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    Bit to Do

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    There’s always so much to do in Lou, and this weekend is no exception. Check out where you should be going and what you should be doing!

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    JEFFERSONTOWN GASLIGHT FESTIVAL WEEKEND
    What started as a small street party in 1969 has grown to become one of the area’s largest festivals. Centered in the small-town ambiance of Gaslight Square, the festival has evolved into a time-honored tradition for Jeffersontown. Festival-goers can shop at over 200 vendor booths, enjoy live music, ride carnival rides and fill their bellies with yummy festival food and cold beverages.
    When: Friday, September 18: 7 pm - 10 pm, Sep. 19 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sep. 20: 9 am - 10 pm
    Where: Jeffersontown, 10434 Watterson Trail, Jeffersontown, KY 40299
    Website: jtownchamber.com/gaslightfestival.aspx
    Cost: Free!

     

    WESTPORT VILLAGE'S THIRD THURSDAY SHOPPING NIGHT
    Westport Village shopping center is open late on the third Thursday of each month, for a night of shopping, entertainment, specials and refreshments. This month, Westport Village will host Cub Scout Pack 237’s popcorn sale fundraiser at the shopping center. Westport Village will also offer a number of deals and promotions at select stores. Here’s a sneak peek at the deals and promotions available at this Third Thursday: 
    • Summer Classics is offering 50 percent off select floor models. 
    • Oberer’s Flowers is offering 20 percent off flowers. 
    • Apricot Lane is offering 20 percent off any purchase of $75 or more. 
    • Clater Jewelers is offering 20 percent off all licensed collegiate jewelry. 
    • Westport Whiskey & Wine will host a formal wine tasting, featuring select Spanish wines from Well Oiled Wine Company. 
    Local musicians The Utility Brothers and John Gage will perform live at the center all evening. 
    When: Thursday, September 17 5 - 8 p.m.
    Where: Westport Village 1315 Herr Lane Louisville, KY 40222 
    Website: www.westportvillage.com
    Cost: Free!

     


    DISNEY ON ICE: LET'S CELEBRATE!
    Audiences are invited to make an ordinary day extraordinary and enjoy some of the world’s most popular festivities, including a winter wonderland with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains, a Hawaiian luau with Lilo and Stitch, a Royal Ball with the Disney Princesses, and more.
    When: September 17 - 20, showtimes vary
    Where: KFC YUM! Center, 1 Arena Plaza, Louisville, KY 40202
    Website: http://www.kfcyumcenter.com/events/detail/disney-on-ice-lets-celebrate
    Cost: $59, $38, $28, $23 or $18     


    AXTON READING SERIES: CHARLES MCLEOD
    The University of Louisville's English department’s creative writing program brings in distinguished writers through the Anne and William Axton Reading Series of free literary events. The readings and master classes are open to the public. This month, Charles McLeod, author of the novel American Weather and short-story collections National Treasures and Settlers of Unassigned Lands, will read from his work at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in Bingham Poetry Room, Ekstrom Library, and lead a free master class at 10 a.m. Sept. 18 in Room 300, Bingham Humanities Building.
    When: September 17 - 18
    Where: Bingham Poetry Room, Ekstrom Library at UofL, 2301 S 3rd Street, Louisville, KY 40208
    Website: http://louisville.edu/english/creative-writing/axton-reading-series
    Cost: Free and open to the public    

     


    RHIANNON GIDDENS AT MERCURY BALLROOM
    Rhiannon Giddens is the founding member of the Grammy-winning country, blues, and old-time music band, Caroline Chocolate Drops. Now she has spread her wings and used her soulful voice to launch a debut solo album, Tomorrow Is My Turn. Rhiannon will perform live along with members of the Louisville Orchestra.
    When: September 17, 8 - 10 p.m.
    Where: Mercury Ballroom, 611 South 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202
    Website: www.mercuryballroom.com
    Cost: $25 

     

    SMOKETOWN GETDOWN FOR DEMOCRACY
    Smoketown GetDown is a free block party powered by the people and open to the public with live entertainment, local food, and beer from West Sixth Brewing. Featuring voter registration, Smoketown organizations, family-friendly activities, a live art wall, and free photos by Magnolia Photo Booth Co. Food provided by Pollo-a gourmet chicken joint, Lexie Lu's, and Louisville Cream.

    GetDown Line-up: 
    4 p.m. - DJ Yared Sound 
    5 - Official Welcome 
    5:15 - 10th Street Blues Band 
    6 - River City Drum Corp 
    6 - Roots & Wings 
    7 - Safiyyah Dance Company 
    7:55 - The Afrophysicists 
    9 - GetDown Dance Party with Yared 
     
    This year the GetDown coincides with the opening of the Smoketown Rising Exhibit, community powered effort to preserve and recognize the rich history of Kentucky’s oldest historically Black neighborhood, Smoketown. The exhibit will be open from 4 - 6 p.m. at St. Peter Claver (526 Lampton Street) and remain open through October 2, Mon. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
    When: September 18, 4 - 10 p.m. 
    Where: Smoketown, 735 Lampton Street, Louisville, KY 40203
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1475728922744664/
    Cost: Free!    

     


    SPALDING AT THE SPEED: A THIRD-FRIDAY WRITERS’ GALA
    Spalding University’s Master of Fine Arts in Writing Program joins the Speed Art Museum for “Spalding at the Speed: A Third-Friday Writers’ Gala,” a monthly reading series that showcases short readings by Spalding MFA students, alumni, staff, and faculty, as well as writers from the local literary community. The evening opens with “Jump Start,” an open-mic session for 1 to 2 minute readings of works in progress. Attendees are invited to bring unfinished works to read. 
    When: September 18, 6 - 7:15 p.m. 
    Where: Local Speed, 822 East Market Street, Louisville, KY 40206
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/783173761781339/
    Cost: Free and open to the public!    
    SUNDOWN STREET PARTY AT NORTON COMMONS
    Join Norton Commons for another Sundown Street Party, hosted by Tea Station Chinese Bistro. Enjoy live music, food, drinks and friends in the beautiful Norton Commons Town Center. As available seats can fill up fast, you may want to bring a folding chair! Street Parties are located just east of the intersection at Norton Commons Blvd. and Meeting Street.
    When: September 18, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
    Where: Norton Commons Town Center, 10712 Meeting Street , Prospect, KY 40059
    Website: www.nortoncommons.com/events
    Cost: Free entry

     


    "MOON OVER BUFFALO" AT FLOYD CENTRAL
    Floyd Central Theatre Arts will begin its theatre season with the fast-paced comedy, "Moon Over Buffalo" - a show is filled with mistaken identities, hilarious characters, and nonstop laughs!
    When: September 18 - 19, 7:30 p.m. Saturday  2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
    Where: Floyd Central High School, 6575 Old Vincennes Road, Floyds Knobs, IN 47119
    Website: http://www.floydcentraltheatre.org
    Cost: $12 adults, $10 senior citizens, $6 students    
    HOT RIZE AT THE CLIFTON CENTER
    After 24 years away, legendary bluegrass quartet Hot Rize is back in the saddle, announcing a new album, "When I’m Free." Hot Rize started in 1978 and have picked up where they left off after disbanding at the peak of their fame in 1990. Featuring three of the original members, they’ve added Grammy winner Bryan Sutton on guitar to replace Charles Sawtelle, who passed away in 2002.
    When: September 18, 8 - 10 p.m.
    Where: Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street, Louisville, KY 40206
    Website: http://www.cliftoncenter.org/live-at-the-clifton-center-2/
    Cost: $32

     


    BIKE TO BEAT CANCER
    For cycling enthusiasts of all abilities, this bike ride of 35, 65 or 100 miles through the beautiful bluegrass of Kentucky or a Family Ride of 5 miles benefits Norton Cancer Institute, which serves children with cancer being cared for at Kosair Children’s Hospital.
    When: September 19, 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
    Where: Kosair Children's Medical Center--Brownsboro, , Louisville, KY 40241
    Website: http://foundations.nortonhealthcare.com/site/TR/Events/General?fr_id=1100&pg=entry
    Cost: Varies for participants - donate here - free for spectators.

     

    THE NEW ALBANY FALL FLEA 
    The Fall Flea is a two-day outdoor marketplace showcasing vendors with unique pieces and a flair for creating an engaging display. There will be vintage and antique items, food trucks, furniture for sale, and more. 
    When: September 19, 10 - 5 p.m. Sept. 20 10 - 3 p.m.
    Where: 100 E Spring Street , New Albany , IN
    Website: http://www.foundandfabulous.com/#!the-fall-flea/c1h0t
    Cost: Free!    

     


    SECRETS OF LOUISVILLE CHEFS CULINARY EXPERIENCE
    Join us in Kitchen Studio at Bourbon Barrel Foods to be in the LIVE TV audience as you watch a taping of “Secrets of Louisville Chefs.” You’ll see two show tapings as Louisville’s top chefs cook with Tim Laird, Brown-Forman’s Chief Entertaining Officer and Kevin Harned, WAVE 3 TV Chief Meteorologist. Your ticket includes a champagne cocktail meet-and-greet followed by a quick tour of the facility. At the conclusion of the show you will be able to sample the foods that the chefs have prepared. 
    When: September 19, 10 a.m. - 12 :30 p.m.
    Where: Bourbon Barrel Foods, 1201 Story Ave, Ste. 175, Louisville, KY 40206
    Website: http://mintjuleptours.com.mm-dev.net/culinary-tours/
    Cost: $50    

     


    LOUISVILLE MINI MAKER FAIRE 2015
    What is the Louisville Mini Maker Faire? Makers, crafters, evil geniuses, scientists and artists come together for a day of family-friendly fun and inspiration. We celebrate arts, crafts, engineering, science projects and the Do-It-Yourself mindset. We'll have booths with makers showing off their inventions, teaching us new skills and some selling items they have made. Please join us for this family-friendly event of creativity and inspiration!
    When: September 19, 11 - 6 p.m.
    Where: 700-800 blocks of WEST MAIN Street in downtown Louisville
    Website: www.facebook.com/events/1453343311643348/
    Cost: Free, but please RSVP 

     

     

    LAGERS CLUB/BBC HOMEBREW CONTEST WINNER BEER RELEASE
    Join BBC for another Louisville Craft Beer Week party. The winning beer from the Lager’s Club and BBC Home Brew Contest will be released. The winner was Farmhouse Rye by Christopher Owens. The beer contest was for a Saison style beer that will be perfect for games and live music. Emily's Garden will be playing on the patio from 9-11:30 p.m. #lcbw2015
    When: September 19, 11:15-11:00 PM
    Where: Bluegrass Brewing Company, 3929 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1481066065546804/
    Cost: Free!  

     

     
    NATIONAL JUG BAND JUBILEE
    2015 National Jug Band Jubilee features 9 of the country's best jug bands! Jug band workshops, merchandise, local food & beer. Bring the family and come celebrate the this unique form of Louisville music!
    When: September 19, 12 - 11 p.m.
    Where: Brown Forman Amphitheater, River Road, Louisville, KY 40202
    Website: www.jugbandjubilee.com
    Cost: Free!    

     


    THE LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA: SEASON PREVIEW CONCERT
    The Louisville Orchestra, led by Teddy Abrams, presents a free Season Preview concert at Iroquois Amphitheater on Saturday. Music Director Teddy Abrams designed this concert to feature highlights from the 2015-2016. Works featured include: Stravinsky’s Russian Dance from Petrouchka, Beethoven’s Symphony No.3 (“Eroica”) and Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. Audiences will also enjoy vocal selections from Leonard Bernstein’s Mass featuring baritone Jubilant Sykes.
    When: September 19, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
    Where: Iroquois Amphitheater, 1080 Amphitheater Road, Louisville, KY 40214
    Website: https://www.louisvilleorchestra.org/
    Cost: Free!    

     


    3RD ANNUAL CQ JAM
    The third annual CQ Jam for WaterStep will be held on Saturday, September 19 at Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille. The event will feature a waterfront stage where bands will perform, allowing the local boating community to beach or anchor and enjoy the festivities. The $20 suggested cover charge, as well as a portion of the evening’s food and beverage sales, will benefit WaterStep, a Louisville-based organization that works to save lives around the world with safe water. 
    When: September 19, 3 - 11 p.m.
    Where: Captain's Quarters Riverside Grille, 5700 Captain's Quarters Road, Prospect, KY 40059
    Website: www.waterstep.org
    Cost: $20

     


    WORLD'S LARGEST HORSESHOE EVENT
    The Kentucky Derby Museum, in partnership with the 2015 Secretariat Festival and Secretariat.com, has formally applied to Guinness World Records for the honor of hosting the World’s Largest Horseshoe. An exact replica of a shoe worn by Secretariat, the 1973 Triple Crown Champion, will be unveiled at the Museum Sept. 20.
    The horseshoe’s debut will be the centerpiece of a special event at the Museum, with several members of the Secretariat team expected to attend, including owner Penny Chenery, jockey Ron Turcotte and exercise rider Charlie Davis. An expanded collection of Secretariat items and artifacts will also be on display for the festivities, which the public is invited to attend with a $15 Museum general admission ticket. 
    When: September 20, 1- 5 p.m.
    Where: The Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
    Website: http://www.derbymuseum.org/Events/Detail/99580/World-s-Largest-Horseshoe-Event
    Cost:  Special VIP tickets $99 - $15 general admission.     

     


    KENTUCKY OPERA PRESENTS: 'MACBETH'
    "Macbeth" is a bold presentation that teems with madness, the supernatural and deliciously unrestrained passion of this classic Shakespeare thriller. With magnificent sets and costumes from the Opera Pacific Victoria, this production offers a vivid portrayal of Verdi’s richly emotional score. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
    When: September 18, 2015 at 8 p.m., Sep. 20 2 p.m.
    Where: The Brown Theatre, 315 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202
    Website:https://kyopera.org/macbeth-verdi-sep-18-20/
    Cost: $34+ 

     

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    Elizabeth Myers's picture

    About Elizabeth Myers

    Big fan of bacon and bourbon, deep fried anything, sweet tea and sweet nothings.

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