Fairs & Festivals

Kentucky Derby: The most famous horse race in the world, this sporting event brings to mind big hats, beautiful roses, and fast horses. It is run annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Along with the Preakness and Belmont races, it is the first jewel of the coveted Triple Crown of Thoroughbred racing.

International Bar-B-Q Festival: Held anually in Owensboro, the International Bar-B-Q Festival is a spectacle, festival, and competition for backyard cooks from all over the world.  Spectators attend for the food and entertainment while Bar-B-Q chefs compete for the coveted Governor's Cup.

Fancy Farm Picnic: Every year on the first Saturday in August, picnickers, politicians, and political enthusiasts descend on Mayfield, Kentucky for a day of great food and charged political speeches.

Thunder Over Louisville: This annual aircraft show and fireworks display is the largest annual fireworks show in the nation.  The event takes place on the banks of the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky.  It is usually considered the kickoff for the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Kentucky State Fair: The Kentucky State Fair takes place at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky every August.  Thousands of vendors and agencies set up booths in the main hall, and the smell of funnel cakes, burgers, and other festival food fill the fair site. Some of the events include the World Championship Horse Show, quilt making, pig chasing, and the ugliest lamp competition.