'Barbie Land' takes over Louisville this weekend with national convention, truck tour

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- You might be hearing a lot of "hi, Barbie" greetings this weekend in downtown Louisville.

That's because the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention is in town.

The convention started Thursday and runs through Saturday at The Galt House Hotel, bringing hundreds of the iconic doll's fans to the city to celebrate Barbie's influence on fashion and its influence on her over the decades.

While registration for the convention itself has sold out, according to its website, fans can still get a taste of the festivities at the Barbie Truck outside The Galt House.

The Barbie Truck Tour, which is on the road with a "Barbie Sports Club" theme, will also be in the city for duration of the three-day convention.

Guests can explore a special collection of merchandise during the pop-up experience that stops in cities across the U.S.

The truck will be set up in front of the valet area of The Galt House on North Fourth Street, off East Main, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

The truck has exclusive items, including a special t-shirt, a track jacket and half-zip sweater, jewelry, bags, a thermal bottle and glass mug, a tote bag, duffle keychain and tote keychain.

Organizers said the Barbie Truck Tour launched in 2019 with the "Totally Throwback Tour" theme. Previous themes include the Barbie Malibu Truck Tour in 2021 and the Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour in 2023.

To look at the items for sale at the Barbie Truck, click here.

According to the convention's website, each day will honor a different era of Barbie and her fashions.

The "Sales room" is referred to as one of the most exciting parts of the convention. For one day, the room will open to the public on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door for $12 to enter the sales room.

Fans, collectors and sellers will be able to browse collections of Barbie dolls, items, vintage items, rare dolls and more from fans from across the world, including doll artists.

Barbie designers and historians will also be in attendance, hosting workshops and other programs.

There are also themed events scheduled throughout the convention. In addition to the salesroom, visitors can visit the "Twist 'n Turn Lounge," a prize room, participate in competitions or a fashion show, find treasures at the souvenir shop and more.

For more information about the Barbie Doll Collectors Convention, click here.

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