Get out your sweaters and say hello to everything pumpkin, ‘cause fall is officially here! Whether you want to stroll among the autumn leaves or have a Halloween-themed night out, there’s lots of fun to be had this month in Louisville. Here are some can’t-miss October events!
October 1 – 6, 2024: Les Misérables
Catch a showing of the world’s most popular musical in downtown Derby City. Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award®-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, for six days at The Kentucky Center. Times vary, and tickets start at $52.65. louisville.broadway.com
October 1 – November 2, 2024: Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular
Stroll along a 1/3-mile path while viewing more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins in themed settings. The trail opens each day at dusk. Tickets start at $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (ages 65+), and $12 for children (ages 3-12). Children ages 3 and younger are free. Proceeds directly support the local nonprofit Parks Alliance of Louisville. jackolanternlouisville.org
October 2 – 6, 2024: Bourbon & Belonging: Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week
Enjoy a myriad of events during this statewide LGBTQ+ inclusive initiative, which includes more than two dozen events in Louisville alone. Happenings include everything from a queer Kentucky tour at Frazier Museum to happy hour parties, distillery tours, and more. bourbonandbelonging.com
October 3, 2024: Whiskey Files featuring Jay Erisman
Enjoy a bourbon tasting led by co-founder and vice president of New Riff Distilling, Jay Erisman. The Barn8 event begins at 6 p.m. Each $65 ticket includes two pours, light bites, an hour-long discussion panel, a chance to interact with some of the resident horses, and exclusive early access to purchase bottles of the Barn8 New Riff Single Barrel. exploretock.com
October 3 – 6, 10 – 13, 17 – 20, & 24 – 27: Boo at The Zoo
Bring the whole family to the Louisville Zoo during its annual month-long Halloween party. The entire zoo is transformed into a living storybook, complete with costumed characters and trick-or-treating for children ages 11 and younger. Tickets start at $7 and include all rides, attractions, and parking. louisvillezoo.org
October 4 – 6, 2024: St. James Court Art Show
Shop fine art and contemporary crafts at this 68th annual juried fine art show in Historic Old Louisville. More than 600 artists from all over the U.S. offer their wares at this rain-or-shine event. Admission is free. (Note: No pets are allowed.) stjamescourtartshow.com
October 4 – 6, 2024: The Louisville UnFair
Imbibe on music and spirits at Magnolia Bar & Grill during Derby City’s alternative art festival. Created for locals by locals, this event strives to exemplify Louisville culture as the St. James Court Art Show is being held just up the street. Admission is free. louisvilleunfair.org
October 5 & 6, 2024: BowmanFest
Walk through a C130 military plane and view other historic planes, warbirds, vehicles, helicopters, and vintage cars at Bowman Field. Rides in various planes and helicopters are also offered for a fee, as well as food trucks, bounce houses, and more family fun. Admission is free for veterans and first responders. Individual tickets start at $15. Children ages 5 and younger are free. bowmanaviationfest.com
October 6, 2024: Dive, Dine & Drag Extravaganza
Dive into a day of fierce fun during this drag brunch and pool party event at The Myriad Hotel’s Paseo Restaurant and Myriad Swim Club. Guests can expect indoor and outdoor DJs, a drag show, and a two-course brunch. Tickets are $75 or $25 for the pool party only. eventbrite.com
October 11, 2024: Germantown Oktoberfest
Participate in or watch the Sam Adams Stein Hoisting Contest; play a plethora of beer games; and see the legendary weiner dog races at this year’s Oktoberfest event in Germantown. Food and drink are available for purchase, and admission is free. facebook.com
October 12, 2024: Garvin Gate Blues Festival
Head to the 29th annual edition of Louisville’s largest free street music festival, which features eight national and local blues artists, including Cameron Webb’s Soul and Blues Revue, GA-20, as well as Louisville’s own Tanita Gaines. The festivities run from noon to 10 p.m. at Central Park in Old Louisville. garvingatebluesfestival.com
October 13, 2024: Clay, Painting & Photography Exhibit Opening
Be among the first to view this Art in City Hall Prospect exhibit, which features 28 artists. The opening reception, which runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., features music by Squirrel Jam and free limo service to and from Prospect Point Shopping Center to the venue at Prospect City Hall. There are also refreshments as well as clay building demonstrations by artists Marty Elgin and Jessica Guinn. Admission is free. facebook.com
October 16, 2024: Taste of Louisville
Sip and savor specialties from more than 75 local chefs at the 50th annual Taste of Louisville. The Mellwood Art Center fete runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; tickets start at $85. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Frankie’s Family. thetasteoflouisville.com
October 18 – 20, 2024: David Dominé’s Victorian Ghost Walk®
Explore the history of America’s most haunted neighborhood during this immersive experience, where a cast of real-life characters return from the grave to tell their stories. Tickets are $35, and well-behaved dogs are welcome. louisvillehistorictours.com
October 18 – 20, 2024: Grateful Dead Music Festival
Celebrate Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead at this three-day music event at the Brown-Forman Amphitheater at Waterfront Park. Headlining this year’s lineup is Kentucky Grateful Dead Tribute Band, Born Cross-Eyed, along with Pink Talking Fish and award-winning bluegrass group, Mama Said String Band. Tickets start at $20. grateville.com
October 19 & 20, 2024: Via Colori Street Painting Festival
See large-scale art on the sidewalks of Waterfront Park during Kentucky’s largest street-painting festival. More than 100 artists showcase their creations, while attendees enjoy live music, vendors, a food court, and other family-friendly activities. Admission to this 16th-annual event is free. viacolorikentucky.com
October 26, 2024: Halloween Bash
Dance the night away at the Kentucky Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Halloween Bash. Held at Mercury Ballroom from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., the party features live dance music from The Juice Box Heroes, as well as theatrics by CirqueLouis performers, fire dancers, and more. Prizes are awarded for best costumes, and full bar services are also available. Tickets start at $40. halloweenforhuntingtons.com
Have an outstanding October, Louisville!
**********
For the best of the South — delivered to your inbox daily — subscribe to StyleBlueprint!
