5 things to do this weekend in the Louisville area Jan. 31 through Feb. 2

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, Jan. 31 through Sunday, Feb 2, 2025.

Kosair Shrine Circus

The Kosair Shrine Circus is bringing an all new production to Louisville's Broadbent Arena this weekend.

This year's spectacle features acts of extreme talent and jaw-dropping performances. BMX Riders and Moto Riders’ brave wild jumps and stunts, fearless acrobats dangle from a single trapeze, skilled riders enter the Globe of Death, and hearts pound 30 feet in the air on a one inch-wide high-wire.

The three-ring circus showcases talent from across the globe including Africa, Mongolia, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and of course, the U.S.A.

Each year, thousands of underprivileged children attend the Kosair Shrine Circus for free through ticket donations to more than 100 charities.

Doors open one hour before show time for the preshow festivities, including performer meet-and-greets, animal rides, fun activities and more.

There are two shows Friday, Jan. 31, at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and three shows Saturday, Feb. 1 and Sunday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets range from $10 to $35 depending on the seats, with an additional charge per attraction.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here.

The Oddities & Curiosities Expo

The Oddities & Curiosities Expo returns to Louisville this Saturday and Sunday at the Kentucky International Convention Center downtown.

The exposition showcases selected vendors, dealers, artists and small businesses, with items such as taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror- and Halloween-inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted goods, jewelry, clothing and more.

Sideshow performers will be on stage throughout the event, and there are some classes offered as well.

Touted as the "world's largest traveling oddities event," organizers said the goal is to provide a safe place for people to explore, meet new friends and mingle with others who also love "all things weird."

The expo is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2.

The Kentucky International Convention Center is located at 221 South 4th Street in downtown Louisville.

Tickets range in price, starting at $12. Kids 12 and under do not need a ticket.

To learn more or purchase tickets, click here.

Black History Month Film Series

The University of Louisville will kick off its series of four films this weekend in honor of Black History Month.

The series is returning to the Louisville Free Public Library's Main Library campus every Sunday in February in partnership with UofL's HSC Office of Health Equity and Engagement.

Each film will be followed by a panel discussion led by UofL faculty.

The series kicks off Sunday, Feb. 2, at 1:30 p.m. with a showing of "American Fiction."

The LFPL's Main Library is located at 301 York Street downtown. Organizers said on-street and library parking are free on Sundays, with limited handicapped parking on the York Side of the library next to the stairs, although those spots have no ramp access. Handicapped parking available on the 3rd and 4th street sides of the library does have ramps available.

For more information or to register for one of the screenings, click here.

2025 Lunar New Year Celebrations

Several Lunar New Year events are scheduled for this weekend.

Lunar New Year Celebration 2025

The Buddha Blessed Temple is hosting a celebration Sunday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The agenda includes a New Year prayer and blessing; Asian Buddhist Spiritual and Cultural Activities; Performances of "Lion Dance," "Dragon Dance," and "Flower Dance," as well as Buddhist teachings, authentic Eastern cuisine and fireworks.

Also called the "Spring Festival," Lunar New Year marks the start of a new animal's zodiac year, with the 2025 Lunar New Year being the Year of the Snake.

The first three days of the Lunar New Year include family reunion lunch and dinner rituals. It also boasts the largest usage of fireworks on the planet each year, the Buddha Blessed Temple said. Decorations for the celebrations are typically red.

"Starting from the first to the 15th day of the first lunar month, people are on the move and begin with a period of praying for well-beings, feasting, honoring family's values and remembering ancestors," the temple said.

It's one of the biggest celebrations of the year for East and Southeast Asian cultures.

While the event is free, guests are asked to register and bring their tickets with them to the event. For more information or to register, click here.

The Buddha Blessed Temple is located at 7748 3rd Street Road in Louisville.

2025 Chinese Spring Festival Gala

The Kentuckiana Chinese School is partnering with the Ursuline Arts Center for the 2025 Chinese Spring Festival Gala in Louisville.

The gala will feature cultural performances by the Spirit of Art Education Center and Oreya Dance, snacks and raffle prizes.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 1, from 3-6:30 p.m. at the Ursuline Arts Center, 3113 Lexington Road in Louisville.

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased online by clicking here. Organizers said tickets will not be available at the door. Raffle tickets can be purchased at a discount online by clicking here.

Proceeds from the raffle will help the Kentuckiana Chinese School continue its work providing different Chinese language and cultural learning programs, and host social and cultural events that represent the local Chinese ethnic community.

Lunar New Year at the StrEatery

The Louisville StrEatery is hosting a celebration Sunday, Feb. 2, from 3-7 p.m.

The celebration will include a traditional lion dance, indoor street food and a market where guests can support local small businesses.

Guests will also be able to take photos with the lions.

This is the first year the StrEatery is hosting the Lunar New Year celebration. The food hall has been sharing previews of the street food that will be on hand, including the Kawaii Candy Cart, Milo's Boba & Bakery, Chef Ahn, Renshoku Ramen and more.

The StrEatery is located at 304 West Woodlawn Avenue in Louisville. For more information, click here.

Downtown Hometown Tourist Celebration

Starting Saturday, you'll be able to rediscover downtown Louisville like never before.

The Downtown Hometown Tourist Celebration starts Saturday, Feb. 1.

During the celebration, which runs through Feb. 10, you can get half off general admission at participating downtown attractions by showing a valid Kentucky or Indiana ID, local college ID or military ID.

Those attractions include Angels Envy, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, the Frazier History Museum, Louisville Slugger, the Muhammad Ali Center and more.

The celebration also includes hotel deals and special discounts at participating bars and restaurants. Hotels include 21c, The Galt House, Omni Louisville, The Seelbach and more.

The Belle of Louisville, Waterfront Botanical Gardens, Derby City Gaming Downtown, Goodwood Brewing and more will have "various discounts."

Louisville Downtown Partnership said Thursday the event invites residents of Greater Louisville and southern Indiana to be tourists in their own hometown by exploring the heart of the city.

LDP said walk-ins are welcome, but buying tickets online in advance is encouraged.

To learn more, purchase tickets or look at participating attractions, venues and businesses, click here.

These are just a handful of events happening this weekend. To look at a full calendar of events, including markets, concerts and more, click here.

Related Stories: