Are you ready for bizarre foods, live music, farm animals, midway rides, handmade quilts, and more? Well, you're in luck because the Kentucky State Fair is back, Aug. 17-27, at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville.
The theme this year is "Summer Summed Up," and you can experience all the Kentucky State Fair has to offer with events including the free Texas Roadhouse Concert Series, a new beer festival, and a wide array of entertainment options.
For a full list of events and more information, visit kystatefair.org. But if you're looking for a little guidance, here are more than a dozen things you can do at the 2023 Kentucky State Fair:
Beerfest at the 2023 Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: The Kentucky State Fair presents the inaugural Beerfest. More than 20 breweries from around the Bluegrass come together to showcase their craft beers for fairgoers to enjoy. Participants receive 10 four-ounce samples from participating breweries. For ages 21 and older.
WHERE: Near the Texas Roadhouse Concert Stage in Lot L
WHEN: Aug. 19, 1-6 p.m.
COST: $15 through Aug. 15; $20 Aug. 16-18; $25 Aug. 19. This does not include fair admission or parking.
World's Championship Horse Show
WHAT: The world’s most prestigious saddle-bred show is held annually 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, Saddle-bred Pleasure, Saddle Seat Equitation, Hackney/Harness Ponies, Roadster, In-Hand, and American Saddle-bred. 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. 19-26. For a complete schedule visit wchorseshow.com
TICKETS: $8 Aug. 19-24; $11 Aug. 25-26; free Aug. 20 (noon) and Aug. 21-23, 25-26 (9 a.m.). This does not include admission to the fair. Tickets may be purchased at the Kentucky Exposition Center ticket office and online at ticketmaster.com or wchorseshow.com/tickets.
Thrill Ville at the Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: Get your heart pumping with a variety of carnival rides including Alakazam, Hell Taxi, King Tower, Python Roller Coaster, High Roller, Flying Circus, Sizzler, Astro Wheel 1 and 2, Oxygen, Star Scream, Rock O’ Plane, Tilt a Whirl, Tea Cups, Ghoster Coaster, Giant Fun Slide and more. Height and age restrictions/requirements vary by ride.
WHEN: Aug. 17-27. Monday-Thursday, 3-10 p.m.; Friday, 3-11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 20), 1-11 p.m.; Sunday (Aug. 27), 1-10 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: One-day unlimited ride wristbands are available for $30 online through Aug. 16; $35, Aug. 17-27.
Texas Roadhouse Free Concert Series at the Kentucky State Fair
The 2023 Kentucky State Fair is bringing its free concert series that offers a variety of genres, including country, hip hop, retro-pop, Christian, heavy metal, oldies, and R&B. Something for everyone. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and concerts start at 8 p.m., lot L adjacent to Kentucky Kingdom and Broadbent Arena.
Free entertainment at the Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: Free shows and entertainment at the Kentucky State Fair:
WHEN: Daily
Food & music tents at the Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: Feed your need for entertainment, food, music and beer and bourbon at The Backyard, the popular Budweiser Tent and the Bourbon & Brews Tent.
WHERE: The Backyard (in Lot A adjacent to the South Wing); Budweiser Tent (West Lawn) and Bluegrass, Bourbon & Brews Tent (Lot L near the Texas Roadhouse Concert Stage)
WHEN: Aug. 17-27
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)
MORE INFORMATION: For a complete schedule, visit kystatefair.org.
Explore Health Horizons at the Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: Learn more about your health with free health screenings and interactive exhibits by local medical professionals. Sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services, American Red Cross, and UofL Health.
WHERE: South Wing B
Explore Main Street Kentucky at the 2023 State Fair
WHAT: See interactive exhibits that celebrate Kentucky focusing on state government, arts, education, agriculture and more. Sponsored by Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, and Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.
WHERE: South Wing B
Special discount days at the 2023 Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: The fair will have four special discount days:
Media Days at the Kentucky State Fair
WHERE: South Wing A unless noted
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:
Explore Kentucky's farm heritage at the State Fair's Agland
WHAT: Features more than an acre of agriculture exhibits in South Wing A highlighting Kentucky's farm and field heritage, including the future of farming and agribusiness. Sponsored by Kentucky Department of Ag, KY Beef Council, KY Soybean Board, KY Farm Bureau Federation, University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Kentucky State University and Southland Dairy Farmers.
WHERE: South Wing A
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Reach features clerk Gege Reed at [email protected]