Posted in Kentucky May 20, 2015 by

13 Festivals in Kentucky Everyone Should Experience Once

Festivals, concerts and fairs can be a lot of fun. Each town/city has their own unique way of doing things, and some are quite unusual. In Kentucky, we celebrate a little bit of everything, and we celebrate it right. When you attend one of our festivals everyone is assured a good time they won’t soon forget.

Here are 13 unique festivals in Kentucky everyone should experience at least once:

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
13. The World Chicken Festival in London Kentucky takes place September 24th through 27th.
London Kentucky Site
This celebration is a tribute festival to Colonal Sanders of KFC and his nephew, founder of Lee’s Famous Recipe.
12. World Fest in Louisville is a 4 day celebration on Labor Day weekend.
InsiderLouisville
You can't go wrong with the largest international festival in the US, offering dancing, music, arts, crafts, and cuisine from around the world.
11. The Highland Renaissance Festival. is located in Eminence Kentucky, on weekends from May 30th to July 5th.
WP Clothiers
11. Step back in time to the days of knights in shining armor, tavern wenches and jousting.
10. International Barbecue Festival in Owensboro.
FamilyPedia
Celebrate barbecue on an entirely new level. Large pots of secret recipes bubble and boil causing the pleasant scent to waft through the air for miles.
9. Kentucky Beer Cheese Festival is in Winchester on June 13th.
WN
Beer is food, and the Kentucky Beer Cheese Festival proves it. People bring their personal beer cheese recipes to compete and let everyone sample the delicious cheese on a variety of foods.
8. Pineyville hosts Kentucky’s longest running festival, the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival from May 21st to 24th.
KY Tourism
This charming festival consists of dancing, music, crowning of the festival Queen and King, and great food.
7. The Big Lebowski festival is July 10th and 11th in Louisville.
Wiki
This is the place to be to celebrate beer, bowling, and music.
6. Garvin Gate Blues Festival happens every year on the 2nd weekend in October.
ArtFx
Look for it in the largest preserved Victorian city in the United States, Old Louisville.
5. Forecastle Fest in Louisville takes place July 17th through 19th along the river.
Willie McLean
This celebration hosts an almost continuous concert with some of the most popular musicians across the US and beyond.
4. Bluegrass Festival of Renfro Valley takes place July 2nd through the 4th.
Wiki
This can't miss festival causes the valley to ring with fantastic Bluegrass tunes.
3. Abby Road on the River from May 21st to May 25th.
Wiki
A celebration of all things Beatles!
2. The Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville the last week in April.
S. Fossket
Kicks this historic event off right with continuous events (like the Balloon Glow) up till the renowned running of the Derby itself.
1. Bourbon Festival takes place in Bardstown Kentucky.
Matt Stone
This 6 day event is a non-stop party where we can all enjoy a variety of Kentucky bourbons, music, food, and many other attractions.

If you know anything about Kentucky than you should have guessed Bourbon, the Derby, and The World Chicken Festival would be on the list. However, we have a wonderful variety of entertaining events scattered throughout the state each year. If you live in the Bluegrass state, or are just visiting, try to visit at least one of these celebrations. Rest assured, good times will be had by all.

If your town, or one you know of, has a unique festival yearly, please share. A lot of the smaller towns never get the recognition they deserve for entertaining celebrations so tell us in the comments below!