As we head into October, there are many events to look forward to in Louisville. From the annual Jack O’Lantern Spectacular to the St. James Court Art Show, there is so much happening this month that you just can’t miss. Here are 12 Louisville events to help get you in the fall spirit!

Enjoy the fall season with any of these October events!
12 Louisville Events & Happenings: October 2020
October 1 – 18, 2020: Drive-in Movies at The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass
Every Friday and Saturday night through October 18, head to The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass for movie viewings, concerts, games and more! Movie showings this month include Aquaman and The Dark Knight and begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children (ages 5 to 12), and they go on sale every Monday at 10 a.m. for the coming weekend. Space is limited to ensure a COVID-friendly experience, so be sure to purchase tickets in advance. usadrive-ins.com
October 1 – 31, 2020: Historic Old Louisville Walking Tour
Head over to the Historic Old Louisville Visitors Center to explore the largest collection of Victorian mansions in the U.S.! Through a 75-minute walking tour, guests learn about the town’s history and architecture as they stroll through the heart of the historic district. Tours run Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $17 online and $20 at the gate, and senior tickets are $14 online and $16 at the gate. reservations.gotolouisville.com
RELATED: 3 Lexington Restaurants Worth the Drive
October 1, 2020, through November 1, 2020: Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
If you’re looking to get in the Halloween spirit, look no further. The annual Jack O’Lantern Spectacular has shifted to a drive-thru format at Iroquois Park. The event is open Sunday through Thursday, dusk to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, dusk to midnight. Tickets are $35 for cars, SUVs and minivans, and $50 for passenger vans, limos and RVs. Proceeds from the event benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation, which works to support the city’s public parks and community centers. jackolanternlouisville.com
October 2, 2020: Bluegrass Music in the Garden
Head down to Whitehall House & Gardens on October 2 at 6 p.m. for live music by the Whiskey Bent Valley Boys. This family-friendly outdoor event features live music as well as food and drink vendors, such as Bun’s Smokehouse BBQ, Kizito Cookies and The Comfy Cow. Tickets are $8 for children (ages 5 to 12) and $15 for adults, and they must be purchased in advance. historicwhitehall.org
October 2, 2020: Early Morning Yoga at the Gardens
Start your day at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens with an outdoor yoga class at 8 a.m. on October 2. Tickets are $10 for WBG members and $15 for non-members. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, the gardens ask that you bring your own mat. waterfrontgardens.org
October 2 – 31, 2020: St. James Court Art Show
While this year’s St. James Court Art Show has gone virtual, you can still expect to find ceramics, jewelry, handbags and more from over 700 U.S. artisans. The free event begins at 10 a.m. on October 2 and ends October 31 at 10 p.m. Artisans include Three Wheel Studio, Dose Creative, Varu handbags, Bianca Gedeon and many more. eventeny.com
October 3 – 31, 2020: Danger Run
Explore Louisville’s spookiest spots this Halloween season with Danger Run, a self-guided ghost tour that you can do from your car! Danger Run is a scavenger-hunt-style game that features haunted houses, snacks and other goodies. Simply assemble your team, choose your most convenient starting location and begin solving your clues. If you’re not ready for the fun to end, the event also features optional add-on destinations. Tickets are $15, and the scavenger hunt can be completed any time during October 3 through 31. dangerrun.com
October 5 – 9, 2020: Virtual Mental Wellness Summit
Presented by Mental Health Lou, the Virtual Mental Wellness Summit consists of five days of mental health conversations. With 30 speakers, topics focus on general mental health as well as relationships, kids, LGBTQ families and personal growth. The goal of this summit is to break the stigma surrounding mental health in Louisville. This event is free and begins October 5 at 9 a.m. mentalhealthlou.com
October 10, 30 & 31, 2020: The Dinner Detective
Attend one of the largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner shows at the Embassy Suites in downtown Louisville. On October 10, 30 or 31, you can solve a crime while indulging in a delicious dinner. Beware, however, as you or someone near you may be found guilty of the crime. Halloween costumes are encouraged, and tickets are $64.95. thedinnerdetective.com
October 15 – 18, 2020: Kentucky Bourbon Festival
You won’t want to miss this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival! From October 15 through 18, the festival hosts a series of virtual events from master distillers. Attendees can learn the history and process of making whiskey and even make a delicious cocktail of their own. Basic event registration is free, and VIP packages are offered for $150. kybourbonfestival.com
RELATED: Meet the World’s First Female Master Bourbon Taster
October 29, 2020: Jimmie Allen at Fourth Street Live!
Head to Louisville’s premier dinning and entertainment district on October 29 to catch a performance by country singer Jimmie Allen. The concert takes place at PBR Louisville, and doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets bought in advance are $15, and those purchased on the day of the show are $20. Note this is a 21-and-up event. eventbrite.com
Through November 29, 2020: Andy Warhol: Revelation
Throughout October, the Speed Art Museum features Andy Warhol: Revelation, the first exhibition to explore how the artist’s faith relates to his art. Revelation features over 150 objects from The Andy Warhol Museum, including archival materials, drawings, paintings, prints and film. General admission is $14 for seniors and children (ages 4 to 17) and $20 for non-member adults. speedmuseum.org
Here’s to a fun-filled fall season!
**********
To see even more great events, visit our Happenings page.