5 things to do this weekend in the Louisville area Nov. 1 to 3

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, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.

JCPS Showcase of Schools

Jefferson County Public Schools' annual Showcase of Schools will be held this weekend.

The showcase runs Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, located at 3029 West Muhammad Ali Boulevard. This is the second year the event has been held at the center in west Louisville.

The Showcase of Schools is designed to give families insights about schools so they can make an informed decision about where to send their children next school year.

The district said representatives from all 160+ JCPS schools — elementary, middle, and high schools — will be on hand to provide information about the different choices families have, including magnet schools, career programs and more.

JCPS is providing transportation to the Showcase of Schools. Pick-up and drop-off locations include: Ballard High, Blue Lick Elementary, Cane Run Elementary, Hudson Middle, Louisville Male High, Mill Creek Elementary, Perry Elementary and Southern High.

To look at the bus shuttle schedule, click here

Jack O'Lantern Spectacular

This is the last weekend to check out the annual fall tradition in Louisville.

Each year, more than 5,000 pumpkins are intricately decorated and lined throughout the trails at Iroquois Park part of the annual Jack O'Lantern Spectacular.

More than 100 large pumpkins, called "Intricates," will be set up and waiting for finishing touches and carvings. And they will be joined by thousands of others along the trail.

Planning for the event started last November, and drawings started a few weeks ago. The artists can spend anywhere from three hours to three days on a piece, depending on its size and detail.

Depending on the weather, the pumpkins are switched out about every 10 days. The theme this year is "Trivia Night: Pumpkin Edition."

During the walk you will find anything from pop culture to sci-fi to nature.

The proceeds from the event — which runs now through Nov. 2 — will benefit the Parks Alliance of Louisville.

See below for information on hours and pricing:

Friday-Saturday

6:30-11 p.m.
- Time ticket entry at the bottom of each hour
Prices:
- Adults: $20
- Seniors (65+): $17
- Children (3-12): $15
- Children under 3: Free

To purchase tickets, click here.

Fall Meet at Churchill Downs

Horse racing is back at Churchill Downs for the 135th Fall Meet.

The 26-day meet is held for the next five weeks on Wednesdays through Sundays to Dec. 1 at the historic horse racing track in Louisville.

The first race starts at 1 p.m. during the Fall Meet, except for Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 28.

For more information or to purchase tickets, which are $12 for general admission, click here.

Out of the Darkness Walk

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Out of the Darkness Walk will take place on the South Great Lawn at Waterfront Park in Louisville.

The walk is meant to serve as a "journey of remembrance, hope, and support" by uniting communities and acknowledging the affects of suicide and mental health conditions.

Information and resources from community partners and more will be on hand.

Check-in time and in-person registration starts at 10 a.m., with the walk ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m. It is free, family- and pet-friendly. There will also be food trucks, entertainment and activities.

For more information, to register in advance or to make a donation to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, click here.

Walkers are encouraged to fundraise and raise awareness about the walk and mental health resources.

For support and suicide prevention resources, click here.

Louisville Artisans Guild 2024 Fine Art Fall Showcase

The Louisville Artisans Guild 2024 Fine Art Fall Showcase is at Mellwood Art Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Many of the LAG members will have booths displaying their fine art and crafts to purchase for your loved ones in time for the Holiday season. Be sure not to miss! Come out and support our craftsmen and get that special gift for your special someone!

Admission is free.

For more information, click here.

Bonus Events

Hayride in the Park

Presented by Olmsted Parks Conservancy at Iroquois Park
Sunday, Nov. 3 from 2-5 p.m.
Lawn games, free play and food trucks on-site
Free to attend
Refreshments available for purchase
Click here to learn more

Bac 2 Mac: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute

Friday, Nov. 1
Zanzabar, 2100 South Preston Street in Louisville
Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
18+ event
Tickets can be purchased for $20 by clicking here

Day of the Dead

Saturday, Nov. 2 from 5-9 p.m
Fourth Street Live! in downtown Louisville
Face painting, altar contest, Mexico Linda Folkloric dancers, Mariachis, dance, vocal performances and a live DJ
Free and family-friendly

The Flea Off Market

Saturday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Highlands Community Campus, 1228 E. Breckinridge St., Louisville
A community showcase of artists, craftpersons, collectors, entrepreneurs, farmers, food trucks, musicians and more.
Click here to learn more

ColorFest

Sunday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Enjoy crowd-favorite activities like the corn pit, mud pie kitchen, pumpkin rolling, and more, while also experiencing new activities that elevate the science of color in nature.
Tickets are $12 per person for members and $15 for non-members. Click here to get yours.

Breakfast with the Beasts 2024

Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9-11 a.m.
Enjoy an exclusive keeper talk, a variety of breakfast treats like pastries and yogurt parfaits, activities, and plenty of fun as we say “good morning” to the Zoo. Subject to change based on the needs of the animals.
Tickets range from $20 to $35. Click here to get yours.

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