Work the Metal goes all out for the holiday decor, like this disco ball snowman from 2023. | Photo courtesy Work the Metal.
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year, check out our list of some of City Editor Declan + City Editor Jeff’s favorite small businesses in town — and some extra suggestions from our followers.
Set and Setting| It’s hard to beat a local bookstore. This “teeny tiny” bookstore carries new + used books across all genres. Shop in-person at the Portland shop, or order online. If the bookworm in your life is looking for their next read, check out Set and Setting’s curated reading lists.
Misc Goods| If someone in your life appreciates the finer things — or if that person is you — look no further than this store’s Black Friday deals. You can get incense, cologne, or perfume to keep yourself and your space feeling + smelling good.
Work the Metal |Gift opportunities abound at this Butchertown market. Check the website for curated gift lists for bourbon lovers, sports fans, or the outdoorsy-types.
Fête de Noël | 12 p.m. | Paristown | Free+ | Shop holiday pop-ups, go for a skate on the rink, and listen to live music.
A Rocky Mountain High Experience | 7:30 p.m. | Kentucky Center for the Arts | $76+ | Let the country roads take you home at this tribute concert to the folk music legend John Denver.
Saturday, Nov. 30
HoLOUdays | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Colonial Gardens | Free | Shop small South End businesses inside the historic building.
Saturn Through a Telescope | 7-10 p.m. | Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Clermont | $15 | See the second largest planet in our solar system through a powerful telescope + hear a program by a volunteer naturalist.
Sunday, Dec. 1
A Magical Cirque Christmas | 7 p.m. | Kentucky Center for the Arts | $29+ | See circus stunts set to your favorite holiday music.
Professionals share insights and build connections, enhancing their productivity with practical tools for focused work and effective time management. | Photo courtesy Ash Wright Photography
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It’s our favorite space on the Monopoly board. Louisville will have free parking this Saturday, Nov. 30 for Small Business Saturday. All on-street metered parking will be free.
Number
4,000. That’s how many cannabis dispensary businesses applied for a license in a lottery held on Monday. Four applicants were randomly selected for nine Kentucky regions outside of the Louisville + Lexington areas. A separate lottery will be held in December for Jefferson and Fayette counties. (WHAS 11)
Eat
Paseo is hosting its first weekly drag brunch on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. A $40 ticket includes entry to the event + one starter and one entree. The inaugural event will also feature a food drive for Feed Louisville. Space is limited, so reserve your spot ahead of time.
Cause
The second annual Bluegrass Holiday Giveback from RK Bluegrass is coming next Sunday, Dec. 8. Donate coats, books, or stocking stuffers at one of four drop-off locations ahead of the event, which will distribute food + gifts to over 200 families.
Try This
There’s only about a month left to submit your best snapshots for our 2024 Picture of the Year contest. You can submit up to five photos taken during this year — now’s the time for the fall + winter pics. Winners will be announced in a future newsletter.
Sports
The Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team faces a pivotal challenge in the Battle 4 Atlantis. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Biz
You know how awesome your business is, but do our 48,000+ readers? Visit our self-service ad portal to learn how LOUtoday can help connect your business with our local audience — no long-term contract required.
Try This
Make this holiday season memorable with a trip to the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky to explore creative workshops and craft one-of-a-kind treasures like stained glass ornaments, table runners, holiday wreaths + more. Psst…These make perfect handmade gifts.*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (Yes, it sounds peppermint-mocha nuts. But it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*
Announced
The wait is over. Louisville Tourism has unveiled the winners of the 2024 ROSE Awards, honoring standout industry leaders like Mike Fitzgerald of the Belle of Louisville, Sueann Stone of The Brown Hotel, and Hanieh Mazaheri of the Omni Louisville Hotel. See the full list.*
Jefferson Memorial Forest is Louisville’s largest nature preserve. | Photo by LOUtoday.
Lace up your boots because there’s a new trail in town — well, just south of town that is.
Jefferson Memorial Forest announced a new addition to its trail system this week. The White Oak Ridge Loop buds off from the southwestern portion of the existing Red Trail, covering the relatively flat top of its namesake ridge.
The Red Trail is the largest loop in Jefferson Memorial Forest at 4.8 miles. This addition puts the full loop at just under 7 miles round trip from the main parking lot.
If you’re ready to hit the trail, sign up for one of two free guided hikes on Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7, 1-3:30 p.m. Updated brochures of the new trail are available at the Welcome Center.
Bonus: Check out our guide to Louisville area hiking spots and prepare for some brisk winter walks.
The Buy
The Buy
A really good pickleball paddle — it’s rated 4.8 stars and is 62% off for early Black Friday. Notable features include: a larger sweet spot on the paddle + a handle with sweat-wicking ventilation for an anti-slip grip.
If you like to pair a good book with a warm cuppa or a cold one, you’re in luck. LFPL’s Adult Winter Reading Program Books and Brews starts this Sunday, Dec. 1.
Kick off the program with holiday trivia at Shippingport Brewing, 6-8 p.m, and keep an eye out for pop ups at other local coffee shops + bars. Register for free to win prizes as you read.
