The Kentucky Derby — along with the weeks of festivities leading up to it — brings tens of thousands of residents and visitors to Louisville Metro each year. While the hats, horses, and mint juleps take center stage, there’s an entire team working behind the scenes to keep the city running safely and smoothly.

Public Works crews play a critical role in making Derby a success. From managing road closures and detours to installing signage, teams are preparing for the estimated 150,000 people who will make their way to Churchill Downs for “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.”

In the weeks leading up to Derby, our Signs and Markings team installs and later removes nearly 8,000 “No Stopping/Special Event” signs to help guide traffic and maintain safety.

Roads and Operations crews position those familiar orange trucks at key intersections to keep traffic flowing and establish safe routes to and from events.

Our Electrical Maintenance team also plays a key role, programming traffic signals, upgrading lighting, and setting up temporary electrical systems for major Derby Festival events — including Thunder over Louisville, the miniMarathon and Marathon, Chow Wagon and Fest-a-Ville, the Pegasus Parade, Thurby, Oaks, and Derby.

At the same time, Solid Waste Management Services crews are working hard to keep the city clean during one of its busiest times of year. From maintaining sanitation to reducing health risks and managing increased waste, their efforts are essential. During last year's Derby festivities, our crews collected about 38 tons of waste, and teams are once again preparing for a similar level of activity this year.

Our Solid Waste team also sweeps streets before and after major Derby events such as the miniMarathon, Marathon, and Pegasus Parade, helping keep routes clean and ready for participants and spectators.

These behind-the-scenes efforts are the backbone of Derby. They help create a safe, organized, and enjoyable experience for everyone celebrating across the city.

As Louisville Metro prepares for Derby 152, we thank our Public Works teams for the long hours, coordination, and dedication that help make it all possible.

LMPHW Food Inspector Grace Ellis is part of a team who makes sure eateries and food vendors meet sanitation and health safety regulations.

When Kentuckians and visitors gather to celebrate Derby season, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is hard at work behind the scenes, helping make sure the memories you take home don’t include food poisoning.

From Thunder Over Louisville and the Pegasus Parade to Fest‑a‑Ville, Kentucky Oaks, and the Kentucky Derby, LMPHW food safety inspectors are on site protecting public health. This Derby season, inspectors will complete more than 200 food inspections at temporary and permanent food operations across event venues.

“Year-round, our goal is to protect residents and visitors from foodborne illnesses, which can be very serious,” said Connie Mendel, director of LMPHW and Chief Health Strategist.

Food safety inspectors focus on proper handwashing, safe food temperatures, preventing cross‑contamination, and confirming that vendors understand food safety best practices.

All food vendors, including food trucks, street vendors, and concession stands, must have a local permit to operate during Derby festivities. In addition to inspections, vendors receive education and guidance from public health staff to help them safely serve the thousands of people attending events each day.

Foodborne illness symptoms can appear anywhere from 30 minutes to several days after eating and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches. While anyone can get sick, pregnant people, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

LMPHW also investigates reports of illness linked to food establishments. If you believe you became sick from food eaten during Derby events, call 502‑574‑6650. Prompt reporting helps protect others and keeps Derby season safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Are you interested in helping create safer, more accessible streets for everyone in Louisville Metro? If so, consider applying to join Louisville Metro’s Complete Streets Coalition.

The coalition was established as part of the 2022 amendments to Louisville Metro’s Complete Streets Ordinance. It includes 15 community members, along with representatives from the Louisville Metro Department of Transportation (DOT), the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), and the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA).

Members play an important role in reviewing publicly funded transportation projects to make sure they consider the needs of people of all ages and abilities, across all modes of travel. The coalition also helps projects meet or exceed Louisville’s adopted design standards, supporting a more connected and inclusive transportation network.

There are currently open positions, and residents from across Louisville Metro are encouraged to apply.

To learn more or express interest, contact Complete Streets Program Manager Jeremy Chesler at jeremy.chesler@louisvilleky.gov, or apply by clicking the button below.

APPLY HERE!

Dear Library Cardholder,

This is a reminder that LFPL's updated online calendar and new mobile app will both launched Monday, April 20. The new catalog will make finding, browsing, and requesting materials easier and more intuitive. Highlights of the new app include: library card numbers automatically appear in the app when you log in, and it can be saved to your digital wallet; real-time holds reminders; the ability to return eBooks in the app without opening Libby; you can scan a book’s barcode to see if it is in our collection; and more! 

Saved lists in the old library catalog are being migrated over to the new platform, but saved searches are not. After launch, all saved lists and searches must be created in the new version to be visible. Please note that the catalog upgrade does not affect Libby or saved lists in Libby. Patrons who already have the current LFPL app will receive an update notice. If you do not have the LFPL app, you can download the new version in your device’s app store – just search for LFPL.      

As a reminder, if you have questions, you can always call (502) 574-1611 during regular business hours and speak to a library team member. We are happy to help. And if you find you still prefer the old catalog, there will be an option for you to click on and access the Classic version.

Thank you for using the library. We hope you like the changes.  

Margarets Fine Consignment, 2700 Frankfort Avenue, will host their quarterly Color Tag Sale from Monday, May 4 through Saturday, May 9 where everything in the store will be discounted 25%-70% off. Come shop their thoughtfully curated collections of upscale women’s clothing and accessories for Mother’s Day, Graduations, summer weddings and more! Open 7 days a week!

Work is officially underway to enhance the bike lane along East Market Street in NuLu, with painting and striping that began Monday night. A substantial portion of the bike track has already been completed, with crews adding bright green, high-grade reflective paint and durable tape to improve long-lasting visibility and safety along the corridor.

Work will continue over the next couple of weeks, primarily during overnight hours (Sunday–Thursday) to help minimize disruptions for businesses, residents, and visitors.

These updates build on the recently completed East Market Streetscape Project and reflect Louisville Metro’s ongoing commitment to safety and continuous improvement. As shared at the announcement celebrating the project’s completion, the initial phase focused on delivering the corridor as designed. Now, the team is actively assessing conditions, incorporating community feedback, and making targeted enhancements where needed.

Our goal is to stay connected with the community, continue listening, and proactively identify and address concerns as they arise.

Looking ahead, additional areas of focus include enhanced street sweeping for bike lanes, continued lighting evaluations, coordination of signage with PARC, and exploring loading zone opportunities to help reduce traffic interruptions.

As our city continues to grow and evolve, we remain committed to adapting and supporting its changing needs.

Thank you for your patience as we continue working to make Louisville Metro’s streets safer and more accessible for everyone.

Whitehall is pleased to announce that its 23rd annual Peony Sale will be held at historic Whitehall, 3110 Lexington Road, on Tueday, May 5, 2026.

Peonies on Display

Although the public is always welcome to tour Whitehall’s gardens throughout the day from sunup to sundown, the Peony Sale has been selected as the date when we estimate Whitehall’s impressive collection of over 60 peony varieties will be at its peak. There is no charge to visit the gardens.

Peony Sale

A limited selection of herbaceous peonies will also be offered for sale. Peonies available for purchase include Claire de Lune, Raspberry Sundae, and Sorbet. Peonies will be planted in 2-gallon pots at $45 each plus tax.  The sale will begin at 5:00 p.m. and will continue until all peonies are sold out. Customers will be limited to 5 peonies per person. Peonies sell quickly and Whitehall can’t guarantee the availability of all varieties. Please note that early access to the sale area will not be permitted.

For more information, please contact Whitehall at (502) 897-2944 or whitehall@historichomes.org. Additional information is also available on Whitehall’s website at https://www.historicwhitehall.org/peony-sale.

Proceeds from the Peony Sale benefit Whitehall, a historic house and estate garden owned and operated by the not-for-profit Historic Homes Foundation. Originally built in the mid-1850s as an Italianate farmhouse, the home was transformed in the early 1900s into the iconic Greek Revival-style mansion we know today as Whitehall. At just under ten acres, the grounds feature multiple unique gardens and specimen trees, making Whitehall truly the place where “history grows.”

Please be aware of an upcoming traffic pattern change at the Waste Reduction Center, effective Tuesday, May 5.

What’s Changing

• Patrons will no longer be allowed to turn into the facility from Meriwether Street
• All traffic must enter from Burnett Avenue

This change is being made to improve traffic flow and safety for customers, staff, and nearby motorists.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping ensure a smooth transition!

Join Kentucky Refugee Ministries and 21c Museum Hotels for a free screening of the powerful docuseries “Reflections on Home”. Held in the 21c Atrium, this event explores the profound human experiences of displacement and belonging through the creative lens of refugee and immigrant artists.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to explore the 21c galleries and experience the museum’s current exhibits before the program begins. This screening offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the diverse narratives and cultural richness that help define our collective community in Louisville.

Happy 27th Anniversary Louisville TRIAD!

Upcoming TRIAD Meeting

May 12th, 2026 | Networking 11:00am
Lunch Served at 11:30am

Our Mother of Sorrows Cafeteria

770 Eastern Parkway
Louisville, Ky 40217       

Lunch Sponsored by:  AARP

RSVP REQUIRED:

Please call the Office for Aging & Disabled Citizens 502-574-5092 or by email to allison.woosley@louisvilleky.gov

Parking is available in the enclosed lot next to the cafeteria or in the lot to the right of school. Street parking is allowed.

The City of Louisville is selling surplus fleet vehicles through a no-reserve online auction at Purple Wave Auction. Vehicles include Ford Crown Victoria, Explorer, Taurus, F-150s, Focus, and more, all previously used and maintained in municipal service in Louisville, KY.

Bidding is open now and closes May 12, with every item selling to the highest bidder through a transparent, fully online process. https://bit.ly/CityofLouisvilleKY

The Spring Tea Party at Metro Arts is a special seasonal event inviting participants to dress in their finest derby attire while enjoying an afternoon of tea and creative learning. Guests will learn about Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, in a relaxed and elegant setting, with refreshments provided!

May is National Bike Month, and that can only mean one thing — Bike to Work Day is back! Mark your calendars for Friday, May 15, 2026, and get ready to ride.

Bike Louisville will host five group rides starting at 7:30 a.m. from parks and locations across the region, including Iroquois Park, Seneca Park, Shawnee Park, George Rogers Clark Park, and the Big Four Station in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Each ride will be led by experienced volunteer ride captains and will end downtown at The Plaza on Fourth (222 S. 4th St.).

Riders will be welcomed downtown with coffee, donuts, and prizes — a well-earned reward for helping celebrate active, sustainable transportation in Louisville Metro.

Don’t have a bike? No problem. Lime will be deploying e-bikes at each Meet & Ride location and offering free rides into downtown. Participants can reserve an e-bike through the registration form.

Bike to Work Day is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and experience the benefits of biking as a healthy and sustainable way to get around the city.

Be sure to register in advance and view route maps for each ride by following the link below.

To see what Bike to Work Day was all about last year, watch this video! 

Let’s hit the streets and celebrate Bike Month together! REGISTER HERE!

Our next Pop‑Up Drop‑Off event is just around the corner! Join us on Saturday, May 16, at Shawnee Park for a convenient opportunity to responsibly dispose of hard‑to‑manage items and give gently used items a second life.

This year, we're excited to partner with Goodwill Kentucky, making it easier than ever to donate while you clean out. Residents may bring gently used houseware and textiles for donation. Items collected by Goodwill will be sold to support job training and community programs.

Pop‑Up Drop‑Off events are designed to make recycling, donation, and proper disposal easier for residents by bringing services directly into the neighborhood. Whether you’re tackling spring cleaning or clearing out items you’ve been holding onto, this event offers a simple and convenient way to do the right thing.

These events not only keep reusable and recyclable materials out of the landfill, but by participating, you’re doing your part to support a cleaner, healthier Louisville.

Accepted items:

• Gently used textiles and household items (donated to Goodwill Kentucky)
• Gently used shoes will be collected for WaterStep - every three pairs of shoes collected provides safe water for one person for life!
• Up to three electronic items (recycled)
• Metal and appliances - no refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers or any items containing Freon (recycled)
• Up to four passenger tires (recycled)
• Household recyclables, follow curbside rules (recycled)
• Yard waste, follow curbside rules, wooden pallets (composted)
• Documents for shredding (recycled)
• Large household items (landfilled)
• Prescription medication (disposed properly)

These items are NOT accepted at Pop-Up Drop-Off events:

• Garbage, loose debris (use curbside garbage collection or take to landfill)
• Concrete, bricks, rocks
• Construction debris (take to Waste Reduction Center, fees apply)
• Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, or items containing Freon (take to Waste Reduction Centeror metal recycling facility)
• Latex paint (disposal information)
• Batteries, light bulbs, oil-based paint, varnishes, stains, and other household hazardous waste (take to Haz Bin)
• Tree trunks
• Boats, hot tubs
• Items from businesses

Trailers greater than 10 feet in length (larger loads can be taken to the Waste Reduction Center)

Grab your blanket and lawn chairs and come out to Forest Fest on May 16 for a full‑day celebration of live music and local makers set in the beauty of Jefferson Memorial Forest! Gates open at 11:30 AM, admission is $15 per car.

Music for a Purpose returns over Memorial Day weekend with four special concerts across Louisville, benefiting Kentucky Refugee Ministries (KRM). This inspiring concert series celebrates global cultures through music, featuring works by Brahms, Jiang, Villa-Lobos, selections from the Kronos Quartet’s Pieces of Africa, and Fiddling by Teddy Abrams.

All performances are pay-what-you-can, with 100% of proceeds supporting KRM’s mission to welcome and assist refugees in Kentucky. No reservations are required—just come and show your support.

Concert Schedule:

• May 22 | Highland Presbyterian Church | 7:30 PM
• May 23 | Noble Funk Brewery | 2:00 PM (Family Concert)
• May 23 | Broadway Baptist Church | 7:30 PM
• May 24 | Peterson-Dumesnil House | 3:00 PM

Join the community for an unforgettable musical journey and help make Kentucky home for refugees. Learn more at musicforapurpose.org .

For the 11th year in a row, KIPDA Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living, and the Louisville Metro Office for Aging and Disabled Citizens are teaming up to provide fans for older adults and persons with disabilities to help offer relief from the sweltering summer heat.  Working with community organizations, churches, businesses, private citizens and the local media, we hope to generate monetary donations to purchase new fans.  Persons or businesses interested in sponsoring fans will be able to make tangible or monetary donations to this effort until May 22nd, 2026 

Fan Fair Event

June 6th, 2026 9:00am-11:00am | Edison Center 701 W. Ormsby Ave Louisville KY 40203

If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring, please contact Alli at 502.574.5092 or allison.woosley@louisvilleky.gov

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 | 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. PETERSON-DUMESNIL HOUSE - 301 S. PETERSON AVENUE

The Crescent Hill Garden Club is excited to be hosting our 32nd anniversary garden tour! With your ticket purchase, gain access to private gardens in the Crescent Hill neighborhood PLUS the grounds of the historic Peterson-Dumesnil House. We are planning lots of fun activities to celebrate our anniversary, including a local vendor fair, free door prizes, tours of the Peterson-Dumesnil House, music, breakfast treats and more!

Peterson-Dumesnil Tour Schedule:

• Peterson-Dumesnil House Tours will be available at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm and 1 pm.
• Peterson-Dumesnil Grounds Tours will be available at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.

TICKETS You can purchase tickets the day of the tour at the Peterson-Dumesnil House, 301 S. Peterson Avenue, where the tour begins or in advance on our website: https://www.crescenthillgardenclub.org/tour-tickets.html

Tickets are $20. 

YOUR TICKET PURCHASE SUPPORTS LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS Funds from the tour are used to support local community organizations, such as United Crescent Hill Ministries, Waterfront Botanical Gardens, Louisville Free Public Library, and others. Your ticket purchase also funds garden projects throughout the Crescent Hill area and our annual Appalachian Redbud Tree Giveaway Project.

To learn more, visit www.crescenthillgardenclub.org.

Kentucky Shakespeare, the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth, presents the annual FREE Shakespeare in the Parks tour of THE TEMPEST, touring to a record 46 parks this spring.

“O brave new world, that has such people in’t!” 

Shakespeare’s final play is a testament to the redeeming power of love and forgiveness – featuring fools, spirits, monsters, shipwrecks, and magical spells. This one-act magical comedy is performed with five actors in neighborhood parks across the region this spring.

• These are FREE, Family-friendly performances for the community and do not require reservations or tickets.
• The show is approximately 80 minutes long without an intermission.
• Please bring your own chairs, blankets, or other sitables that are most comfortable for you, for most venues.
• In case of inclement weather, most locations have alternate in-door spaces, still currently being determined below. All location changes will be shared on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
• Our artists utilize a sound system with speakers.
• If there are physical accessibility questions related to a specific location, please contact us for recommendations.
• At every performance, we have sensory tools and noise-cancelling headphones for both adults and youth available for use.

The dots are officially going up at The Dot Experience’s main entrance, transforming the facade into something both striking and meaningful. A series of supersized braille dots will spell out “Welcome” across the siding above the main entrance awning, an unmistakable statement of accessibility, inclusion, and design innovation.

By day, the installation will stand as a bold visual feature, inviting curiosity and conversation. By night, the dots will be illuminated, ensuring the message is not only seen, but felt, welcoming every visitor in a way that transcends traditional signage.

The Dot Experience will open in October. View the website.

LG&E has indicated that they plan to complete repairs to all Seneca lights by the end of this week. While wet conditions following Tuesday’s storms could potentially impact the timeline, this is the closest we have been to full completion, and meaningful progress continues to be made.

After investigating the sewer and stormwater drainage lines on N. Galt Avenue, MSD has found several blockages that will be fixed through point repairs and pipe rehabilitation. The work is underway and is expected to be complete by the end of summer. 

Here’s the latest news:

•  Recently, a manhole was installed at 109 N. Galt Avenue, which will allow an MSD contractor to continue making point repairs along the street. Traffic will go down to one lane near the work. Street parking may be reduced near the work. 
• During the week of the Kentucky Derby — April 27 through May 3 — work will be paused for the convenience of residents. The road will be plated and open to traffic. All equipment will be removed from the street. 
•  During the week of May 4, equipment will be returned and point repairs will continue.

After all point repairs are complete, Robinson Pipe Cleaning will line the storm and sanitary sewers with Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP), which is a quick and trench-less process that will add 50 to 100 years to the lifespan of the pipes. Before the contractor leaves, restorative ground and asphalt work will be done. 

United Learning Summer Camp is Back! ☀️

☀️ June 1–5 @ 9:30 AM–2:30 PM – Join us for UCHM Summer Camp for rising 1st–5th graders! Enjoy a week of STEM activities, hands-on learning, field day fun, and daily breakfast & lunch.

🤝 Volunteers Needed – Food Pantry Support - Wednesdays @ 10:30 AM –12:30/1:00 PM – We’re looking for caring volunteers to help stock our food pantry and support families in our community. Your time makes a meaningful difference!

👉 Apply at: https://www.uchmlouky.org/volunteer/

UCHM 60+ Program – May Highlights

Join us this month for engaging activities, wellness opportunities, and live music at United Crescent Hill Ministries

🗣️ Thursday, May 7 @ 10:30 AM – Guest Speaker Mike O’Leary President of the Clifton Community Council will join us to share insights and updates about our local community.

👉Thursday, May 14 @ 10:30 AM – Join us for a delightful morning at our Mini French Fest! Enjoy live music by La Petite Musique as we bring a touch of French culture, music, and fun to our community.

🎤 Thursday, March 21 @ 10:30 AM – Join us for Blue Moon Karaoke, a fun-filled morning of music, laughter, and community with our 60+ Program!

📅 Full Monthly Calendar For a complete list of activities and events, please contact Monique at 502-893-0346.

UCHM Community Event

🀄 Tuesday, May 13 @ 5:00–8:00 PM – Mahjong Night Fundraiser Join us for a fun evening of Mahjong while supporting UCHM! All are welcome—beginners, experts, and everyone in between. Admission is $5 or a donation of chef boyardee, salad dressing, pasta and sauce.

Check out our Facebook page to RSVP or just come by!

The Mayor’s Budget Address, along with the full executive and detailed proposed budgets, is now available on each Council Member’s website. Community members are encouraged to review the materials and share their input on the FY 2026–2027 Recommended Budget.

You can submit comments through the online budget comment form HERE. The form will remain open until Thursday, June 6 at 6:00 p.m.

In addition, residents may participate in the Community Budget Hearing on Wednesday, May 13 at 6:00 p.m.