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This week Louisville will celebrate one its loveliest ladies’ birthdays, the Belle of Louisville. As part of the Centennial Festival of Riverboats, a six-day-long celebration of food, art, music, and bourbon at Waterfront Park, the Belle’s Big Birthday Bash will be celebrating with a 100th year bang. Here are the best events of the week that you won’t want to miss...

1. Belle of Louisville’s 100th Birthday Parade

   Tuesday, Oct. 14th 5:30 p.m.

Inspired by the tradition of a New Orleans “Second Line,” Belle’s 100th Birthday Parade, presented by WLKY, will kick off directly after the re-christening and commencement ceremony. Starting at the Belle of Louisville and ending at the Centennial state, enjoy live music from Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Juggernaut Jug Band and the River City Drum Corps as well as fireworks to end the evening.

2. UofL Homecoming on the Waterfront

   Wednesday, Oct. 15th 6-8 p.m.

Join UofL alumni, students and fans for the Homecoming Court at Waterfront Park. Listen to athletes and coaches, then take a cruise with cards on the Belle of Louisville.

3. Steamboat Days in Southern Indiana

   Friday, Oct. 17th- Sunday, Oct. 19th

Head over to Indiana either by car or the Big Four pedestrian bridge Friday through Sunday to continue the festivities, which will feature art, art demonstrations, live music, a parade, and a children’s area. For more information, click

here

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4. Courier Journal Balloon Glow

   Friday, Oct. 17th 7:30-9 p.m.

Come out and see a variety of beautiful, glimmering balloons on the Great Lawn. Speak with pilots, take a ride on a steamboat, and admire the lovely backdrop along the Ohio River. The Courier Journal Balloon Glow is weather dependent.

5. The Belle’s Big Birthday Bash

   Saturday, Oct. 18th 1:30 p.m.

Happy Birthday to the Belle of Louisville! Beginning with the Mark Twain Riverboat Parade, this day-long festival will be featuring boats, narrations by Mark Twain, and a firework show as Louisville toasts to the Belle on her 100th birthday.

Along with the planned events above, there will be something going on at Waterfront Park everyday. Explore the

Century of River Commerce River Industry Display Boats

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, a historic exhibit/tour of 11 towboats, which will be lined up along the river next to Waterfront Park. Enjoy the daily artisan showcase with vendor booths, food and beverages from The Comfy Cow, Brown-Forman, Old 502 Winery, and SweetWater Beer among other local food and beverage providers. Also, don’t miss the Belle’s Bourbon Landing, listening to the calliope, a unique instrument featured on riverboats, and

live music

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from over 45 different artists.  

If you’re interested in watching the races of the Belle of Louisville against some of its rivals, check out the schedule here:

Spirit of Jefferson vs. Spirit of Peoria

Wednesday, Oct. 15th 4:30 p.m.

Spirit of Peoria vs. B

elle of Louisville

Thursday, Oct. 16th 8 p.m.

Spirit of Peoria vs. River Queen

Friday, Oct. 17th 1:30 p.m.

Belle of Louisville vs. Belle of Cincinnati vs. American Queen

Sunday, Oct. 19th 3 p.m.

For more information on the daily events of the Centennial Festival of Riverboats, click

here

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. To buy tickets to the events and/or take a cruise on one of the many featured boats, click

here

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Images courtesy of Steamboat Days and Belle of Louisville Websites.