🍂 Louisville’s Best Fall Events You Can’t Miss
As autumn colors paint the trees and the air cools down, Louisville comes alive with festivals, music, food, and fun. Whether you're a longtime local or just visiting, here are twelve fantastic fall events to add to your calendar.
1. Boo at the Zoo (September 27–28 and October 2–5, 9–12, 16–19, 23–26 and 30)
A Louisville Halloween tradition, Boo at the Zoo invites families to trick-or-treat among pumpkins, enjoy kid-friendly activities, and see the zoo come alive with fall decorations. It’s a fun, safe way for children to celebrate Halloween while exploring the Louisville Zoo.
2. Tyler Park Jazz Festival (Last One This Sunday September 28)
For mellow Sunday evenings, you can’t beat Tyler Park. The Sundays in September Jazz Festival brings live jazz to the Highlands neighborhood from about 5:00–7:00 pm. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, some snacks, and enjoy smooth tunes under the trees.
✨ Sponsored by our very own Josh Laughlin, this community event celebrates both music and local support.
3. St. James Court Art Show (October 3–5)
One of Louisville’s signature art events, this show runs over a weekend in early October in Old Louisville. With hundreds of artists and craftspeople setting up among the beautiful Victorian architecture, it’s a fall favorite.
4. Haymarket Fall Festival (October 4)
This festival roots itself in local charm and community spirit. Expect vendors, live music, food, and family-friendly activities. It makes for a great neighborhood outing to soak up autumn energy.
5. Harvest Homecoming (New Albany, IN October 4–12)
Just across the river, in New Albany, Harvest Homecoming features a parade, fireworks, live music, food vendors, local artisans, and family-friendly fun. Great for those willing to cross state lines for a festive fall vibe.
6. Jack O’Lantern Spectacular (October 7 to November 2)
This is a beloved fall spectacle: thousands of carved, illuminated pumpkins lining a path through Iroquois Park as dusk falls. It’s part art display, part Halloween tradition — magical for all ages.
7. Belknap Fall Festival (October 10 and 11)
Held in the historic Douglass Loop (Highlands area) usually the second weekend in October, the Belknap Fall Festival features over 100 artists, live music, food trucks, nonprofit booths, and a fun, neighborhood-vibe atmosphere.
8. Halloween on Hillcrest (All October)
If you love holiday lights, you can’t miss Hillcrest Avenue in Crescent Hill. Throughout the month of October, this neighborhood transforms into Louisville’s Halloween headquarters. Expect over-the-top lawn displays, glowing graveyards, interactive setups, and even selfie stations among the spooky décor. Think of it as the Halloween version of a Christmas light street, only with more skeletons, fog machines, and good-natured neighborly competition.
9. Chunkin’ Pumpkins (October 12)
One of Louisville’s most spirited charity events, Chunkin’ Pumpkins combines fall fun with community impact. Guests enjoy pumpkin-themed activities and the highlight of the day — pumpkin chunkin’ contests — all in support of metastatic breast cancer research.
✨ Proudly sponsored by our very own Lynette Masterson, this event is a reminder that the best part of fall is giving back.
10. Meet Your Maker at Hermitage Farm (October 25-26)
A one-of-a-kind culinary and bourbon experience, Meet Your Maker brings together Kentucky’s finest chefs, farmers, and distillers at the stunning Hermitage Farm. Guests can taste seasonal dishes, sample craft cocktails, and connect directly with the makers who define Kentucky’s food and bourbon culture
11. Fall Meet at Churchill Downs (October 26 to November 30 Wednesday through Sunday)
Experience the excitement of live Thoroughbred racing this fall at the iconic Churchill Downs. The annual Fall Meet is a Louisville tradition, especially around Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Beyond the races, guests can enjoy Sunday brunches, themed days like Military Appreciation and Senior Day, and even a Breeders’ Cup Watch Party — all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most historic racetracks.
12. ColorFest at Bernheim Forest (November 1 and 2)
A bit outside the city, but well worth the drive. ColorFest celebrates autumn in nature with forest walks, pumpkin rolling, nature games, and more. It’s scenic, family-friendly, and perfect for leaf-peepers.
🗓️ Tips for Planning & Enjoying
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Check dates and make a fall bucket list: Time can get away from us so make sure to mark your calendar, and take full advantage of all of the fall fun our city has to offer.
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Dress in layers: Fall weather can be unpredictable.
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Bring reusable bags and cash: Many vendors are small and appreciate it.
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Capture the vibe: Festivals like these are perfect for social media content (photos, reels, stories).
Louisville in the fall is a season of community, creativity, and color. Whether you’re strolling under autumn leaves to jazz music in the park or wandering among glowing pumpkins, there’s something magical in the air.
