Louisville is ready for crisp air, colorful leaves, and everything pumpkin. October brings an abundance of festivals, live music, and family-friendly activities — not to mention Halloween happenings. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural events, or a reason to break out your favorite sweater, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month.
Through October 30, 2025: Boo at The Zoo
Bring the whole family to the Louisville Zoo during its annual month-long Halloween party. The entire zoo is transformed into a living storybook, complete with costumed characters and trick-or-treating for children ages 11 and younger. Tickets start at $7.25 and include all rides, attractions, and parking. louisvillezoo.org
October 2, 2025: Bill Frisell at Whiskey Thief Louisville
Experience an unforgettable night of jazz as legendary guitarist and composer Bill Frisell takes the stage at Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. Joined by Thomas Morgan on bass, Rudy Royston on drums, and special guest Gregory Tardy on saxophone, Bill Frisell brings more than 40 years of innovation to this intimate performance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with music beginning at 8 p.m. Seated tickets are $75 (first-come, first-served) or $50 for the bar area; both options include complimentary valet parking. fareharbor.com
October 2 – November 2, 2025: Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular
Stroll along a 1/3-mile path while viewing more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins in themed settings. The trail opens each day at dusk. Tickets start at $16 for adults, $13 for seniors (ages 65+), and $12 for children (ages 3-12). Children ages 3 and younger are free. Proceeds directly support the local nonprofit Parks Alliance of Louisville. jackolanternlouisville.org
October 3, 2025: Oxmoor Estate Downton Abbey Gala
Dress in your finest or come as a butler, housemaid, or valet for an evening of elegance at Oxmoor Farm, celebrating the grand finale of Downton Abbey. The gala runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and features live music, themed games, hors d’oeuvres, a welcome drink, and a specialty cocktail bar with Oxmoor Bourbon beverages. Tickets are $45 per person, and proceeds support the preservation and maintenance of the historic Oxmoor Estate. oxmoorfarm.org
October 3 – 5, 2025: Bourbon & Belonging: Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week
Enjoy a myriad of events during this statewide LGBTQ+ inclusive initiative, which includes numerous events around Louisville. Happenings include everything from a queer Kentucky tour at the Frazier Museum to happy hour parties, distillery tours, and more. bourbonandbelonging.com
October 3 – 5, 2025: St. James Court Art Show
Shop fine art and contemporary crafts at this 69th annual juried fine art show in Historic Old Louisville. More than 600 artists from all over the U.S. offer their wares at this free rain-or-shine event. (Note: No pets are allowed.) stjamescourtartshow.com
October 3 – 5, 2025: The Louisville UnFair
Imbibe on music and spirits at Magnolia Bar & Grill during Derby City’s alternative art festival. Created for locals by locals, this event strives to exemplify Louisville culture while the St. James Court Art Show takes place just up the street. Admission is free. louisvilleunfair.org
October 3 – November 9, 2025: A Haunting in Kentucky
Revelry Gallery presents A Haunting in Kentucky, a group show exploring the eerie side of the Bluegrass State. Featuring works by six local artists, the exhibit brings folklore, paranormal tales, and gothic mystery into view through visual art. From whispers of true crime to bewitching legends, this show captures the state’s most sinister lore. For additional details, click HERE.
October 4 & 5, 2025: BowmanFest
Take flight at BowmanFest, a two-day aviation and military heritage festival at historic Bowman Field. Enjoy vintage aircraft displays, thrilling aerobatic air shows, military exhibits, family-friendly fun, food trucks, bars, and live entertainment. The weekend starts with the IPA 5K on the Runway on Saturday morning. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To purchase tickets, visit bowmanfest.com.
October 7, 2025: Smoke & Oak: A Bourbon + BBQ Feastival
Savor an unforgettable evening at the Knob Creek House, where guests are transported to a secluded historic site for rare tastings and a scenic dinner experience, blending bold flavors and rich tradition. Sample new bourbon releases from The James B. Beam Distilling Co., paired with live barbecue demonstrations by Chef Brian Landry of The Kitchen Table. The event begins at 6 p.m. and tickets are $250 per person. beamdistilling.com
October 9, 2025: Feeding Our Roots — Author Talk with Crystal Wilkinson
Discover the powerful ties between food, heritage, and storytelling at Historic Locust Grove during an Author Talk with Crystal Wilkinson. From 6:30 to 8 p.m., Crystal discusses her book, Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts, which blends memoir, culinary history, and African American food traditions. The evening is the launch of Locust Grove’s Feeding Our Roots program and includes an audience Q&A and book signing. Tickets are $30 for nonmembers and $25 for members. locustgrove.org
October 10 & 11, 2025: Garvin Gate Blues Festival
Celebrate the 30th Annual Garvin Gate Blues Festival at Central Park, where two stages showcase nonstop music from national and local blues artists. Enjoy a free weekend filled with soulful performances, food trucks, local vendors, children’s activities, and plenty of drinks to keep the good times rolling. thegarvingatebluesfestival.com
October 10 & 11, 2025: Fall Cocktails with Liquor Lab
Shake, stir, and sip your way into the season with Liquor Lab’s Fall Cocktails experience. Guided by expert mixologists, you can learn to craft autumn-inspired drinks that balance rustic spices and subtle sweetness, perfect for cozy gatherings. Sessions are offered Friday, October 10, at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 11, at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person. sevenrooms.com
October 11, 2025: Louisville Book Festival
Celebrate the power of storytelling at the Louisville Book Festival. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kentucky International Convention Center, you can meet authors, attend readings and panels, enjoy book signings, and explore activities for all ages. The festival is free and open to the public. louisvillebookfestival.com
October 12, 2025: Jazz at the Filson — The Great Gatsby Era
Step into the Jazz Age at the Filson Historical Society from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. as vibraphonist Dick Sisto and his ensemble perform timeless classics from Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and more. This lively afternoon event celebrates the golden era that shaped the Great American Songbook. To purchase tickets, visit prod5.agileticketing.net.
October 13, 2025: Arnold Myint Cookbook Release Dinner at The Fat Lamb
Savor an intimate evening with chefs Arnold Myint and Dallas McGarity at The Fat Lamb as they celebrate the release of Family Thai. Guests can enjoy a multi-course tasting menu inspired by the cookbook, paired with stories from Arnold throughout the night. The experience concludes with a book signing and meet and greet, with each guest receiving a copy of the cookbook. Tickets are $125 per person, with an optional $50 wine pairing add-on. opentable.com
October 14 – 19, 2025: PNC Broadway Louisville: Water for Elephants
Immerse yourself in the spectacle of Water for Elephants, the new Broadway musical based on the bestselling novel, at Whitney Hall. Witness a world of traveling circuses, young love, and wild adventure, brought to life with aerial artistry, jugglers, clowns, and a soaring score by PigPen Theatre Co. Tickets start at $46.80. louisville.broadway.com
October 15, 2025: The Taste of Louisville
Savor Louisville’s premier food and drink celebration at the 51st Annual Taste of Louisville, held at the Mellwood Art Center from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sample signature bites from more than 40 chefs and sip from more than 20 beverage purveyors — all while enjoying live music and festive entertainment. Guests are welcomed with a cocktail or mocktail and can capture memories at photo ops throughout the venue. Tickets start at $85 per person, with proceeds benefitting Feed Louisville. thetasteoflouisville.com
October 17, 2025: NuLu Nights
Experience the East Market District after dark with NuLu Nights, a lively evening series featuring late-night shopping, dining, and entertainment. Stroll the neighborhood to discover live music, pop-up art activations, sidewalk performances, and in-store promotions at your favorite local spots. Participating businesses stay open until 9 p.m. or later, offering everything from outdoor games to patio pop-ups. nulu.org
October 18 & 19, 2025: Via Colori Street Painting Festival
Celebrate creativity in full color at Via Colori Kentucky, held at Waterfront Park’s Big Four Lawn and Swing Garden from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hundreds of chalk artists transform sidewalks into vibrant works of art while live music, tasty bites, vendors, cosplay, and family-friendly fun fill the day. Free and pet-friendly, this festival supports the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana. ourwaterfront.org
Have an outstanding October, Louisville!
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