Weekend Plans - All About Boats and Beers

The Belle of Louisville is turning the big 1-0-0 this year and a big celebration is currently going on to commemorate this milestone at the Festival of Riverboats.  So this weekend it's all about the Belle, the river and riverboats.

Sure, there are some other stuff going around town, but they're all small potatoes comparing to this week long celebration.  After all, it's only once in a life time that we celebrate a 100th birthday for a familiar Louisville's favorite.  Daily there will be a wide range of bands playing music at several stages, artisan showcase, food and beverage.  There's also the Belle's Bourbon Landing, an award winning structure/tent (?) that's suppose to be cool to check out.  The celebration started Tuesday but all the major stuff are going on this weekend.

Detailed information are available on their website, but here's the condensed version:

• Dates: Tuesday, 10/14 - Sunday, 10/19
• Time: Fri/Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Louisville Waterfront Park
• Parking:  The lots in the park are free but remember you now have to pay for metered street parking on Saturday, free after 6 p.m.  Free valet parking for your bikes!

River Cruises
Several types of cruises are offered this whole week, check here for a complete list.  You can get tickets online. 

A Century of River Commerce: River Industry Display Boats

Tuesday - Sunday: all day
11 river boats will be parked along the river with hands on activities, a knot tying area, river lore storytellers, dam model, and free tours.  

Courier-Journal Balloon Glow (weather dependent)

Friday, 10/17, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Balloon glows are always pretty, probably prettier against the backdrop of the Ohio River.

The Belle's Big Birthday Bash
Saturday, 10/18
A parade of boats down the Ohio River, narrated by Mark Twain, 1:15 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. Fireworks 9 p.m. - 10 p.m..  

Riverboat Racing
Friday, Spirit of Peoria vs. River Queen @ 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, Belle of Louisville vs. Belle of Cincinnati vs. american Queen @ 3 p.m.

Steamboat Days - Southern Indiana
Friday 10/17 - Sunday 10/19

Walk across the Big Fourth Bridge to  for an extended celebration in Jeffersonville.  There'll be arts, crafts, music, food and also a Kids Fun Zone (Fri/Sat: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) and storytelling. Complete list of events here.

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If the River is not your thing there are three more events that would be interesting to check out:

This was @ Bardstown

Brewfest
Friday, 10/17, 4 - 10 p.m.
Louisville Slugger Field
, 401 East Main Street
, 40202
$5 admission includes a souvenir cup. Designated drivers get free admission. Beer (12oz) and wine (4-5 oz) samples are $1.
A great event for beer lover (so you probably won't find me here).  A lot of beer, wine and a few bourbon vendors will be there for you to sample their goods.  Food from several local restaurants will also be available for purchase.

Glendale, Ky

Glendale Crossing Festival
Saturday, 10/18, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., parade at 10 a.m.
Glendale, KY
If you're not tired of festivals yet from the marathon last week, head south on I-65 to an artsy/antique town of Glendale (around 1 hour S. of Louisville) for a festival that will host around 500 art, craft and food booths.  The town is small but cute mostly lined with antique shops and a very good restaurant, the Whistle Stop.  It should be a huge event and a fun excursion out of town.

Berheim Forest

Berheim ColorFest
Saturday, 10/18, 9 a.m. -5 p.m. & Sunday, 10/19, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
2499 Clermont Rd, Clermont, KY 40110
$5/car, $10/van
For the nature lover, head to Berheim for their festival that includes unique arts and craft vendors, foods, kids friendly activities that revolves around nature, a pumpkin launch, hayride, etc..  You'll also get to see the beautiful fall plants and foliage.