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.
🪦 Cave Hill Fall Fest
Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Could there be a more spine-tingling, hair-raising, and chilling location for a fall festival than Louisville’s most famous cemetery? Stop by the 176-year-old cemetery for this free celebration of autumn, including honey tastings, arts + crafts, and more — plus it’ll make for an especially seasonal photo backdrop.
What to expect: wagon rides, live animal presentations, live music, local food, cemetery vibes
🐐 Goatman Festival
Friday, Oct. 11 + Saturday, Oct. 12
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.
What to expect: Free movies, celebrities, cryptid vendors, music, a horror hike, escape games
🦇 Kentucky Bat Festival
Saturday, Oct. 5, 5-8 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.
What to expect: Live bat meetings, a silent auction, presentations, food trucks, local beer
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any weirder… Check out these other unconventional fall festivals happening throughout the region: