Kathryn Harrington
Well folks, I don’t know about you, but I am certainly ready for spring. As winter reluctantly loosens its frosty grip on Louisville, March is stirring to life like a bear emerging from hibernation. Our dear city is in the beginning stages of transforming into a vibrant carnival, where mismatched weather patterns and enthusiastic event planners collide in a delightful and mad dance of unpredictability. One moment you’re basking in the sun at an outdoor festival, and the next you’re dodging raindrops at an indoor art show, all while trying to navigate the delicate balance of spring fashion—floral or fleece, anyone?
Let’s kick things off right with one of my favorite holidays of the year, St. Patrick’s Day! As a former Irish dancer and current Celtic fiddler, this holiday always puts a pep in my step. Thankfully, Louisville certainly knows how to celebrate accordingly. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Bardstown Road in the Highlands is absolutely the pot of gold for anyone wanting to celebrate the Emerald Isle and its patron saint. If you’ve never been, I’ll paint you a picture: a colorful procession of floats, bagpipers, glittering leprechauns, Irish dancers, and more making their way down the street in a display of festive flair. As you stand there, dodging flying beads and possibly an occasional rogue potato, you can’t help but laugh at the sea of mismatched green outfits—because nothing says “Irish pride” quite like a neon-green tutu layered over cargo shorts. It’s an absolute blast.
While we’re still on the subject of all things Irish, I have to recommend a good Irish jam session. If you play an instrument and are interested in Celtic music, I suggest checking out the Irish Jam with Jannell Canerday at Hadley Pottery on March 15 at 1 p.m. Even if you don’t know much about traditional Irish music, I guarantee you’ll pick up a few new riffs and maybe even learn a couple of tunes!
OK, it’s time for the glamour, y’all. March is also the time of year, after the frost melts and we all come out of our hovels, when our belovedballs, galas, and dinners really get back into full swing. I guarantee it will be tough to choose what to attend. All of the galas we have lined up for this month benefit incredible organizations, so I’ll give you a mere few of my personal favorites that are all listed on our online calendar. I highly recommend the Tyler Gerth Art Gala on March 8th benefiting the Building Equal Bridges Foundation, the Beacon Ball on March 15 benefiting Harbor House Louisville, the Louisville Visual Arts Honors Gala on March 21 benefiting LVA, and the Fairness Dinner on March 22 benefiting the Fairness Campaign. Trust me, I know, they are all amazing!
Now we can’t possibly forget the pre-Derby March events that will get you prepped for the absolute madness that is the entire month ofApril up until the big day on May 3. First up is the annual Fillies Derby Ball “A Toast to the Regency Era” on March 22. If I know one thing for sure about the Regency Era, it’s that the fashion was FANTASTIC. It’s a grand opportunity to find yourself some stylish Regency Era duds and witness the presentation of the Queen’s Coronation while preparing to dance all night to the Juice Box Heroes at the after-party. Up next is the always-popular Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show on March 23. If you haven’t quite gathered up that picture-perfect vision of your Derby season attire, this event is the place to be! This runway show features the latest couture designs for women and men from the Featured Milliners at the Kentucky Derby Museum.
As the month winds down, anticipation grows for the full-fledged Kentucky Derby season, where every hat transforms into a statement piece and mint juleps become a food group. So, whether you’re out painting the town in festive green, dining in elegance at one of our city’s many galas, or simply trying to keep your umbrella handy, Derby City in March promises a whirlwind of events that scream spring has sprung. Embrace the chaos, dear friends; spring is coming, and it’s bound to be a wild ride.
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