Top 5 Fall Activities in Louisville

Sweater weather, cardigan climate, or whatever you want to call it — fall is here! While the fall weather can be unpredictable, we can always count on fun activities to do every year in Louisville, Kentucky. Our downtown location is in the middle of the action with fall activities nearby campus.

Let’s spice up your routine and delve into the top five activities to do in Louisville!

Every year – First weekend of October

Everyone loves a good art fair but, we are really drawn to the St. James Court Art Show. Originating in 1957 as a means for generating funds for fountain repairs, the St. James Court Art Show has become a family-favorite Louisville event, uniquely blending art with its historic residential setting. Spalding University is a convenient parking spot for visitors, and this year, Zeta Phi Beta is hosting a parking fundraiser.

Howard Rosenberg, Executive Director of St. James Court Art Show says:

“The St. James Court Art Show stands out as a unique experience, with a diverse array of art showcased amidst the historic Victorian homes. This event illuminates and transforms the Old Louisville district into a stunning three-day art extravaganza.”

The best advice from past St. James Court Art Show attendees: come with an open mind and experience the entire event, keep a look out for the performers (they’re artists too!) and embrace the setting by appreciating the venue of the art show and surrounding sculptures.

• Visit the St. James Court Art Show Volunteer page
• Learn more on their Visitors page

Every October

Let’s give ‘em pumpkin to talk about! The Jack O’Lantern Spectacular is a glowing magical experience, a must-see attraction in Louisville! Starting in Massachusetts as a kids’ fundraiser in 1988, it has grown to include high schoolers and turned into Passion for Pumpkins. In 2013, it became what Louisville knows as the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular. Every year, over 5,000 pumpkins illuminate Iroquois park. This event is the largest annual fundraiser and raises money to invest in over 100 Louisville metroparks.

Morgan Reining, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Parks Alliance of Louisville says:

“The most exciting moments I’ve witnessed at the JOLS are surprise wedding proposals! I thoroughly enjoy attending every year with my family and friends; it’s become a cherished Louisville fall tradition.”

Among Louisville’s favorite pumpkins have been those of Jack Harlow and pop culture references, such as characters from Stranger Things. The Jack O’Lantern Spectacular is a unique expression of art that has become a tradition for many families over the years.

• Volunteers can enjoy the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular for free! Those who volunteer both Friday and Saturday nights will be given a voucher for items (JOLS hat or T-shirt) from the merch tent
• Learn more about the JOLS on their FAQ page

End of Sept. through Oct.

Founded in Louisville in 1994, the Danger Run is known as “The most fun you’ll have in your car.” It is a fun Halloween scavenger hunt that leads participants through a car scavenger hunt to different haunted locations.

The idea of the Danger Run began in the 1970s with the introduction of the Ghost Run. Since then, the Danger Run itself has inspired movies such as Midnight Madness and The Game.

Michael Book, Founder of Danger Run says:

“The Danger Run is one of the most unique fall activities to do in Louisville! I’ve seen people drive all the way from Washington to participate in a driving game. A generational activity that young kids and grandparents can participate in!”

People enjoying the Danger Run are given a set of clues in their cars that will take them to two haunted houses on their route. The run will take you through a personalized maze of streets that you never knew existed. People can also opt for harder clues and incorporate their car mileage for a challenge and a chance to compete against others.

If you want to participate in the Danger Run, go to Dangerrun.com. You can enjoy this experience in Louisville, or even start right in your own driveway. All you need is your car and a mobile device to have this fun experience!

End of Sept. through Oct.

There are weird things over at Waverly Sanatorium! Bought by Major Thomas H. Hays in 1883 initially serving as a school for his daughters, Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, KY is now one of the most haunted places in the United States.

The land of Waverly Hills Sanatorium was bought from Hays in 1910 when the tuberculosis outbreak started and was eventually converted into a 5-story hospital that housed exclusively tuberculosis patients. Louisville had a particularly bad outbreak of tuberculosis due to its location on the Ohio River providing the humid climate where the tuberculosis bacteria could grow and spread. Thousands of people died during their stay at the sanatorium. There was a long hallway called the “body chute” that nurses and doctors would use to transport deceased patients out of the sanatorium away from the view of other patients to keep their hopes up. At one point, this sanatorium was basically self-contained to try and prevent the spread of tuberculosis with staff and their families living on site and even having their own post office and butcher shops. Once a vaccine for tuberculosis was developed, the numbers went down enough that Waverly Hills Sanatorium was no longer needed and closed in 1961.

Since then, people have told many haunting stories of their experiences in the old sanatorium. Among those stories are the sounds of footsteps, slamming doors, and even the sights of apparitions. Famously is Room 502 where it is said several nurses took their lives and their souls remain. Whether these stories are true or not, you will have to go and find out for yourself.

Beginning September 29th, Waverly Hills is hosting their annual haunted house every Friday and Saturday. In addition to the haunted house, Waverly Hills offers historical and paranormal tours as well as public and private investigations.

Every October

Has anyone ever thought of a Halloween Street? Introducing Halloween on Hillcrest! Along the street of Hillcrest Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky– stroll by the magic that is “Halloween on Hillcrest.” The street comes to life with Halloween decorations and house art. There are over 3,000 children that visit the street for trick-or-treating and an estimation of 75,000+ visitors. This place is great for adults, children, and families and has been a local tradition for Louisville natives since the 80’s. The decorations are must-see. The decorations not only cover the front of the yard but back of the yard as well. Everyone will be dressed for Halloween in unique costumes.

And that’s a wrap on our top five fall activities! We can learn so much about our city with these unique and fun events. From the dazzling Jack O’Lantern Spectacular to the more haunted tour of Waverly Hills, there is something for everyone. Grab your friends and mark your calendars for these events!