JCPS fall break wraps Friday, October 2. If you still want one more easy outing before backpacks come back out, Louisville still has free library programs in the morning, a free art show through Sunday, a low cost ballpark night, and a pay what you can Sunday at the Speed. Put Free LEGO at Barnes and Noble on the calendar for October 9 to 11 while you plan the last break days.

JCPS Insider checked organizer and library listings as of September 26, 2026. Confirm details on the linked pages before you leave home. Schedules change and some programs fill.

Free admission still is not a free outing if you buy snacks, souvenirs, or park far from home. Pick one neighborhood and do not try to do Fairdale, Old Louisville, and Slugger Field in the same day.

For the broader calendar, see JCPS Insider’s Dates and Deadlines page and the This Month activities guide. More seasonal ideas live in the Louisville Fall Festivals 2026 guide.

Free LEGO at Barnes and Noble: October 9 to 11

Select Barnes and Noble stores are hosting a Free LEGO Halloween mini build from Friday, October 9, through Sunday, October 11, 2026. National listings describe a free in store build, with costumes optional. Kits are limited. Some listings aim the activity at ages 10 and up, though all ages may be welcome depending on the store.

Louisville store times were still not locked on public listings as of September 26, 2026. Call your store and ask which day they host Free LEGO, what time it starts, whether you need a reservation, and whether kits are still available. Louisville’s Shops at Paddock is at 4330 Summit Plaza Drive; call 502 665 8087. The Shoppes at Plainview is at 801 South Hurstbourne Parkway; call 502 426 0255. Find other store pages through the Barnes and Noble store locator.

Friday morning for little kids

Two free LFPL programs run at the same time, so choose by side of town.

Little Yogis is Friday, October 2, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Fairdale Library, 10620 West Manslick Road. Free. Ages 0 to 5.

Imagination Station Restaurant is the same hour, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Newburg Library, 4800 Exeter Avenue. Free. Newburg lists ages 2 to 6.

If you are already on Dixie Highway later, stay west for the afternoon tasting below. If you are closer to Newburg, do Imagination Station and save the art show for Saturday or Sunday.

Friday afternoon: apples in the southwest

Apple Tasting runs Friday from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Southwest Regional Library, 9725 Dixie Highway. Free. Ages 0 to 12. Call Southwest at 502 933 0029 if you want to confirm seats.

St. James keeps going through Sunday

The St. James Court Art Show continues Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Old Louisville near 1402 St. James Court.

Admission is free for all ages, rain or shine. Pets are not allowed; service animals only. Treat it as a stroll. Food and purchases are separate. Old Louisville parking fills on peak hours, so arrive earlier than you think or plan a short walk from a side street.

Friday night under $10 at Slugger Field

The Bats Fall Festival runs Friday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field downtown.

Tickets are $7.50 for ages 3 and up. Children under 2 get in free. The Bats say parking is free in the main lot at Main Street and Jackson Street. The evening is listed for all ages, with trick or treating, games, pumpkin decorating, face painting, live music, a Spooky Zone, a costume contest, and a screening of Casper after the contest.

Bring costumes if your kids want to enter. Clear bag rules still apply at the ballpark. Buy tickets ahead if you can; the box office is also open that night.

Sunday reset: pay what you can at the Speed

The Speed Art Museum, 2035 South Third Street, lists Sunday hours from noon to 5 p.m. As of September 26, 2026, the museum’s visit page still describes Sunday as pay what you can general admission. Bring kids under 12 with an adult. Special programs and cinema can cost extra, so check the visit page before you go.

Skip trying to do Speed and St. James at rush hour.

Monday bridge back to school week

If you want one easy after break touchpoint on Monday, October 5, LFPL still has free early week programs.

Family Storytime is Monday from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Parkland Library, 2743 Virginia Avenue. Free. Ages 0 to 8.

Switch It Up: Family Game Night is Monday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Parkland Library, 2743 Virginia Avenue. Free. Ages 4 to 18.

Combined Storytime is Monday from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. at Bon Air Library, 2816 Del Rio Place. Free. Ages 0 to 6.

Use Monday only if it helps the first school night feel calmer. Otherwise protect bedtime.

Before Friday wraps, pick one Friday plan and one Sunday plan, then call Barnes and Noble about Free LEGO for October 9 to 11 so you are not guessing the following weekend. Open the ticket link for Slugger Field now if that is your night, set a leave by time that matches your drive, and pack water, snacks, and a clear bag for the ballpark.