5 things to do in the Louisville area the weekend of Oct. 10-12

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, Oct. 10 to Sunday, Oct. 12.

Harvest Homecoming Festival

It's that time of year once again for one of New Albany's biggest events.

Harvest Homecoming Booth Days kicked off Thursday, days after the annual parade that kicks off the festivities.

Booth days cover portions of several streets in the heart of downtown New Albany, featuring local vendors and businesses, popular foods (mmm... donuts), games and more over four days.

Booth days run from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. There will be an "inclusion hour" from 11 a.m. to noon Sunday to provide a less crowded, calmer experience to those with mobility limitations or aversion to crowds.

Harvest Homecoming usually brings in about 500,000 people over the four-day weekend.

One big change to this year's Harvest Homecoming is that there will be no amusement rides as organizers update security this year. The annual festival typically has a ride area that opens in advance of the booth days, taking over the parking lot area near the YMCA.

To learn more, download maps or look at a full schedule of events, click here.

CycLOUvia

A section of Bardstown Road will close to cars next weekend with the return of CycLOUvia.

The stretch between Grinstead Drive to Douglass Loop will only be open for walking, biking, skating and playing from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12.

CycLOUvia is an annual event that transforms some of Louisville's most popular streets into car-free zones for a few hours.

The goal is to promote healthy activity, support local businesses and brings neighbors together.

The free event is put on by the Louisville Metro Department of Transportation. Officials said the event showcases how the city's roads can be shared in creative, safe ways.

To learn more, click here.

Southwest Community Festival

There's something for everyone at the Southwest Community Festival this Saturday, Oct. 11.

The Southwest Community Festival at the Sun Valley Park (6505 Bethany Lane) draws people from all over.

The 30-year-old event welcomes close to 20,000 guests each year to enjoy "Family Fun in the Southwest."

There are activities for the whole family 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. That includes live entertainment all day, more than 60 booths to browse, local food trucks, a teen town, senior and veterans tents, a kid's city—with bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting and balloon art—and classic cars for the Southwest Ruble Car Show.

Featured entertainment includes Dox Holiday, Lampus, Friday Night Special, The Monarchs & Hundred Proof Mojo.

Local food trucks being featured include: Soul Fire, Pop Pop’s Place Lemonades, Bird’s Nest, Spinelli’s Pizza, Everybody Loves Bacon, Ramiro’s Cantina and Catfish Haven.

To learn more about the festival, click here.

Pumpkins at PlayPort

Families are invited to celebrate the season at the inaugural Pumpkins at PlayPort, a free fall festival taking place Saturday, Oct. 11, from 4-8 p.m. at Waterfront Park’s newest experiential play area.

The event will feature classic autumn activities including trick-or-treating, costumed characters, live entertainment, kid-friendly games, and a variety of food and beverage vendors.

Organizers say the festival is designed to bring the community together while showcasing the vibrant new play space.

The PlayPort at Waterfront Park is located at 1105 Rowan St.

To learn more, click here.

Jack O'Lantern Spectacular

One of Louisville's most beloved fall traditions returns this weekend.

Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins will fill Iroquois Park for the 13th year of the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular.

Attendees will walk through the historic woods of the park, down a glowing path lined with the pumpkins made by local artists.

The theme for this year's season is Jack's Pun-King Trail: A Trailway of Wordplay. New this year, the king of dad jokes will be crowned.

This year's event will run from Oct. 2 through Nov. 2. Proceeds from ticket sales go to the Parks Alliance of Louisville and its mission to invest in the city's public parks.

To learn more, look at pricing and an FAQ for the event, or to purchase tickets, click here.

Bonus Fall Events:

Boo at the Zoo
- Where: Louisville Zoo
- What: An "after-hours" event that transforms the zoo into a living storybook, complete with music, characters, photo ops and safe trick-or-treating for kids.
- When: Thursdays through Sundays from 5-9 p.m. until Oct. 30.
  - Guests can enter the zoo until 9 p.m., but must exit by 10 p.m.
- Guests are encouraged to bring their own bags or pails for trick-or-treating.
- Organizers said tickets must be purchased online in advance of the event.
  - Tickets include admission, parking and entry to the special attractions.
- For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Bardstown Scarecrow Trail
- Where: Stephen Foster Story Amphitheater
- What: The free drive-thru event showcases scarecrow creations from across the community.
- When: Running daily from Sept. 26 through Nov. 15 until dusk.
- Free admission, donations encouraged
- To learn more, click here.