Fun & Free Family-Friendly Events in Louisville This October
October in Louisville is a magical time, filled with fall festivals, spooky celebrations, and family-friendly events that everyone can enjoy without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to stroll down Halloween-decorated streets, meet local artists, or enjoy outdoor movie nights, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a list of free events happening in Louisville this October, perfect for families who want to make the most of the season!
St. James Court Art Show | October 4-6
Location: Historic Old Louisville
Don’t miss one of Louisville’s most beloved annual events – the St. James Court Art Show. This juried fine arts and contemporary crafts show spans six sections in the heart of Old Louisville, featuring over 600 artists. The event is held among the largest collection of Victorian homes in the U.S., making it a beautiful and inspiring outing for families.
Photo courtesy of ourwaterfront.org
Downtown Drive-In at Waterfront Park | October 11 | 7:30 PM
Location: Brown-Forman Amphitheater, 1301 River Road
Catch a free outdoor screening of the animated favorite Coco at the Downtown Drive-In. Enjoy snacks from local vendors or pack your own blanket and lawn chairs for a cozy family movie night under the stars. Free parking is available at Waterfront Park, but plan to arrive early to secure a good spot!
Photo courtesy of Foxhollow.com
Foxhollow Farm Fall Open House | October 12 | 10 AM - 1 PM
Location: Foxhollow Market, 8905 Highway 329, Crestwood, KY
Enjoy a day filled with connection, learning, and celebration of the season at Foxhollow Farm. From biodynamic demonstrations to pumpkin picking and stone carving, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the mystical vendors during Saturdays with Spirit!
Ace of Hearts Community Fair | October 19 | 11 AM - 2 PM
Location: 525 Zane St, Louisville, KY
Named after the dedicated community volunteer Ace Wesley, this lively fair is perfect for kids and families. Enjoy free food trucks, bounce houses, family games, and more! In addition, there will be community resource booths offering assistance to those in need.
Meet Your Maker | Hermitage Farm | October 26 & 27
Location: Hermitage Farm, 10500 W Highway 42, Goshen, KY
Explore and celebrate local craftsmanship at the Meet Your Maker event at Hermitage Farm. This unique marketplace showcases artists, makers, and artisans offering a variety of goods. It’s a great opportunity to support local talent and explore handmade creations.
Photo Courtesy of hermitagefarm.com
Norton Commons Fall Festival | October 26 | 2:00 PM
Location: Oval Park, Norton Commons, Prospect, KY
Celebrate fall at the Norton Commons Fall Festival! With face painting, balloon twisting, train rides, and games, this event has something for everyone. Trick-or-treating from local vendors runs from 2-4 pm, so bring your costume and treat bags!
Photo courtesy of visitblackacre.org
Feed the Animals | Black Acre Farms | Daily
Location: 3200 Tucker Station Rd, Louisville, KY
If your family loves animals and the great outdoors, a visit to Black Acre Farms is the perfect fall adventure! When the weather is crisp and cool, it's the ideal time to get outside with the kids. Meet friendly horses, cows, goats, and more as they roam freely in their natural spaces. Bring along apples or carrots, and watch the joy on your kids’ faces as they feed the animals along the fence line.
While you're there, explore Black Acre’s beautiful hiking trails. The two most popular trails, Waterfall Trail and Sunrise Trail, offer scenic paths through the farm’s ponds, meadows, and streams. After a rain, be sure to wear boots—it's the best time to enjoy the flowing streams and peaceful surroundings
Halloween on Hillcrest | Nightly in October
Location: Hillcrest Avenue – Crescent Hill Neighborhood
Take a nightly stroll down Hillcrest Avenue, one of Louisville's most famous streets for Halloween decorations. The homes here go all out, turning the neighborhood into a spooky wonderland. On October 31, from 5 to 9 pm, expect trick-or-treating as the residents hand out goodies, making it a must-visit for Halloween lovers!