Get ready to unleash your inner tree enthusiast because Tree Week is back for a second year, and it's going to be bigger and better than ever!

For an entire week in October, organizations and community groups in Louisville will come together to celebrate and educate about the wonders of trees. With a diverse array of events, from tree plantings to educational talks, tree trivia, guided hikes, family-friendly crafts, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Learn more about Tree Week and where to join in the activities here. 

The Venardos Circus, a unique Broadway-style Circus, is coming to the South Great Lawn at Waterfront Park for two weeks of fun!

Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the Venardos Circus wraps world-class animal-free circus acts into a Broadway Musical-style format dubbed “The American Circus with the heart of a Broadway Show.”

Guests can expect to be transported back in time to the center ring of a centuries-old tradition, but one that has been reinvented for the next generation. With an amazing assortment of aerialists, acrobats, juggling, balancing, comedy, daredevilry, magic, musical production, and more, this amazing Circus experience will truly delight guests of all ages.

Venardos Circus proudly features its own custom-made big-top, a classic red-and-white striped tent, with an intimate feel and limited seating.

One hour before each showtime, the doors to the circus open with pre-show performance attractions to enjoy. Classic circus treats like popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, Sno cones, lemonade and more are available. The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission.

Purchase tickets to Venardos Circus here. 

231 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202

Head to New Albany this weekend for Harvest Homecoming! Kick off Booth Days today with fun shopping and festival rides. On Friday, enjoy Family Movie Night at the New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater where families will enjoy a double feature of Homeward Bound at 6:30 p.m. followed by Hocus Pocus at 8:35 p.m.

Additional activities to enjoy are the Harvest Homecoming Blind Draw Cornhole Tournament, New Albany Farmer's Market, Harvest Homecoming Car and Bike Show, Children's Tractor Pull, Costume Contest, and more! See a full list of Harvest Homecoming events here. 

This festival is a free, family-friendly event. 

431 Pearl St., New Albany, IN 47150

It's the second Thursday of the month which can only mean one thing: the S. 4th Night Market! For the month of October, the Night Market is MOVING locations. The event will transform the public plaza, between Jefferson and Market Streets into a unique outdoor, pop-up shopping and food vendor market in the heart of Louisville.

From 4 to 8 p.m. S. 4th St. closes to vehicular traffic allowing retailers, shoppers and revelers to utilize the street space and partake in fun! Crowler Catering serves craft beer, wine, and cocktails as well as provide various musical entertainment throughout the night.

S. 4th St., between Jefferson St. and Market St., Louisville, KY 40202

The Downtown Drive-In is an outdoor movie night series, taking place at Brown-Forman Amphitheater on select Friday nights through October.

Movies will begin at sundown, with the amphitheater open an hour before to allow guests to grab their spot in the theater. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase with beer from Ten20 Brewery, lemonade from Amiracle Ade Company, and gourmet popcorn from Froggy's Popcorn. Movie-goers are also welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the viewing.

This edition of the Downtown Drive-In will show a Tree Week special movie: The Lorax (2012) rated PG!

No tickets are required for the outdoor film screenings, but guests are encouraged to arrive early to save their spot. The Downtown Drive-In events are weather dependent.

1301 River Rd., Louisville, KY 40202

Visit historic Douglass Loop this weekend for the Belknap Fall Festival! On Friday, the pre-show will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. and will include regional artists, refreshments and live music.

Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., expect a fun-filled festival complete with a juried art show, live music, family fun zone and plenty of food and beverages options.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. 

1939 Harvard Dr., Louisville, KY 40205

This weekend head to beautiful Historic Old Louisville for the Garvin Gate Blues Festival! This is a free annual arts and music event featuring national and local performers alike. 

This year's lineup includes performances from Ray Fuller and the Bluesrockers, Highway 31 Blues Band, Tyrone Cotton and Screamin' John, Da Mudcats, Hole Shot Blues Band, and many more!

In addition to some of the best Blues music around, the festival also hosts a wide array of food and beverage vendors.

Free on street parking is available on all surrounding streets. Bicycles are welcome and locking up anywhere in the event area is acceptable.

500 W. Oak St., Louisville, KY 40203

Have you heard the legend of the Pope Lick Monster, commonly known as the Goatman? The Legend at Pope Lick is celebrating the local legend with an all new Goatman Festival!

The Goatman Festival will provide local monster hunters the ability to meet celebrities from around the country, including stars of the TV show Mountain Monsters. The Goatman Festival will also feature special Q&A sessions, vendors, food, games, live music, escape rooms, and more.

Enjoy fun Halloween movies on their 40-foot outdoor movie screen! Friday will feature Friday the 13th Part VI and Harry & the Hendersons on Saturday.

This free event takes place Friday starting at 7 p.m., and Saturday starting at 3 p.m.

4002 S. Pope Lick Rd., Louisville, KY 40299

HeART Fest Fall Festival is taking place at CityPlace in LaGrange this Saturday. The event will feature several craft booths, food trucks, a bake sale, live music, silent auction, and 50/50 raffle. Kids can get a wristband for $5 giving them access to the obstacle course inflatable and face paintings! 

The fundraiser will benefit Classical Education resources (Christian Classical Education Alliance) and a Veteran’s Association (Be Like Griff Foundation).

Come shop for quality, handmade gifts from artisan’s booths, including handmade jewelry, pottery, soaps, candles, paintings, leather, woodworking, crocheted goods, vintage T-shirts and more! 

112 S. 1st Ave., La Grange, KY 40031

Step into a time warp of style and nostalgia at Totally Rad Vintage Fest! Their totally radical vendors specialize in iconic clothing and accessories from the 80s, 90s, and Y2K eras, while also offering a diverse selection of records, toys, video games, home goods, and more to complete your ultimate nostalgic shopping experience!

Unleash your inner gamer at the Free-Play Vintage Arcade and explore the Vintage Gallery with relics from the past. Strike rad poses at the throwback photo ops. Share the memories on social media and let the world know you're experiencing the raddest event of the year!

Grab your tickets now and get ready for a totally tubular experience! Get your tickets here. 

221 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY 40202

The Urban Bourbon Half Marathon is an experiential destination event that celebrates and promotes 200 years of Louisville and Kentucky distilling history. It starts and finishes in downtown Louisville and winds through the fall foliage of Cherokee Park. The half marathon features exclusive bourbon experiences and a post-race party. 

The post-race party will take place at Fourth Street Live! from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Race participants automatically receive admission to the Bash as part of their registration. Guest admission to the Bourbon Bash is $30 and can be purchased online during registration, at packet pick-up and on race day. Packet pick-up and race day purchases are cash only.

The Urban Bourbon Half Marathon is a 13.1 mile race. The last day to register online for the Half Marathon is Oct. 12. Packet pickup for those participating in the Half Marathon will take place on Friday, Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field, 401 E. Main St. You will need a valid photo ID that shows date of birth (e.g., driver’s license or student ID).

S. 6th and W. Main Streets, Louisville, KY 40202

The Southwest Community Festival is the largest one-day event in Southwest Jefferson County. ​​The event features many great activities including Kids' City with inflatables, arts & crafts, and games, Teen Town with games and entertainment for young adults, and the Senior Tent with a wealth of resources and activities for our senior population.

The entire family will enjoy live entertainment, the Greased Knuckles Car Show, vendor booths and more! Food trucks will be on site for you to purchase from. Live music will be performed by Les Masters Band and Lightwater & Wilco.

This event is free and open to the public. 

6501 Bethany Ln., Louisville, KY 40272

Join the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) for the West Louisville Buy Local Block Party on Broadway between the Nia Center and 31st Street. 

The Block Party offers shopping with local, independent West Louisville businesses along with music, libations, food, a kids’ area, silent auction and more. Admission and parking (at the Nia Center) are free. 

29th and W. Broadway, Louisville, KY 40211

Louisville’s Great Chili Cook-Off is an annual event that brings together chili enthusiasts, food lovers, and families from across Louisville to the NuLu East Market District. 

It promises to be an exciting day filled with delicious chili tastings, live music, family-friendly activities, and friendly competition among participating teams. 

The event will take place Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. at the 800 block of Market Street. 

While there, check out the NuLu Fall Flea and enjoy two full days of outdoor flea market fun! There will be plenty of local vendors, including a few from out of town. 

800 E. Market St., Louisville, KY 40206

Join Asia Institute - Crane House as they host the Louisville Filipino-American Appreciation Festival in historic Old Louisville's Central Park. 

This Sunday, enjoy Filipino food vendors, entertainment, games, dance performances and music by Derby City Beats. Food options include food from Mak Mak BBQ, Bamba Eggroll, Xian's Kitchen, Kapit Bahay, and Pogi Boy Pastry! There will be mimosas and Bloody Mary's for those 21 and up. 

This free, family-friendly event offers free street parking on all surrounding streets. 

1340 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY 40203

MELANnaire Marketplace and The Louisville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are partnering to bring you the Hispanic Heritage Month Outdoor Fest on 4th Street Live!

This festival will feature live performances, giveaways, shopping from all around the world, and international food trucks.

The outdoor festival is free and open to the public. 

411 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY 40202

Booo-bie Bash will bring together all the ladies from Louisville and beyond for a day celebrating iconic witches, body positivity and the magic within us! It will be an opportunity to celebrate, uplift, and support women-owned businesses and each other!

This will be a day of over-the-top energy, interactive experiences, feel good beats, spooky snacks, witch’s brew and more! Be sure to document the day with a photo at one of the Instagram-worthy photo backdrops!

VIP tickets include a tote bag and early entry to get the party started at 11:30 a.m.

Purchase tickets here. 

1020 E. Washington St., Louisville, KY 40206

So, you think you make the tastiest chili outside of Texas? Prove it. Bring your pot of chili to the Bluegrass Classic Chili Cookoff at Chill Bar Highlands!

Entry fee is $10 to compete.  A minimum $5 donation lets you sample as much chili as you want along with the fixings! Be sure to cast your vote for your favorite chili.

The cookoff benefits the 40th Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Bluegrass Classic Bourbon Bowl. Funds raised not only help stage the tournament but also support two designated charities that serve the LGBTQ community.

1117 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, KY 40204

The Crusade Engagement Council is bringing Oktoberfest to the Mellwood Art Center this Saturday. Attendees will enjoy local and regional craft beer samples, German food, live music by The River City Polkatz, a silent auction, and games! 

VIP tickets are $60 and include 2 p.m. entry, special sample-size event mug, and access to an exclusive VIP area with food. 

General admission is $40 and includes 3 p.m. entry and a sample-size tumbler.

Tickets increase $10 each on event day.

Proceeds will benefit the WHAS Crusade for Children, a local nonprofit organization that raises funds to support schools, hospitals and organizations that improve the lives of children with special needs across Kentucky & Southern Indiana.

Must be 21+ to attend or volunteer. Purchase tickets here. 

1860 Mellwood Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

At the Mellwood Handmade Market you can expect to find a curated selection of guest vendors outside in the courtyard as well as Mellwood artists and shops throughout the building. Plus 40,000 square feet of antiques and other cool finds at Mellwood Antiques & Interiors on the lower level!

Enjoy food from Danny Mac's Pizza, and craft beer from Butchertown Brewing! 

Check out the free children's activities and free live music in the courtyard!

This is a free, family-friendly event with free parking and plenty of great kids' activities. Pets on leashes welcome.

1860 Mellwood Ave., Louisville, KY 40206

Join Club K9 Dog Park & Bar for National Pug Day, all Pugs get in free that day! The event benefits Bluegrass Pug Rescue.

Enjoy Pug Races, free cups for the Pugs, and a Pug specialty cocktail. Henry Pug & Brothers will be set up as a vendor selling some pug-tastic items!

Remember, you don’t have to bring a dog to join in on the fun! All pugs must be fixed to go inside the off-leash park. Don’t forget to send in your vaccine records to clubk9louisville@gmail.com. Dogs must be spayed, and have Rabies, Distemper & Bordetella.

No dog? No problem! Come play with our furry guests free of charge! 18+ only. 

9316 Taylorsville Rd., Louisville, KY 40299

A Louisville tradition for over 40 years, Halloween-time transforms your Zoo into a living storybook, complete with some of your favorite characters brought to life, fun music and a safe place for trick-or-treating for kids 11 and under. This party experience is designed to give you all the merry you love with none of the scary.

Your party price includes ALL Boo at the Zoo rides, attractions and parking! Enjoy a spin on the Spooktacular Carousel. Get up close to REAL creepy crawlies at the walk-through, free-crawling “not-so-itsy-bitsy” Spider House. Hear the tale of the legendary Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow — all FREE with your party admission. Parking is easy and convenient in the Zoo’s lot and included for party guests!

Costumes are welcomed but not required. Adults may wear costumes, but we ask that they be family friendly (not scary please). Since this event caters to small children, adults may NOT wear costume masks that cover the ENTIRE face.

Thursday, Oct. 19th is Allergy-Friendly Night.

Get your tickets to Boo at the Zoo here. 

1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213

Jack O'Lantern Spectacular has become the "must-see" event of the Halloween season. Presented each October along a winding path through the majestic woods of Iroquois Park, guests are treated to an organic art gallery of more than 5,000 artistically carved pumpkins in themed settings. This family-friendly event has become an annual tradition for thousands, who come back each year to experience a variety of themed vignettes, set to music. Ask anyone who has attended...the event simply can't be described....it must be experienced. This year's theme is Wanderlust: The World is your Pumpkin.

Hours & Entry Times:

Sunday through Thursday Hours: 6:30 to 10:00 pm. Timed ticket entry to the amphitheater: 6:30p, 7:30p, 8:30p and 9:30p ​
Friday through Saturday Hours: 6:30p to 11:00pm. Timed ticket entry to the amphitheater: 6:30p, 7:30p, 8:30p, 9:30p and 10:30p

1080 Amphitheater Rd., Louisville, KY 40214

The glow is growing at Kentucky Kingdom this fall. More than 1,000 bright orange pumpkins have appeared all over the park, inviting you to play all day on world-class rides and explore fall-themed fun like games, street performances, and colorful new characters. Stay after sundown to watch the park transform into a whimsical wonderland of glow featuring larger-than-life pumpkin sculptures!

Discover play days and glow nights during Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom, glowing weekends in October.
Explore the glow plus a full season of family fun with a 2024 Season Pass.

Get tickets here. 

937 Phillips Ln., Louisville, KY 40209

Visit beautiful Colonial Gardens this summer during the Summer in the Gardens series! 

The next opportunity to groove on the Patio is October 13th with the "Summer in the Gardens" radio show/live band from 5 to 7 p.m. Then on October 14th with Last Band Standing on the Patio from 5 to 8 p.m.!

To view the full list of performances at Summer in the Gardens, click here. 

818 W. Kenwood Dr., Louisville, KY 40214

Each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. experience Food Truck Wednesdays at 4th Street between Jefferson and Market Streets! Louisville Downtown Partnership has curated many amazing food trucks to serve lunchtime patrons each Wednesday!

The street will be closed off to vehicular traffic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each week. Food trucks will serve food from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Come on over to 4th Street and eat some delicious, local food!

S. 4th St. between Jefferson and Market, Louisville, KY

The Food Truck Clinic is a one-stop-shop where food and beverage vendors can get the green light from the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, Louisville Division of Fire and Jefferson County Fire Service, and Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to legally sell food and drinks to the public.

Every Thursday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., from now until Oct. 19, food trucks and other mobile vendors can stop by the alley at Armory Place, behind the Metro Development Center to get their permits to operate.

The Food Truck Clinic not only benefits vendors, but community members, too. Each Thursday, the public is invited to the clinic to enjoy food and beverages after food trucks get the go ahead to open.

444 S. 5th St., Louisville, KY 40202