The One Spring Festival In Kentucky That's Worthy Of Your Bucket List Every Year
Sarah McCosham
Author
The Bluegrass is horse country, and the Kentucky Derby is easily our state’s most famous event. But you don’t need a ticket to Churchill Downs to join the festivities — and you don’t even need to travel to Louisville, either! Each year, the streets of Frankfort come alive during the Downtown Derby Celebration, a day of fun and festivities in honor of the Kentucky Derby. Make your way to Kentucky’s glorious downtown area in early May to celebrate one of the most iconic spring festivals in Kentucky!
Related Stories
Mingle With Colonel Sanders Lookalikes And Chow Down On Endless Fried Chicken At This Annual Only-In-Kentucky Festival
Feast On The World's Largest Apple Pie At This Epic Fall Festival In Kentucky
Countless Celebrities Have Loved This Iconic Kentucky Event For Decades
Have you attended this spring festival in years past? It really is *the* can’t-miss spring festival in Kentucky! What are some of your favorite spring festivals in Kentucky? Share with us in the comments.
Peruse the Visit Frankfort website to plan your day at the Downtown Derby Celebration. Be sure to save some time for a bourbon tour while you are visiting as well.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Spring In Kentucky
What are some things to do in Kentucky in spring?
Kentucky in spring is a lovely time of year when your senses will be stimulated by the vibrant green hills and blooming spring flowers. Here are a few things to do in Kentucky in spring that we think you'll love:
- Pine Mountain Spring Drive: While Kentucky is all-known for its rolling green hills, there are some beautiful mountain areas as well. A spring drive near the Red River Gorge is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh spring air and scenic views. If your winding drive takes you to Pine Mountain State Resort Park you can enjoy a wildflower hike on the Honeymoon Falls trail. The falls itself is the largest one in this area and it is quite beautiful after a warm spring rain.
- McConnell Springs, Lexington, KY: Just outside of Lexington you'll find this pocket of natural beauty. One of our favorite spots is Blue Hole. Two natural springs in McConnell Springs come from underground springs that flow through the limestone bedrock southwest of Lexington. The striking blue hue is due to the prismatic effects of minerals in the water. There are several hiking trails in the park so you can spend a warm spring day exploring this stunning unique area.
- Viceroy Butterfly Garden, Oak Grove, KY: Imagine butterflies dancing atop a field of black-eyed-susans and other spring wildflowers. This beautiful butterfly garden and park is located along the Oak Grove War Memorial Walking Trail. It is actually an official Certified Monarch Waystation designed to attract and help preserve the monarch population during its migration through the US. If you visit in the spring and summer you are sure to see butterflies of all kinds flitting from flower to flower. Then, in September come back for the annual butterfly festival when 1,800 newborn butterflies are released to fly south to Mexico.