5 things to do in the Louisville area the weekend of Oct. 3 to Oct. 5

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. 3 to Sunday, Oct. 5.

St. James Court Art Show

Thousands of people are expected in Old Louisville for the 69th St. James Court Art Show, which runs Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5.

The event is a nationally recognized juried fine arts and contemporary crafts festival that features more than 600 artists from across the country. It is held among the country's largest collection of Victorian homes in the heart of historic Old Louisville.

During the three-day event, hundreds of thousands of guests will discover unique works in 17 artistic mediums, from clay to wood and everything in between.

The four-square block, outdoor art show takes place annually on the first weekend of October. Six unique sections include: St. James Court, Belgravia Court, Fourth Street, 3rd Street, 1300 Section and West End Baptist Church.

The St. James Court Art Show is held just south of Central Park on St. James Court, Belgravia Court, Magnolia Avenue, 3rd and 4th streets. During the show, all streets within the event perimeter will be closed.

For GPS purposes use this address: 1402 St. James Court, Louisville, KY 40208.

Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Six sections including St. James Court, Belgravia Court, Fourth Street, Third Street, 1300 Section and West End Baptist Church
Admission: Free
Pets: Only service animals permitted
Event is held rain or shine

For more information, including parking and transportation details, click on the article below. To go to the St. James Court Art Show website, click here.

Local News

69th St. James Court Art Show returns to Old Louisville Oct. 3-5

The Louisville UnFair

The Louisville UnFair returns as an alternative art festival showcasing local artists and musicians in a grassroots what it promoters as an "inclusive atmosphere." The event is held in the backyard of the Magnolia Bar at 1398 South 2nd Street. It features vendors including fine arts, furniture, pottery, jewelry, glassworks, photography, paintings, printmaking, sculpture, and more.

Organizers of the UnFair takes pride in promoting creativity and diversity while supporting local talent. There is no charge for artists to participate, so they can keep the money they make. Money is also raised by selling festival merchandise to help artists facing "life's harshest changes.'

Friday, Saturday and Sunday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Magnolia Bar, 1398 S. 2nd St.
Admission: Free
Pets: Welcome
Proceeds benefit local artists

To learn more, click here.

Harvest Homecoming Parade

Thousands of people will line the streets of downtown New Albany this Saturday to kick-off one of the area's biggest events.

The Harvest Homecoming parade kicks off Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. at New Albany High School, shortly after the official Harvest Homecoming Open Ceremonies at 2:30 p.m.

The parade marches down Vincennes Street, turns right onto Spring Street and ends on Bank Street. This year's Harvest Homecoming theme is "Heart of Harvest."

There will be floats, vintage cars and local bands all to celebrate the fall season. For many, it's an annual tradition they don't miss.

Booth days start Thursday, Oct. 9 at noon, covering portions of several streets in the heart of downtown New Albany. Booth days feature local vendors and businesses, popular foods (we're already thinking about those donuts), games and more over four days, through Sunday. 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.

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. Tickets go on sale Sept. 1. Proceeds 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 when they go on sale next month, click here.

BowmanFest

You can help celebrate Historic Bowman Field's rich aviation history at BowmanFest this weekend.

Historic Bowman Field is an aviation, architectural and civic treasure. Established in 1920, it is one of the longest continuously operating commercial airports in the United States.

There are 17 buildings, with three on the National Register of historic places, including the art deco Administration Building built in 1929 and designed by local architect William Arrasmith.

BowmanFest will feature rare vintage aircraft and warplanes from all over the United States, a 4-mile run around the airport, military vehicles and equipment, military memorabilia, helicopters, a vintage car show, past war anniversary exhibits and more. You can get up close and walk through a C130 military plane.

Rides will be available in various planes and helicopters for an additional purchase. Attendees can also enjoy local food trucks, a bourbon bar and bouncy houses.

BowmanFest 2025

Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free admission available to all veterans and first responders.

Admission prices: