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In what has become the must-see event of the Halloween season, the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is returning for the seventh consecutive year to South Louisville’s Iroquois Park, where 5,000 artistically carved pumpkins will greet visitors from October 8 through November 3.
The pumpkins will illuminate a 1/3-mile trail adjacent to the Iroquois Amphitheater, and event officials estimate up to 100,000 people will visit over the course of 27 days. The trail is open from dusk until 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets range from $10 to $18, with discounts for seniors and children 12 and under. Proceeds from the event benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation.
The wooded trail begins just outside of Iroquois Amphitheater (1080 Amphitheater Road, Louisville, KY 40214) and weaves its way through the trees with themed vignettes set to music. The carved, illuminated pumpkins rotate on a weekly basis, creating a different experience each weekend. This year’s theme, “The Four Seasons,” will feature the trappings and holidays that make each month unique. The themed skits will showcase Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall like you’ve never seen them before, providing something for everyone to enjoy.
New in 2019 are special discounted Monday nights, sponsored by Metro by T-Mobile and a Sensory Night, sponsored by PNC Bank.
For customers looking for a deal, special discounts will be available on Metro by T-Mobile Mondays, where guests can visit select Metro by T-Mobile stores and receive a $2 off admission card (up to four people) good for Monday evenings during the run of the show.
On Saturday, November 2, gates will open early for a special sensory-friendly Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Two hours before the trail opens to the public, from 4:45– 6:45 p.m., pumpkins will light up the trail, but there will be no music or special effects. Designed for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences, and their families, Sensory Night at the Louisville Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular, is made possible through the generous support of PNC Bank.
Other discounted nights include Republic Bank night on Wednesday, October 16 and Metro Council Night on Tuesday, October 29. On the 16th, Republic Bank customers will receive $2 off admissions with a Republic Bank debit/credit card. On the 29th, Louisville Metro Council will sponsor $2 off admissions to all event goers. Both offers require ticket purchase at the box office day of show. Concessions will be available nightly. Merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and commemorative ornaments will also be available for sale.
Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is produced by the Louisville Parks Foundation and the Iroquois Amphitheater in conjunction with Passion for Pumpkins, a multimedia production company with more than 30 years’ experience in redefining fall by transforming any landscape into an illuminated organic gallery.
This year’s sponsors include Metro by T-Mobile, Yellowstone Select Bourbon, Republic Bank, Subway, Louisville Tourism, LG&E and KU, Papa John’s, Louisville Metro Council, UPS, PNC Bank, AT&T, Porta Kleen, UFCW227, Waste Management, LiveInLou, i9 Sports, Metro Fence, Louisville Pavement Sweep, The Oliver Group, Cardinal Moving, Qk4, EZ Construction, Louisville Adaptive Rowing, and Louisville Eye Center.
TICKET INFORMATION
Sunday – Thursday
Adults $14
Seniors (65+) $12
Children (3-12) $10
Children under 3 – Free
Friday – Saturday (Timed ticketing)
Adults $18
Seniors (65+) $16
Children (3-12) $14
Children under 3 – Free
Individual tickets may be purchased in advance for specific nights at the Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office or online at www.jackolanternlouisville.com. Visitors are also encouraged to use the hashtag #502Pumpkins on social media to share images or experiences they enjoy while touring the show.
Guests who plan to attend on a Friday or Saturday night are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance. Sold out nights are to be expected.
Tickets for groups of 20 or more can be purchased in advance by calling 502/368-5063, or in person at the Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office at 4:30 p.m. beginning October 8. Group tickets are discounted at $12 Sunday through Thursday.
The event is held rain or shine. No refunds will be given, but advanced purchased tickets may be exchanged for another day. Coach drop-off and on-site parking is available.
It is a fall tradition that highlights a very special area of Old Louisville. The 63rd Annual St. James Court Art Show will once again bring more than 700 artisans and craftsmen from all over the United States along with hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Old Louisville area during the first weekend in October.
“For more than six decades now the St. James Court Art Show is one reason why Old Louisville continues to be one of the best places to visit. Over the years, St. James has welcomed thousands from all over our country to a truly great event. It’s an event that also brings yet another boost of economic development and tourism to our city,” says President David James (D-6).
“We are looking forward to everyone coming and having a great time we want people to see why we are the Number 1 Fine Art and Design Show in America for 2019,” says Howard Rosenberg, Executive Director of the St. James Court Art Show.
The Art Show offers a wide variety of booths featuring furniture, pottery, jewelry, glassworks, photography and paintings.
Rain or shine, the Art Show will take place on October 4th through October 6th. There is no admission fee. No Pets are allowed unless they are a service animal.
Sponsors for the 2019 St. James Court Art Show are: Anheuser Busch/Goose Island, President David James District 6 Metro Louisville, Pepsi Co., Heaven Hill Brands, StorAll Self Storage, Kentucky Monthly Magazine, The Voice of Louisville, extol, Louisville Public Media, and Kentucky Public Radio, and TARC.
For additional information visit their website: https://stjamescourtartshow.com/
While the Art Show is a fun time for many, the President’s office also reminds everyone that there will be many street closures and no parking areas around the St. James Court area:
2019 ST. JAMES ART SHOW
STREET CLOSURES AND NO PARKING AREAS
Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6, 2019 – St. James Art Show
6:00 am (Thursday, October 3, 2019) – 11:30 pm (Sunday, October 6, 2019)
Alley between Third Street and Fourth Street from Magnolia Avenue to Hill Street
Alley between Fourth Street and St James Court from Magnolia Avenue to Hill Street
R Chin Alley from Sixth Street to Hill Street
St James Court from Magnolia Avenue to Hill Street
Magnolia Avenue from Third Street to Sixth Street
Gaulbert Avenue from Third Street to Fourth Street
Fourth Street from Park Avenue to Hill Street
Magnolia Avenue from Sixth Street to Levering Street
No Parking Areas
1:00 am (Thursday, October 3, 2019) – 9 pm (Sunday, October 6, 2019)
Park Avenue (south side) from Fourth Street to Sixth Street
Gaulbert Avenue from Third Street to Fourth Street
1:00 am (Thursday, October 3, 2019) – 10 pm (Sunday, October 6, 2019)
Third Street (west side) from Park Avenue to Hill Street
Third Street (east side) from Magnolia Avenue to Hill Street
Fourth Street from Park Avenue to Hill Street
Sixth Street (east side) from Park Avenue to Hill Street
1:00 am (Thursday, October 3, 2019) – 11:30 pm (Sunday, October 6, 2019)
St James Court from Magnolia Avenue to Hill Street
Magnolia Avenue from Third Street to Levering Street
9:00 am (Thursday, October 3, 2019) – 7 pm (Thursday, October 3, 2019)
Hill Street from Second Street to Sixth Street
Fourth Street (east side) from Hill Street to Gaulbert Avenue
Handicapped Parking Areas
8:00 am (Thursday, October 3, 2019) – 10:00 pm (Sunday, October 6, 2019)
East side of Sixth Street near Magnolia Avenue, along Central Park
1:00 am (Friday, October 4, 2019) – 8:00 pm (Sunday, October 6, 2019)
Hill Street (north side) from Second Street to Sixth Street
9:00 am (Friday, October 4, 2019) – 10 pm (Sunday, October 6, 2019)
North lanes of Hill Street from Third Street to St James Court
NOTE: No Handicap Parking at Saint James Court and Fountain Court (across from the fountain on the east side of the street)
Afternoon Lecture Series
Kate Hesseldenz: Margaretta’s Guest: Lafayette’s Visit to Liberty Hall
Wednesday, September 4, 1:15 pm
Lafayette, the last surviving Major General of the Revolutionary War, embarked on a great tour of the United States in 1824-1825 as the “Nation’s Guest.” Why did he visit Liberty Hall in May of 1825? Why did Margaretta Brown feel triumphant after his visit? Did John Brown serve as an aid to Lafayette during the war? In this talk, Curator Kate Hesseldenz will answer these questions as you learn about Lafayette’s connections to the Browns of Liberty Hall.
The Locust Grove Afternoon Lecture Series is held the first Wednesday of each month. Dessert and coffee are served at 1:00 pm with the lecture immediately following at 1:15 pm. Admission is $6, $4 for Friends of Historic Locust Grove. Reservations are not required.
Part of The Age of Hamilton series at Locust Grove.
Fall on the Farm
Saturday, September 7, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Enjoy a day filled with the hustle and bustle of harvesting, cooking, distilling and other activities that would welcome in the fall season on a 19th-century farm. Learn about the seasonal life on a farm through historic demonstrations in the hearth kitchen, farm distillery, and outbuildings. $9/adults; $8/seniors; $4 children 6-12; free for children under 6.
Beginner’s Book Binding for Kids
Saturday, September 14, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Curious kids ages 7 to 12 will learn the basics of book binding during this fun, one-day workshop celebrating the art and craft of making books. Participants will bind a simple book with a marbled paper cover using a needle and thread, and learn about the process of making books in the 18th and 19th centuries before leaving with their very own blank book. This workshop is led by Locust Grove artist-in-residence Brandon Vigliarolo, the bookbinder behind Strano Books. $30/$25 for members; all materials included. A parent or guardian must stay on site for the duration of the workshop. Adults are welcome to assist their child with all activities. Space is limited; call 502-897-9845 to register by September 6.
Basic Book Binding for Adults
Saturday, September 21, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn more about the art and craft of book binding by making a simple blank book with a marbled paper cover. Brandon Vigliarolo, the bookbinder behind Strano Books and Locust Grove’s Summer Artist-in-Residence, will speak on the history and process of bookbinding before leading participants through the steps in making their own blank book with marbled cover.
$40/$35 for members; all materials included, and participants will be able to take their tools home. Space is limited; call 502-897-9845 to register by September 16.
Books, Prints, Paper and Art Sale
Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
This special show and sale includes dealers in used, new, and collectible books, as well as maps, prints, paper, and art, at all prices and in all categories. You’ll find books about collecting, art, decorative arts, architecture and design, as well as artwork and prints. Saturday, September 28, 10 AM – 4:30 PM (Free admission) Sunday, September 39, 10 AM – 4:30 pm (With Antiques Market; $8 admission charged)
Fall Antiques Market
Sunday, September 29, 10:00am – 4:30pm
From whimsical china dogs to funky mid-century modern chairs, from stately silver to charming children’s toys, the Fall Antiques Market has something for everyone and every budget. Dozens of individual dealers from around the region will offer antique and vintage furniture, textiles, jewelry, silver, tchotchkes, ephemera, fine Kentucky crafted pieces of furniture and decorative arts, and much more. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Admission: $8 adults; free for ages 12 and under. Proceeds support the continued preservation and operation of Locust Grove.
Locust Grove is located at 561 Blankenbaker Lane (between Brownsboro Road and River Road), Louisville, KY 40207.
Tonight, rodeo fans converge on Freedom Hall for the final night of the North American Championship Rodeo. The top ropers and riders in the Great Lakes Circuit Rodeo will be competing for a chance to be named the Regional Champion in each event and a spot in the Nationals Circuit Finals in Kissimmee, FL next spring.
The rodeo kicked off Thursday night with the participants competing over three grueling nights of rodeo action in seven events. Tonight is the final night for the participants to improve their average to be named the Regional Champion and take home their share of the purse. Attendees can watch cowboys ride broncos and bulls, wrestle steer and rope steer and calves, while cowgirls race around the arena for the fastest time in the barrel racing event. Attendees will also be treated to the guest appearance of a couple of beautiful and iconic American animals during John “The One-Armed Bandit” Payne’s 15-time PRCA Rodeo Act of the Year.
The rodeo bucks out of the chute at 7:30 PM and tickets are available, starting at $10. With tonight being the final competition, it will be packed house. Admission does not include parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center, which is $10 per vehicle.
The rodeo occurs in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Expo. The Expo started October 31 and will continue until November 15. Livestock being featured today are sheep and beef cattle. The marketplace will be open extended hours tonight to allow attendees to shop before the rodeo begins. Continue reading
The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center. The annual event takes place over 17 days starting on October 30th, at 9 AM with the North American Quarter Horse Show.
The show features 10 species (and countless breeds) of livestock from all over the continent, as well as youth skills competitions and educational programs, and the North American Marketplace. The show also features many other exhibition events, including cowboy mounted shooting, where spectators can watch participants hit targets using a single action revolver while riding a horse through an obstacle course, draft horse shows, and the NAILE Wool Show. A full schedule of events can be found here.
While admission to the market place is free, admission to the rest of the event is $6 per person and does not include parking ($10) at the Kentucky Exhibition Center.
When visitors enter Locust Grove’s grounds during this year’s 18th Century Market Fair on Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28, they’ll be transported to the year 1778 in the middle of the American Revolution. That’s the year George Rogers Clark founded the city of Louisville during the Illinois Campaign that was the cornerstone to the War in the West, including his successful raid at Kaskaskia. Visit with members of the Continental Army on the side of the Americans and the British Dragoons and Marines, Scottish Highlanders and Hessians fighting for King George III and learn about life on a military campaign. The reenactors will be talking about what’s happening in 1778 in the fight for independence, especially as the city of Philadelphia, the capital of the new United States of America, is occupied by British forces.
“We’re trying to walk our visitors through major events of the American Revolution year by year, and after last year’s Market Fair set in 1777, we’re setting this year in 1778,” says Brian Cushing, Locust Grove’s program director. “Visitors will be able to experience life in 1778 and view the war as it happened. Each day will be unique! This will be a rare opportunity to let the 21st century fade into the background as visitors come face to face with the events of our long-ago revolution.”
Mock battles during this year’s Market Fair will include the Battles of Quinton’s Bridge, the Invasion of Kaskaskia, and the Battle of Monmouth, followed by a duel between John Laurens and Charles Lee on Sunday. Fans of the musical Hamilton will recognize the Battle of Monmouth and the duel as key plot points in the lives of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. These historic events were part of the Revolutionary War experience of Locust Grove founder William Croghan, who fought at Monmouth and who would have been familiar with the fallout that led to the duel.
American and British forces will be traveling with their wives and children, so visitors can learn about 18th century games, laundry, meal preparation, medicine, and other aspects of daily life. Punch and Judy shows, a tarot card reader, a rat catcher, musicians, and other 18th century personalities will bring life to the market, as vendors and craftspeople will demonstrate their trades and offer their 18th century goods for sale. Period food and drink will be available from perennial Market Fair favorites His Lordship’s Beef, with meat fire-roasted on site, and Crown Point Bread Company, featuring hearth-baked breads, delicious cookies, and artisan cheese. Locust Grove’s own concession will also serve sandwiches and baked goods. Period children’s activities and tours of the historic house will also be offered.
The 18th Century Market Fair will be held at Locust Grove on Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm daily.
Admission: $8 for adults; $4 for children 12 and under: Free for children 4 and under. A full list of vendors and schedule of events can be found at http://locustgrove.org/18th-century-market-fair.
The public is invited to a free, family-friendly afternoon to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing on Sunday, October 21 from 1-5 p.m.
The event will feature opportunities to engage with Riverside’s history and with its long-standing public archaeology programming. Visitors can connect with their “inner Indiana Jones” through a public archaeology dig, an artifact identification and processing activity, demonstrations of prehistoric Native American tools, a brickmaking activity, tours of archaeology sites and special historic house tours. There will also be a presentation on historic clothing (and its connection to archaeology) at 1:30 p.m. by Brian Cushing (Historic Locust Grove) and a presentation on “Kentucky Before Boone” by Gwynn Henderson (Kentucky Archaeological Survey) at 3:00 p.m.
A new book about the site, entitled Riverside: The Unfolding Story, written by Historic Site Manager Patti Linn will also be available at the event. This 25th anniversary publication published by Butler Books retails for $30 and features the latest research on Riverside. It also brings its story into the 21st century. All proceeds from the sale of this full color, 8 x 10 inch, 160-page hardcover book benefit Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing and its educational mission.
Finally, at 4:00 p.m. visitors are invited to join the Riverside Management Board and Mayor Fischer for the dedication of the David L. Armstrong pavilion at Riverside. This honor is being given to the late former Louisville Mayor and Jefferson County-Judge Executive because he played such a pivotal role in championing the project to restore the Farnsley-Moremen House and open it to the public.
Directions to Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing from Downtown Louisville: Take I-65 to the Gene Snyder Freeway West. Go approximately 9 miles. Take a left at the stop light onto Lower River Road. The entrance to Riverside will be on your right after about 1/8 of a mile. Historic site is located at 7410 Moorman Road, Louisville KY.
For More Information www.riverside-landing.org
