LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The weekend is upon us, and there are plenty of things to do and see across Kentuckiana.
Here are a selection of events, markets, concerts and more happening the weekend of Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10.
5th Annual International Food Truck Festival
The annual International Food Truck Festival returns to the Big 4 Lawn at Waterfront Park this weekend.
The festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Organizers say the goal is to showcase the culture of Louisville, as well as local food trucks and what they have to offer.
This year's festival includes more than 20 food trucks representing 15 countries. Organizers say there will also be a DJ on hand, as well as a full bar.
The festival is free to attend, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets for a full day of eating around the world.
To learn more, click here.
2026 Gardeners' Fair
Locust Grove will host the 31st annual Gardeners' Fair this weekend.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 9-10, visitors can explore local vendors selling plants, gardening tools, art and gifts.
There will also be live demonstrations and experts on hand to offer advice, live entertainment, children's activities and more.
Admission is $20 per car, and $10 for Locust Grove members.
Also on Sunday, May 10, Locust Grove will host a Mother's Day Tea at 10:30 a.m. and a 21+ tea at 1 p.m. that includes wine and mimosas.
To learn more or purchase tickets for one of the teas, click here.
Throo the Zoo 5K Run/Walk
The Throo the Zoo 5K is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, at 8 a.m. at the Louisville Zoo.
Organizers promise a "one-of-a-kind experience" with the city's "wildest 5K" that allows participants of all skill and fitness levels to run or walk through the zoo.
The 5K takes walkers and runners through a "chip-timed course" through the zoo's exhibits.
Registration costs $35 if you sign up by Feb. 28. The price then increases by $5 to $40 if you register between March 1-31, $45 if you register between April 1 and May 8, or $55 on race day.
Participants will get a T-shirt, commemorative medal, refreshments and a free ticket to return to the zoo at any time.
There is also a virtual 5K option available for those who can't attend in person. Virtual registration costs $25 through Feb. 28, $30 between March 1-31 and $35 from April 1 through May 9.
To learn more or register, click here.
The BiG GiG 2026
The Louisville Leopard Percussionists will host its annual "Big Gig" at 2 p.m. this Sunday, May 10, at the Brown Theatre on West Broadway in downtown Louisville.
The city's famous percussion group is made up of kids from different schools and backgrounds, and has earned praise from music superstars such as Ozzy Osbourne and Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page. They've also been featured in viral videos and even an HBO documentary.
The Leopards play everything from pop to jazz music and originals. The kids, who are in second through eighth grade, play more than one instrument.
The Louisville Leopard Percussionists was formed in 1993. The annual Big Gig concert serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit, which relies on fundraisers, tuition and donations that go toward scholarships, special guests, new equipment and more.
Kids are able to join the group after the first grade, and can start getting involved by attending a summer camp. Registration is open now for camps being held this summer. More information can be found by clicking here.
Tickets to the Big Gig cost $18.70, including fees, and can be purchased by clicking here. There are also wheelchair-accessible tickets available for the same price.
To learn more about the Leopards or to donate, click here.
Louisville's Other Derby
Louisville Roller Derby will host a doubleheader this weekend in honor of the Kentucky Derby.
The group is asking fans to don their "grandstand gala best or your muddiest infield duds" for the May 9 doubleheader against South Shore Roller Derby at Triple Crown Pavilion.
Doors open at 4 p.m. Louisville Roller Derby All-Stars hit the track at 4:30 p.m. and the Bourbon Brawlers call to post at 7 p.m. Halftime features local full-contact steel fighting team the Louisville Royals. There will also be local vendors and nonprofits set up.
Formerly known as the Derby City Roller Girls, Louisville Roller Derby was established in 2005 as an LLC "owned and operated by individuals who love to skate." In 2009, the group became an official member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association.
As a nonprofit, LRD volunteers and makes charitable contributions — which they say are part of their foundation.
Parking is free and there will be concessions and a bar. Tickets start at $20 for adults and $12 for children age seven to 12. Children six and under get in for free.
To learn more about the event or purchase tickets, click here.
To learn more about Louisville Roller Derby, click here.
These are just a handful of events scheduled for this weekend. Click here to look at what else is happening across Kentuckiana this weekend.
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