Kathryn Harringtons Society - March 26

By Kathryn Harrington 

Ah, March, when the weather teeters unpredictably between “Time to start thinking about spring,” and “Wait, is that snow again?!” Whether you’re thawing out from winter or just trying to stay warm with a good drink, this month has plenty to offer. I’d wear some layers though, it is Kentucky after all.

First up, the Tailspin Ale Fest will take flight at Bowman Field, turning the historic airport into a playground for craft beer lovers. With 50+ breweries providing 250+ beers, and a special section reserved for brews from our own bluegrass (brew-grass) state, it’s the perfect time to sample everything from the classic to the quirky.

For art aficionados, the Speed Art Museum Ball is always a hit and transforms Louisville’s premier art institution into a luxurious wonderland. Guests don glittering gowns and dapper tuxedos while dining amongst the art, and honestly, the tablescaping is a work of art all on its own.

Over in NuLu, the NuLu Bock Fest & Wurst Fest will brew up excitement with its celebration of everything hoppy, malty and sausage-y. This is the kind of wacky quirky Louisville event that I’m particularly fond of, because it’s got something for everyone. Not a big fan of beer? Got you covered, there’s a wurst competition. Not a fan of beer or sausage? Great, because there’s goat races all day. Don’t like goats? You should reevaluate because goats are precious.

And for those who appreciate fashion with a twist, KMAC Couture proves every year that Louisville’s creative community isn’t afraid to take risks. This event showcases wearable art and designs that push boundaries and turn heads. I’m always flabbergasted by the innovation that I see from these artists, from the choice of fabric to use of mechanical components and creative lighting incorporated into the pieces. It’s definitely not an event to miss! 

I’d like to end this month’s column by remembering a pillar in the photographic community and event scene in Louisville, Bill Wine. Bill was one of the first photographers I met when I started working for the Voice-Tribune, and he was incredibly generous with advice and tips for me during a time when going up to people I didn’t know to ask to take their photo was a terrifying concept. While I learned a great deal from him on how to take a photo, more importantly, I learned from him how to form lasting friendships and make genuine connections with the community members I photograph. As a pretty strong introvert for most of my life, I find that miraculous. I don’t know if he knew it, but Bill did that for me and I’ll always be grateful.