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Your move, LOU
Mahjong is named after a dialect term for “sparrow,” which references the bird-like sound the tiles make clacking against each other. | Photo by Jimmy Chan
Whether you’re a chess grand master or a strategy game collector, we’re here to help you raise your score.
We’ve rounded up a handful of clubs + events for new and experienced board gamers of all kinds, plus some local game shops where you can roll the dice on a favorite or get a turn ahead on your holiday shopping.
Where to play
American Mahjong | Developed in the 1920s, this game uses the same tiles as the Chinese classic. The Gilda Club on Grinstead Drive hosts an American Mahjong club on the third Monday of every month at 12:30 p.m. New or experienced players are welcome, with all supplies provided.
Chess | All skill levels are welcome at Highland Chess’s weekly meetings — despite the name, they meet in Southern Indiana. The club meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at The Alcove in Jeffersonville.
Dungeons & Dragons | Embark on a fantastical adventure with other Louisvillians at a weekly game night at Awry Brewing hosted by experienced game masters. This event is completely beginner friendly — though you can bring your own dice.
Miso’s stocks board games, puzzles, miniatures, and more.
Photo via Miso’s
Where to buy
Golden Keep | This locally owned shop in the Lyndon neighborhood has a large selection of board games. If you’re looking for a new favorite, swing by on Monday nights for a learn-to-play event featuring new game each week.
Miso’s Game Room and Collectibles | This J-Town shop has tables upon tables where you can play your new game right after opening it.
Bonus: The Louisville Free Public Library has over 600 board games in its collection ready to be checked out. Several branches also host board game nights for adults or teens — just one more lesser-known service LFPL provides.
Events
Events
Friday, Oct. 18
16th Annual Victorian Ghost Walk | Friday, Oct. 18-Sunday, Oct. 20 | 6 p.m. | Conrad-Caldwell House Museum | $35 | See the ghost stories of Old Louisville brought to life by actors in this two-hour walking tour — 12 tours run each night, departing every 15 minutes after 6 p.m.
Raise the Barre 2024 | Friday, Oct. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Louisville Ballet | $78.74+ | It’s a night of dancing and drinks, where you’ll get a sneak peak of the new Louisville Ballet collab with Jack Harlow.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Archaeology Day | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Riverside, The Farnsley-Moremon Landing | Free | Learn about archaeology with hands-on demonstrations and behind-the-scenes tours.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party | Saturday, Oct. 19, Sunday, Oct. 20 | Times vary | KFC YUM! Center | $31+ | See real-life versions of the famous Hot Wheels monster truck toys along with laser light shows.
Fall Festival 2024 | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 1-4 p.m. | Forestpark Community Church | Free | Enjoy games, prizes, free lunch, and lots of candy — wear a costume and bring a friend.
The Front Bottoms | Saturday, Oct. 19-Sunday, Oct. 20 | 8 p.m. | Mercury Ballroom | $36.50+ | See the 2000s indie band known for hits like “Twin Size Mattress.”
Sunday, Oct. 20
“Chronicles of a Wandering Saint” | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 12:30 p.m. | Speed Art Museum | Free | See an Argentinian horror movie nominated for three “bests” at the 2024 Independent Spirit Awards.
Tailgate Treats | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 5-7 p.m. | Middletown Branch Library | Free | Bring the kids for a trunk or treat and bring canned goods or other non-perishable food items to stock The Hope Buss.
Game-day prep doesn’t have to be stressful — these quick + easy recipes make game day all about the fun of gathering.|Photo provided by Kroger
Feeling those football season vibes? You will be after reading this.
Cooling weather, stadium energy, and resounding cheers for the local teams — while you’re enjoying the perfect ingredients for a memorable football season, Kroger has been cooking up the perfect ingredients for winning game-day eats.
So grab your grill, chill the drinks, and don’t forget the apron.
🍔 Tips + tricks
Get game-day grilling tips, plus four burger topping recs (hint: it’s as gouda as you think).
The Fern Creek Fire Department is expanding its coverage in southeastern Louisville by renovating a Highview building. The building will house 24/7 fire and EMS staff to meet growing needs for emergency response in new developments in the area. The project is set to be completed next July. (WHAS11)
Drink
Copper + Kings is hosting the second annual Bash at Butchertown next Thursday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. Celebrate the launch of new single barrel releases with free tastings, a tie-dye station, mini distillery tours, and s’mores. The event is free, but you can reserve tickets in advance.
Eat
There’s a new brunch spot on the menu. High Stakes Rooftop Grill is now serving brunch on Saturdays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a view of the Derby City skyline over a loaded baked potato strata, an avocado toast with caramelized grapefruit, or ricotta and lemon pancakes.
Number
76%. That’s what percentage of visitors to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail are from outside of Kentucky. About 2.5 million visitors came to Kentucky for the Bourbon Trail last year. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail started in 1999 to highlight the many distilleries in Louisville and beyond. (WHAS11)
Kids
The playground near Big Rock in Cherokee Park has been fully resurfaced. The new rubber surface replaced the old mulch, making the playground more accessible. It’s the first phase in an ongoing project to restore and update the entire Big Rock area.
Listen
The Louisville Cardinals face a pivotal moment as they prepare to challenge the No. 6 Miami Hurricanes in a crucial college football showdown. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Louisville Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Sports
ICYMI, the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs are headed to Lynn Family Stadium. LouCity has clinched the Players’ Shield — awarded for a regular season title — meaning they have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs kicking off Saturday, Nov. 2. See the full playoff schedule — and grab tickets to the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal.*
Drink
What do salted caramel, cherry cobbler, and blood orange have in common? They’re some of the seasonal flavors you can find on the menu at 7 Brew Coffee. Bonus: Discover the newest drink brewing this fall at a 7 Brew near you.*
Giveaway
Feeling lucky? Our Fly Away Friday Giveaway, in partnership with Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), is live now through Monday, Nov. 4. LOUtoday readers have a chance to win two round-trip airline tickets out of SDF — enter here.*
Finance
If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Experts identified these top credit cards for anyone looking to pay down debt with no interest until 2026.*
Wellness
Staying hydrated is easy (and delicious) with NativePath’s Hydrate drink mix. Each serving includes essential amino acids + electrolytes that foster optimal hydration with zero added sugar.*
Category
Today Is
The Belle’s birthday
The Belle’s also been named “Idlewild” and “Avalon.” | Photo by Belle of Louisville Riverboats
Let the “Happy Birthdays” begin.
The iconic steamboat Belle of Louisville turns 110 today. We’re celebrating the occasion with a look back at some of Louisville’s other landmarks and events to see how they compare.
Churchill Downs | The current grandstand was constructed in 1895, making the iconic twin spires just 19 years old when the Belle first set sail.
Brown Hotel | The most famous hotel in Louisville opened in 1923. The Belle had been in service for a decade — under a different name. It was then called “Idlewild,” ferrying passengers along the Ohio, Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri rivers.
Sherman Minton opening | Idlewild was renamed Avalon in 1948 and finally The Belle of Louisville in 1962. The Sherman Minton bridge opened the same year. Now, the Belle is celebrating its 110th and the Sherman Minton repairs are finally finished.
Asked
Asked
How much did Jefferson County Judge Executive Marlow Cook pay for the decommissioned Avalon in 1962?
These best-selling flameless floating candles. Transform your living room or entryway with a touch of October magic, thanks to these candles that appear to be floating in midair.
The Louisville Zoo is home to a new resident: Bianca the binturong is now on display in the Islands Pavilion, right after the Forest Bird Trail. She’s the first binturong at the zoo — welcome Bianca!
