"Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939" @ Speed Art Museum (multiple dates, March 29-June 22)
2025-03-29 00:00 - 2025-06-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | Speed Art Museum, 2035 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY, 40208, United States
MARCH 29 – JUNE 22, 2025
3rd Floor, North Building
Venue Curator: Erika Holmquist-Wall
Buy Tickets
During the early twentieth century, Paris was the destination of choice for talented and independent American women determined to move beyond the limitations that restricted them at home. Drawn by a strong desire for independence, they crossed the Atlantic to pursue personal and professional ambitions in a city viewed as the epicenter of modernity. Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939 recaptures the experiences of these unorthodox women who found in Paris the freedom to blaze new trails in a variety of fields, including art, literature, design, publishing, music, fashion, journalism, theater, and dance. As foreigners in a cosmopolitan city, they escaped the societal expectations and constraints of both the United States and France. Many used their newfound liberty as an opportunity for self-reinvention and discovery.
Portraiture provides a revealing lens through which to view the cultural shifts American women helped instigate in Paris. Their defiance of social, professional, and gender norms rendered conventional modes of female portraiture obsolete. Brilliant Exiles highlights the dynamic role of portraiture in articulating the refashioned sense of self and the new conceptions of modern female identity that resulted from the interventions of American women in Parisian life.
Despite significant differences in their circumstances, the women in this exhibition shared many experiences and points of contact. Featuring over 85 artworks across various media and accompanied by a comprehensive catalogue, Brilliant Exiles visually graphs the social and creative networks and points of intersection that linked these various groups, with an emphasis on sites of sociability and production that were overseen by women. Through vivid portraits and compelling biographies, the catalogue and exhibition recover a history that will be unfamiliar to many museum visitors, revealing the impact that American Women had on modernist Paris, as well as the city’s transformative effect on these brilliant exiles from the United States.

This exhibition has been organized by the National Portrait Gallery and received Federal support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative Pool, administered by the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum.

***Description from website

"Much Ado About Nothing" | KY Shakespeare Festival (multiple shows)
2025-05-28 00:00 - 2025-06-01 23:59, 2025-06-04 00:00 - 2025-06-08 23:59 | Central Park, Louisville, 1340 S 4th St, Louisville, KY, 40208, United States
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Matt Wallace
Dates: May 28-June 1; June 4-8; June 11-15; July 16, 19, 22, 25
“Thou and I are too wise to woo peaceably.”
The 65th season kicks off with one of the greatest romantic comedies ever written. It’s a battle of wits, and love is in the air, as mischievous games, pranks, and plots abound in this irresistible comedy.

Nightly Schedule:
6:00 p.m. Food Trucks
7:00 p.m. Kids’ Globe, Will’s Gift Shop, Will’s Tavern
7:15 p.m. Community Pre-show Performance
8:00 p.m. Performance
Location:
C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater
Central Park in Historic Old Louisville
1340 South Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40208

FREE admission
Food & drinks available
Pets on leash are welcome

**description from website

SECRETS OF LOUISVILLE Food & History Tour in Nulu | promo code! (multiple times)
2025-05-30 00:00 - 2025-06-01 23:59 | KY
Experience Louisville’s story one bite at a time.
This tour offers a delicious introduction to the quintessential foods and drinks that define both Louisville and Kentucky.
Stroll through the trendy NuLu and historic Butchertown neighborhoods while sampling famous dishes that originated right here in Louisville— from the foothills of Appalachia to the glitz and glamour of Prohibition-era Louisville.
Enjoy tastings from six unique stops and how Louisville’s heritage and history have shaped these iconic foods.

Book your tour here!
Use promo code “thingstolou10” and save 10% on your tickets!
The best way to discover Louisville’s essential flavors – without the hassle of driving around – even if you’re short on time! This tour frequently sells out, so reserve your spot early.

QUICK DETAILS

Distance: 1.5 miles, flat
Duration: 3 hours
Food Stops: 6 stops for local dishes & drinks
Capacity: 12 per tour
Time: 1 PM, Fridays-Sundays
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly. All ages welcome. Ages 2 and under are free.

Where
Meet at 636 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
When​
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1 PM

What’s This Tour All About?
Is it a food tour or a history tour? The answer, of course, is both! This tour is the perfect blend of tastes and tales.
Over the 3 hours you’ll spend with us, you’ll enjoy …

8 Delicious dishes representing Kentucky’s heritage (come hungry)
Barrel-aged craft beer tasting and 2 refreshing alcoholic slushies
The unfiltered history of two of Louisville’s most historic neighborhoods
Jokes that we proof-tested on other people first, probably
Audio headset (the better to hear your guide – and those jokes)

What to Expect — We’ll be making 6 delicious stops! You can also expect…
Food & Drinks
Come hungry & thirsty! (Mocktails also available)
Audio Headset​
The lightweight headset helps you hear us from a distance.
Small Group
Our tours max out at 12 people.
Walking
1-1.5 Miles. Wear comfy shoes!

3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend @ Waterfront Botanical Gardens
2025-05-30 00:00 - 2025-06-01 23:59 | Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY, 40206, United States
3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Friday, May 30 | 11AM – 5PM
Saturday, May 31 | 10AM – 6PM
Sunday, June 1 | 11AM – 4PM

Tickets:
$12 in advance, $15 at the door
FREE ages 16 and under
Tickets purchased are valid for the whole weekend, May 30 – June 1, and re-entry is welcome!
GET TICKETS HERE

WORKSHOPS
Workshops include admission to Bonsai Weekend, no extra ticket needed

BYO Tree Workshop – Friday
Japanese Maple Forest Workshop – Saturday
Azalea Workshop – Sunday

DEMONSTRATIONS
Demonstrations do not include admission to Bonsai Weekend please purchase a ticket above.
Demonstration by Owen Reich – Friday
Demonstration by Owen Reich – Saturday

Special guest Judge: Owen Reich
3rd Annual Bonsai Weekend special guest judge Owen Reich
Owen Reich has been on a journey to become both a bonsai master of all species and styles as well as a plantsman. This required a complete understanding of horticulture (UGA ‘06) and direct interaction with Japan’s native species.
Central Japan is very much like the southeastern United States, so after building and managing Samara Farms LLC he spent three years of apprenticeship at Fujikawa Kouka-en in Osaka, Japan.
Owen learned how to care for multi-generational bonsai of all species, instead of focusing on conifers only.
Understanding the 3-5 year rhythms of deciduous trees commonly used for bonsai in Central Japan was primary interest for studying deciduous species and kusamono, with three years of styling time on tons of conifers.
Exhibition preparation and container / stand harmony is a big part of Kouka-en’s specialty, so Owen’s approach to exhibitions is largely focused on overall display harmony and allusions to the current and upcoming seasons.
Owen’s current focus is on deciduous and broadleaf evergreen species of all kinds, especially those native to the eastern half of the United States of America, utilizing these for bonsai is likely the future of introductory bonsai training.
Current habitat restoration and design / build project is Bask Retreat Center in Centerville, Tennessee. A Japanese inspired moss garden with all native species and their cultivars will be proof of concept for expansion of this garden style.

Bonsai Weekend Vendors
In Vivo Bonsai, Green Witch Gardens, Asian Artique, Clayfoot Pottery, Twisted Nature Bonsai, Pottery Cat Designs Studio, Hagabon, Myrick Bonsai Pottery

***photography used with permission by Clayton Communications. Credit to Steve Grider.

The Flea Off Market (multiple days)
2025-05-31 00:00 - 2025-06-01 23:59 | Trellis Brewing, 827 Logan Street, Louisville, KY, 40204, United States
We’re back at Trellis Brewing for another pop-up Flea Off Market!
Vendors will be up on the giant concrete pad and out in the parking lot, along with an outdoor food court/bar with plenty of seating, live music, and Flea fun!

Saturday, May 31, 11 am-6 pm
Sunday, June 1, 11 am-5 pm

🎵LIVE MUSIC🎵
🍔FOOD🌯
🍺FULL BAR🥃
Apply to vend at thefleaoffmarker.org

***description from Facebook event

WonderFest | movie special effects guests, sci-fi/horror/comics-related subjects, model and toy dealers, hobbyists, etc.
2025-05-31 00:00 - 2025-06-01 23:59 | Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel, 830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY, 40209, United States
WHAT IS WONDERFEST?
A weekend of wonder in Louisville!
WonderFest is a weekend of hobby escape that’s held every Summer in Louisville, Kentucky USA!
Now in its 35th year, WonderFest features movie special effects guests, the largest model contest in the U.S. for sci-fi, horror & comics-related subjects, model and toy dealers galore, and seminars to entertain and improve hobbyists of all ages!
It’s always held at our mothership, the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel, 830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209.

Tickets
Sold at the door only.
Adults: $40 for 1-day, $55 for 2-days.
Ages 4 to 12: $15 for 1-day, $25 for 2-days
Age 3 and under free.
Ticket booth hours…
Hotel & Restaurant
Special WonderFest room rate at the Crowne: $149 per night! It’s convenient to stay in our show hotel with an award-winning restaurant
Reserve a room online…

MUST-SEE PROGRAMMING
How-To Demos
All weekend! Learn techniques from other great modelers! Demos last from 30 minutes to an hour. Become a better modeler!
Iron Modeler
Teams are given a “base model,” a big pile of parts, and 4 hours to build the craziest model with only what they’ve got. Best model & presentation wins!
The Rondo Awards
4pm Saturday! Fandom’s only classic horror awards—decided by fans. Recognize the best in print, film, web, art, media, toys and models!
Sunday Wrap Party
Sunday night at 7:30 celebrate the end of the show with exclusive programming! Optional a la carte food and cash bar.

Weekend Schedule
Please note that all event times are subject to change! Click event titles to open a description of the event.
Admissions Booth
Open 2p-8p Friday,
7:30a-5p Saturday,
9:30a-4p Sunday.
Dealer Rooms A & B & Exhibits
Open 10a-5p Sat. & Sun.
Amazing Model Contest
Entries taken 2-8p Fri., 8a-Noon Sat.
Viewing hours Sat. Noon-5p
& Sun. 10a-3p.
Awards revealed at 10a Sun.
Make & Take for Kids
Ages 16 and under.
Open 11a-1p & 2p-4p Sat. only
Elliott Room.
Charity Raffle & Auction
Open 11a-5p Saturday,
10a-5p Sunday.

***description from website

Grand Opening: House of Bling
2025-05-31 00:00 - 2025-06-01 23:59 | House of Bling, Store 329, 4801 Outer Loop, Louisville, KY, 40219, United States
You’re Invited to the Grand Opening of House of Bling!
Join us as we unveil luxury like never before at the grand opening of House of Bling, your new destination for exquisite gold and diamond jewelry!

Date: May 31, 11am 2025 to June 1,2025 6pm
Location: Jefferson Mall
4801 Outer Loop, Store 329, Louisville, KY 40219

Here’s what you can look forward to:

First 500 customers receive a $25 House of Bling gift card
Live music to keep the vibes sparkling all day
Hourly giveaways with fabulous goodie bags
Enter for a chance to win an iPhone, iPad, and other exciting prizes!

And don’t miss the Grand Prize Drawing – one lucky customer will win a $10,000 House of Bling Gift Card!
Come celebrate in style, shop our stunning collection, and experience the glamor of House of Bling.
Luxury awaits. Will you be the lucky one?
Follow us on Instagram @HouseOfBlingKY for more updates and sneak peeks!

***description from Jefferson Mall website page

La F*cking Vibra | DJ set by DJ VK
2025-05-31 23:00 - 2025-06-01 01:00 | Spinelli’s Downtown, 574 S 4th St, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
𝑳𝒂 𝑭*𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑽𝒊𝒃𝒓𝒂 ❤️‍🔥
Sabadito de la fiesta de verdad 💃
Traguitos a buen precio, el local con flowsito, pa gente que entienda la vibra you know it 👅
31 de mayo – 11 PM
DJ SET : @djay_vk
By @kynightlife

***description from Instagram Post

Kentucky Cryptid Series - Mothman 6 Miler
2025-06-01 08:00 - 11:00 | KY
Kentucky Cryptid Series – Mothman
Sun June 1 – Sat June 14, 2025
Place
4800 Waverly Park Rd
Louisville, KY US 40214
Description
Finish 3 of the 4 races (In-person or Virtual) and receive a fun cryptid medal and series survivor shirt!
The Mothman Race is the second in a series of trail runs through Louisville’s beautiful parks. This is a family and beginner friendly six mile run through the trails of Waverly Park. We’ll start at the playground and make our way winding through Waverly Park.
The Mothman is a cryptid who follows is said to be a red-eyed humanoid winged creature seen by some as a harbinger of doom. Mothman sighting accounts come from across West Virginia and Kentucky, to the greater Appalachian region. From the 1960’s to present day sightings continue to be reported.
Awards
Each race will have awards for Overall Male / Female / Non-Binary Winners.
You will want to complete 3 of the 4 races either In-person or Virtually to earn your Cryptid Series Survivor Medal and Shirt!
Stay Hydrated & Stay Safe
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup.
Course Description
The Start/Finish line will be near playground.
LINK to Course Map
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up will be on-site near pavilion prior to race start. Please plan to pick-up your race packet with enough time to allow for pinning your bib before race start.
T-Shirts
Shirts for this series are an optional add-on. This keeps the cost of the race reasonable for families. We will have a limited number of shirts available for sale on race day. If you know you want a shirt, please pre-order during registration.
Parking–ARRIVE EARLY & CARPOOL
We ask that you plan to arrive early for parking. Carpool as much as possible. Parking is limited at Waverly Park. We want to be respectful of the parks so we are able to have many more great events in the future. Carpooling is preferred to make space for everyone planning to participate. If you are planning to run with a friend, we encourage carpooling.
Water/Snacks
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup. Bottled Water will be available in limited supply. Water and pre packaged snacks will be available post race.
Virtual Option
If you plan to run any of the races virtually, sign up as in person and shoot us a quick email.

Dinosaur Day @ Carmichael's Kids
2025-06-01 10:00 - 17:00 | Carmichael’s Bookstore – Crescent Hill, 2720 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY, 40206, United States
Dinosaur Day at Carmichael’s Kids
Event date:
Sunday, June 1, 2025 – 10:00am to 5:00pm
1313 Bardstown Rd
Louisville, KY 40204

Carmichael’s Kids is excited to host Dinosaur Day on Sunday, June 1. Stop by anytime 10am to 5pm to join in on the festivities.
We will have a dinosaur-themed craft station, scavenger hunt, and a guess-how-many game!
Can’t stay long? Stop by to tell us your favorite dinosaur and you will get a free pet dinosaur to take home with you.
Please make sure to register on Eventbrite so we can get a head count!
Eventbrite link
MORE INFO

May Book Club + Brunch: "The Fantasies of Future Things" | Intro to Eclecticism
2025-06-01 12:00 - 14:00 | bar Vetti, 727 E Market St,, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
Looking for a way to connect with other bookworms in Louisville, KY? Join the in-person discussion for Eclectix the Book Club!

Each month we will read, and then meet to discuss our book club selection. The purpose of Eclectix the Book Club is to bring readers together over the literary work of Black authors. To cultivate a true eclectic reader palette, Eclectix the Book Club will be reading from all genres throughout the year to explore books from the classics to new releases.

MAY PICK: The Fantasies of Future Things by Doug Jones
MEETING DATE: Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 12:00pm-2:00pm
MEETING LOCATION: Bar Vetti — 727 E. Market St., Louisville, KY 40202

(The book club is open to everyone. Please be mindful of the diversity of the group and contribute in a way that represents the book club as a shared and respectful space.)
*All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.

***description from Eventbrite event

Waggin’ Tail on the Waterfront
2025-06-01 12:00 - 16:00 | Waterfront Park, 129 River Rd, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
June 1 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join us for the Kentucky Humane Society’s Waggin’ Tail on the Waterfront – Louisville’s favorite dog-friendly family festival!
Location: Festival Plaza (231 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY)
2025 will be the 31st annual Waggin’ Tail on the Waterfront, and it is sure to be an exciting and heartwarming day for more than 1,000 animal lovers and their pets!
Families enjoy face painting and puppy cuddling; adults savor craft brews and food trucks; and four-legged attendees indulge in canine tattoos and dog portraits. With the help of our friends and community partners, last year we raised more than $100,000 – contributing to a cumulative total of $1 million for the Kentucky Humane Society and its animals since 1998! This is a rain or shine event.
Buy your ticket before the event and get a free swag bag when you check in at the door!
**Friendly reminder to make sure your pup is up to date on vaccines and on leash during the event.**
Want to sponsor Waggin’ Tail on the Waterfront? Contact Rosemary Cundiff Brown at rcundiffbrown@kyhumane.org or 502-272-1054 for more information!
**This event is produced by the Kentucky Humane Society**

***Description from website

Community Free Day: Ali Fest Carnival 2025
2025-06-01 12:00 - 17:00 | Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth Street, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
Enjoy free admission to the Muhammad Ali Center and more fun during our Ali Fest Carnival, part of this year’s Ali Fest celebration!
Sun 06/01/2025
12—5 P.M.
At the Center
The Muhammad Ali Center will be open free to the public on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for our Ali Fest Carnival, sponsored by Passport by Molina Healthcare.
Enjoy free admission to the Muhammad Ali Center in addition to food, games, music, face painting and more! The Ali Fest Carnival is part of this year’s Ali Fest celebration, gathering the community together to highlight Muhammad Ali’s impact and celebrate the city he called home.
Community partners for this year’s event include the Louisville Bats, Louisville Orchestra, Louisville City FC, Louisville Zoo, and many more!
Skip the lines and pre-register for your free tickets below!
Get your free tickets here

***description from website here
***FACEBOOK EVENT

Poodle Palooza 2025
2025-06-01 12:00 - 18:00 | PG&J’s Dog Park Bar, 800 Baxter Avenue, Louisville, KY, 40204, United States
SADDLE UP!
The Birthday Girls, Blanche, Edna, & Rhapsody Present POODLE PALOOZA 2025
Sunday, June 1st 12-6pm at PG&J’s Dog Park Bar
Fun for the whole family out front!
• Featuring Marshall Lee Cherry Band
• Music and Vibes by DJ Phantom
• Food Truck till 7pm
*** Inside the Bar and Park Requirements ***
Humans:
Free
21 and older
You don’t need to bring a dog to PAWty with us!
Dogs:
• Proof of Up-to-Date Vaccinations: Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella. (Records must show the date given and/or due dates).
• Proof of Spay/Neuter
• Pups must be 4 months and up
• $10 plus tax

***description from Facebook event

"Michelangelo: Love and Death" Screening
2025-06-01 12:30 - 14:30 | Speed Art Museum, 2035 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY, 40208, United States
Michelangelo: Love and Death
Directed by David Bickerstaff
Exhibition on Screen

Saturday, May 31, 12:30 pm | BUY TICKETS
Sunday, June 1, 12:30 pm | BUY TICKETS

$12 | $10 Speed members
The spectacular sculptures and paintings of Michelangelo seem so familiar to us, but what do we really know about this Renaissance giant? Michelangelo’s genius is evident in everything he touched. Beautiful and diverse works such as the towering statue of David, the moving Pietà in the Papal Basilica of St. Peter, and his tour-de-force, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, still leave us breathless today.
Spanning his 88 years, Michelangelo: Love and Death take a cinematic journey through the print and drawing rooms of Europe through the great chapels and museums of Florence, Rome, and the Vatican to seek out a deeper understanding of this legendary figure’s tempestuous life, his relationship with his contemporaries, and his incredible legacy.
Through expert commentary, stunning visuals, and Michelangelo’s own words, this film takes a fresh look at a master artist whose life and genius are celebrated in every mark he made. 2017, U.K., DCP, 90 minutes. Recommended for 12+.

#SundayFunday Cruise @ Belle of Louisville
2025-06-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Belle of Louisville, 401 W River Rd, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
Event Name:
#SundayFunday Cruise
Event Date:
2025-06-01
Website / Ticket Link:
https://www.belleoflouisville.org/cruises/sundayfunday/
Location:
Belle of Louisville Riverboats, 401 West River Road, Louisville KY 40202
Event Host:
Belle of Louisville Riverboats
Event Description / Other Info:
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
$14.99-$38.99
Turn your Sunday into #SundayFunDay aboard the historic Belle of Louisville! Cruise away the afternoon as you take in the sights and sounds of the Ohio River. Whether you choose to enjoy a delicious buffet meal option or just sit back and feel the breeze on our outdoor decks, wrap up your weekend your way.

First Sunday Nature Hike | "Tales of the Trees"
2025-06-01 14:00 - 15:30 | Bernheim Forest & Arboretum, 2075 Clermont Rd, Clermont, KY, 40110, United States
June 1 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Tales of the Trees
Join Bernheim Volunteer Naturalists for an engaging nature hike, on the first Sunday of each month. These hikes are longer than our ECO Kids Hikes and are aimed primarily at adults, but children 6 years and up are welcome.
Bernheim members $10; Non-members $15
Registration required by 4 p.m. the day prior to the program. No pets, please. Call (502) 215-7155 to register and use your free member program passes, or click the button below to sign up.

The Funniest Person In Louisville - Standup Contest - June 1
2025-06-01 19:00 - 20:30 | ten20 Craft Brewery, 1020 E Washington Street, Louisville, KY, 40206, United States
The Funniest Person In Louisville contest returns for 2025.
Standup comics from across the region compete to be named Louisville’s funniest and the audience helps judge who advances.
Use Promo Code TEN20 or the code from your favorite comic on the show to save $5.
June 1 lineup:
Amateur
Ross O’Neil
Matt Harris
Jason Winkler
Josh Southern
Connor Breece
JC LeDeux
Semi-Pro
Caroline Miller
Joseph Siegel
Stephen Reilly
Nolan Kreeger
Special appearance by Keith McGill.
Join us for a night of laughter, great craft beer, pizza from MozzaPi and tacos and more from the new TEN20 Taqueria

***description from Facebook event
GET TICKETS HERE

Below the Line: Short Film Night
2025-06-01 19:00 - 22:00 | The Whirling Tiger, 1335 Story Ave , KY 40206, Louisville, KY, 40206, United States
Below the Line: Short Film Night
Ages 21 and up
Sunday, June 01
Show: 7pm
FREE
21+
***Description from website
Louisville Film Society info

Below the Line: Short Film Night
2025-06-01 19:00 - 23:00 | The Whirling Tiger, 1335 Story Ave , KY 40206, Louisville, KY, 40206, United States
Below the Line: Short Film Night
Ages 21 and up
Sunday, June 01
Show: 7pm
FREE
21+

Carmichael's Community Book Club
2025-06-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Carmichael’s Bookstore – Crescent Hill, 2720 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY, 40206, United States
Carmichael’s Community Book Club
Event date: Monday, June 2, 2025 – 7:00pm
2720 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
Come join us for the next meeting of the Carmichael’s Community Book Club. The club meets on the last Monday of the month.
*Please note the date change for this meeting due to Memorial Day.

May’s pick is There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension by Hanif Abdurraqib
About the Book:
Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, in the 1990s, Hanif Abdurraqib witnessed a golden era of basketball, one in which legends like LeBron James were forged and countless others weren’t. His lifelong love of the game leads Abdurraqib into a lyrical, historical, and emotionally rich exploration of what it means to make it, who we think deserves success, the tension between excellence and expectation, and the very notion of role models, all of which he expertly weaves together with intimate, personal storytelling. “Here is where I would like to tell you about the form on my father’s jump shot,” Abdurraqib writes. “The truth, though, is that I saw my father shoot a basketball only one time.”
There’s Always This Year is a triumph, brimming with joy, pain, solidarity, comfort, outrage, and hope. No matter the subject of his keen focus—whether it’s basketball, or music, or performance—Hanif Abdurraqib’s exquisite writing is always poetry, always profound, and always a clarion call to radically reimagine how we think about our culture, our country, and ourselves.
GET THE BOOK / ADDITIONAL INFO

Tonytopia's "Tony Tuesday Takeoff" | vendors, karaoke, food
2025-06-03 20:00 - 22:00 | Factory Inks, 2434 Crittenden Dr, Louisville, KY, 40217, United States
Tony Tuesday Takeoff: An electrifying launch event packed with local singers. vendors, mouthwatering tacos, and interactive games that spark. real community connection.
It’s a night of unmatched vibes, creativity, and joy that sets the tone for an unforgettable summer!

HAPPY TONY TUESDAY🎉
our launch event is only 2️⃣ weeks away and we are so excited🥳. This summer is about to be one for the BOOKS!
Come prepared to connect, dance, and have a good time! Each week is a different theme, but the energy won’t change!
With live entertainment and live screen printing for merch, this unique series is one you don’t want to miss!
will we see you there??
#TONYTOPIA #TonyTuesday #louisville #thingstodolouisville #summerinlouisville #community #free #livemusiclouisville
***Description from IG Post

Pride Plates: A Taste of Kentucky’s Queer History | Food Tour | promo code! (multiple dates)
2025-06-04 00:00 - 2025-06-06 23:59 | KY
Come out with us and explore the queer stories of Louisville’s past and present as you eat and drink your way down Bardstown Road, Louisville’s gay epicenter!

Book your tour here!

Use code “thingstolou10” to save 10%!
As you stroll through the lush avenues of historic Cherokee Triangle, you’ll taste classic Kentucky bites such as fried chicken, spoonbread, and a Louisville Hot Brown paired with refreshing cocktails (or mocktails). Along the way, you’ll uncover the diverse history of Kentucky’s Queer folx, from a Black Prohibition-era drag queen to the poets, authors, and activists that paved the way for Kentucky’s Queer community. You’ll end your tour where the rest of your night begins, at the city’s best gay bars.

SUMMARY:
Distance: 1.5 miles, flat
Duration: 3 hours
Food Stops: 4 stops for local dishes & drinks
Capacity: 12 per tour
Time: 5-8 PM
Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly

Explore the Highlands
The Highlands is one of Louisville’s oldest neighborhoods – and its most quirky. As the gay epicenter of Louisville, it’s also home to the annual Louisville Pride Festival, and several of Louisville’s best gay bars – in fact, your tour will leave you right by them to continue your evening!
Where
Meet outside of 1321 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
When​
Weds – Friday, 5-8 PM

What’s This Tour All About?
Is it a food tour or a queer history tour? The answer, of course, is both! This tour is the perfect blend of tastes and tales, exploring Louisville and Kentucky’s LBTQ+ history and queer community along with a taste of its culinary heritage.
Over the 3 hours you’ll spend with us, you’ll get …

4 Delicious dishes representing Louisville & Kentucky
5 Refreshing bourbon cocktails
Fascinating stories of Kentucky’s queer history and its home-grown artists, authors, and activists
Audio headset (to help you hear your guide)

Downtown Derby City Food & History Tour | multiple dates | *promo code!*
2025-06-04 00:00 - 2025-06-07 23:59 | Downtown Louisville
Take a delicious stroll through the heart of downtown Louisville. As you walk along iconic Whiskey Row and Museum Row, you’ll enjoy classic dishes and drinks that define Louisville’s flavor, all while learning about the city’s fascinating past.
We took this tour! Here is a preview!

Book your tour here!

Use code “thingstolou10” to save 10%!

Taste quintessential Kentucky dishes and desserts including the Hot Brown, Derby Pie, and Modjeskas
Sip on iconic Louisville drinks, including bourbon cocktails and barrel-aged beer.
Explore historic Whiskey Row and Museum Row with an expert guide.
Learn the stories behind Louisville’s fascinating history and the legends who shaped it.

QUICK DETAILS

Distance: 1.5 miles
Duration: 3 hours
Food Stops: 5 stops
Capacity: 12
Time: 11:30 AM, Wed-Sat
Accessibility: All ages, wheelchair & stroller friendly

What to Expect
This tour includes 5 stops for food & drinks. Here’s what else to expect:
Photos
Think of our guides as your personal photographers.
Food & Drinks
All included with your ticket – so come hungry & thirsty! (Mocktails also available)
Small Group
Our public tours max out at 12 people for a more personalized experience.
Audio Headset​
To help hear your expert guide, even from a distance.
Walking
1.5 Miles. Wear comfy shoes!

Historic Charm Tour: Tastes & Tales in the Victorian Highlands | multiple dates | promo code!
2025-06-04 00:00 - 2025-06-07 23:59 | KY
Discover Louisville’s Stories on a Scenic Food & History Tour Through Louisville’s Victorian Highlands!
Book your tour here!

Use code “thingstolou10” to save 10%!

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic Highlands, a neighborhood brimming with tree-lined avenues, Victorian mansions, and quirky charm. This scenic walking tour pairs delicious local food with captivating stories of Louisville’s rich and colorful past.

What to Expect
We’ll be making 5 delicious stops, so come hungry! In addition to food, you can expect…
Beer & Bourbon
You’re in Bourbon City, y’all! (Mocktails are also available.)
Audio Headset​
To help you hear us from a distance so you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
Small Group
Our tours max out at 12 people.
Walking
About 1.5 Miles. Wear comfy shoes!

Where
Meet at 956 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
When​
Weds – Saturday, 1:30-4:30 PM
Tour runs March-November

What’s Included:

4 Delicious dishes representing Louisville’s heritage
Bourbon tasting at the city’s oldest bar
2 Craft Cocktails & 1 Beer showcasing local and regional flavors
The unfiltered history (and glamour) of two of Louisville’s most historic neighborhoods
Jokes that your guide proof-tested on other people first, probably
Personal Audio Headsets so you won’t miss a single detail

Kid's Cruise @ Belle of Louisville
2025-06-04 13:00 - 14:30 | Belle of Louisville, 401 W River Rd, Louisville, KY, 40202, United States
Event Name:
Kid’s Cruise
Event Date:
2025-06-04
Website / Ticket Link:
https://www.belleoflouisville.org/cruises/kids-cruise/
Location:
Belle of Louisville Riverboats, 401 West River Road, Louisville KY 40202
Event Host:
Belle of Louisville Riverboats
Event Description / Other Info:
1 PM – 2:30 PM
$14.99
Family-focused activities draw from science, technology, engineering, the arts and math or S.T.E.A.M.– a different kind of steam! And because it’s a tradition, every excursion ends with a dance party!

Hermitage Farm Whiskey Files | featuring Owen Martin from Angel's Envy
2025-06-04 18:00 - 22:00 | Hermitage Farm, 10500 US-42, Goshen, KY, 40026, United States
Hermitage Farm Whiskey Files featuring Owen Martin from Angel’s Envy — June 4
Hermitage Farm is excited to announce their next Whiskey Files series event with Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angel’s Envy. Would you be interested in sharing this event with your audience?
The Whiskey Files series presents a rare opportunity to enjoy a bourbon tasting while hearing from those who distill, blend and produce our state’s most iconic product.
Hermitage Farm knows bourbon is, ultimately, an agricultural product and grain-to-glass is an important story to tell for the agritourism destination. The 683-acre farm in Goshen is on land placed in a conservation easement to protect it from future development as part of owners Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown’s ongoing efforts to preserve Kentucky’s natural resources.

The event is Wednesday, June 4 at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Stud Barn.
Tickets are $68 per person and are limited to ensure an intimate setting.
Each ticket includes: a selection of pours, an hour-long discussion panel and a chance to interact with some of the resident horses.

For tickets, visit Hermitage Farm on Tock.

Event Description from Website:
The Whiskey Files returns to Hermitage Farm with a one-of-a-kind tasting experience led by Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angel’s Envy. With a career that bridges both single malt and bourbon traditions, Martin brings a globally informed, boundary-pushing approach to whiskey making. After studying distilling in Edinburgh and honing his craft on both sides of the Atlantic, he now leads production and innovation at Angel’s Envy—developing everything from their acclaimed Cellar Collection and Cask Strength series to bold, experimental finishes.
This intimate evening will be held in our historic Stud Barn, home to several of Hermitage Farm’s retired thoroughbred horses. Before and after the event, guests are invited to meet the horses, take photos, and enjoy the unique charm of the setting.
But the centerpiece of the night is the whiskey. Martin will personally guide guests through a tasting of specially selected Angel’s Envy expressions, including limited and rare releases brought exclusively for the event. It’s a rare chance to sip and savor with the Master Distiller himself—learning firsthand about his creative process, philosophies, and what’s next for one of Kentucky’s most innovative distilleries.
Come kick back, sip some world-class bourbon, and experience a relaxed, story-filled evening celebrating the rich craft of whiskey—right here at Hermitage Farm.
About the event:
This event will take place in our Stud Barn at Hermitage Farm on Wednesday, June 4th at 6:00pm.
Your ticket purchase includes admission to an hour long panel with Owen Martin, a selection of pours of Angel’s Envy products specially selected by Owen, as well as the opportunity to interact with some of our retired racehorses.

Work the Metal's 22nd Anniversary | birthday bash, sales, parking lot sale (multiple days)
2025-06-05 00:00 - 2025-06-07 23:59 | Work the Metal, 1201 Story Avenue, Louisville, KY, 40206, United States
Let’s kick off the celebration — it’s our 22nd ANNIVERSARY and the vibes are IMMACULATE‼️🎉✨⁠
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Work the Metal is turning 22 and you’re officially invited to the most fabulous boutique birthday bash in Butchertown!!✌️✌️⁠
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Amanda’s giving you the scoop… Here’s what we’ve got in store (literally):⁠

🧸 Thursday, June 5th – 22% OFF ALL Children/Baby Items⁠
💎 Friday, June 6th – 22% OFF ALL Clothing & Jewelry ⁠
🍽️ Saturday, June 7th – 22% OFF ALL Kitchen Items⁠
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💥 Saturday, 6/7 = SALE DAY magic → Our iconic Parking Lot Sale is here! Everything is priced to SELL — with most items under $30 and some as low as $1! (P.S. it’s a Shine Only event ☀️)⁠
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🍰 + 🍦 Also on Saturday, 6/7 → We’re serving up sweet treats! Stop by for Kentucky Wood Bourbon Cake samples (full cakes available for purchase) + cool down with scoops from Uncommon Cups and Cones — also available for purchase!⁠
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➡️FYI: The Parking Lot Sale will take place in our parking lot on the west side of the Butchertown Market building.🛍️⁠
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Savannah’s been clearing the stockroom and making space for all the new-new—so you already know the finds will be fab. 🛍️👛🎉⁠
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Come party with us! 🎉 Snag the deals, vibe with the crew, and uncover all the fun finds you didn’t know you needed. 🛍️💖 Let’s make it a shopping celebration to remember‼️⁠
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📍1201 Story Ave | Inside the Butchertown Market Building | Louisville, KY

Floral Frenzy (multiple days)
2025-06-05 00:00 - 2025-06-29 23:59 | Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY, 40209, United States
Floral Frenzy
Daily | Now – June 29
Experience color in motion as we celebrate the transition from spring to summertime in Louisville. Kentucky Kingdom’s Floral Frenzy festival commemorates the boldness of color with a larger-than-life Mosaiculture and four live flower walls! Capture picture-perfect moments under our colorful canopy and hear rich sounds as live music fills the air. Plus, participate in our interactive, special events throughout. Celebrate the fun of the seasons with all your senses!
Check out the rest of the Special Events of the Season and plan your upcoming visit!

June 7 | 7 – 9 PM
Floral Frenzy Silent Disco
Stay late during Floral Frenzy for a Silent Disco, where guests can wear wireless headphones while dancing and singing along to music with a fun group of people in a summertime celebration by the Big Surf Wave Pool!
Floral Frenzy 5K
Kick off Saturday, June 28 with a 5K fun run through Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay while being splashed with a vibrant display of colorful powders! Season Passholder and General Admission pricing available.
Now – June 29
Floral Flip
Capture high-flying displays of world-class athletes performing an extreme, color-packed trampoline show.
Live Mural Installation
Floral Frenzy Mural
Kentucky Kingdom Amphitheater
Stop by our new and colorful, flower-themed mural. This is a part of Floral Frenzy, and the piece will be up through June. Capture a picture with a color-popping background!
