Inbox besties? Yes, please. Add us to your contacts so we don’t get stuck in email purgatory. Snap a screenshot once we’re in and send it over — we love knowing we made the cut. Need a how-to? We got you.
Editor’s Pick
The musicians, the players, and even the bartenders are all part of the show at a Party Animals game.
Photo by LOUtoday.
I had a chance to see the Party Animals play at Slugger Field this weekend — and wow, can they put on a show.
Every time I go to a game at Slugger Field or Lynn Family Stadium, I think “we should do this more often.” If you’re like me, consider this your sign to go to a LouCity/Racing or Bats game this summer.
Events
Events
Monday, June 30
How to Make Tomato Jam | 6-7 p.m. | Waterfront Botanical Gardens | $20, $16 for members | Preserve those summer tomatoes for the winter months.
Tuesday, July 1
Solopreneuer Roundtable | 9-10 a.m. | Chamber of St. Matthews Office | Free | Network with other business owners who run one-person operations.
Wednesday, July 2
Chicago | 8 p.m. | Louisville Palace | $79.50+ | You’ll be “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day” after seeing this classic rock band live.
Thursday, July 3
“Cymbeline” | Thursday, July 3-Sunday, July 27 | 8 p.m. | C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater | Free | Catch an outdoor performance of this Shakespeare play — don’t worry if you haven’t heard of it, it’s a deep cut.
Metro Council approved a $1.2 billion budget for 2026 last week. Some line items include $800,000 for Brightside, $30,000,000 for LFPL, and $68,000,000 for Public Works.
Try This
On the hunt for a luxe pool? Try using Resort Pass, a tool where you can find day passes to hotel pools across Charleston. We’re eyeing the cabana at The Omni Hotel.
State
It looks like Kentuckians believe in the power of sweet potatoes. That’s the most popular superfood in the state, based on Google search data compiled by Eachnight. If you want to buy some, or see what other goodies are growing in KY, head to a local farmers market.
Mansion Monday
Spiral staircases, a marble entryway, and a 2-acre private lot all await you in this 17,000-sqft Mockingbird Valley mansion. Take a peek inside — you’ll want to see the wine cellar.
Drink
Ready for a twist on a classic? Good Housekeeping named the spicy pina colada the drink of the summer, which heats up the cocktail’s recipe by adding a spicy ingredient like chile-infused rum. If you’d rather drink something else, we think local happy hours are always on trend.
Film
“Jaws,” often credited as the original summer blockbuster, is now 50 years old. Steven Spielberg’s thriller debuted on June 20, 1975, but it seems a comeback is lurking. The film will return to local theaters this summer, starting Aug. 29. (USA TODAY)
Number
72.2 million. That’s how many Americans are expected to travel for the Fourth of July, a 2.4% increase from last year. This includes an estimated 5.84 million people traveling by air — if you’re one of those flyers, familiarize yourself with Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) before departure. (AAA)
Try This
Waterfront Botanical Gardens’ lineup of summer classes and workshops is now live. Offering everything from beekeeping to making jam, there’s something for every curious mind. Whether you’ve got a green thumb or you’re just getting your hands dirty, learning is never out of season. Register for a class.*
Community
Uh-oh, short-staffed again? Don’t sweat it — the LOUtoday Job Board has your back. Post your job, reach awesome local talent, and get that role filled fast. Oh, and did we mention it’s totally free? Yep, like zero dollars.
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay features wave pools, towering slides, and rides of all sizes. | Photo courtesy of Louisville Tourism
We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Louisville Zoo to hidden gems like Glow Worm Play Cafe, there’s something in Louisville for children of all ages. Today we’re focusing on kid-friendly activities that can help you beat the heat.
Indoor adventures
Champ’s Rollerdrome, 9851 La Grange Rd.
Established in 1955, LOU’s original roller skating rink offers all-age skating sessions.
We’ve got all the Fourth of July essentials you need and won’t immediately throw away after the holiday. (Think: Family-friend games you can play all summer long, a reusable + safe alternative to fireworks, and grill accessories that last). Buy these items today for the chance for them to arrive before the holiday.
🍖 Get the grill ready with this scouring stone that cleans better and faster than a brush.
🔥 Speaking of the grill, trade your old pocket lighter for this windproof one.
🎆 This light up bubble blower serves as a safe, kid-friendly replacement for fireworks.
🇺🇸 This red, white, and blue reusable tablecloth is stain-resistant and waterproof.
☀️ No summer holiday is complete without a fun backyard game like Spikeball or lifesize Jenga.
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.
Which was not a real Kentucky professional hockey team?
Last week, I asked you to determine which Kentucky hockey team was not real. Your blades are sharp, LOU. 55% knew that the Frankfort Freezers was a made up team — that means the Louisville Blades, the Kentucky Thoroughblades, and the Lexington Men o’ War were all real teams.
The Louisville Zoo’s baby gorilla Abeo is a year old — they grow up so fast. Visit the gorillas on rotation every day, and catch a keeper talk at 2:15 p.m. daily.