At 68,000 pounds, the Big Bat at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is the world’s largest baseball bat.
| Photo Courtesy of Louisville Tourism
What can we say Louisville, we love to host.
This week, Governor Beshear visited the Slugger Museum to announce some Kentucky facts + figures from last year. Among them was the economic impact of tourism in the Bluegrass State: to the tune of $14.3 billion.
Louisville alone contributed $4.4 billion to that total, and there’s no sign of it slowing down any time soon. Here’s a look at some of the top events of 2025 in terms of visitation numbers — and that means tourism dollars.
Run 4 Roses: With a projected attendance of 195,000 and an economic impact of over $45.6 million, this girls basketball tournament is expected to be the second biggest LOU event behind the Derby.
The Utility Expo: Even though it’s only projected to attract 21,000 people (that’s just a tenth of Bourbon & Beyond), this exposition is expected to bring in over $19 million.
Asked
Asked
What is the projected economic impact of Bourbon & Beyond?
A. $18.9 million B. $21.5 million C. $24.3 million D. $32.4 million
“Gender Play, or what you Will” | Friday, June 13-Sunday, June 22 | Times vary | Actors Theatre of Louisville | $25 | Will is a trans actor seeking purpose and belonging, despite not seeing their story reflected in media or history.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Summer Picnic | Friday, June 13-Saturday, June 14 | 5-11 p.m. | Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish | Free entry | Celebrate the summer with food, booths, a chicken dinner, and inflatables.
Saturday, June 14
Pure Barre Louisville Pop-Up Class | 9-10 a.m. | Hotel Genevieve | $25 | Try a rooftop fitness class followed by socializing and coffee.
Try Dragon Boating: Weekly Intro Sessions in Louisville | Saturday, June 14-Saturday, Sept. 27 | 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | RiverPark Place Marina | $7 | Try your hand at paddling a boat on the Ohio with a team of other newcomers.
Mah Jong for ALZ | 1-4 p.m. | North Lime Coffee & Donuts | $50 | Sling tiles as you help raise funds for Alzheimer’s research.
Lou City vs. Birmingham Legion FC | 8 p.m. | Lynn Family Stadium | $19+ | It’s Fellowship Night: Congregations are encouraged to make it a night at Lynn Family Stadium (bonus: groups of 10+ can get their team photo on the video board.).*
Sunday, June 15
Riverside Farmers’ Market Opening Weekend | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Farnsley-Moremon Landing | Free entry | Shop for fresh vegetables, locally raised chicken + pork, local honey, eggs, preserves, baked goods, and more at this weekly market that runs through Sept. 28.
Ford Father’s Day at the Zoo 2025 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Louisville Zoo | $20+ | Dads get in free to celebrate — be sure to visit animal dads like Boone the gray seal Gibbs the zebra.
A dive bar from the owners of Hilltop Tavern called, well, Dive Bar is coming to Clifton, taking over the former Hub location on Frankfort Avenue. No opening date has been announced. (Courier Journal)
Festival
This Saturday, June 14, the Asia Institute Crane House will celebrate Philippines Independence Day at Fourth Street Live. Try Filipino food like Halo-Halo and see music + dance performances, 4-8 p.m. (Louisville Public Media)
Try This
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a castle, you’re in luck. The Yew Dell Botanical Gardens castle has undergone $5 million in renovations, and will be open to the public for free on Sunday, June 22. (Courier Journal)
Listen
Kentuckiana Sounds is back. The Louisville Public Media podcast of field recordings from around the Bluegrass State and southern Indiana started in 2019, and is back with a new producer, LPM’s Alex Biscardi. Two episodes are out now, and you can submit your own sounds to be featured on the show.
Legacy
The Louisville Zoo’s snow leopard Kimti died this week at the age of 14. Kimti had a congenital condition called coloboma, which interfered with his vision. He is survived by two other snow leopards, NeeCee and Meru. (WHAS11)
Number
300+. That’s how many small businesses, manufacturers, and local companies have posted jobs on the LOUtoday Job Board. Try it for yourself. Post unlimited job listings for free + get connected with top local talent.
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Post of the Day
Fleur de Flea security had to escort out an unusual patron this week — a snake. The serpent, most likely a gray rat snake, was safely escorted outside, though without a vintage Coca Cola glass or vinyl record to show for it.
Did you know? Most Kentucky snakes are non-venomous. If you encounter a snake, keep your distance, and consider using this tool from UK to identify it.
🌸 Instantly update outfits for dinners out with friends when you add this flower purse for under $30.
🐚 Beach nights can’t handle this shell beaded bag with handstitched natural shell sequins.
💎 Choose your favorite color of Anthropologie’s Fiona beaded bag and watch the compliments flood in.
🥝 Madewell’s best-selling handwoven mini tote comes in bright summer colors like kiwi, apricot, and festival red.
👀 If you’re searching for something simple instead, this crochet tote bag is under $30 and will look adorable for walks, beach days, or running errands.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The Louisville Metro government is seeking proposals for the future of the Shelby Park Activity Center building, AKA the former Shelby Park Library. Proposals are due by Thursday, July 3.
The community group petitioning to reopen the library said it still wants to see that happen, but supports another organization using it in the meantime.
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