The new bonsai garden will an outdoor “wind room,” where art fixtures will interact with the breeze.
| Image courtesy Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Picture this: You step onto a curved, white stone pathway, which weaves its way through a forest of colorful bonsai trees. As you saunter along the winding way, your mind un-winds. Suddenly, you become serene like the scene around you, and all your worries flutter away like the soft breeze swirling overhead.
Sound relaxing? That scene is coming to the Waterfront Botanical Gardens by spring 2026, thanks to $5 million in funding announced last week.
The funds include $4 million from the Kentucky General Assembly + $1 million from the Louisville Metro Council. The funds will fuel the second phase of the Gardens’ expansion, which will include:
A bonsai garden
An overlook of Beargrass Creek
“Tree Allée” — a pathway lined with, you guessed it, trees
Ground breaking is planned for early 2025, with the full construction set to begin fall 2025.
Events
Events
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Connecting Across Communities: Audre Lorde’s Legacy | 6:30-8 p.m. | Main Library | Free | Register for a seat to learn the legacy of Black lesbian educator, writer, and activist Audre Lorde from UofL professor Dr. Kaila Story.
U.S. Women’s National Team vs. Argentina | 7 p.m. | Lynn Family Stadium | $40+ | See the red, white, and blue take the field as Team USA — including Racing Louisville’s Emma Sears — host Argentina.
Thursday, Oct. 31
Nerd Nite Louisville | 7-9 p.m. | Gravely Brewing Co. | Free | Hear from three different speakers during their TED-style talks on topics like medical cannabis, the power of nature, and — yuck — decomposing bodies.
Saturday, Nov. 2
The Flea Off Market | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Highlands Community Campus | Free | Shop over 100 local artists, craftspeople, entrepreneurs, farmers, musicians, and more, plus there’s a special record show as part of the market.
Craig Ferguson: Pants on Fire | 8 p.m. | Kentucky Center for the Arts | $40.95+ | Known for his 10-year run as a CBS late-night host, this Grammy, Emmy, and Peabody-winning comedian will take the stage.
🚗 Get in, reader: We’re getting up to half-off AAA Membership
Presented by AAA
Experience the peace of mind that comes with AAA Membership for up to 50% off. | Photo provided by AAA
Calling all commuters, day-trippers, or those who simply think the leisurely drive is the destination: For a limited time, save up to 50% on a AAA Membership — and add an additional driver for free or a discounted rate.
From flat tires and dead batteries to towing, feel secure on your road trips with access to AAA Roadside Assistance 24/7/365.
Bonus: Members also save on flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and more with AAA Travel.
I want to ride my bicycle. The Belvedere has newly installed, temporary, interactive public art. Four stationary bikes have been positioned at the Belvedere entrance — at 5th + Main Streets — and they emit light when pedaled. Take a spin, through mid-December. Pro tip: Stop by after dark for maximum brightness.
Transit
Do you have an idea to make Broadway better? Stop by the TARC stop at 6th Street + Broadway today from 3 to 6 p.m. to meet with representatives from Broadway All The Way. With your input, the group expects to produce designs for the Broadway revamp by June 2025.
Louisvillian
“The Voice” is calling it quits. Lance McGarvey is leaving his post as public address announcer for Louisville City games at Lynn Family Stadium after 10 years, following the team’s playoff run. Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to hear him at Louisville basketball games at the KFC Yum! Center.
History
The Wharf will soon be missing a signature resident — temporarily. The Mayor Andrew Broaddus — the historic lifesaving station that docks adjacent to the Belle of Louisville — will undergo maintenance work at the end of the month. Get the full story on the National Historic Landmark + its namesake.
Plan Ahead
Sullivan University is hosting the 11th annual Louisville Sustainability Summit on Friday, Nov. 8, from 12 to 5 p.m. Learn about food insecurity, food waste, and the carbon impact of food production from industry experts + how you can make a difference. Tickets are $40.
Listen
It’s on to the real thing for the Cards — Louisville men’s basketball ended its exhibition slate Monday with a 99-54 win over Spalding. The regular season begins Monday, Nov. 4. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Sports
The 2024 USL Championship Playoffs are headed to Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2. LouCity will take on North Carolina FC in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal. Kick-off is at 7:30 p.m. — grab tickets.*
Drink
Crafted by Master Distiller Owen Martin, the new Angel’s Envy Triple Oak begins with their Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and is finished in a blend of Hungarian, Chinkapin, and French oak barrels. The perfect pour awaits.*
Featured
Your business… in our newsletter… in as little as two days. Make it happen.
Finance
Rates just dropped — now could be the time to tap into your home equity. Calculate your payment.*
Auto Aficionado’s Paradise in Mockingbird Valley is a luxury rental with a car collection. | Photo by Luxury Rentals Louisville
Whether you’re a Louisvillian feeling a little cooped up or you’re helping family find places to stay while they visit Derby City during the holidays, picking the perfect home away from home is crucial.
We went looking for unique lodgings around town that showcase that Louisville spirit.
“Asleep in the Cyclone” | Downtown
This site-specific sculpture doubles as a basement hotel room at the 21C Museum Hotel downtown. Based on 1960s counter-culture, the room features a geodesic ceiling, split-level shag carpet floor, record player, and artist-designed linens.
Auto Aficionado’s Paradise | Mockingbird Valley
As if the designer finishes, art collection, salt water infinity pool, home theater, and two rooftop decks weren’t enough, this 12,000-sqft rental also includes a private 20-car automobile collection. The floor-to-ceiling windows aren’t too shabby either.
A great deal for the holidays ahead — get 18 bottles of wine for $79 plus shipping. Choose from red, white, or a variety pack of red, white, and rosé. Hello, stocked bar for holiday hosting season.
