Don't miss these October events & festivals in Louisville

The end of September concludes Bourbon Heritage Month, but Louisville is still abuzz in October.

Victorian-era neighborhood Old Louisville comes alive with some of the city’s most popular events, like the St. James Court Art Show and David Dominé's Victorian Ghost Walk®. In South Louisville, you’ll find not one, but two pumpkin attractions — Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom & the Jack's Lantern Trail. And don't forget to sprinkle in performances by some of the biggest names in music, comedy, and even Captain Kirk himself.

And that’s not fall, read on for more events and festivals to put on your October radar.

🗓️ All month

Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom | Wednesday-Sunday, Oct. 1-Nov. 1
Explore Kentucky's largest amusement park after dark while riding world-class rides amid glowing pumpkins and larger-than-life gourd sculptures. This year's event will include the wildly popular Jack O' Lantern Spectacular, featuring more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins along a lit trail. Plus, enjoy trick-or-treating, festival-themed food, and nightly entertainment, which brings this whimsical wonderland to life.

Boo at the Zoo | Thursday-Sunday, Oct.1-30
A Louisville tradition for over 40 years, this non-scary party experience features trick-or-treating for kids 11-and-under, costume contests, and themed attractions, like the Spooktacular Carousel, Headless Horseman guided walk and the “not-so-itsy-bitsy” Spider House.

Jack's Lantern Trail | Nightly, Oct. 1-Nov. 1
Stroll through Olmsted-designed, Iroquois Park to see thousands of artistically carved jack o' lanterns along a trail lit path along with larger-than-life spooky displays. This all-ages event serves as a fundraiser for the Parks Alliance of Louisville, giving back to Louisville's public parks.

Halloween on Hillcrest | Throughout October | FREE
Residents along Hillcrest Avenue have been going above and beyond (the grave) for Halloween since the early 1980s, turning their homes into haunted attractions every year. The spooky tradition has made headlines and invites visitors to enter “Halloween Street” — if they dare.

🗓️ September 28-October 4

Little Big Town - For the Art of It Tour | Thursday, Oct. 1
American country music vocal group known for hit songs like "Boondocks," "Pontoon," "Day Drinking," and the Grammy-winning "Girl Crush" will bring their four-part vocal harmonies to the Louisville Palace to kickstart the month.

Bats Fall Festival | Friday, Oct. 2
For this first time, the Louisville Bats are bringing fall to Slugger Field for a family-friendly evening of trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, carnival games, face painting, live music, a spooky zone, a costume contest, and a screening of “Casper.” Costumes are encouraged.

Bourbon & Belonging: Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week | Thursday, Oct. 1-Sunday, Oct. 4
Bourbon & Belonging is the only LGBTQ+ inclusive Bourbon week in the country. During the week you can expect exclusive tours and tastings, panels and classes, walking tours, and even late-night drag shows. Sign up to be the first to receive the schedule when it drops.

St. James Court Art Show | Friday, Oct. 2-Sunday, Oct. 4 | FREE
Voted as one of the “Best Fine Art and Design Show” in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine, this juried fine arts and contemporary crafts show features over 600 artists. The event spans four-square blocks in the Old Louisville neighborhood, home to the country’s most extensive collection of Victorian-era homes. Talk about a backdrop.

Nikki Glaser | Saturday, Oct. 3
Emmy®, Grammy® and Golden Globe®-nominated Nikki Glaser will bring her shockingly honest, no-holds barred style, to the Kentucky Center. Named "Comedian of the Year" by The New York Times and one of the TIME100: The Most Influential People of 2025and 2026, Glaser has solidified herself as one of the funniest voices in comedy today.

National Jug Band Jubilee | Saturday, Oct. 3
Taking place from noon to 9 p.m. at Louisville Waterfront Park's Brown-Forman Amphitheater this full day of jug band music and roots traditions offers a lineup featuring the George Street Jug Stompers, Chattanooga Shieks, Cincinnati Dancing Pigs, the Juggernaut Jug Band and more.

Dylan Gossett | Saturday, Oct. 3
Hailing from Austin, Texas, the 27-year-old singer, songwriter, has quickly become a rising face of Texas Country with his signature blend of Americana and Red Dirt influences and lyricism rooted in his southern upbringing. The Multi-Platinum certified singer and songwriter's breakthrough single “Coal,” which has now passed half-a-billion streams.

BowmanFest | Saturday, Oct. 3 & Sunday, Oct. 4
Held at the historic Bowman Field Airport, this two-day festival features vintage aircraft, the IPA 5K on the runway, an aerobatic air show, and family activities. Airplane rides will be available in various planes & helicopters for an additional purchase, and the event is free for all veterans and first responders.

Louisville Taco Festival | Saturday, Oct. 3 & Sunday, Oct. 4
The 8th Annual Louisville Taco Festival is taking over the entire Fourth Street LIVE! for two days of tacos, tequila tastings, margaritas, live entertainment, contests, and a kids zone. VIP ticket holders can enjoy early entry, private seating, a VIP nacho bar & queso fountain, drink and taco vouchers, and 25% off merch.

🗓️ October 5-11

PNC Broadway Presents “Jersey Boys” | Tuesday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 11
Taking place at the Kentucky Center, and celebrating 20 years, this Broadway sensation tells the story of the dynamic male singing group behind popular hits such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Oh What a Night.”

Bryson Tiller Presents: The Neo Trapsoul Tour | Wednesday, Oct. 7
American R&B singer and rapper, and Louisville native, will bring special guests Majid Jordan, Ty Dolla $ign and Austin Millz to the KFC Yum! Center.

The Garvin Gates Blues Festival | Friday, Oct. 9 & Saturday, Oct. 10 | FREE
This street festival is set in Old Louisville at Oak Street and Garvin Place and features national and local performers alike — like Eden Brent, Toni Green, Piper and The Hard Times, and Tee Dee Young.

Belknap Fall Festival | Friday, Oct. 9 & Saturday, Oct. 10 | FREE
If you’re looking for a neighborhood fall fest straight out of “Gilmore Girls,” look no further. Taking place at the historic Douglass Loop among small businesses and local restaurants, this fest features family fun, local vendors and beer, live music, and over 100 artists.

HalLOUween Parade & Cider Festival | Saturday, Oct. 10
Named one of the 10 best Halloween parades in the country by USA Today, this annual event will be taking over the NuLu district in downtown Louisville with local artists, live music, theatrical performances, costume contests, vendors, and of course, the city’s free Halloween parade. Purchase tickets for the noon-9pm Cider Festival for an indoor cider tasting lounge featuring locally made ciders, microbrewery ciders, cider cocktails, and covered patio view of the festival stage.

Chance The Rapper | Saturday, Oct. 10
One of the most influential voices in hip-hop, is coming to Old Forester's Paristown Hall to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the acclaimed mixtape Coloring Book, which earned three GRAMMY awards, including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album.

The Temptations & The Four Tops | Saturday, Oct. 10
Co-headlining a celebratory tour that honors 40 years of sharing the stage together, this legendary concert series brings the definitive Motown sound to to the Louisville Palace, featuring iconic choreography and timeless hits like "My Girl" and "Reach Out (I'll Be There)."

Louisville’s Great Chili Cook-off | Sunday, Oct. 11 | FREE
Sample chili from over 50 competing teams hoping to take home the chili champ title during this annual foodie fundraising event in the heart of NuLu. Plus, shop from local vendors & businesses and enjoy live music.

🗓️ October 12-18

Goatman Festival | Thursday, Oct. 15-Sunday, Oct. 18 | FREE
Learn more about (and maybe even meet) Louisville’s most famous cryptid, the Pope Lick Monster — aka the Goatman. Hear from expert cryptozoologists, shop from vendors, and enjoy live music and movie screenings during "Louisville's weirdest festival."

Grateville Dead Music Festival | Friday, Oct. 16-Sunday, Oct. 18
This three-day outdoor music festival takes place at Waterfront Park’s Brown-Forman Amphitheater and is Louisville’s tribute to Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. Headliners this year include The Stolen Faces, Hyryder, Born Cross Eyed, and Ekoostik Hookah.

Victorian Ghost Walk  | Friday, Oct. 16-Sunday, Oct. 18
Visit one of "America's most haunted neighborhoods" during this annual ghost tour in Old Louisville. Created by Louisvillian and New York Times-reviewed author David Dominé, the seasonal event brings spirits to life with actors portraying the figures that allegedly haunt — uh, we mean roam — the neighborhood.

Steins on Main | Saturday, Oct. 17 | FREE
Prost! Downtown’s RePurposed lot on Museum Row will transport you to Munich Germany for the afternoon. Enjoy local German-style beer & food, a tapping of the keg, live music, and stein holding and yodeling competitions.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks™ Live Glow-N-Fire | Saturday, Oct. 17 & Sunday, Oct. 18
See fan-favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, including Mega Wrex & Tiger Shark, come to life at the KFC Yum! Center downtown. Expect high jumps and epic stunts amid glow and fire effects.

Urban Bourbon Half Marathon and 5K | Saturday, Oct. 17
Routed through Louisville's historic Whiskey Row and scenic Cherokee Park, this experiential event celebrates the area's 200+ years of distilling history. The 21+ half marathon features exclusive bourbon experiences and a post-race party that Runners’ World magazine heralded as one of the "Best Half Marathon After-Parties in the Country."

Aflora | Sunday, Oct. 18 | FREE
The 6th annual Aflora exhibition will be held inside Old Forester’s Paristown Hall and outside in Christy’s Garden, and celebrate Latinx creativity, culture, community, and belonging.

🗓️ October 19-25

JOURNEY: Final Frontier Tour | Thursday, Oct. 22
After more than five decades and era-defining hits like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Any Way You Want It", JOURNEY is extending their Final Frontier Tour to include a stop at the KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville.

Louisville Book Festival | Saturday, Oct. 24 | FREE
The Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville will play host to this 7th annual book festival, celebrating the love and benefits of reading, writing, and literacy. During the event, attendees can meet over 100 authors, storybook characters, and purchase books. Acclaimed American writer, professor, and cultural critic Roxane Gay will be serving as the headline speaker and featured author for the event.

Dave Chappelle: Karmageddon | Saturday, Oct. 24
The award-winning American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer, will include a stop in Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center during his arena tour this Fall.

Via Colori® Street Painting Festival  | Saturday, Oct. 24 & Sunday, Oct. 25 | FREE
Hundreds of artists, local groups, and partners will turn Waterfront Park’s sidewalks into giant canvases filled with street paintings. View the masterpieces under your feet & enjoy a food court, bounce houses for kids, vendors, cosplay, and more.

Kids Halloween Cruise | Sunday, Oct. 25
Treat the fam to an afternoon cruise along the Ohio River aboard the historic Belle of Louisville steamboat, featuring Halloween-themed crafts, a trick-or-treat train, and a dance party. Costumes are welcomed.

Fall Meet at Churchill Downs | Sunday, Oct. 25-Nov. 29
Watch live racing amid the crisp autumn backdrop during the annual fall meet — where you just might see next year’s Derby & Oaks contenders. A few event highlights include trick-or-treating on Sunday, Oct. 25, military appreciation day on Sunday, Nov. 8, and Thanksgiving weekend.

🗓️ October 26-November 1

A John Williams Halloween | Friday, Oct. 30
Celebrate Halloween with the unmistakable music of John Williams, performed live by the Louisville Orchestra at the Kentucky Center. This concert brings together some of Williams’s most iconic film scores including music from Harry Potter, Star Wars, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Superman, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Witches of Eastwick, Hook, and War Horse.

The Louisville Ballet presents: "DRACULA" | Friday, Oct. 30 & Saturday, Oct. 31
Celebrating their 75th season, the Louisville ballet will bring Mary Shelley’s gothic novel to life in an electric new production for Halloween weekend. Held at the Brown Theatre, the show will explore the humanity of Dr. Frankenstein’s shocking creation, during this moving and emotional interpretation.

System Override Halloween Party | Saturday, Oct. 31
Louisville's premiere entertainment district, Fourth Street Live!, will feature the city's biggest Halloween party with 7 transformed venues and a $5k costume contest. General admission tickets get you access to immersive entertainment, live DJs, themed décor, and a reality that's no longer what it seems.

The Official Halloween Bar Crawl | Saturday, Oct. 31
Join other festive spirits in costume for a bar crawl through bars and venues in the Highlands neighborhood with Crawl with US.

William Shatner Live On-stage with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan | Saturday, Oct. 31
This unique touring event that pairs a big-screen screening of the 1982 sci-fi classic with a live appearance by the original Captain Kirk himself.

To find all the events happening in and around Bourbon City check out our events calendar and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates. And if you’re looking for more spooky season events, peep our guide to Halloween in Louisville.