Fall means it’s no longer miserable to go outside. And that means… outdoor fall festivals! Let’s just hope the weather holds up.
Harvest Homecoming: Craft & Food Booth Days (Oct. 10-13)
Downtown New Albany
harvesthomecoming.com | Prices and times vary
The best part of Harvest Homecoming is here: Booth Days! Hundreds of vendors, including several glorious food booths (find the glazed donuts and persimmon pudding at all costs), line downtown New Albany’s streets. There are also rides, the new Harvest Hops Beer Festival on Oct. 12 ($35) and music on the riverfront for $5, including an Oct. 12 performance from Katie Toupin.
25th Annual Belknap Fall Festival (Oct. 11-12)
Douglass Loop | 1939 Harvard Drive
belknapneighborhood.org | Free | Times vary
Join 15,000 others in attending the Belknap Fall Festival, which has everything you could want in an autumn fest: food, beer and wine, live music, over 100 local artists and a family fun zone. This year, bands play on Friday and Saturday, including Mama Said String Band and the Louisville Leopard Percussionists.
Butchertown Porktoberfest (Oct. 11)
Copper & Kings Distillery | 1121 E. Washington St.
Search Facebook | No cover | 5-10 p.m.
I mean, how many ways could you possibly cook pork? A lot, it turns out. Thirteen local restaurants compete to create the best dish (although, they can win prizes for other categories, too). It’s free to get in, but you’ll have to buy tickets to sample the goods. DaMudcats provide entertainment.
Farmington Oktoberfest (Oct. 11)
Farmington Historic Plantation
3033 Bardstown Road | Search Facebook
$10 parking | 6-10 p.m.
In 1865, Farmington Historic Plantation was bought by the German Drescher family. As a nod to the past, the historic site hosts an Oktoberfest event every year. Come for beer from Against the Grain, German food and music from The Rheingold Band. On Sunday, Farmington holds its annual fall festival from noon to 5 p.m. There, you’ll find craft vendors, re-enactors and music from The Other Years.
Garvin Gate Blues Festival (Oct. 11-12)
Old Louisville neighborhood
500 W. Oak St.
garvingatebluesfestival.com
Free | Times vary
The Garvin Gate Blues Festival claims to be the largest free neighborhood street musical festival in Louisville. This year, 13 bands play between Friday and Saturday nights, including King Bee & The Stingers and Billy Flynn. Enjoy the tunes while browsing artisan booths and visiting food and drink vendors.
Paradigm Fall Festival (Oct. 12)
Apocalypse Brew Works | 1612 Mellwood Ave.
Search Facebook | Free | Noon-6 p.m.
The theme of this festival is health and wellness (although you’re welcome to binge on tacos from Kentucky Taco Co. and beer, too). The Paradigm Wellness Tent hosts yoga, reiki and readings on a donation basis. Other draws are wares from local artisans, a pop-up pumpkin patch, produce stand, a Halloween photo booth, kids zone and, from DJ Matt Anthony, live music and a remote record shop.
iHeartRadio Great Chili Cook Off (Oct. 13)
Clifton neighborhood | Frankfort Avenue
Search Facebook | Free | Noon-6 p.m.
Who has the best chili in Louisville? Restaurant and home chefs compete in this event revolving around the ideal fall meal, and typically, about 30 cooks do. It’s free to taste their creations, but if you want to vote for your favorite, a $10 donation is requested. This shindig is about more than just chili. Bands and The Flea On Frankfort will be there to entertain you, too. —Danielle Grady