As the crisp autumn air ushers into Derby City it brings along with it annual fall favorites — like Oktoberfest, Harvest Homecoming, the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, and the St. James Art Fair.
Louisville wouldn’t be the same without these annual traditions, but there are a few other festivals that take a little different approach to the standard autumnal celebrations.
🐐 Goatman Festival
Friday, Oct. 10 + Saturday, Oct. 11
Ain’t no party like a cryptid party. The Legend at Pope Lick Park is honoring the most famous Louisville monster in history, the Goatman — aka the Pope Lick Monster. The event is free and features movie screenings and a Q+A with actual Goatman hunters + cryptid experts.
🦇 Kentucky Bat Festival
Friday, Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m.
Most people believe bats are creepy — thanks Dracula — but Second Chances Wildlife Center loves them. This annual event, dedicated to the only flying mammal around, is held at EP Tom Sawyer State Park and offers the chance to see live bats, talk with bat experts, and meet childrens’ storybook character — and bat — Stellaluna. Tickets are $15-$40 and benefit the wildlife rescue organization.
🎃 Iroquois Park Jack o’ Lantern Spectacular
Thursday, Oct. 2-Sunday, Nov. 2
Picture this: 5,000 carved pumpkins on a walking path, ready for you and the family to explore. People travel from around the country for this seasonal tradition that happens right here in Louisville’s own back yard.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any weirder… Check out these other unconventional fall festivals happening throughout the region: