Welcome to
Louisville’s Filipino community
Upcoming Events
2025 Philippines Independence Day Celebration
Louisville’s inaugural Philippines Independence Day celebration on June 14, 2025 was a smashing success with 14 food and retail vendors, 11 entertainment groups, the biggest Filipino community gathering in Kentucky, and a proclamation from Mayor Craig Greenberg to commemorate the historic day for Filipinos across the diaspora. Louisville has a thriving Filipino community of over 11,000 and continues to grow.
This event was made possible by hosts Crane House and Cultura Philippines.
*For inquiries for the 2026 celebration, please reach out to KYPhilippineIndependenceDay@gmail.com.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg making welcoming remarks to open the Philippines Independence Day Celebration.
Cultura Philippines dancing the Cariñosa.
Snippet of Cultura Philippines dancing the Binisuan.
Young members of Cultura Philippines dance a modern version of the Tinikling to Bruno Mars and Rosé’s APT.
Snippet of The Crestview Co closing out the night with their dance number.
“Events like the Philippines Independence Day Celebration reflect our city's strength -rooted in diversity, powered by community, and guided by our commitment to celebrate cultures from around the world.”
—Louisville Mayor Craig Greensberg
“As we honor the Filipino community's rich contributions to Louisville, we continue building a city where every culture is seen, valued, and celebrated.”
Local Cuisine
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Adabelle's Bakery
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Ala Eh Eats Filipino Food and Sushi
9407 Westport Rd #118, Louisville, KY 40241
(502) 290-0211
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Ate Shai's Homecooking (catering)
(502) 309-6737
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Bamba Egg Roll (food truck)
(502) 383-1261
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Cha Cha's Menu (catering)
(502) 203-6434
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JL Cuisine (catering)
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Kapit Bahay
(502) 819-3554
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Kusina ni Eleng (catering)
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Lanceta Trading Co.
3435 Breckenridge Ln, Louisville, KY 40220
(502) 495-0255
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Mak-Mak's Barbecue (catering)
(502) 536-5988
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Naimas
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My Tindahan
2240 Taylorsville Rd #103, Louisville, KY 40205
(502) 533-0831
Filipino-Owned Businesses
Cultural & Community Engagement
Cultura Philippines
Cultura Philippines was formed to pass on traditional dance sharing history, culture & connection.
Cultura Philippines performs primarily in Louisville, KY at a variety of events like cultural festivals, corporate parties, educational programs, and reunions.
Asia Institute Crane House
Founded in 1987, Asia Institute – Crane House (AICH) celebrates and brings to life the cultural diversity of Asia to Kentucky and southern Indiana residents and visitors. AICH provides educational and cultural programs and services to the public and works to increase the capacity of our local Asian communities to share and preserve their heritage.
Fil-Am Society of KY and Southern IN
This historical organization was established in 1959 by a small group of Filipino immigrants to improve communication amongst Filipinos in Kentucky and Southern Indiana . Fil-Am Society provides support, cultural exchange, and celebration. Members and guests look forward to their annual Barrio Fiesta.
Louisville Office for Immigrant Affairs
Louisville continues to see unprecedented growth in its immigrant population in recent years, and Louisville Metro Government’s Office for Immigrant Affairs is implementing new strategies to engage the international population. The Office for Immigrant Affairs helps ensure that Louisville is a welcoming city for all.
Filipino Catholic Community-Archdiocese of Louisville Filipino Ministry
The Filipino Ministry in Louisville is a part of the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Multicultural Ministry. It was established in 2013 and has been actively celebrating the Filipino culture and faith through various events and liturgies.
Filipinos of KY and Southern IN
A Facebook group that welcomes our Pinoy community where we share experiences, job posts, news, reunions and more..
Bluegrass Filipino American Association, Inc.
A non-profit organization seeking to serve as the venue for cultural, educational, civic, charitable and social interaction among its members and with the Bluegrass Community.
To bring together Filipino American people, their families and or other various ethnic origins residing in and around the surrounding bluegrass area.
To provide an avenue for cultural activities conducted or sponsored by the association. To conduct seminars and educational activities in order to appreciate the rich heritage of the roots of the Filipino culture.
To render assistance to its members and other people living in the Bluegrass Commonwealth of KY, the USA, and the Philippines through its charitable activities.
Filipinos in Louisville
Filipinos in Louisville
11,946
Filipinos in Kentucky
14,145
*Data pulled from US Census
History: Filipinos in Louisville
A Courier-Journal article dated July 8, 1904.
In 1904, four engineering students from the Philippines were part of the Filipino Student Movement (an American government plan for the Americanization of selected Filipino students) . Although they applied to DuPont Manual Training High School in Louisville, KY, they were denied admittance. The Kentucky Board of Education ruled that the students' skin color debarred them from the privilege of attending public schools. At the time, Kentucky schools lawfully required the separation of races in their classrooms.The issue in question was whether Filipinos would be considered “Negroes.” It was decided that the term "Colored" applied to Negroes, Indians, and all other brown races, including Filipinos.
The first Filipino organization PMS was established by local physicians (1954).
50 years after the students were disbarred, Filipinos were in the height of immigrating to Louisville and surrounding areas. In a 1954 Louisville newspaper interview, influential Filipino Dr. Jesus Bacala said,
I intended to stay in Kentucky for only one year, but now I’ve been here two. Personally, I enjoy the treatment I get from Kentucky and Kentuckians. There is no place like it anywhere in your country.
Around this time, many Filipino immigrants moved to Louisville, Kentucky if they were:
● Medical professionals beginning their residencies at one of the many hospitals or opening their own private practice.
● In the military serving the United States and residing on military base Fort Knox (40 miles from Louisville).
● A Filipino professional benefiting from the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act/Hart Cellar Act which abolished an earlier quota system based on national origin. This law established a new immigration policy based on reuniting immigrant families and attracting skilled professionals to the United States.
Throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s, Filipinos continued to immigrate and petition family members to join them in the US. This growth created government, military, economic, and educational ties between the US and the Philippines.
Cultura Philippines waiting to perform at the annual Asian Night Market on Fourth Street Live! (2022).
Today, nearly 12,000 Filipinos call Louisville their home, and the community has extended their population to second and third-generation Filipino Americans. Filipino-owned businesses like Bamba Egg Roll, Ala Eh Eats, and My Tindahan are strong examples of cultural mainstays supported by local Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike.
The success of various Filipino food festivals and public events provide insight on the density of the Filipino population and validates the city’s support and acceptance of Filipinos as a whole. As Louisville grows year by year, many in the community continue the endeavor to preserve their cultural heritage through engagement, exchange, and education.
Founders of the Fil-Am Society of Kentucky and Southern Indiana gathered regularly.
Military veteran Eriberto Labrillazo (left) and his wife Alice Labrillazo in Radcliff, Kentucky.
Fil-Am Society members gather at the Barrio Fiesta to display traditional Filipina costumes.
