Forecastle guide | Louisville-area lock bridge | 60+ things to do in May

Dahlia Ghabour, Louisville Courier Journal
·3 min read
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I hope you all took a break after the Kentucky Derby because this weekend is jam-packed with events, announcements and summer fun. Forecastle returns for the first time since 2019 and a Kentucky man just won "American Idol." Even in the wake of dark national news, there are still things to celebrate.

Here's some highlights of good things happening close to home:

There was shade, water-spraying mermaids and ample ways to party or relax at the Party Cove during the second day of Forecastle Festival Saturday, July 13, 2019.
There was shade, water-spraying mermaids and ample ways to party or relax at the Party Cove during the second day of Forecastle Festival Saturday, July 13, 2019.

Your guide to Forecastle — Louisville's longest running outdoor music festival returns this weekend at Waterfront Park. Kirby Adams, as always, has everything you need to know about ticket info, a map, details on the experience and more.

Only planning to go one day? Here's a guide on 12 acts to watch besides Louisville native and Friday headliner Jack Harlow.

Joe Huber's Family Farm and Restaurant has a Love Lock Bridge outside the popular eatery in Starlight, Ind. People can bring a lock or buy one to lock onto the fencing, which overlooks a small lake.
Joe Huber's Family Farm and Restaurant has a Love Lock Bridge outside the popular eatery in Starlight, Ind. People can bring a lock or buy one to lock onto the fencing, which overlooks a small lake.

A Louisville-area lock bridge — You know that famous lock bridge in Paris? Now there's one sort of similar in the Louisville area, at Joe Huber's Family Farm & Restaurant in Borden, Indiana. You and a loved one can "lock in your love and throw away the key" at this fence by a peaceful pond. Columnist Maggie Menderski spent some time at the bridge and even looked up the history for you here.

Noah Thompson a native of Louisa, Kentucky and winner of Season 20 of "American Idol."
Noah Thompson a native of Louisa, Kentucky and winner of Season 20 of "American Idol."

Kentucky singer wins 'American Idol' — Noah Thompson, an unassuming construction worker from Louisa, Kentucky just won Season 20 of "American Idol." As he sang for the "American Idol" crown in the finale along with fellow contestants HunterGirl and Leah Marlene, Thompson showed up for the first time on stage (and only the second time in his life) wearing a suit as he performed "Stay" by Rihanna. Reporter Kirby Adams has more interviews with and about Noah coming soon, too.

Boys and girls compete in the 4-H/FFAYouth Swine Showmanship at the Fairgrounds West Pavillion Thursday at the Kentucky State Fair. August 26, 2021
Boys and girls compete in the 4-H/FFAYouth Swine Showmanship at the Fairgrounds West Pavillion Thursday at the Kentucky State Fair. August 26, 2021

Kentucky State Fair guide — The first details about the 118th Kentucky State Fair are here. The event runs Aug. 18-28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center and will include the popular Texas Roadhouse Concert Series, a new outside family entertainment space, a popular mobile exhibit and early bird ticket pricing for the best deals. You can save like 50% of your ticket cost by buying ahead, so keep that in mind.

Paula Barmore and Anoosh Shariat, the power couple behind Anoosh Bistro and Noosh Nosh.
Paula Barmore and Anoosh Shariat, the power couple behind Anoosh Bistro and Noosh Nosh.

'More than the bottom line' — One of our food freelancers, Lennie Omalza, met up with Anoosh Shariat the other day. He said Anoosh Bistro and Noosh Nosh are still in pandemic mode, with all the business fluctuations that come with it. But they're not discouraged. Shariat, who in the early days of the pandemic opened a soup kitchen for out-of-work restaurant employees, said that "by giving, we get more." Here's more ways he's supporting his staff and community.

May's events calendar — Gege Reed always keeps us up to speed on Louisville events. There's long-standing ones like the Louisville Zoo's butterfly exhibit, the Kentucky Memorial Day Flea Market Spectacular and Norton Commons Food Truck Day. Save this post for later!

And scroll down to see more lists of things you just can't miss this summer.

Thanks for reading, and stay safe, everyone!

Dahlia Ghabour

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Forecastle guide | Louisville-area lock bridge | 60+ things to do