During Mayor Craig Greenberg’s recent press briefing, he announced that the inaugural La Villa Lou Festival will take place on Sunday, Oct. 11, the latest development in the city’s new La Villa Lou initiative designed to celebrate and honor Louisville’s Hispanic community.

With so much happening around the community initiative, led by Louisville Metro Government Office for Immigrant Affairs and Office of Strategic Initiatives, we’re breaking down everything you need to know — and just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month.

La Villa Lou corridor

In June of this year, the mayor announced that the stretch of Preston Highway from south of Interstate 264 to the Outer Loop would be named La Villa Lou. And while the community-selected name is new, the 4.5-mile corridor has long been a hub of Hispanic culture.

La Villa Lou passport challenge

Register and check-in at select restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks along the Preston Corridor to earn points for La Villa Lou-themed prizes, like a tote bag and key chain. Pro tip: You can check-in to the same place once per week.

There are 17 stops on the passport, including Luna's Mexican Rotisserie, Vanely's Flower and Gifts, El Molcajete, and La morena Panadería y tortillería. You can also earn points by snapping a photo with the new La Villa Lou mural.

Join the initiative

Community members can submit ideas for public art celebrating Hispanic culture to be used by professional artists and muralists for murals, utility banners and box wraps + TARC stops.

You can also submit topics for Historical Markers pertaining to Louisville’s Hispanic community. Topics can be about significant people, places, events, and things that have shaped Louisville's history.

And lastly, businesses along south Preston Highway can apply to be part of the passport challenge, as well as submit an application to have a mural painted on their building.

La Villa Lou Festival

The free, family-friendly festival will be held at the Preston Plaza on Outer Loop, 12-9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11. You can expect cultural performances, food, vendors, and more. Plus, applications are open for vendors and performers.

Bonus: Stay updated on all things La Villa Lou, follow the initiative on Instagram.