25 Louisville Adult Education Classes to Try This Year
Pottery, candy-making, woodland restoration, salsa dancing ... Louisville’s adult education classes offer countless ways to meet new people, learn new skills, and enrich your year. Image: Facebook / Big Bat Bourbon Experience
Become a bourbon expert, finally learn photography, explore the world of horticulture, or master ballroom dancing — it’s never too late to try something new. These 25 adult education classes in Louisville are designed to spark creativity, challenge your mind, and enrich your life. Check them out!
FOR THE ARTSY TYPES
Acme Artworks
More Info: acmeartworks.square.site
With classes designed for every experience and interest level, Acme Artworks invites you to explore everything from an intensive introductory glassblowing course to a multi-week course on metal fabrication. Make an original cup or paperweight in a hot glass class, or create a pair of bowls during the studio’s date-night offering. Times and prices vary.
The Craftery
More Info: thecrafterybar.com
The Craftery is Louisville’s first DIY studio and bar. Spark your creativity with a selection of craft projects that include clear, step-by-step instructions. Craft kits are delivered right to your table, and The Craftery’s well-trained staff is there to help keep you on track. The laid-back space also features a full bar, so you can enjoy a cocktail while your creative juices flow.
Kentucky Shakespeare
More Info: kyshakespeare.com
Adult actors and non-actors alike are welcome to enroll in Kentucky Shakespeare adult workshops. From improving your stage skills to discussing Shakespeare’s works, these classes are for theater lovers of all types. Times, costs, and subjects vary throughout the year.
Murphy’s Camera
More Info: murphyscamera.com
Photographers of all skill levels can expand their knowledge and take their photography to the next level at a Murphy’s Camera class. Every digital camera purchased from the store includes free admission for up to two introductory classes. For a $50 fee, anyone else can join classes covering topics such as basic composition and professional studio lighting.
Payne Street Pottery
More Info: paynestreetpottery.com
Studio and gallery Payne Street Pottery offers students the chance to get their hands dirty through instructor-led classes, workshops, or private parties. Pottery newbies can enroll in a 90-minute Try-It Class, which includes a wheel-throwing demonstration designed for beginners, plus hands-on help from an instructor. Each student then leaves behind one pottery piece for free glazing and firing. Those with prior experience can rent a monthly studio space with unlimited access.
Preston Arts Center
More Info: prestonartscenter.com
Locally owned Preston Arts Center has been serving Kentuckiana since 1941. With locations in Louisville and Jeffersonville, the center offers an impressive menu of art classes and workshops. Create a Bob Ross-style painting, learn flower steaming on silk, or make your own stained glass. Class types, times, and prices vary by location.
Visual Arts Academy & Studio
More Info: vaaslouisville.com
This Middletown spot offers classes for groups and parties, as well as a variety of seasonal courses covering subjects like drawing, acrylic painting, illustration, and mixed media. Each eight-week course consists of weekly 90-minute classes. The $150 enrollment fee includes all materials.
Whet Your Palette
More Info: whetyourpalette.com
Set in the heart of Anchorage, Whet Your Palette caters to all ages, offering adult classes, semi-private painting lessons, virtual courses, one-on-one piano and guitar lessons, private parties, and more. It is also the only studio in Kentucky with drop-in painting sessions. Plus, it has a full liquor license, which means beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails are available for purchase during all paint-and-sip classes, drop-in sessions, and private events.
FOR THE FOODIES
Bae’s Baekery
More Info: baesbaekerylou.com
Cake decorating classes at Bae’s Baekery are a fun and creative experience for anyone looking for a new hobby or for experienced bakers trying to perfect their fondant skills. Classes include everything from cookie-cake decorating to a masterclass led by owner Abigail McGreevy, where students learn how to cut, level, fill, crumb-coat, final-coat, and decorate a vintage Lambeth, piped, heart-shaped cake.
Times and prices vary by class, with slots typically filling up quickly. For a more personal experience, Abigail also offers cake-decorating party packages for groups of six or more.
Cooking at the Cottage
More Info: cookingatthecottage.com
Kentucky’s only independent culinary retail store and its premier cooking school, Cooking at the Cottage, offer a variety of cooking classes nearly every day of the week. Classes are broken into categories, including basic training, demonstration, hands-on, and more. Options include everything from macaron making and Southern-fusion cooking to cake decorating and an introduction to sushi. Most classes begin at 6:30 p.m. and cost around $60.
Cooking at Millie’s
More Info: cookingatmillies.com
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, experiences at Cooking at Millie’s are designed to help you whip up entertaining meals. The classes feature chefs, restaurant owners, and other culinary pros from around Kentuckiana.
Attendees might make grilled mango shrimp ceviche with FOX’s MasterChef season nine winner Gerron Hurt or beer cheese and toasted baguettes with Red Yeti Executive Chef Mike Bowe. Prices vary per class, and slots are often booked months in advance, so register early!
Fresh Chef Experience
More Info: freshchefexperience.com
Calling all cooking enthusiasts! Fresh Chef Experience sends professionally trained chefs to an event location of your choice. Chefs teach the newest cooking methods — from basic culinary skills to advanced techniques — and even prepare international dishes. Plus, each class ends with the chance to sit down and eat what you’ve made.
FOR ASPIRING BARTENDERS
Big Bat Bourbon
More Info: bigbatbourbon.com
Immerse yourself in the Custom Bourbon Experience at Big Bat Bourbon (formerly Barrels and Billets). Blend six award-winning, wood-finished bourbons to create a flavor that suits your palate. These include a European oak, cherry wood, maple wood, smoked oak, 200-year-old oak, and an American oak.
The best part? You can have your custom creation bottled and labeled (with a name of your choice) to take home. The Custom Bourbon Experience lasts 45 minutes, and tickets are $35.
Liquor Lab Louisville
More Info: liquorlab.com
Creating fun beverages with world-class cocktail, wine, and beer experts is easy at Liquor Lab in NuLu. The state-of-the-art mixology venue offers hour-and-a-half-long classes every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Attendees learn to make three cocktails while enjoying food from a local eatery.
Class themes include margaritas, martinis, seasonal cocktails, and more. Guests can also keep it dry, as non-alcoholic options are available at every class. Registration starts at $65 per person.
Moonshine University
More Info: moonshineuniversity.com
For those serious about their alcohol education, Moonshine University offers technical training and business management education for start-ups, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the distilling industry. Sign up for barrel aging or a botanical spirits workshop, or enroll in a six-day distiller course. The university also offers different levels of bourbon certification and numerous online courses. Tuition varies per course.
FOR DANCING QUEENS
Bravo Dance Studio
More Info: bravodancestudio.com
Family-owned dance destination Bravo Dance Studio offers ballroom, Latin, swing, salsa, and wedding dance lessons in a professional studio with a floating hardwood floor, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, a professional sound system, and multiple ballrooms.
Whether you want a fun new hobby or are interested in competitive dance, the instructors at Bravo Dance Studio can help with everything from basics to open choreography. Private lessons and group classes can be reserved online, starting at $12.
Crestview Studios
More Info: crestviewstudios.com
A Crestview Studios membership includes unlimited classes in hip hop, heels, contemporary, and jazz for both beginner and advanced dancers. Sessions are designed to build confidence, bring dance dreams to life, and help students reach their highest potential. Individual and package class pricing is available, too.
Dance Louisville
More Info: dancelouisville.com
Whether you’re looking for private lessons, group classes, or want to put something special together for your wedding, Dance Louisville has you covered. The company has served Louisville for more than 17 years, offering lessons on everything from ballroom dancing and West Coast swing to salsa and country line dancing. No partner? No worries! Individuals are welcome, and new clients receive their first 30-minute private lesson free.
Derby City Ballroom
More Info: louisvilledancelessons.com
Derby City Ballroom offers dance lessons in more than 20 styles of partner dancing. In addition to traditional ballroom dance styles, students can learn country, salsa, swing, mambo, bolero, and more. Private lessons for wedding first dances are also available. All new students can enjoy two 30-minute private dance lessons for $10 each.
FOR NATURE ENTHUSIASTS
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
More Info: bernheim.org
Bernheim believes in nature-based education for children and adults alike. Professionals can take advantage of teacher training or professional development, while amateur enthusiasts can enjoy a range of other options, such as conservation practices and kids’ discovery days.
Check the online calendar to catch the next educational trail walk, hike, or other event. Scheduled strolls through Bernheim’s 16,000+ acres are often centered around a specific theme, such as woodland rehabilitation or prairie establishment and management. Registration prices vary and are discounted with a Bernheim membership.
Waterfront Botanical Gardens
More Info: waterfrontgardens.org
The Waterfront Botanical Gardens (WBG) staff strives to educate, inspire, and enhance appreciation of the relationship between plant life and a healthy environment. The gardens’ adult classes and workshops help to do just that. Every month, the special event calendar offers various opportunities to explore horticulture and gardening, science and environment, nature photography, and more.
You’ll learn everything from designing and caring for raised garden beds to pruning shrubs. Registration prices vary and are discounted with a WBG membership.
FOR LIFELONG LEARNERS
Jefferson Community & Technical College
More Info: jefferson.kctcs.edu
Whether you’re starting college for the first time or thinking about a career change, Jefferson Community & Technical College can help. A variety of programs offer associate degrees, diplomas, or certificates. Search the online program by filtering through goals ranging from creative to data and accounting fields. Each course page highlights the number of people in the area currently employed in the field, the average salary, and current job postings to help get you on your way!
Louisville Learns
More Info: jefferson.kyschools.us
Whether you’re interested in starting your own pet-sitting business or learning how to write grants, Louisville Learns has a course for you. Part of Jefferson County Public Schools Adult and Continuing Education, the courses feature expert instructors and high-quality content.
There are more than 450 courses available, and most are $115. There are also career-training programs, including Home Builder and Contractor courses, as well as more than 100 certificate programs.
MyLibraryU
More Info: lfpl.org
Louisville Free Public Library’s MyLibraryU connects adults to numerous new and free learning opportunities, regardless of academic background. Similar to official college courses, Short Courses are taught by professors and experts in the field and may require reading or include field trips.
Fast Classes are the library’s one-time educational events led by local experts. These classes might teach practical skills or cover current events, literature, or science. All courses and classes are free and open to the public. Registration is available online or by calling (502) 574-1623.
Norton Healthcare
More Info: nortonhealthcare.com
Norton is about more than doctors’ appointments and hospital visits. The healthcare system also offers educational opportunities for every season of life, including childbirth classes, healthy cooking demonstrations, recovery groups, and more. Most classes are free or offered at a nominal fee.
Never stop learning, Louisville!
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Lennie Omalza
Originally from Hawaii, Lennie Omalza is a Louisville-based freelance writer of over 18 years. Lennie is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can and enjoys writing about food, homes, and weddings. You can find more of Lennie's work at Eater, Hawaii Home & Remodeling, and The Louisville Courier-Journal.