
July 5th – July 11th
Welcome back to The Louisville Plug.
This week Louisville is stacked with can't-miss summer moments. We've got the Louisville Orchestra bringing yacht rock to the Zoo for ROARchestra, PGA Tour pros teeing off at the ISCO Championship, the JTown Big Pour taking over Gaslight Square, and a free outdoor movie night under the stars at Iroquois.
Most importantly: an intimate, romantic date-night spot that Louisville Bites says you need on your list immediately.
Inside this issue:
🍽️ The Local Rec: An intimate spot with live music and a pork chop worth the trip via @louisvillebites.
⚜️ What's Happening in Lou: ROARchestra at the Zoo, the ISCO Championship, JTown Big Pour, and free movies at Iroquois.
💸 Insider Perks: 55% off a Brazilian wax at KSS LLC, just $28.
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:
Louisville Bites
Your go to scroll for what to order next in the 502. Louisville Bites spotlights crave worthy dishes from local restaurants, pairing mouthwatering photos with the details you actually want: price, location, and exactly what to order. If you’re trying to decide where to eat tonight, or every night, follow Louisville Bites NOW!
Their Rec: Varanese
Why they love it:
"We love Varanese because it’s intimate, romantic, and has wonderful live music”
Her Go-To order:
“The Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Chop.”
“This dish is truly love at first bite. Varanese’s pork chop is phenomenal—perfectly cooked and topped with a smoky apple-bacon chutney that’s bursting with flavor. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after one bite.”

Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork Chop - $28
Appreciate the rec, Louisville Bites 🙌 That pork chop looks unreal. Easily one of the best I’ve seen in the city. Definitely adding it to my list this week… I’ll report back with the verdict!
Be sure to follow louisvillebites on Instagram and let them know if you try out Varanese this week.

⚜️ What’s Happening in Lou?
We curate 4 events worth your time each week.
🗓️ Saturday, July 11th | Gates @ 7pm / Concert @ 8:30pm
📍 Louisville Zoo, Oasis Field
💸 Adult $35 / Kids 3-11 $15 / Under 2 Free (parking included)
The theme is Summer Breeze: Yacht Rock Classics, with beloved conductor Bob Bernhardt leading the orchestra through '70s and '80s gems like Margaritaville, Africa, Escape (The Pina Colada Song), Sailing, and What a Fool Believes. Spread out a blanket on the Oasis Field, and get there early since gates open at 7pm and you can explore select Zoo areas before 8:30pm.
Food, drinks, and adult beverages are available on site, so you can post up and make a full night of it. Heads up: VIP is already sold out and the whole event is expected to follow, so grab tickets before they're gone. Perfect for a family outing, a friends night, or a date under the stars.
🗓️ Thursday, July 9th – Sunday, July 12th | Gates @ 6:45am Thu-Fri / 7:45am Sat-Sun
📍 Hurstbourne Country Club, Hurstbourne Club Ln
💸 GA ticketed (digital only) / Kids 15 & under Free with a ticketed adult / Parking $19.99/day
Pro golf comes to Louisville! Kentucky's annual PGA Tour event returns to Hurstbourne Country Club as an official FedExCup event with a $4 million purse and 300 FedEx Cup points on the line for the winner. It brings PGA Tour pros to a 243 acre championship course for four days of tournament play Thursday through Sunday. It's a rare chance to see this level of golf up close right here in the city.
Two logistics worth flagging before you go. All tickets are digital through Ticketmaster, so your phone is your ticket and screenshots won't work. And there's no on site parking, so plan to park at UofL Shelby Campus for $19.99 a day in advance. Get those sorted ahead of time and you're set.
🗓️ Saturday, July 11th | 4pm – 8pm
📍 Gaslight Pavilion & 3rd Turn Brewing, Jeffersontown
💸 GA $45 advance / $55 day-of / Designated Driver $10 (21+)
Formerly the Jeffersontown Summer Craft Beer Fest, the JTown Big Pour takes over historic Gaslight Square for one of the most relaxed sampling afternoons of the summer. Think beer, bourbon, wine, and spirits tastings from local and national producers, plus food, live entertainment, and plenty of chances to stumble onto a new favorite. GA is $45 in advance and jumps to $55 day of, so booking ahead pays off, and designated drivers get in for just $10.
It's a walkable, easygoing afternoon in one of Louisville's most charming neighborhoods. Grab a group, pace yourself, and enjoy a laid back Saturday of good pours and good company.
🗓️ Saturday, July 11th | Dusk (double feature)
📍 Iroquois Amphitheater, Amphitheater Rd
💸 Free
If you'd rather keep Saturday low key and low cost, this one's for you. The Iroquois Amphitheater is hosting a free outdoor movie night, and July 11th's double feature pairs two rock classics: Almost Famous and This Is Spinal Tap. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and settle in for cinema under the stars at one of the most beautiful outdoor venues in the city.
Completely free, full of charm, and about as easy as a summer night gets. If you love it, the series rolls on July 20th with The Big Lebowski, so you can plan the next one while you're there.

💸 Insider Perks
Exclusive deals only for Louisville Plug readers.
Looking for smooth skin that actually lasts? KSS LLC near Bowman Field is offering expert body wax sessions using gentle honey infused hard wax that leaves skin hydrated and refreshed. Right now you can grab a Brazilian wax for just $28, normally $65, at the link below. Their licensed aestheticians have over a decade of experience and get you in and out with professional results in as little as 15 to 30 minutes.
Quick note: you must be 18+ or have a parent or guardian present, and ID is required.
Kalshi is giving away signed World Cup jerseys daily through July 7. Modrić, Falcao, Varane, and more. Grand prize: Messi's game-worn 800th-goal jersey.
Free to enter. App required. No purchase necessary. 18+, U.S. only (excl. NY & FL)

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— The Louisville Plug