Head to the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular this month for a little inspiration. | Photo by LOUtoday
As the crisp autumn air ushers into Derby City it brings along with it annual fall favorites — like Oktoberfest, Harvest Homecoming, and the St. James Art Fair.
Louisville wouldn’t be the same without these annual traditions, but there are a few other festivals that take a slightly different approach to the standard autumnal celebrations.
Ain’t no party like a cryptid party. The Legend at Pope Lick Park is honoring the most famous Louisville monster in history, the Goatman — aka the Pope Lick Monster. The event is free and features movie screenings and a Q+A with actual Goatman hunters + cryptid experts.
Most people believe bats are creepy — thanks Dracula — but Second Chances Wildlife Center loves them. This annual event, dedicated to the only flying mammal around, is held at EP Tom Sawyer State Park and offers the chance to see live bats, talk with bat experts, and meet childrens’ storybook character — and bat — Stellaluna. Tickets are $17 and benefit the wildlife rescue organization.
Picture this: 5,000 carved pumpkins on a walking path, ready for you and the family to explore. People travel from around the country for this seasonal tradition that happens right here in Louisville’s own back yard.
Asked
Asked
Which of these Louisville photos has the strongest “fall vibes?”
Mini House of Horrors Workshop | 6-8 p.m. | Ms. Audrey’s Crafting Emporium | $225 | Transform a dollhouse into a haunted, horrific masterpiece in this five-week class — BYO dollhouse or purchase one from Ms. Audrey’s.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Fall Bulbs Class | 6-7:30 p.m. | Waterfront Botanical Gardens | $30+ | Learn how to lay the groundwork for spring blooms and bring home some bulbs of your own.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Bourbon & Beyond | Thursday, Sept. 11-Sunday, Sept. 14 | Highland Festival Grounds KY Expo Center | $204+ | 200,000+ music fans will descend on the festival grounds to hear Phish, Noah Kahan, and more.
Friday, Sept. 12
Drag Race All Stars: Raven | 8 p.m.-3 a.m. | Play Louisville | $22+ | Raven of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will host a meet and greet in between the 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. shows. Homearama 2025 | Friday, Sept. 12-Sunday, Sept. 21 | Locations vary | $15+ | Tour 27 of the region’s newest luxury homes during — a three-weekend showcase of modern builds, design inspiration, and custom craftsmanship beginning Friday, Sept. 5.*
$1 million. That’s how much Danny Wimmer Presents, the company behind Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life, has committed to UofL Athletics over the next decade in a new sponsorship deal. (Louisville Business First)
Community
Louisville’s Chickasaw neighborhood is on the path to become a historic preservation district. It would be the eighth neighborhood to get such a designation, which would put certain restrictions on demolition, construction, and renovations. (Courier Journal)
Civic
Mayor Greenberg announced a new task force with the goal of housing 250 people experiencing chronic homelessness over the next two years. Home for Good will be composed of nonprofit partners, including the Coalition for Homelessness, to help Louisvillians find long-term secure housing.
Sports
The Harlem Globetrotters will perform in Louisville on Friday, Jan. 16 next year on their 100th anniversary tour. Tickets will go on sale on Monday, Sept. 22. (WHAS11)
Louisvillians
The Louisville Chamber Choir is one of two international choirs invited to perform at the Incheon International Choir Festival in South Korea. Check out their 2025-2026 season to catch them live when they return. (WHAS11)
Listen
Louisville narrowly avoided an upset against James Madison, winning 28-14 in a game closer than the score suggests. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Try This
Waterfront Botanical Gardens has an exciting lineup of fall classes and workshops. Offering everything from ceramics to guided garden walks, there’s something for every curious mind. Register for a class.*
Watch
College football Saturdays, NBA playoffs, championship golf — it’s all included on ESPN Unlimited, plus Disney+ and Hulu for your first 12 months. Stream everything for $29.99.*
Community basketball, volleyball, or soccer leagues are all well and good, but here’s a sport you probably haven’t heard of: bike polo.
Louisville Bike Polo meets every Saturday at the Shelby Park tennis courts, 6:30 p.m. You can stop by to watch or try your hand at it — they have spare gear and bikes for newbies.
We’ve built your new go-to fall outfit. Grab the complete look below for under $200.
🍁 We love this high-rise denim maxi skirt, featuring a stylish front slit for an effortlessly chic look.
🍁 Pair it with this basic ribbed tee with flattering 3/4 sleeves and comfortable, high-stretch fabric.
🍁 Add dimension and layers with this caramel-hued cardigan complete with deep pockets.
🍁 Slip on these memory foam platform clogs for all-day comfort + style.
🍁 Accessorize with this top-rated crossbody featuring vegan leather and a practical design with multiple pockets.
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.
Last week, we asked you what should become of Muhammad Ali’s childhood home. The overwhelming result, with 62% of the vote, was for the place to become a museum.
}})
