You’ll find more than novels at Foxing Books on Independent Bookstore Day. | Photo via @foxingbookstore
The only thing better than buying a new book: supporting a local bookstore with your purchase. That’s the sentiment behind Independent Bookstore Day, an annual observance taking place tomorrow, April 26. If you want to partake in the fun, book it to these Louisville stores that are joining this year’s festivities.
This indie store’s tale begins in 1978, and it’s been helping Louisville readers find their new favorite books ever since. It now has two main locations, plus a children’s store. All will celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with free giveaways, exclusive merch, and a chance to win prizes. The Frankfort Avenue location will also host a special storytime with children’s author Amanda Driscoll.
This South End shop is celebrating Independent Bookstore Day by spreading the love to other local businesses. While you browse books, enjoy coffee from Carter Coffee Co. + Beechmont Bakehouse’s pastries in the morning, or beer from Shippingport Brewing Company in the afternoon. Plus, pop-up vendor Zine Kween will join the fun.
Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville | Friday, April 25-Friday, May 2 | Times vary | Waterfront Park | $7+ | Show your Pegasus Pin and get access to this entertainment experience with performances, inflatables, family activities, food, and rides.
“Gee Bees: A Bee Gees Tribute” | 8 p.m. | Zanzabar | $15 | Feel the Friday night fever as this band honors the “Stayin’ Alive” trio.
Usher Silent Disco | 8-11 p.m. | Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. Louisville | $10 | Say “Yeah” and dance as music from the R&B superstar is played over headphones.
Saturday, April 26
Native Plant Sale | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Louisville Zoo | Cost of admission | Add something to your garden by shopping native plants, all purchases are $8.
“Dragons + Mythical Beasts” | 7 p.m. | Kentucky Center for the Arts | $30+ | This spell-binding, family-friendly show brings mythical beasts to life through puppetry.
Brooks + Dunn | 7 p.m. | KFC YUM! Center | $108+ | The legendary country act is joined by David Lee Murphy for their “Neon Moon Tour 2025.”
LouCity vs. Richmond Kickers | 7:30 p.m. | Lynn Family Stadium | $19+ | Calling all college students: You’re invited to enjoy a Greek life contest, a silent disco in the BlueOval SK Fan Zone after the final whistle + more — don’t forget to snag $8 student tickets.*
Sunday, April 27
The 11th Holi Mela: Spring Festival of Colors | 12-6 p.m. | Hindu Temple Of Kentucky | $7+ | Louisville Hindi Paathshaala hosts this celebration of winter’s end with vegetarian food, music, dance, games, and colorful play.
Kentucky Derby Festival Afternoon Tea | 1-3 p.m. | The Seelbach Hilton Louisville | $125 | Sip on tea at this event celebrating 100 years of “The Great Gatsby” — Pegasus Pin included with ticket purchase.
A new hotel could be coming to a vacant space in downtown’s Museum Plaza, next to the Muhammad Ali Center. The planned development aims to bring 1,000 rooms to the ~100,000-sqft space, which would make it the second-largest hotel in Louisville. The project is in pre-development, so many details are pending city approval. (Louisville Business First)
Traffic
You may need to reroute your weekend plans. Louisville Metro PD shared its list of road closures today and tomorrow due to the 2025 Derby Marathon + Mini-Marathon. Downtown Louisville will see more detours on Sunday as the Pegasus Parade will result in additional closures.
Opening
Here’s the scoop, B.A.D. Boys Ice Cream opens today at a space near the UofL campus. The shop is operated by local entrepreneur Steve Wonder and will serve flavors from Madison, WI, brand Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream. For now, the store hours are limited to Friday nights + weekend afternoons. (Louisville Business First)
Sports
Louisville City + Lexington Sporting Club will be competing for a new trophy this season: the Commonwealth Cup, a partnership with Republic Bank. The men’s soccer teams compete twice this season, Thursday, May 1 + Saturday, July 26, and the winner of the series will receive the regional award — game on, LEXtoday. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Real Estate
Living in Louisville is a good value, according to Redfin. The city ranked as the No. 4 most affordable housing market in Kentucky. Based on data from this month, the average home price is $248,500; for renters, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,252.
Concert
My Morning Jacket is returning to their local roots to perform five shows at the Palace Theatre starting tonight, part of their “Come Home Again – A Celebration of Louisville” tour. Each show will feature unique sets without repeat songs and different openers. The band will use this platform to highlight local businesses, arts + nonprofits.
Arts
The Speed Art Museum is welcoming Diallo Simon-Ponte as its inaugural Assistant Curator of Collections, a role that oversees the Gilliam Visiting Artist Program. This initiative helps to connect visiting artist with the Louisville community to strengthen bonds and develop public programs. (LEO Weekly)
Sports
Is the college football transfer portal dealing with game-changing issues? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the ACC with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Job
We’re on the hunt for a bold, driven Sales Executive to help grow LOUtoday’s ad game and bring in the big wins. If you’re all about local love, killer pitches, and commission that’s as uncapped as your ambition — let’s talk. We offer a competitive benefits package, including matching 401K and unlimited PTO. Apply to join our team.
I think independent bookstores make a great impact on the community, and you know who’s on the same page? Jack Harlow. He gave Carmichael’s a shout out in his 2023 song “They Don’t Love It,” and he even filmed a scene for the music video in front of the Frankfort Avenue store.
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