Are you ready for bizarre foods, Beerfest, live music, farm animals, midway rides, and more?
The 121st Kentucky State Fair is back Aug. 14-24 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville. This year's theme is "All Things Kentucky All in One Place."
“The Kentucky State Fair is the greatest part of the summer season, and we’re on a mission to pack in and celebrate everything Kentuckians love most about the Commonwealth," David S. Beck, president & CEO of Kentucky Venues, previously said.
Daily admission is $12 and parking is $10. Parking for the Kentucky State Fair will be in Parking Lot A at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Visit kystatefair.org/tickets for details.
From live music and mouth-watering food to thrilling rides, family-friendly entertainment, and livestock competitions, here are 10 things to do at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair:
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Did we miss your favorite event? Send a note to Gege Reed at [email protected].
Thrill Ville at the Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: At least 50 rides, including thrill, family, and the iconic Astro Ferris Wheel, are coming to town in August. Height and age restrictions/requirements vary by ride. Inclement weather can affect the operating hours. No refunds will be provided.
WHEN: Aug. 14-24. Open 3-10 p.m. Aug. 14, 18-21; 3-11 p.m. Aug. 15 and 22; 1-11 p.m. Aug. 16 and 23; 1-10 p.m. Aug. 17 and 24.
COST: One-day unlimited ride wristbands are available for $30 online and at participating Kroger locations through Aug. 13. One-day unlimited ride wristbands go up to $35 on Aug. 14 and are sold on Ticketmaster, at the fair, and through Kissel Entertainment.
Texas Roadhouse Free Concert Series at the Kentucky State Fair
All concerts begin at 8 p.m. with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. and take place in Lot L adjacent to Kentucky Kingdom and Broadbent Arena. Here is the 2025 Texas Roadhouse Concert Series lineup:
World's Championship Horse Show
WHAT: The world’s most prestigious Saddlebred show is held in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair and crowns world champion Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies and Road Horses in different divisions. The show attracts spectators and competitors from across the world and includes over 2,000 horses competing for more than $1.5 million in awards. Horses compete in divisions including Three-Gaited, Five-Gaited, Fine Harness, Saddlebred Pleasure, Saddle Seat Equitation, Hackney/Harness Ponies, Roadster, In-Hand, and American Saddlebred. Each division includes several classes for amateurs, ladies, amateur ladies, and junior exhibitors, as well as younger horses and ponies.
WHERE: Freedom Hall, 937 Phillips Lane
WHEN: Aug. 16-23. For a complete schedule visit wchorseshow.com.
COST: Starts at $8; free Aug. 17 (noon), Aug. 18-20, 22-23 (9 a.m.). Price does not include fair admission and parking. Tickets may be purchased at the Kentucky Exposition Center ticket office and online at kystatefair.org/tickets.
The World's Championship Horse Show at Kentucky State Fair brings top riders to Louisville
Beerfest
WHAT: Beerfest at the Kentucky State Fair features beer from about a dozen craft breweries, live music, food, games and a souvenir glass. Performers during Beerfest: Journey to the Heart, Petty Theft and Zeno Jones. Breweries: Against the Grain, Atrium Brewing, Awry Brewing, Butcher Town Brewing Company, Dreaming Creek Brewery, Gallant Fox Brewing, Good Buddies, Goodwood, Gravely Brewing, Holsopple Brewing, Hometown Craft House, Hop Atomica, Lemons Hill, Mile Wide Beer, Monnik Beer, Noble Funk Brewing, Pivot Brewing Company, Tap on Main Brewing, Ten20 Brewery, VBC Tap Room, West Sixth, White Squirrel and Wise Bird Cider. For ages 21 and older. Must show ID.
WHERE: Hitching Post
WHEN: Aug. 23, 1-4 p.m.
COST: $30 in advance online until Aug. 22; price increases to $35 at the door. VIP and bourbon tasting add-on options available. Price does not include fair admission.
Free entertainment at the Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: Here are some of the free shows and entertainment at the Kentucky State Fair:
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Food & music tents at the Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: Grab some food and a seat and enjoy live music at The BIG Tent, an outdoor family entertainment space and the popular Budweiser Tent.
WHERE: The BIG Tent ( (Just outside South Wing C); Budweiser Tent (West Lawn)
WHEN: Aug. 14-24
Farm to Fair Cooking Stage at the Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: Demonstrations by chefs, caterers, and bakers from across the Commonwealth and live cooking demonstrations and competitions.
WHERE: State-of-the-art Farm to Fair cooking stage (South Wing A Lobby)
Health Horizons at the Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: Learn more about your health with free health screenings, flu shots, vaccination, and interactive exhibits from Kentucky’s medical community.
WHERE: South Wing B
Special discount days at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: There are four days where you can get reduced or free entry to the Kentucky State Fair:
Check out the animals at the Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: Want to see dairy cattle, dairy goats or swine? What about the lambs, sheep, Boer goats and mules and jacks? These and more are making their appearance at the Kentucky State Fair.
WHEN:
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Reach features clerk Gege Reed at [email protected]