5 things to do this weekend in the Louisville area April 11 to 13

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 Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13, 2025.

Paristown Garden Show

The Paristown Garden Show originally scheduled for last weekend will be held Sunday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Christy's Garden in Paristown, 720 Brent Street. That's just outside downtown Louisville in the city's Paristown Point neighborhood.

The annual show is put on by the Fleur de Flea Vintage Market and the Master Gardeners of Jefferson County.

The free, outdoor event will offer flowers, plants, decor, a wine garden, local speakers and more. There will also be a children's area available.

Organizers said based on the weather forecast for this weekend, the weather will be "fantastic" for the garden show. They encourage those who may not garden to still consider attending to stick around for a bite to eat or a cocktail.

The show was postponed last week from Saturday, April 5, to this weekend after the city was pummeled with several days of rain and flooding.

For more information, click here. You can also look for updates on Fleur de Flea's Facebook page by clicking here.

100 years of 'The Great Gatsby' events

The city of Louisville is celebrating the 100th anniversary of "The Great Gatsby," the iconic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was known to be a frequent guest of The Seelbach Hotel whenever he spent time in the city. According to The Seelbach's website, Fitzgerald was stationed at Camp Taylor and would spend available weekends visiting the Seelbach for bourbon and cigars.

Louisville is often featured in the novel. During his time visiting, Fitzgerald met Cincinnati mobster George Remus, who became the inspiration for "Jay Gatsby" in the book.

The hotel unveiled a new Great Gatsby suite in February.

A number of celebratory events are planned around the city to mark the novel's 100th anniversary, which is April 10, according to a news release from the city. The festivities kicked off Thursday with "Gatsby's Secret Stash: A Bourbon Tasting Event," but continue this weekend.

Sunday at 6 p.m., the World Ballet Company will perform world premiere of The Great Gatsby Ballet at the Louisville Palace on South Fourth Street.

The multinational cast includes 40 professional dancers and boasts "groundbreaking sets" with a score that "evokes the energy and atmosphere of the 1920s."

Tickets are available now starting at $49. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

To look at more events scheduled for the city's Gatsby celebration, click here.

BiG GiG 2025

The Louisville Leopard Percussionists will host its annual "Big Gig" at 2 p.m. this Sunday, April 13, 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. According to the group's founder, Diane Downs, none of the kids in the group read music — instead, they feel it and pick up on it. The kids, who are in second through eighth grade, also play more than one instrument.

Tickets cost $17.55, including fees, and can be purchased by clicking here. There are also wheelchair accessible tickets available for the same price.

The Louisville Leopard Percussionists was formed in 1993. Downs said it's not necessarily about who is the most talented, but which kid gets along best and has a great sense of humor.

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.

To learn more about the Leopards or to donate, click here.

Wildlife Baby Shower

Kentucky nonprofit Second Chances Wildlife Center will host its annual Wildlife Baby Shower and Open House this weekend.

Guests will get a behind-the-scenes tour and refreshments. There will be no touching of the animals during the event, which is being held from 12-4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday at the center on Gentry Lane in Mt. Washington.

The nonprofit said it's baby season, and there are a lot of wildlife babies coming into their care.

Tickets are $15 per person and the tours are staggered, meaning there are multiple time slots available to attend.

Organizers said they anticipate a sold out event and all ages are welcome. But because it is a medical treatment center, the building is kept quiet and children have to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Visitors are welcome to bring baby shower gifts, which can be purchased through the center's wish list on their website by clicking here.

For more information, or to purchase tickets and select a date and time, click here.

Wesley House Community Day

Wesley House in Louisville is hosting its annual Community Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 12 at its Preston Highway location.

Several vendors will be on hand, providing families with community resources, games and activities. There will also be opportunities for residents to learn about the programs and services offered by Wesley House. The free event will also offer food.

Programs include child care, out-of-school time programs, and workforce development programs to help adults learn new skills and find jobs.

This weekend's event will celebrate 122 years of Wesley House serving the community and providing needed resources for families in need.

For more information, click here. To learn more about Wesley House, click here.

These are just a few events scheduled for the area this weekend. To explore more, click here.

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