Don’t be a Scrooge, get out and do some fun stuff this weekend. As usual, there’s a stack good times queued up in Louisville, just waiting for you to press play. Here’s where to go and what to do!
Louisville Swig 2015
The party of the century is returning! Join us as we celebrate the Repeal of Prohibition and the launch of Louisville Magazine's drinking guide, SWIG Volume (IV). The new issue will make its debut at the party and all attendees will receive a complimentary copy. Ticket includes food and drink tastes from over 50 vendors. Billy Goat Strut Revue returns to SWIG and swing this year. Thirties attire is encouraged! Better nab your tickets now before we sell out!
#KeepLouisvilleCheered
When: December 4, 7 - 10 p.m.
Where: The Seelbach Hotel, 500 South Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Website: RSVP to the event here!
After Midni9ht at Meta
Enjoy Asian-inspired fare at this pop-up dinner from Chefs Griffin Paulin (Over the 9) and Ming Pu (Jack Fry's), with beverage pairings from Meta's Jeremy Johnson.
When: December 3, 9 - 3 a.m.
Where: Meta, 425 West Chestnut St. 40202
Website: www.louisville.com/content/eating-exclusivity-louisvilles-new-dinner-clubs
Cost: Cost of food + drink varies
Goodwood Brewing Beer Dinner at Varanese
Varanese Restaurant is pleased to partner with Louisville’s own Goodwood Brewing Company to host a beer dinner this weekend. The evening will feature guest speakers Phil Dearner and Denise Ingle from Goodwood Brewing Co. and a four-course dinner prepared by Chef Varanese paired with various wood-aged beers that Goodwood Brewing is known for.
When: December 3, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Varanese, 2106 Frankfort Ave. 40206
Website: www.varanese.com
Cost: $49
Mayor's Music & Art Series: Alanna Fugate
Held in the intimate setting of the Mayor’s Gallery at historic Louisville Metro Hall, these monthly performances will showcase local and regional musicians and artists.
When: December 3, 12 - 1 p.m.
Where: Louisville Metro Hall, 527 W Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40202
Website: louisvilleky.gov/government/mayors-music-arts-series
Cost: Free
Martinis and Mistletoe 2015
Join us for this annual festive evening of holiday shopping, music and special recipe martinis to kick off the KMAC Holiday Pop-Up Shop, which features a collection of locally-made goods selected by shop manager Julia Comer.
When: December 3, 5 - 8 p.m.
Where: , 611 West Main St., Louisville, KY 40202
Website: www.facebook.com/events/872050566226210/
Cost: Cost of merchandise varies
KFTC Benefit Event at Kaviar Gallery
Skip the mall and support KFTC! Find the perfect handmade gift for a loved one or yourself this holiday season. Enjoy snacks, refreshments, and moving sale discounts! Currently representing over 100 artists, the Kaviar Gallery is filled with many fine arts, crafts, jewelry, fiber works and furniture.
When: December 3, 6 - 8 p.m.
Where: Kaviar Forge & Gallery, 1718 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206
Website: www.facebook.com/events/166856533666201/
Cost: Free!
Eve Theatre Company's "Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks"
This two-character comedy opens as an aging but still formidable woman hires an acerbic dance instructor to give her lessons at her home in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. Antagonism between a gay man and the wife of a Southern Baptist minister gives way to a profound compatibility as they swing dance,, tango, foxtrot and ch-cha while sharing more than dance steps.
When: December 3, 7:30-9:30 p.m. additional showtimes/dates on website
Where: Actors Theatre of Louisville, 316 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Website: actorstheatre.org
Cost: $19-22
LocalsOnly Winter Pop-Up Event
At this dinner, expect dynamic, contemporary cuisine that creatively captures seasonal flavors and satiates the bellies of Louisville's adventurous eaters. LocalsOnly, in the spirit of the pop-up dinners, also strives to make use of interesting venues outside the culinary norm. The December dinner will feature hearty food to help you stock up for the coming winter months - pork and seitan sausages with classic toppings, street style, all with a modern twist and coupled with thoughtful drink pairings.
When: December 3, 8 - 10 p.m.
Where: Haymarket Whiskey Bar, 331 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202
Website: www.facebook.com/events/919199844831674/
Cost: Price of food + drinks vary
Light Up Westport Village
Westport Village will host its Light Up The Village holiday celebration on Friday, Dec. 4. Festivities will include decorations, lights, holiday cheer and special promotions at select shops.
When: December 4, 5 - 8 p.m.
Where: Westport Village, 1315 Herr Lane, Louisville, KY 40222
Website: www.westportvillage.com
Cost: Free
WinterFair! 2015
The 25th annual WinterFair! will host its annual indoor festival of fine art and crafts. Browse unique gifts for your home and special people in your life. Up to 80 juried artists will display jewelry, textiles, wearable art, pottery, art glass, paintings, and more. Art items are offered at all price points – just in time for the holiday giving season. This year’s proceeds from the artist raffle will benefit Good Garbage, Louisville’s only center for creative re-use.
When: December 4, 2 - 5 p.m.
Where: Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church, 4936 Brownsboro Rd, Louisville, KY 40222
Website: www.tjuc.org
Cost: Free
Christmastide 1816
Enter the year 1816 for a Croghan family celebration at Locust Grove. The Clark & Croghan families invite you into their home to visit and to partake of holiday cheer. The home is decorated in a manner appropriate for the “country seat” of Major William Croghan and his distinguished relatives and guests. In the great parlor, live music awaits the guests, with concerts by a talented neighbor. You’ll be engaged in lively conversations with family and guests. Out in the hearth kitchen, recently harvested foods are prepared over an open fire and refreshments are offered to guests. Meanwhile, back in 2015: in the Visitors’ Center, there will be music, refreshments, and crafts for children 3 & older from 6 - 8 p.m.
When: December 4, 5:30 - 9 p.m.
Where: Historic Locust Grove, 561 Blankenbaker Lane, Louisville, KY 40207
Website: www.locustgrove.org
Cost: $8 adults, children 12 & under free
Guided Relaxation to Music in the Salt Cave
This event will combine the healing properties of the Louisville Salt Cave with the added benefit of live, acoustic, guided relaxation to music with Strive's Nina Rodahaffer and Cheyenne Mize. This is your chance to take 45 minutes for yourself, actively engage your senses, and help to reduce your level of stress and anxiety with lasting effects.
When: December 4, 6 - 7 p.m.
Where: Louisville Salt Cave, 9800 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40223
Website: www.louisvillesaltcave.com
Cost: $45
Christopher Titus: Born With a Defect
Comedian Christopher Titus' new show takes the audience on a wild ride through his personal life, proves why he isn't qualified to be a father, and why childless couples win.
When: December 4, 8 - 10 p.m.
Where: Bomhard Theater, The Kentucky Center, 501 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Website: www.kentuckycenter.org/all-shows/christopher-titus
Cost: $28+
The Louisville Orchestra’s “Messiah”
A classic of the season, Handel’s Messiah has inspired music lovers around the world. This beautiful oratorio never loses its luster despite being an all-time favorite piece of music. Enjoy an exceptional performance as singers from the Louisville Chamber Choir join the LO.
When: December 4, 7:30-8:45 p.m. December 5, 7:30-8:45 p.m.
Where: Dec. 4 - Cathedral of the Assumption, 443 S Fifth St, Dec. 5 - Second Presbyterian Church, 3701 Old Brownsboro Rd
Website: www.kentuckycenter.org/all-shows/messiah
Cost: $30
TWIN LIMB Release Show with The Jonathan Glen Wood Ensemble
Join us for a special night celebrating the release of Twin Limb's "Anything is Possible and Nothing Makes Sense" with special guests The Jonathan Glen Wood Ensemble. Tickets are available at Guestroom Records Louisville and Better Days Records. Space is limited so you'll want to pick one up early.
When: December 4, 9 - 11 p.m.
Where: Kaiju, 1004 E Oak St, Louisville, KY 40204
Website: www.facebook.com/twinlimb/
Cost: $12 and includes a copy of the EP
Red Bull Trail Daze
Red Bull Trail Daze brings a unique trail running competition to the trails at Jefferson Memorial Forest in Louisville, Kentucky. Runners are challenged to race from point A to point B with two entirely different paths to choose from. Participants will run no shorter than 3 miles and no longer than 5 miles.
When: December 5, 9 - 11:45 p.m.
Where: Jefferson Memorial Forest, 12304 Holsclaw Hill Rd, Brooks, KY 40109
Website: www.redbull.com/us/en/events/1331754684342/trail-daze-kentucky
Cost: $25 for early registration / $30 for late registration
Old Fashioned Holiday Cookie Sale
The newly formed Kentucky chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is selling a variety of holiday cookies home-baked by 50 chefs at Copper & Kings distillery! Get in the spirit of the season and stock up on goodies perfect for parties and gifts, and enjoy all Butchertown has to offer including tours at Copper & Kings, shopping at Butchertown Market and brunch at Butchertown Grocery. All proceeds benefit the LDEIKY scholarship fund, which helps culinary students and professionals pursuing LDEI membership, and Green Table, an initiative connecting urban and rural farms to schools and restaurants.
When: December 5, 10:30-2:30 p.m.
Where: Copper & Kings, 1121 E. Washington Street, Louisville, KY 40206
Website: www.facebook.com/LesDamesKY
Cost: Free!
Repeal Day at Proof On Main
The Repeal of Prohibition is the perfect reason to celebrate, and by celebrate we mean enjoying a few cocktails. Join Proof in celebrating the end of Prohibition by partaking in libations from an era long ago. This year for the first time ever Proof is joining forces with 8Up, Meta, Down One Bourbon Bar and Doc Crows for the Repeal Day Revel: a downtown exploration of restaurants and bars that celebrate Repeal Day with passport stamps at each location. Bartenders in Prohibition-era dress will be serving classic, speakeasy cocktails. There will be live music from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. CHEERS!
When: December 5, 11 - 11 p.m.
Where: 21c Museum Hotel/Proof on Main, 700 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Website: www.proofonmain.com/news/2015/repeal-day-at-proof-on-main
Cost: Price of food and drink varies
Conrad-Caldwell House Museum's Holiday Victorian Tea
The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is hosting their Annual Victorian Tea in conjunction with the Old Louisville Holiday Homes Tour. Set within the Conrad-Caldwell House, decked out in holiday decor, this traditional Victorian Tea will feature sweet and savory treats as well as a selection of teas. All proceeds from this tea will benefit the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum.
When: December 5 - 6 11:30 a.m. 1:30 pm. and 3:30 p.m.
Where: Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, 1402 St. James Court, Louisville, KY 40208
Website: conrad-caldwell.org/victorian-tea/
Cost: $30
Anthony Lamas Book Signing
Chef Anthony Lamas is spicing up the South! Now, in your own kitchen, you can turn up the heat with the Food Network's "Extreme Chef" winner and multiple James Beard Best Chef nominee and his debut cookbook "Southern Heat." Join Chef Anthony Lamas for a free book-signing at Carmichael's Frankfort Ave. location and enjoy a special one-of-a-kind hors d'oeuvre made by the Chef himself!
When: December 5, 2 - 4 p.m.
Where: Carmichael's Bookstore, 2720 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206
Website: www.carmichaelsbookstore.com/event/anthony-lamas-book-signing
Cost: $35 for the book
Basketball: Louisville Cardinals vs. Valparaiso Crusaders
Watch the Lady Cards vs. Valparaiso Crusaders!
When: December 5, 4 - 6 p.m.
Where: KFC YUM! Center, 1 Arena Plaza, Louisville, KY 40202
Website: www.kfcyumcenter.com
Cost: 10
Repeal Day Revel
With the help of Jim Beam and Contratto, 8UP will be joined by Meta, Doc Crow’s, Down One and Proof on Main in raising a glass (or several) for this historic Day. Bar hoppers will be provided with a passport to present at each participating drinkery. Those stamped by all five locations will be eligible to win prizes. 8UP will feature special cocktails with names that could be right out of “Guys and Dolls” and evoke the spirit of that era.
When: December 5, 4 - 10:30 p.m.
Where: 8UP, 350 W Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202
Website: www.8uplouisville.com/2015/11/celebrate-repeal-day-revel-125-at-8up.html
Cost: Cost of food + drink varies
Moon Taxi with the Lonely Biscuits/Kopecky
The members of Moon Taxi are no strangers to the Louisville stage. Catch them for two nights this weekend at Headliners!
When: December 4 - 5, 9 p.m.
Where: Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY 40206
Website: headlinerslouisville.com
Cost: $25 in advance $30 day of show
Grand Public Unveiling of "The Greatest Race"
Shot during Kentucky Derby 141 using the latest, “The Greatest Race” will be the first 360-degree, seamless 4k immersive media experience in the world, with a presentation incorporating 30 million pixels, making it one of the largest digital displays permanently installed in a public attraction.
When: December 6, 11:15-12:30 p.m.
Where: The Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
Website: http://www.derbymuseum.org/Exhibits/Detail/8/The-Greatest-Race
Cost: Free!
Bunbury Theatre's "The New Mrs. Claus"
Santa is in therapy. Or rather, four Santas are in group therapy! Santa, St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle and Babbo Natale have found themselves overwhelmed with their lives, jobs and their significant others. This crazy quartet desperately tries to console each other in this wild holiday ride!
When: December 4 - 20, showtimes vary
Where: Bunbury Theatre, 604 South Third Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Website: www.bunburytheatre.org/index.php/season-29/the-new-mrs-claus
Cost: $10-22
Rabbit Hole Distilling's Moonshine Basic Brawl
It’s a cocktail competition that levels the playing field. “Mixologist” beware this is not your typical competition – we’re getting back to basics. Proprietary ingredients are off limits, no proprietary syrups and bitters, only ingredients that consumers have easy access to. After all, that’s what makes this thing basic.
When: December 6, 6 - 9 p.m.
Where: Haymarket Whiskey Bar, 331 E. Market St. Louisville, KY
Website: www.rabbitholedistilling.com/basicbrawl/
Cost: Sign up here, open to the public
The Flea Off Market
Home to over 200 artists, craftspeople, collectors, start-ups, and local businesses of all kinds, The Flea is one of Louisville's favorite places to shop local. Flea patrons can expect to find used books, records, fine arts and crafts, antiques, jewelry, vintage clothing, bath and body products, candles, furniture and homewares, used tools, terrariums, fresh-cut flowers, organic produce and meat, bicycles, tarot readings ... there's kinda everything under the sun.
When: December 5 - 6 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: 1007 E Jefferson St, Louisville, Kentucky 40206
Website: www.facebook.com/thefleaoffmarket
Cost: Free!