25+ things to do in Louisville this November
From performances by Herbie Hancock and Aziz Ansari to the Fall Meet at Churchill Downs and NuLu Jingle Fest, here’s what you can’t miss this November in Bourbon City.
Many horses use the Fall Meet at Churchill Downs as a launch pad for next year’s Triple Crown season. | Photo provided
Louisville in November is the perfect blend of late-autumn charm and early holiday spirit — from Bernheim Forest’s ColorFest to the Fête de Noël Winter Holiday Festival. And in addition to all the festivities and touring shows, November is prime bourbon season. Many distilleries release limited-edition bottles just in time for the holidays. Plus, a Kentucky hug just feels a little warmer in the cool autumn air.
Located ~25 miles south of Louisville, Bernheim Forest has over 8,000 documented trees, making a perfect backdrop for ColorFest. | Photo by Steve Grider
🗓️ October 27-November 2
LouGrass Sessions | Thru Saturday, Nov. 22
LouGrass is Louisville’s take on Kentucky’s beloved bluegrass music, and through November you can hear the sounds of LouGrass throughout the city with free live performances at unique local venues every weekend.
Fall Meet at Churchill Downs | Sunday, Oct. 26-Nov. 30
Watch live racing amid the crisp autumn backdrop during the 26-day fall meet — where you just might see next year’s Derby & Oaks contenders on the track. Races start at 1 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and include special events, like the Breeders' Cup Watch Party, Military Appreciation Day, Senior Day, and live racing on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
"Dead as a Dodo" | Sunday, Oct. 30-Nov. 9
Taking place at Actors Theatre, this incredible journey takes place in the underworld, a dark realm filled with glittering light and mystery where the dead are very much alive. In this fantastical adventure infused with astonishing puppetry, humor, music, and magical visual effects, two skeleton friends, a dodo and a boy, are drawn into the epic battle between existence and extinction as they fight to stay together.
The Flea Off Market | Saturday. Nov. 1 & Sunday, Nov. 2 | FREE
Visit the Smoketown neighborhood for a two-day outdoor shopping event showcasing Louisville artists, craftspersons, collectors, farmers, food trucks, and musicians. Plus, stop by nearby Trellis Brewing for a local brew.
Throo the Boo | Saturday, Nov. 1
It’s all treats during this 3K run/walk. The course goes “throo” the Boo at the Zoo route decorated for Halloween. Participants receive a T-shirt, medal, post-race refreshments, and a free ticket to the zoo.
Louisville Black Chef Showcase | Sunday, Nov. 2
Sample and vote on your favorite dishes from chefs, caterers, and food entrepreneurs at this foodie event held at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in West Louisville.
ColorFest | Saturday, Nov. 1 & Sunday, Nov. 2
With Louisville’s famous fall foliage peaking late October and early November, Bernheim Forest’s annual ColorFest is the perfect opportunity to see the picturesque landscape bursting with autumn hues. Plus, this outdoor festival offers hours of family fun with giant slides, a mud pie kitchen, pumpkin rolling, and live music.
The Louisville Pagan Roots Festival will feature performances, vendors, and educational workshops. | Photo by Louisville Pagan Roots Festival
🗓️ November 3-November 9
Herbie Hancock | Wednesday, Nov. 5
See this Grammy-winning jazz musician — best known for his 1983 song “Rockit” — perform in The Kentucky Center’s Whitney Hall on his “2025 North American Fall Tour.”
Is This Love that I’m Feeling? | Thursday, Nov. 6
Ready, set, flirt! This original Frazier History Museum event is themed around its temporary exhibit “Davis Jewelers’ Love & Marriage,” which explores the origins of Kentucky wedding traditions. The evening includes a live, couples game show, welcome cocktail, jewelry panel discussion, trade show, fashion, and Mary Dowling Whiskey Co. tastings.
Louisville Pagan Roots Festival | Saturday, Nov. 8 | FREE
Held annually in the Van Gogh Room of Mellwood Art Center, this festival is dedicated to celebrating and education about Paganism through workshops, ceremonies, entertainment, and vendors. Plus, don’t miss The Fourth Annual Witches Ball after the fest. Tickets are sold separately.
Bill Murray and His Blood Brothers | Sunday, Nov. 9
See the legendary actor and comedian perform with the Blood Brothers band, a musical collaboration that blends Murray’s wit with classic rock, at The Louisville Palace.
The North American Championship Rodeo is part of the annual North American International Livestock Exposition at Freedom Hall. | Photo provided
🗓️ November 10-November 16
Louisville Pizza Week | Monday, Nov. 10-Sunday, Nov. 16
Dig into $10 zas from some of Bourbon City’s best pizza joints during this foodie week. Be sure to download the app and submit the photogenic pies you tried for a chance to win $300 in gift cards.
Festival of Faiths | Wednesday, Nov. 12-Saturday, Nov. 15
Lean into the concept of radical inclusion during this nationally acclaimed spiritual festival, now in its 29th year. Workshops and talks will take place at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. Pro tip: Check into The Galt House for discounted room rates.
North American Championship Rodeo | Thursday, Nov. 13-Saturday, Nov. 15
This high-energy lineup of events held at Freedom Hall includes bull riding, team roping, women's barrel racing, rodeo clowns, and more as a part of the North American International Livestock Exposition.
Aziz Ansari | Friday, Nov. 14
Laugh it out with this comedian, actor, and filmmaker known for his roles in TV shows “Parks and Recreation” and “Master of None” during his performance at the historic Brown Theatre.
Festival of Trees & Lights | Friday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Nov. 16
Celebrating 36 years, this indoor winter wonderland at Slugger Field will display hundreds of decorated trees and wreaths. Plus, snap a photo with Santa, enjoy train rides, and Elf and Hanukkah activities.
Lights Under Louisville | Friday, Nov. 14-Saturday, Jan. 3
Find seven million points of light, over 900 holiday light displays, a laser light show, and more at the Louisville Mega Cavern during its annual holiday tradition. Taking place fully underground, the self-driving experience lasts about 30 minutes and turns a previous bomb shelter into a winter wonderland.
NuLu Jingle Fest | Saturday, Nov. 15
Take a sleigh ride together to the trendy East Market District for a street festival filled with festive programming, like live holiday music, a photo booth, face painting, petting zoo, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and more.
Cirque Kalabanté Afrique en Cirque | Sunday, Nov. 16
Experience the artistry, strength, and agility of circus performers during this show by Yamoussa Bangoura, inspired by daily life in Guinea and accompanied by the contemporary sounds of live Afro-Jazz, percussion, and kora at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.
Cross names off your shopping list at German American Club's annual Christkindlemarkt. | Photo by German American Club
🗓️ November 17-November 23
Holiday Spirited Soiree | Tuesday, Nov. 18
Kick off the holiday season at this Downtown distillery during its cheerful evening of whiskey. Tickets include a welcome cocktail, progressive style tasting paired seasonal bites, complimentary bottle engraving, and the opportunity to purchase the limited-edition Angel’s Envy Single Barrel Bourbon Finished in Sauternes Wine Barrels.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day Party | Thursday, Nov. 20
NuLu neighborhood wine bar Nouvelle Bar & Bottle will celebrate the French Beaujolais Nouveau Day locally with a lineup of all10 crus of Beaujolais, the highest quality wines from the best sites and vineyards in the region, paired with the classic French cassoulet dish.
Gabriel Iglesias | Friday, Nov. 21
One of the most-watched comedians on YouTube, “Fluffy” will perform his touring set at the KFC Yum! Center.
Friendsgiving Cruise | Friday, Nov. 21
All aboard the Mary M. Miller for a Friendsgiving dinner cruise up the Ohio River. This adults only excursion comes complete with a festive menu, music, a cash bar, and other get-to-know-you activities.
Christkindlmarkt | Saturday, Nov. 22 | FREE
German American Club will open its doors to the public for a German-style Christmas market featuring local vendors and German food, beer, and gluhwein.
Fall Kentucky Plant Show | Saturday, Nov. 22
Peruse a variety of common, uncommon, and rare plants covering 30,000 sqft at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in West Louisville. Pro tip: Kids 15 and under are free to attend.
Art Heist: An Interactive Mystery | Saturday, Nov. 22
Immerse yourself in a plot that thickens throughout the night inside the KMAC Contemporary Art Museum on Museum Row downtown. Tickets include an interactive performance, a drink, light bites, and access to the galleries.
Fête de Noël, meaning "Festival of Christmas," runs for six festive weeks in Paristown. | Photo by Steve Grider
🗓️ November 24-November 30
Fête de Noël Winter Holiday Festival | Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Jan. 5 | FREEThis holiday destination features Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice-skating rink — plus, a holiday market, photos with Santa, trackless train rides, and special performances, like Drag Queens on Ice.
Vintage Holiday Pop Up Market | Saturday, Nov. 29
The Fleur De Flea’s annual market at Germantown Gables will host over 75 vendors selling vintage holiday decor, gifts, vinyl, and more.
“The Black Boy Narratives” | Sunday, Nov. 30
See a play comprised of monologues crafted from a Louisville project that collected anonymous stories from Black males, ages of 5-25. The performance will take place at the intimate MeX Theater at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.
Looking for more to do in Bourbon City? Check out our events calendar and subscribe to our newsletters to get updates on news and events — and don’t miss these discounts on hotels and local attractions.
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