⚾ Bucket list alert: I made it to the College World Series to cheer on both Louisville and my alma mater, Murray State. The energy? Off the charts.

Both squads showed up and gave their fans something to be proud of. And yes, I swung by Rocco’s for the Jello Shot Challenge—absolute madness (read more).

While in Omaha, I also had a chance to chat with UL’s new President, Dr. Gerry Bradley. Thoughtful, sharp, and already making moves—it was a great convo about what’s ahead for the university (and yes—he asked me about AI).

🍪 Did you know Saturday is National Cookie Dough Day? I didn’t either—until my network lit up with local favorites. Tell me yours in the poll below. I may try Penny & Pearl this weekend when I stop by the St Matt’s Summer Fest.

Hot job 💼: Chief Marketing Officer at Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers ($200K+ base, $300K+ total). 7+ yrs managing multimillion-dollar omnichannel budgets. Lead team hiring, campaign execution, and AI-powered analytics.

Shout-out 📣: Stacey Wade and Dr. Dawn Wade of Nimbus were named winners of the 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year East Central Award! Their bold creativity and Louisville-rooted vision are getting the national spotlight they deserve. Read full press release.

Birthday Cheers 🎉: Happy birthday to my friend Sydney Doctor—outdoor lover, accomplished swimmer, and all-around fun gal. She’s also a sharp corporate operator with 13+ years in partnerships and events.

-Todd

🀄 Move Over Book Club—Mahjong Is Taking Over

It’s strategy meets style, with game nights that go way beyond grandma’s table.

What started as neighborly hangouts and mom-friend meetups turned into something bigger when Tina Massey introduced the group to mahjong. Amy Barras, Jen Hartley, Kelsey Gerughty, and Tina quickly fell in love with the game’s strategy, pace, and charm—and The Mint Julep Mahjong Social League was born. It's a playful, stylish side hustle rooted in community and connection.

The league hosts curated pop-up events across Louisville, giving beginner+ players a chance to meet, mingle, and match tiles in a fun, social setting. These events are more than just game nights—they’re little escapes filled with cute accessories, friendly competition, and a welcoming vibe. Whether you're semi-seasoned or just catching on to the craze, there's a seat for you at the table.

Their goal? Grow the local mahjong scene and keep it fun, approachable, and just the right amount of competitive. The community is building fast—follow along to join in.

🎉 Next Event: Let’s Get “Crak”ing

• 🗓️ Date: Wednesday, June 26

• 📍 Location: Common Ground

• 🀄 Format: Open play (Beginner+ level)

• 🎯 Note: Not an instructional event

• 🍸 Audience: Adults only, 21+

• 🔗 RSVP Here

Bring your tiles, grab a drink, and get ready to play!

🗓️ Presented by: ISCO Championship

Want to catch world-class golf without leaving the city? The ISCO Championship brings PGA TOUR action to Hurstbourne Country Club July 10–13, with four days of elite competition, Southern hospitality, and that laid-back Louisville vibe.

It’s the kind of summer weekend that works for hardcore golf fans and casual spectators alike. Think perfectly manicured greens, cold drinks, and front-row views of the pros—all without hopping on a plane. Kids 15 and under get in free with a ticketed adult, making it a solid pick for families too. 🎟️ Get Tickets

🤫 Confess & Tell

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🏢 Louisville Spark Job Board

Who’s hiring in Louisville? 5 Trending jobs

Transformation Program Manager at ADI Global Distribution ($121K–$212K). 5+ yrs program/project management with 3+ yrs focused on transformation initiatives (e.g., M&A integration). PMP or Agile certification a plus.

Product Manager – Total Ankle at Zimmer Biomet ($125K–$135K). 4+ yrs in medical device sales/marketing. Lead product launches, field marketing, trade-show coordination, and forecasting for ankle portfolio.

Surgery Center Administrator at Virtus Healthcare Staffing ($110K–$130K). ASC leadership with experience in surgical workflow, compliance, budgeting, vendor contracts, and team management. Bachelor's required; Master's preferred.

Construction Sales Representative at Erie Home ($125K–$250K OTE). No prior sales experience required; paid training provided. Full-time role selling residential roofing with uncapped commission and $3K sign-on.

Tunnel Practice Lead at HDR ($117K–$241K). Mid-senior role managing tunnel engineering teams, modeling, client relationships, and project execution. Travel required and multidisciplinary oversight expected.

Presented by: St. Matthew’s Summer Fest

The St. Matthews Summer Fest returns with its signature mix of live music, cold drinks, and community cheer—right in the heart of one of Louisville’s most charming neighborhoods. Expect a block-party atmosphere with food trucks, local vendors, a kids’ zone, and plenty of shaded space to kick back and soak it all in.

With a music lineup featuring both regional acts and local favorites, this all-ages event is perfect for families by day and friends’ night out after dark. Bring your lawn chairs, grab a bite, and enjoy a classic summer night under the lights.

• 🗓 Date: Saturday, June 29, 2025 | 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• 📍 Location: Frankfort Avenue & St. Matthews Ave (near Triangle Park)
• 🎶 Music: DJ & live bands throughout the evening
• 🍔 Food + Drinks: Food trucks, local breweries, and cocktail stations
• 💵 Cost: Free to attend

🎟️ More Info + Event Updates

📆 What’s Sparking This Weekend

We found the fun—so you don’t have to.

🎟️ Featured event

🏕️ Great American Campout

🎉 Friday – June 20

🎤 An Evening with Patrick Hinds: Laughs, Drinks, & Drama
Friday, June 20 | 7:30 PM @ Kentucky Science Center
Beloved podcast host Patrick Hinds brings stories from Broadway and beyond—complete with cocktails, laughs, and backstage gossip. A one-night-only show packed with personality and punchlines.

🎬 An Evening with John Cusack + Grosse Pointe Blank
Friday, June 20 | 7:30 PM @ The Louisville Palace
Watch the cult classic on the big screen followed by a live Q&A with star John Cusack. A can’t-miss night for ‘80s and ‘90s movie lovers.

🎻 LouGrass Sessions: Whiskey Bent Valley Boys
Friday, June 20 | 7:00 PM–10:00 PM @ ReSurfaced: The Liberty
Get your boots tapping at this free outdoor concert featuring local bluegrass favorites. Bring a chair, sip a local brew, and enjoy some homegrown twang.

🌟 Saturday – June 21

🌈 Kentuckiana Pride Festival & Parade
Saturday, June 21 | All Day @ Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park
A vibrant celebration of inclusivity and joy with music, drag performances, vendors, and a dedicated Family Zone. The parade kicks off the day in high spirits!

🛍️ Paristown Flea Market
Saturday, June 21 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM @ Christy’s Garden (Paristown)
Browse vintage finds, local art, handmade goods, and more at this monthly market. Free to attend and full of local flavor.

🎡 Summer Family Fun Fest & Kid-Owned Business Expo
Saturday, June 21 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM @ CityPlace Expo Center (La Grange)
Enjoy carnival games, face painting, a petting zoo, and shop booths run entirely by young entrepreneurs. A perfect outing for families and future CEOs.

🎭 Sunday – June 22

🩰 Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Sunday, June 22 | 7:00 PM @ Brown Theatre at The Kentucky Center
A hilarious, high-skill ballet performance by an all-male cast putting a playful spin on classic routines. Equal parts grace and comedy—it’s ballet like you’ve never seen.

🔥 Whiskey & Fire 2025
Sunday, June 22 | 5:00 PM–9:00 PM @ Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
A fiery fusion of bourbon tastings, grilled bites, and outdoor vibes. Sip, savor, and stroll through the gardens with your crew.

🎭 Play Reading: Safe by Georgia Douglas Johnson
Sunday, June 22 | 2:00 PM @ The Henry Clay Theatre
Part of the Juneteenth Jubilee, this intimate reading of a powerful one-act drama explores themes of motherhood, justice, and fear in the early 20th century South.

⚡️ Final Sip

Last week’s poll results: Most Overrated Louisville Food

• Hot Brown - 40%

• Derby Pie - 0%

• Benedictine - 20%

• Modjeska - 20%

• Bourbon Balls - 0%

🥃 Final Sip

This weekend, I’m soaking up some sunshine with the kids and getting in a little golf—but all the recent rain convinced me to grab the Topgolf Summer Fun Pass. For $250, you get unlimited play for you and five friends, plus 10% off food and drinks—weekdays until 5PM, weekends until noon. It’s a solid deal for early summer hangs, work breaks, or hosting out-of-towners.

-Todd