19 Things Every Kentuckian Has To Look Forward To In 2017
×
Rachel Shulhafer
Author
When you look outside at the frozen tundra Kentucky has become recently, it may not seem very encouraging for what’s ahead. But 2017 is still young, and every Kentuckian has a lot to look forward to this year. We’re lucky enough to live in a gorgeous state with plenty to explore, and a variety of festivals and events that attract tons of people every year. Here are 19 things to get excited about this year.
The first real snowfall in Kentucky just happened, and now that it's frigidly cold, you may be dreaming of spring. However, we still have a solid two months of chilly weather and the potential for more snow storms, so we might as well appreciate it! Just look how peaceful this farm in eastern Jefferson County looks under a blanket of snow.
Spring is an absolutely gorgeous month in Kentucky. The weather finally starts to get comfortable, and the colors of the trees and flowers burst with life. Take a walk through the nearest Kentucky park or nature preserve, such as Bernheim Forest (pictured above) to fully appreciate the changing season.
Advertisement
The kick-off to the Kentucky Derby Festival is usually the third weekend in April, and is called Thunder Over Louisville. It takes place on Louisville's Waterfront, and is the largest fireworks show in North America. This year, Thunder Over Louisville takes place on Saturday April 22, 2017.
Advertisement
After two weeks of events, the Kentucky Derby is run at Churchill Downs. Known as "the most exciting two minutes in sports," this horse race attracts more than 160,000 people. This year's Run for the Roses happens on Saturday, May 6.
Once the weather warms up, get out into the woods and experience the great hiking Kentucky has to offer. There are tons of places to explore, such as the Red River Gorge, Cumberland Falls, Land Between the Lakes, Mammoth Cave National Park, Breaks Interstate Park, Pine Mountain, and so many more.
The Hillbilly Days Festival is always held the third weekend in April, and is one of the largest festivals in the state. It attracts over 100,000 people each year. Enjoy live music, games and competitions, art shows, great food, and a carnival. This year's festival is April 21-23.
Western Kentucky is famous for its unique style of barbecue, and serving Kentucky favorites like burgoo and mutton. Owensboro, which is known as the Barbecue Capital of the World, hosts the International Bar-B-Q Festival every May. The festival showcases delicious barbecue from tons of different restaurants and vendors. This year's festival is May 12 and 13th.
The Beer Cheese Festival takes place in downtown Winchester, the birthplace of this creamy, cheesy culinary delight. About 12,000 people show up each year to sample all different kinds of award-winning beer cheese. The 2017 festival date hasn't been announced yet, but it usually happens in June.
Advertisement
In the summer time, the area around the Lake Between the Lakes comes alive. With two huge lakes in close proximity, the area is full of marinas, lakeside lodges, and the opportunity to go boating, swimming, water skiing, and more. It's like a vacation in your own state.
Related Stories
15 Things People From Kentucky Go Crazy For
10 Undeniable Things You'll Find In Every Kentucky Home
10 Reasons Living In Kentucky Is The Best - And Everyone Should Move Here
If boating in a vast lake isn't your style and you ould rather casually paddle down a calm creek, there are plenty of opportunities to do that. Check out the Green River, Kentucky River, Floyds Fork, Elkhorn Creek, and more.
The Kentucky Derby is just one day of racing in the Bluegrass State. There are still spring and fall meets for both Keeneland and Churchill Downs to look forward to. Keeneland's spring meet is April 7-28, and Churchill Downs' spring meet is April 29-July 30.
When you think of Kentucky, you may not immediately think of the beach. However, the are some sandy spots that make a relaxing summer day trip. Many of these are located in western Kentucky near Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
Louisville takes advantage of the gorgeous green space they have on the banks of the Ohio River by hosting several festivals and events. You've got Forecastle Festival, WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays, Abbey Road on the River, WorldFest, and more.
Advertisement
No matter where you live in Kentucky, you'll probably be within a reasonable driving distance of a firework show. Thunder of Eddy Bay is pictured above, but there's also the Louisville Waterfront Park Independence Day Celebration, Independence Day on the Riverfront of Broadway in Paducah, Fireworks at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, and so many more.
Kentucky Kingdom is a 63-acre amusement park in Louisville. It is open April through September, and it also has a waterpark called Hurricane Bay.
Okay, so it's not a good idea to go behind Kentucky's most well-known waterfall, Cumberland Falls, but it'll still be magical to go behind smaller falls, like Dog Slaughter Falls. Water pools at its base, making a pristine swimming hole.
With Kentucky being an agricultural state, we have some great farmers' markets selling some high quality summer produce like melons, berries, corn, cucumbers, peppers, and okra. The photo above is of the Bardstown Farmers' Market, which runs from May to November in Bardstown, KY.
Taking place in Bardstown, in the heart of Bourbon Country, this festival celebrates Kentucky's native spirit. Enjoy the best bourbons in the world accompanied by great food and live entertainment. The 2017 festival is September 11-17.
Advertisement
Close out the summer with the Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival, where you can camp out and listen to bluegrass music. The 2017 Vine Grove Bluegrass Festival will be September 21-23.
What else are you looking forward to in 2017?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.