Lenten Fish Fries Return to Louisville Area Churches
As the Lenten season began on February 18th, churches across the Louisville area are once again offering traditional fish fries, providing a community gathering and a fundraising opportunity for many parishes. The season continues through April 2nd, three days before Easter.
The tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent has led to a surge in popularity for these fish fries, with numerous churches and organizations participating. Several parishes, including Saint Stephen, Martyr, Saint Rita, Saint Michael and Holy Family, hosted their first fish fries of the season on Friday, February 20th, according to WLKY.
Many locations offer a variety of service options, including dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru, catering to different preferences, and needs. St. Gabriel’s Fish Fry, for example, is open every Friday during Lent, from February 24th through April 7th, and features a drive-thru option, as reported by WDRB.
St. Agnes Church offers fish fries on Fridays from 5-7:30 p.m. Through March 27th, with both dine-in and carry-out options. St. Albert the Great also provides dine-in and carry-out on Fridays from 5-7:30 p.m. Until March 27th. St. Augustine offers fish fries from 11 a.m. To 6 p.m. On Fridays through March 27th, with dine-in and carry-out available. Ascension Church provides dine-in, carry-out, and a drive-thru option (4:30-6:30 p.m.) on Fridays from 5-8 p.m. Through March 27th.
St. Athanasius Church offers dine-in, carry-out, and drive-thru options (5-7 p.m. For drive-thru) on Fridays through March 27th. St. Bartholomew Church hosted fish fries from 4-7 p.m. On Fridays through March 20th.
The 2026 Fish Frynder, a comprehensive guide created by Louisville Public Media, lists more than 50 fish fry locations in the area and allows users to filter by date, meal options, and other criteria. The guide is continually updated, and suggestions for additional fish fries can be submitted to jhicks@lpm.org.
These fish fries often feature classic sides such as mac and cheese, green beans, onion rings, and hush puppies, served alongside large portions of fried cod or catfish. The events are described as community picnics, with volunteers preparing and serving the meals.
WHAS11 reported that churches across Louisville, including St. Patrick Catholic Church, are participating in the tradition. Individuals can text “fish” to receive information on locations.
The Lenten season is a period of reflection for Catholics leading up to Easter, often involving giving up a habit or abstaining from meat on Fridays. While rooted in religious practice, fish fries have evolved into a popular community event enjoyed by people of all faiths.
