Hello Friday.
March 29 2024
Organizers of the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular weren’t kidding when they named their event a “spectacular.” It’s really the only word to describe the glittering display of pumpkins dotting the trail at Iroquois Park.
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, which celebrates its 9th annual event this year, fills Iroquois Park with 5,000 glowing, hand-carved pumpkins around a changing theme. Previous themes include, "A Hitchhiker's Guide to Magical Places," from 2020 + “The Four Seasons,” in 2019.
The event began in Oxford, Massachusetts in 1988 by a company called Passion for Pumpkins Inc. Passion for Pumpkins also runs spectaculars in Rhode Island + Minnesota in addition to the event in Louisville.
5,000 glowing, hand-carved pumpkins fill Iroquois Park each year. | Photo by @theloutoday
This year’s Jacko Spectaco revolves around a theme everyone has a connection to television, taking guests through TV history via the art of carved pumpkins. We started with the 1950s + worked into the present day, walking past glowing renditions of some networks biggest shows like, “Breaking Bad,” and “The Sopranos.”
Of the 5,000 pumpkins, we’re highlighting 10 that stood out. Go check out the other 4,990 any night of the week up to Halloween night.
Pro tip: buy your ticket in advance. The event regularly sells out, especially on the weekend.
1. Wonder Woman
The contrast in this rendering of the DC superhero is what stuck out to us as especially spectacular. Passion for Pumpkins’ artists have 25+ years of experience carving realistic pumpkins like this one.
Share this story with 3 friends you want to get matching Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular T-shirts with.
Today
- Albert Bichot 5 Course Wine Dinner | Mon., Oct. 18 | 6-9 p.m. | LouVino: Highlands | $85 | Taste your way through wines from Albert Bichot estates in Burgundy, France paired with a French-inspired menu by LouVino Chef Alex Parker. 🍷
Tuesday
- Hocus Pocus: A Spooktacular Event | Tues., Oct. 19 | 6:30-9 p.m. | West Sixth NuLu, 817 E Market St. Suite 101 | $20 | Get spooky + grab a trick or treat bag at the door with prizes to win during the night. 👻
Wednesday
- Chair Yoga | Wed., Oct. 20 | 10-11 a.m. | Waterfront Botanical Gardens | $15 | Stretch in this class geared towards beginners, retirees +, and those with limited mobility and flexibility. 🪑
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
- CRAFT 2021 | Sat., Oct. 23 | 6-10 p.m. | 2nd Street Bridge | $55+ | Dine on pizzas from around the city, drink local beer + dance at this party benefiting cystic fibrosis research.
- MakerPlace Workshop: Halloween Decor Lantern Making | Sat., Oct. 23 | 1 p.m. | Kentucky Science Center | $20 | Design, build, and decorate your own Halloween décor + use it to light the night.
Sunday
- 2021 Hayride on the Hill | Sun., Oct. 24 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | Cherokee Park | Free | Enjoy guided hayrides around the park, live music + a kids’ free-play experience.
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Weather
- 72º | Sunny | 7% chance of rain
Concert
- Signarama on Mellwood Avenue is teasing rapper Jack Harlow’s return to The Ville with a large sign, "No Place Like Home," with smaller text underneath reading, "Five hometown shows. Five iconic venues." Jack’s parents, Brian + Maggie Harlow, are the owners of Signarama Louisville. 👀 (WHAS11)
Drink
- We are in the midst of Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week — running from Oct. 15-24. Elijah Craig is distilled locally at Heaven Hill’s Bernheim Distillery at 17th + Breckinridge Streets. You can plot your celebratory Old Fashioned using this interactive map. We recommend Shop Bar. 🥃
Film
- “Freeland,” a movie produced by Louisvillians Gill Holland + Stu Pollard, is screening at the Speed Art Museum on Fri., Oct. 22 + Sat., Oct. 23. The film follows the story of Californian farmer Devi, who struggles to maintain her business when cannabis is legalized.
Arts
- Louisville Author James Markert’s latest book, “The Strange Case of Isaac Crawley,” will be available in print, audio + eBook on Tues., Oct. 26. The story follows Isaac Crawley, who becomes ensnared in the Jack the Ripper case and gets locked in an asylum for his protection. Get your copy locally at Carmichael’s. 📖
Asked
- We’re working on an upcoming newsletter about local podcasts + we want to know your favorite podcast in town and why. Email us your suggestions here.
Answered
- Last week, reader Jamey V. wrote to us seeking the perfect Italian sub in town + we now have our answer. According to reader Julia B., the most coveted Italian sandwich is found at Garden Gate Fruit Market at 4411 Breckenridge Ln. 🥪
Cause
- The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana will award $150,000 to Floyd County Parks and Recreation + the Jeffersonville Township Public Library as part of a program to enhance public spaces. Both grant recipients will use the funds to construct new, accessible parks for people with disabilities. (WFPL)
Feel Good
- Edie, a 2-year-old golden retriever, is the newest dog to join Norton Women's and Children's Hospital’s Heel Dog Heal program. She now has the potential to reach 14,000 children a year who visit the hospital. Edie’s addition to the team is thanks to a $68,000 gift from Northwestern Mutual. 🐕 (WLKY)
The 3rd annual HalloQueen Fest is kicking off this week on Thurs., Oct 23 + Fri., Oct. 24. It is Kentucky’s only all-LGBTQ+ Halloween festival.
This year, the festival lineup will include a new street fair with 150+ vendors, trick-or-treating, a monster jam party + spooky shows.
HalloQueen Fest was founded by Louisvillian Adam Miller in partnership with the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation + St. Andrews Episcopal Church in 2019.
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