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Sunrise 8:00 a.m. | Sunset 5:39 p.m.

Let’s get wild

How to plan an event in a national park

Brown entrance sign surrounded by trees reading "Mammoth Cave National Park" in white letters.

Mammoth Cave National Park is less than 1.5 hours from downtown Louisville. | Photo by NPS

If you’re planning a party — be it a family reunion, a wedding, or just because — we’ve got an idea that’s a breath of fresh air. Why not give your guests a gorgeous view by hosting an event in a national park? Follow these guidelines to make party planning a walk in the park.

Pick a park

Whether you want a favorite like Mammoth Cave National Park or something a little more niche, there are 424 national parks to choose from.

Get a permit

Most parks require a permit for special events. Fill out the application well in advance to avoid any delays. Pro tip: Some parks grant a permit up to a year before the event.

Spread the word

If your festivities are open to the public, let the community know by submitting an event to our website. We’d be delighted to attend.

Provide the essentials

If you’ve ever borrowed sunscreen from a stranger, you know what we mean. Have on hand: sunscreen, bugspray, a first aid kit, and plenty of water — just in case.

Feed guests, not wildlife

Check the park’s rules about food (some require food to be stored in lockers). Either way, it’s a good idea to use airtight containers, and plan to eat in designated areas — like any of these picture perfect picnic spots.

Prioritize preservation

The golden rule of being in the wilderness? Leave no trace.

For example, most parks don’t allow anything to be driven into the ground — so stakes for tents and decor are out. You should also plan to clean up after yourself. Stock up on trash bags (we like these biodegradable bags) and leave the confetti at home.

Asked

How long is the Mammoth Cave system?

A. 155 miles
B. 1,000 miles
C. 426 miles
D. 62 miles

See answer in The Wrap.

Events

Tuesday, April 18

Orville Peck | Tuesday, Apr. 18 | 8 p.m. | Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, 724 Brent St., Louisville | $35-$75 | Hear music from this South African country musician who wears a fringed mask and has never shown his face publicly.

Wednesday, April 19

Middle Housing Tour of Louisville | Wednesday, Apr. 19 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Magnolia Park, 1407 S. 2nd St., Louisville | Free | View current middle housing options, multi-family houses between other homes + apartment buildings, and identify design and safety preferences to inform changes to the Land Development Code.

Thursday, April 20

Absinthe Mint Julep Cocktail Class | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Copper & Kings Distillery, 1121 E. Washington St., Louisville | $50 | Learn how to mix up this classic Derby drink using absinthe and leave with a mint julep lapel pin + stainless steel branded julep mug.

Friday, April 21

Derby, Drinks & Dessert Cruise | Friday, Apr. 21 | 3-5 p.m. | Belle of Louisville, 401 W. River Rd., Louisville | $72.99-$74.99 | Cruise along the Ohio River and enjoy Kentucky-inspired desserts, horseracing-themed drinks and activities + music by the Hot Sauce Brass Band.
2000’s Party at Howl at the Moon | Friday, Apr. 21 | 7 p.m. | Howl at the Moon, 434 S. 4th St., Louisville | Free | Dig out your old trucker hat and low-rise jeans for this 21+ event with live music and giveaways.
Creatures of the Night: In Search of Whippoorwills | Friday, Apr. 21 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, 2075 Clermont Rd., Clermont | $10-$15 | Hear the sounds of nature on this night hike.

Saturday, April 22

2023 Jeffersontown Spring Art Festival | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Jeffersontown Farmers Market Pavilion, 10434 Watterson Trail, Jeffersontown | Free | Browse local vendors, shop produce, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, and catch the The Lone Wolves Band.
April Biergarten | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 6-10 p.m. | German American Club, 1840 Lincoln Ave., Louisville | Free | Dig into German food served cafeteria-style + enjoy beer and live music.
Family Farm Days | Saturday, Apr. 22 and Saturday, Apr. 29 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg | $0-$16 | Meet Shaker Village’s new “farm-ily” members including lambs, kids, and piglets, plus enjoy activities like sheep shearing, wagon, and pony rides.*

Sunday, April 23

Shakespeare in the Parks | Sunday, Apr. 23 | 2 p.m. | Windy Hills Green, Hwy. 42 and Rudy Ln., Louisville | Free | Bring a chair or blanket and catch a performance of “Hamlet” by Kentucky Shakespeare.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Travel

Rev up the horse power at the Indy 500? Check.

A graphic showing what fits inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Drivers must complete 200 laps around the 2.5 mile oval — and if they win, their portrait will adorn the Borg-Warner Trophy. | Graphic by LOUtoday and Visit Indy

Louisville may have all eyes on the Kentucky Derby right now, but here’s another race (and destination) we’re placing bets on — the Indy 500, which happens just two hours north in Indianapolis, IN.

On Sunday, May 28 (aka Memorial Day weekend), the greatest spectacle in racing returns for its 107th run, with:

500 miles of track
33 drivers in competition
Patriotic pre- and post-race traditions and celebrations

Want to see it for yourself? Start planning your trip (and enjoy everything the city has to offer) with Visit Indy — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.*

Start planning

News Notes

Biz

Over the weekend, Carmichael’s Bookstore celebrated its 45th anniversary. The independent bookstore opened in 1978 on the corner of Bardstown Road and Bonnycastle. Today, the shop has three locations in LOU. Join the celebration on Saturday, April 29 for Independent Bookstore Day with live music, cupcakes, a BBQ, and more.

Community

Thanks to the Louisville Downtown Partnership, 150+ flower pots filled with palms, begonias, lantanas, and wave petunias will be planted throughout the Central Business District. The team will also spruce up over 1,000 tree wells with fresh mulch.

History

The Frazier History Museum is now at your fingertips. Frazier+ is the museum’s new, free app where users can explore the museum’s collections of Kentucky history through videos, photos, and texts. Download the app for Android or iOS devices via the App Store and Google Play. BRB, we’re scrolling.

Drink

Heine Brothers Coffee released three Derby-themed drinks to get you ready for the races. The Dirty Derby Chai, Heine Julep, and Lily Boost energy drink are available at all locations. Grab one (or all three for a trifecta) before checking out these 30+ Kentucky Derby events.

Listen

On Thursday, April 27, 90.5 WUOL Classical Louisville will broadcast the sold out Yo-Yo Ma + Louisville Orchestra gala concert at 8 p.m. Conducted by Teddy Abrams, the performance will include iconic Beethoven pieces, an offering by the orchestra’s Rap School, and an original score written by Teddy. (Louisville Public Media)

Cause

The Ignite Louisville Class of Spring 2023 contributed 2,500+ hours of service and over $110,000 in value to the group’s nonprofit partners — like Feed Louisville and The Hope Buss. The six-month program helps young professionals develop their leadership skills. See their work.

Travel

Planning a trip to the Carolinas this spring? Starting Friday, May 19, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) will start servicing direct flights to Raleigh, NC (hey, RALtoday) via Breeze Airways.*

Featured Job

YMCA of Greater Louisville is actively hiring for summer, part-time, and full-time staff at all locations, including Camp Piomingo. Employees will discover a welcoming, mission-driven community where they can learn, grow, and thrive while working at the Y. Perks include a free Y membership. Learn more + apply.*

Shop

This wedding season make sure to shower the happy couple with the perfect gift. Our online store (Six & Main) features presents such as dinner napkins by Willow Ship and celebratory cards by Joy Paper Co. Start shopping.

Open

Play pickleball by the river

Louisville’s first pickleball yard is bringing games and grub to the riverfront

The pickleball courts at Goodbounce Pickleball Yard are available for open play from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week. | Photo by LOUtoday

Goodbounce Pickleball Yard is bringing pickles + paddles to 1515 River Shore Dr. LOU’s first pickleball “eatertainment” complex officially opened its doors — and pickleball courts — to the public yesterday. The 45,000-sqft space boasts:

Six pickleball courts
A gameyard with cornhole, bocce + more lawn games
Picnic areas with benches, swings, tables, and shade shelters
An indoor bar that features cocktails with pickle garnishes and rotating beers from TEN20 Craft Brewery
Goodbounce merchandise + pickleball gear
Build-your-own tacos, burritos, nachos, bowls, gourmet burgers, fried chicken, and small plates by Happy Belly Bistro

Ready to give your pickleball paddle a whirl at Goodbounce? The courts are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week, and you can reserve a court or sign up for a monthly membership online.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Katie

From the editor

We got a sneak peek of Hard Times Collective last Friday. The new vintage and local goods store in Butchertown features over 30 vendors — including shimmery, cowboy-esque pieces from Velvet Outlaw.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? It’s Louisville Taco Week.

Answered Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world and is 426 miles long.

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