits. Both routes offer free parking.

For more information on the First Friday Trolley Hop, visit ldmd.org/First-Friday-Trolley-Hop.html. For the Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop, go to fatfridayhop.org.