Kentucky is famous for many things, including the Kentucky Derby, bluegrass and bourbon whiskey. However, there is more to do than what meets the eye. Kentucky has numerous fairs and festivals at all times of the year. No matter when you travel to Kentucky, or if you're just a curious resident, there is no doubt that you can find a festival or fair that will meet your interest.
The Kentucky State Fair takes place each August at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. The fair features all of the standbys of the traditional state fair, including a concert series on the main stage, a midway, cooking and produce contests, and livestock competitions. As well, the fair offers a statewide talent show, ugly lamp contest and the state cheer and dance competition. A "Pride of the Counties" exhibit allows fairgoers to experience the highlights of the state without leaving the fairgrounds. The fair also features the world championship horse show.
Kentucky State Fair
937 Phillips Lane
Louisville, KY 40209
502-367-5180
kystatefair.org
The yearly Fright Night Film Fest is one of the largest genre film festivals in the country and highlights the joys and follies of the horror, sci-fi and slasher movie genres. Event planners accept submissions from any filmmaker, provided he follows a few guidelines such as adhering to the genre and avoiding XXX-rated films. The film fest runs for a full weekend, with celebrity meet-and-greets and a costume contest. Although dates change from year to year, the festival is usually held in late July or early August and the central hub of activity takes place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville, which has entered into a partnership with the film festival.
Crowne Plaza Hotel
830 Philips Lane
Louisville, KY 40209
502-367-2251
frightnightfilmfest.com
The Bluegrass Balloon Festival is a yearly event that has been named one of the 20 best events in the South. Featuring one of the biggest balloon races in the country and upwards of 70 hot air balloons a year, the festival is popular place for hot air balloon pilots and enthusiasts alike. In addition to the balloon race and tethered rides available, the festival also features a cornhole championship and a volleyball tournament. Proceeds from the festival, balloon rides and the breakfast with the balloons benefit local charities by way of the Spirit of Kentucky Foundation, which owns and hosts the festival and presents it at Bowman Field in Louisville.
Bluegrass Balloon Festival
Spirit of Kentucky Foundation
9710 Park Plaza Ave., Suite 203
Louisville, KY 40241
502-491-1076
bluegrassballoons.com
