20+ food, drink, music and art festivals around Louisville you can attend this fall
It's almost fall y'all. It's the time of year when it's still nice enough to be outside to enjoy a handful of festivals while looking ahead to the chilly days of fall. For those who love everything from craft beer and bourbon to art, music, pumpkins, and Halloween, there's something for everyone on this list. Here are 20+ fall festivals taking place between now and early November.
Steins on Main: Downtown Louisville Oktoberfest
WHAT: The outdoor celebration will include German-inspired cuisine, games and contests, music, and local breweries. Festivities kick off with a special happy hour (2-3 p.m.) offering early attendees an exciting start to the day. Participating breweries include Against the Grain, Gallant Fox, Butchertown Brewing, Gravely, Monnik Beer Co., Hi-Wire, and Awry Brewing.
WHERE: RePurposed, 615 W. Main St.
WHEN: Sept. 30, 2 to 7 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: louisvillealetrail.com; gotolouisville.com.
Jack O'Lantern Spectacular
WHAT: The Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular transforms a quarter-mile trail into an organic art gallery with more than 5,000 hand-carved jack o’ lanterns, and pumpkin masterpieces created by local artists.
WHERE: Iroquois Park, 1080 Amphitheater Road
WHEN: Timed ticket entry to the amphitheater. Sunday-Thursday, 6:30-10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 6:30 to 11 p.m., Oct. 3-31.
COST: Tickets are $15, $13 for seniors, $12 for ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger Sunday-Thursday; $20, $17 for seniors, $15 for ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger Fridays and Saturdays.
MORE INFORMATION: Food, drinks, and spirits are available for purchase. Tickets are available at Iroquois Amphitheater and online. jackolanternlouisville.org.
67th Annual St. James Court Art Show
WHAT: Juried fine arts and contemporary crafts show featuring over 600 artists from around the United States.
WHERE: Old Louisville on St. James Court, Belgravia Court, Fourth Street, 3rd Street, 1300 Section, West End Baptist Church
WHEN: Oct. 6-7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Rain or shine. Pets are not allowed. stjamescourtartshow.com.
28th Annual Garvin Gate Blues Festival
WHAT: The Garvin Gate Blues Festival returns to a two-day festival in 2023. Proceeds benefit the Garvin Gate and Old Louisville neighborhoods and A Recipe to End Hunger.
Friday: 6th District Councilperson Phillip Baker Stage: The Divine Five featuring Sylvia Walters (6:30-7:30 p.m.); The Revelators (8-9 p.m.); Ray Fuller & the Bluesrockers (9:30-11 p.m.). FMS Stage: Jay and Those Other Guys (7:35-7:55 and 9:05-9:25).
Saturday: 6th District Councilperson Phillip Baker Stage: Piney Woods & The Strip Mall Wonder Band (1-1:45 p.m.); Highway 31 Blues Band (2:15-3 p.m.); Otis (3:30-4:30 p.m.); Tyrone Cotton & Screamin’ John (5-5:45 p.m.); King Bee & The Stingers (6:15-7 p.m.); Da Mudcats (7:30-8:15 p.m.); The Stella Vees with Kurt Crandall (8:45-9:35 p.m.); Walnut Street Rhythm & Blues Band (10-11 p.m.). FMS Stage: Fast Forward (1:50-2:10 p.m. and 3:05-3:25 p.m.); Laurie Jane & Cort Duggins (4:35-4:55 p.m. and 5:50-6:10 p.m.); Hole Shot Blues Band (7:05-7:25 p.m. and 8:20-8:40 p.m.)
WHERE: The Garvin Gate on Oak Street between 4th & 6th Streets
WHEN: Oct. 13, 6:30-11 p.m.; Oct. 14, 1-11 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: garvingatebluesfestival.com.
15th Annual Via Colori Street Painting Festival
WHAT: Kentucky's largest street painting festival will include more than 100 artists participating with the intent of making an artistic masterpiece on a large scale on the sidewalks of Waterfront Park. Activities include live music, vendors, family-friendly activities, bounce houses, a food court, cosplayers, and of course, street art.
WHERE: Big Four Bridge Lawn, Waterfront Park, 129 E. River Road
WHEN: Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: viacolorikentucky.com.
Hot Brown Showdown
WHAT: The cook-off and tasting event invites restaurants and caterers from around the Bluegrass to compete for the title of the "Best Hot Brown in Town." Participants will offer 2-ounce servings of their own unique take on the famous Kentucky Hot Brown dish. Attendees vote for their favorite dish. First, second and third places will be awarded. There will also be a panel of judges composed of notable local personalities who will select a judge’s choice winner. Hot Brown Smackdown will perform. Sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka.
WHERE: Festival Plaza, Waterfront Park
WHEN: Oct. 22, noon to 3 p.m.
COST: Ticket starts at $30 in advance, $40 at the door, free for ages 9 and younger.
MORE INFORMATION: Food trucks, full bar with beer, bourbon, and other spirits will be onsite. hotbrownshowdown.com.
Ultimate Halloween Parade & Festival
WHAT: To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Halloween parade the organizers are bringing back the nighttime parade on Oct. 28 along with a new route ending at Lynn Family Stadium where the festival will be held for four days with entertainment options for all ages that include a haunted house, food, fun zone, vendors and more.
WHERE: Lynn Family Stadium, 350 Adams St.
WHEN: Oct. 26, 6-10 p.m.; Oct. 27, 6-11 p.m.; Oct. 28, noon to midnight; Oct. 29, noon to 6 p.m.
COST: $30, $20 for ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger
MORE INFORMATION: Proceeds from Ultimate Halloween Parade & Festival will support Don’t Be A Monster bullying prevention program. ultimatehalloweenfest.com.
Louisville Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival
WHAT: Enjoy chocolate in a multitude of decadent presentations — from sweet hand-rolled truffles to oooey-goooey-marshmallowy-crunchy s'mores, and an amazing selection of bean-to-bar artisan chocolates. Quench your thirst with Champagne, Prosecco and premium wines and a sip of fine whiskies. Cupcakes, cookies, cakes, candies, macarons, cake pops, bean-to-bar chocolates, popcorn, donuts and other savory items like pretzels, artisan cheeses, charcuterie — delight your taste buds. More than just a Chocolate Festival, included in your ticket price is a tasting glass to enjoy plentiful wine and whiskey. There will also be a selection of craft beers, ciders and non-alcoholic beverages.
WHERE: Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Avenue
WHEN: Nov. 4. Two sessions: General admission: 12:30-3:30 p.m. or 6-9 p.m.; VIP: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 5-9 p.m.
COST: $45-$70
MORE INFORMATION: chocolatewinewhiskey.com/city-events/louisville-chocolate-wine-whiskey-festival.
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Reach Features news clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Festivals in Louisville: Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville Pride Festival
