Earth Day Celebration
April 16. All day.
Free with admission
Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, Ky. 40213
There’s no better way to celebrate Earth Day than to spend it with animals. Many of the animal keepers will be lecturing to guests throughout the zoo. A number of other local environmental organizations will be set up to educate and interact with the public. The warm forecast for Saturday will make a perfect zoo day. Not convinced? Admission prices will be cut to $8.25 per person, which is nearly half off. There will also be free parking. Enough said.
Gonzo Fest
April 16 at 1p.m.
$20
Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park
129 River Rd., Louisville, Ky. 40202
This festival celebrates the life and works of former Louisville-born journalist and author, Hunter S. Thompson. Thompson pioneered the gonzo style of journalism, which is written from the author’s perspective. He also wrote many books now considered classics, such as “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” The festival will include spoken word performances to honor Thompson’s literature, and libations to honor his unique persona. Even for those who aren’t fans of Thompson’s writing, there will be food and music from area bands, including Fly Golden Eagle, Wax Fang, the Quiet Hollers and more. This is the perfect event for anyone who is a little weird and wants to embrace that weirdness.
Jen Foster
April 15 at 8p.m.
$10
Headliners Music Hall
1386 Lexington Rd., Louisville, Ky. 40206
Jen Foster is a great artist for a fan of many different music genres to see. Her music contains elements from the rock, R&B and country, with raspy tones and steady guitar melodies. She shows heavy influence of Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones, and would appeal to most of their fans.
Louisville Bats vs Toledo Mud Hens
April 15 at 7:05 p.m.
Prices vary
Louisville Slugger Field
401 E Main St., Louisville, Ky. 40202
The Louisville Bats games are a staple experience of all Louisville residents, so make your way to the field for the first home weekend game. You may have seen that the Bats changed their logo and colors, so it’s clear to see that they’re looking to revive the program. Louisville Slugger Field also has a great selection of food and treats, accompanied by priceless views of downtown and the river. The weather forecast will be perfect for baseball and tickets are typically cheap for some decent views of the action, so there are plenty of reasons to go.
Romeo and Juliet
Dates and times vary
Free
Locations vary
Kentucky Shakespeare is presenting a tour at different Louisville parks, including rainout locations at every stop. This weekend, head out to Bicentennial Park on Friday, Emerson Park or Hounz Lake Park on Saturday, or Broad Run Park or Locust Grove on Sunday. Going to see the show doesn’t require being a Shakespeare enthusiast; Romeo and Juliet is an easier play to understand. This would be a great alternative to going to a movie theater. The play will certainly keep older kids engaged. There will also be refreshments available for sale. Don’t forget to bring a chair.
The Smashing Pumpkins
April 15 at 8p.m.
Prices vary
Louisville Palace Theater
625 S 4th St., Louisville, Ky. 40202
Reminiscing on the 1990s grunge days doesn’t require being around at that time. See the Smashing Pumpkins live, playing songs from their 20-year discography, including the alternative hits “1979” and “Tonight, Tonight.” This tour is highly coveted by alternative fans everywhere, and this is the chance to see it and celebrate the legacy of the pivotal band.
Speed Cinema Presents: River of Grass
April 15 at 7p.m.
$7 for Speed Members, $9 for nonmembers
Speed Art Museum
2035 South Third St., Louisville, Ky. 40208
Along with the other renovations, the recently reopened Speed Art Museum revamped its theater and is now offering more film screenings to put itself on the map for cinema. “River of Grass” is a dark comedy about an adolescent criminal with a rocky background. The film is expected to be witty enough to hold the audience’s attention. Be prepared to laugh and sympathize at the same time. Come early and look around at the art; Manual students get free admission to the museum.
