September 6th – September 12th
Welcome back to The Louisville Plug.
This week the city goes big before fall settles in. We've got Kentucky's largest free Pride festival taking over Bardstown Road, 150+ artists on the Big Four Bridge Lawn, Thomas Rhett at the Yum! Center, and Oktoberfest returning to the German American Club.
Most importantly: a family owned wine bar on Frankfort Ave that Kaitlyn Shive has been obsessed with since October.
Inside this issue:
🍷 The Local Rec: A boutique wine bar on Frankfort Ave worth every visit.
⚜️ What's Happening in Lou: The Louisville Pride Festival, the Big Four Arts Festival, Thomas Rhett, and German American Club Oktoberfest.
💸 Insider Perks: 15% off for life on a caffeine free energy drink with no crash.
Okay, now let's get into this week. 👇
🍷 The Local Rec
A Louisville local’s food rec, every week.
This week’s rec comes from:
Kaitlyn Shive @ kshive
Kaitlyn Shive is a Louisville based content creator, Emmy nominated producer, and award winning reporter who has built a following by documenting the city's best finds one post at a time. Between market hauls, city guides, and lifestyle content across Instagram and TikTok, she has a sharp eye for what's actually worth your time versus what just looks good on paper. When someone with a journalism background and a genuine love for this city points you toward a spot, that's not just a rec. That's a vetted opinion. This week's is no exception.
Their Rec: The Wine Room by JBell Wine Co.
Why they love it:
“Not only is it great wine, but the food?! It’s delicious. It’s a family-owned boutique wine bar and tasting room that’s only been open for about a year.”
“I went for the first time in October and have been obsessed ever since. The inside is cozy, but it also has a super cute patio that is perfect for the summer.”
“I really love this spot because it’s a small business, the owners are super sweet, the food has been a hit every time and it’s just a fun spot to bring your girlfriends and have a nice relaxing night out.”
The go-to order:
“There is only one chef, Chef Chris, and he changes the menu often, so it’s a new experience every time you go, which I love. They typically serve tapas style but also have weekly chef specials.”
“I would have to say my favorite dishes that I have tried so far would be butternut squash arancini, polenta with grilled shrimp, polenta fries and bolognese crostini.”
Be sure to follow Kaitlyn on Instagram and TikTok and let her know if you make it out to The Wine Room this week. If Chef Chris happens to have the butternut squash arancini on the menu when you go, do not think twice about it.
⚜️ What’s Happening in Lou?
We curate 4 events worth your time each week.
🗓️ Saturday, September 12th | 11am – 11pm
📍 Bardstown Road at Grinstead Drive, The Highlands
💸 Free
Kentucky's largest free Pride festival takes over Bardstown Road for a full day and night. Last year drew more than 20,000 people, and this year builds on it with two stages featuring Grammy winning acts, drag artists, and guest DJs, plus a Dance Dome, Family Zone, and Wellness Zone. Over 100 vendor booths line the street with Louisville arts, crafts, businesses, nonprofits, and service providers, with local food and drink throughout.
Free to attend and open to all ages and identities. The Highlands is also home to Chill Bar and Big Bar, both of which stay open late once the festival wraps, so the night doesn't have to end at 11.
🗓️ Saturday, September 12th 10am – 7pm / Sunday, September 13th 10am – 5pm
📍 Big Four Bridge Lawn at Waterfront Park
💸 $5, sold only at the festival entrance
Four acres of tree lined walks overlooking the Ohio River, more than 150 juried artists, and 20,000 people. The Big Four Arts Festival hits its 10th year with paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, and fine crafts on display, plus live music and hands on art activities throughout the weekend. Sunshine Artist magazine named it a Top 200 show, and Louisville's Convention & Visitors Bureau gave it the Rose Award for what it brings to the city.
One important note: tickets are sold only at the entrance. No third parties or resellers have them beforehand, so if someone claims to have extras, that's a scam. Bring $5 and buy at the gate.
🗓️ Friday, September 11th – Saturday, September 12th | Starts 2pm both days, dinner @ 5pm
📍 German American Club, Trumps Mill Rd
💸 $10 for 21 and older
Prost! The German American Club's biggest event of the year runs two full days with a German dinner starting at 5pm, a king and queen contest, and polka music going all afternoon and evening. Ten dollars gets you in if you're 21 or older, and it's family friendly throughout.
If you made it out to Maifest back in May, this is the fall follow up and it's the more traditional of the two. Bring your appetite and your tracht if you've got it.
🗓️ Thursday, September 10th @ 7:30pm
📍 KFC Yum! Center
💸 Ticketed
Diamond certified superstar Thomas Rhett brings his live show to the Yum! Center with the big, good time energy he's built his reputation on. Rising star Vincent Mason joins him and Emily Ann Roberts opens the night. VIP packages are available with premium seating, a guided backstage tour, VIP lounge access, and exclusive merch if you want the full experience.
Before you go, know the bag rules. Nothing larger than 14" x 14" x 6" gets in, all bags are searched, and backpacks of any kind are prohibited, including drawstring, computer, and camera bags.
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— The Louisville Plug