LED BY THE AUTHOR · BASED ON THE BESTSELLING TRUE CRIME BOOK
Glitter Ball City: A Louisville True Crime Walking Tour
Louisville’s only true crime walking tour led by the author behind an HBO Original, this extensive walk through Old Louisville is guided in person by bestselling writer David Dominé. Learn more about the real people and places surrounding the ghastly murder uncovered inside a crumbling Fourth Street mansion in 2010 and the subsequent trials that gripped the city, the story that would inspire the HBO original: Murder in Glitterball City.
The route takes you through the quirky neighborhood at the heart of David’s 2021 true-crime memoir A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City and the star of the docuseries. Along the way, he shares the behind-the-scenes stories of researching the case, writing the book, and watching a deeply personal project make the leap from page to screen.
4.7
· 1,402 TripAdvisor reviews
$90
per person
2.5 – 3 hrs
author-led tour
12 guests
strict cap
Capped at 12 guests · Friday through Sunday · Tours sell out
AN AMAZON’S EDITORS’ PICK · AS SEEN IN MAJOR MEDIA WORLDWIDE
Louisville True Crime Walking Tour
A Louisville True Crime Tour Through the Streets at the Heart of Glitter Ball City
Old Louisville is home to one of the city’s most talked-about true crime sagas in recent decades. In 2021, local author David Dominé published A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City, his account of the murder of Jamie Carroll inside a crumbling Fourth Street mansion, a house David himself had nearly purchased. The bestseller inspired HBO’s acclaimed docuseries Murder in Glitterball City, and the case has been featured on The First 48, Snapped: Killer Couples, and other national programs. The New York Times called the book “part true-crime mystery, part portrait of Louisville.”
Guided exclusively by David Dominé, this Louisville true crime walking tour takes you to the real locations behind the story. Stroll past the gaslamps of St. James Court, into Olmsted-designed Central Park, past the Witches’ Tree, and up to the red-brick mansion at the center of the case. Limited to just 12 guests, the tour offers an insider’s look at the trials of Joey Banis and Jeffrey Mundt, plus details that never made it to the page or screen.
What's Included on the Glitter Ball City Tour
Six of the most iconic things on the 2.5 – 3 hrs tour.
Glitterball Souvenirs
Get your glitter on
The Witches' Tree
Where the character Candy held court
Signed Copy of the Book
Personalized by the author
Signature Cocktail
Drink your glitter with our signature cocktail
Richard Robinson House
See where the murder happened
Sampling of Local Sweets
As mentioned in the book
What Guests Say About Our Glitter Ball City Tours
5.0
“Such a great time! The 3 hours flew by with all the super interesting stories. David did an excellent job of keeping all of us captivated and he has great energy and knowledge. It was really a blast and I strongly recommend this tour.”
Ashley R., April 2026
Trip Advisor
5.0
“Such a crazy but interesting story. And speaking with David (the author of “A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City”) was a treat.”
Shelby M.,
Aug. 2025
Trip Advisor
5.0
“A chilly, drizzly evening in November, a perfect backdrop for a murder tour. David; our tour guide and author of the book was energetic, fun and full of stories of old Louisville.”
Marsha P., Nov. 2023
Trip Advisor
Why Book a Guided Walking Tour
A side-by-side breakdown of why a structured, author-led guided walk makes all the difference versus exploring alone.
| Feature & Details | 🏅 Glitter Ball City Tour | Self-Guided Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Guide Experience |
✓
The author, David Dominé, in person.
|
×
None.
|
| Stories & Lore |
✓
Off-the-page details and neighborhood lore.
|
×
Only what made the final edit of the book and documentary.
|
| Access |
✓
A peek inside a residence such as the Conrad-Caldwell House
|
×
Exteriors only, from the public sidewalk.
|
| What You Take Home |
✓
Author-signed copy, welcome cocktail, Happy Balls bourbon candy, disco ball souvenir
|
×
Regret that you didn't take the tour.
|
| Cost |
✓
$90, book and welcome cocktail included.
|
×
Free.
|
David Dominé
AUTHOR OF A DARK ROOM IN GLITTER BALL CITY · FOUNDER AND LEAD GUIDE OF LOUISVILLE HISTORIC TOURS
An expert on true crime, folklore, and the paranormal, David appears frequently on PBS, A&E, and the Travel Channel. His memoir A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City chronicles the 2009 murder of Jamie Carroll, uncovered in 2010, and inspired HBO’s Murder in Glitterball City. David leads this tour himself, revealing how years of research became a bestselling book and an HBO documentary.
Author of the Book
20+ Years Guiding Walks
HBO Featured Author
Pick a Time
Where Does the Glitter Ball City Tour Meet?
Unless otherwise agreed upon, this walking tour departs from the gift shop at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum at 1402 St James Court. It ends with signature cocktails at the Old Louisville Brewery at 625 West Magnolia Avenue.
If driving, we recommend you park near the Old Louisville Brewery and walk to the starting point, about a block and a half away. There is generally ample, free street parking on Magnolia Avenue and the stretch of South Sixth Street along the west side of Central Park.
- 2.5 - 3 hours at a relaxed pace with frequent stops
- Tours run rain or shine (bring an umbrella for manageable rain)
- Signature cocktail included (guests 21 and older)
- Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2:30pm and 5pm; by appointment
- Available for small groups and private events
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Glitter Ball City tour?
The Glitter Ball City tour is an exclusive Louisville true crime walking tour of the quirky Old Louisville neighborhood led by local writer David Dominé. He is the author of A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City, the bestselling memoir that went on to inspire HBO’s Murder in Glitterball City. The route shows off some of the most interesting historical sites in an acclaimed historic preservation district while providing insights and first-hand backstory about the real people and places in the book. David not only talks about his inspirations and writing process but also shares his experiences working with renowned documentarians Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, the directors at World of Wonder, who made the film.
Is the Glitter Ball City true crime tour based on actual events?
Yes. The tour follows the evolution of A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City, David Dominé’s true-crime memoir about the 2009 murder case, uncovered in 2010, that drew national attention to Old Louisville. This book went on to inspire HBO’s Murder in Glitterball City. The murder of Jamie Carroll and the subsequent trials of Jeffrey Mundt and Joey Banis have also been featured on The First 48, Hell House, Snapped: Killer Couples, Deadly Sins as well as numerous podcasts and YouTube channels.
Who leads the tour?
David Dominé leads this tour personally. As the author of A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City and a longtime Old Louisville historian, he shares details and neighborhood lore that didn’t make it into print.
How long is the tour and what does it cost?
The tour runs about 2.5 – 3 hours and costs $90 per person. That price includes a signed copy of the book, a welcome cocktail, Happy Balls bourbon candy, a disco ball souvenir, and a peek inside the Conrad-Caldwell House or a similar residence.
What if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine. We recommend bringing an umbrella and wearing comfortable shoes. In the rare case of severe weather, we’ll contact you to reschedule. If we have to cancel due to inclement conditions, and you cannot reschedule, your tickets will be refunded.
Where does the Glitter Ball City tour start?
Unless otherwise agreed upon, this walking tour departs from the gift shop at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum at 1402 St James Court. It ends with signature cocktails at the Old Louisville Brewery at 625 West Magnolia Avenue, about a block and a half away. If driving, we recommend you park near the Old Louisville Brewery and walk to the starting point. There is generally ample, free street parking on Magnolia Avenue and the stretch of South Sixth Street along the west side of Central Park.
How much walking is involved?
The Glitter Ball City walking tour covers approximately 2 miles and is spread out over 2.5-3 hours at a relaxed pace. It is mostly over even sidewalks and streets, though there are some bumpy patches and several steps to climb. There are frequent stops.
What's your cancellation policy?
Tickets are non-refundable so please treat them as you would theater or concert tickets. Tickets are transferable, and with enough advance notice they can be rescheduled if you have to miss. Tours canceled due to severe weather are always refundable.
What other tours does Louisville Historic Tours offer?
If true crime is your gateway, there’s more to explore. Our Louisville ghost tours cover the haunted side of America’s grandest Victorian neighborhood, and our Old Louisville walking tours dig into the history and architecture behind the mansions. Private tours are also available for groups, corporate outings, and custom experiences.
FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, AND SUNDAYS · ALSO BY APPOINTMENT
Reserve Your Glitter Ball City Tour
Limited to 12 guests. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 2:30pm and 5pm. Tours sell out.