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Festivals & Events
Week 2 – April 9 – 15
Week 1 :: Week 2 :: Week 3 :: Week 4 :: Week 5
April 8-12 - Picnic on the Porch
Versailles - Woodford Reserve Distillery
This casual lunch is served al fresco on the Visitor Center Terrace overlooking the timeless limestone architecture of Woodford Reserve Distillery, a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy a variety of seasonal sandwiches, salads, and delightful desserts prepared by Chef-in-Residence David Larson.
Hours: 11 am to 2 pm
www.woodfordreserve.com
859-879-1812
April 4-25 - Keeneland Thoroughbred Racing Spring Meet
Lexington
Enjoy racing at historic Keeneland Race Course. Every Saturday morning during the meet experience “Breakfast with the Works” and the sites and sounds of the track.
No racing on Mondays or Tuesdays.
www.keeneland.com
800-456-3412
April 6-13 - Party for the Planet Celebration at the Zoo
Louisville - The Louisville Zoo
Party for the Planet is part of a nationwide celebration with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help visitors discover ways to connect to the local environment and make a collective difference in conservation on a national and global level. Environment displays, activities and presentations. Come join the fun and learn what you can do to help save our planet.
www.louisvillezoo.org
502-459-2181
April 10-12 – Seventh Annual Bluegrass Returns to its Roots
Owensboro
Enjoy a "Battle of the Bands" talent show in the Showroom Lounge at the Executive Inn Rivermont. Unlimited open jamming in the Tower all day & night!
www.executiveinnrivermont.com
800-626-1936
April 11-13 - Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot & Military Gun Show
Shepherdsville
Largest gathering of civilian owned machine guns in the world. The gun show has over 700 tables with machine guns, military surplus, ammo, hard to find part and pieces and regular firearms and supplies.
www.knobcreekrange.com
502-922-4457
April 11-13 - Spring Photography Weekend
Dawson Springs - Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
The weekend has gone all digital. This weekend consists of a contest with point and shoot, intermediate, and masters divisions, evening programs, critique and award ceremony. Bring your own camera. Registration is $30. Register by April 5th and receive a $5 discount. 10% discount on lodging available.
www.parks.ky.gov
800-325-1711
April 11-13 - Kentucky Junior Rodeo
Murray State University
Barrel racing, goat tying, bull/steer riding, bronc riding, and roping.
270-809-3125
April 11-13 - National AKC Beagle Championships
Hartford - Ohio County Park
Dogs and dog lovers from all across the nation come to compete in or observe the National American Kennel Association beagle finals at Ohio County Park's wide open spaces.
www.ohiocounty.ky.gov
504-908-1190 or 270-703-0949
Show Details
April 11-13 – Spring Bay Horse Trials
Lexington
Stadium jumping competition Sunday at the Kentucky Horse Park.
www.KyHorsePark.com
859-231-8702
April 11-13 - Spring in the Water Boat Show
Grand Rivers - Green Turtle Bay Marina
Boat show featuring pre-owned vessels. Listings on the Green Turtle Bay website. www.greenturtlebay.com
270-362-8364
April 12 – Wildflower/Bird Hike at Lincoln Boyhood Home
Knob Creek
Hike through the fields were the Lincoln family once planted corn and pumpkins. Individuals are encouraged to bring binoculars, a lunch, water, insect repellent and to wear study shoes. The hike that is open to the public and free of charge will begin in front of the Lincoln tavern facing 31E.
Hours: 9 am – 1:30 pm
www.nps.gov/abli/
270-358-3137
April 12 - Thunder Over Louisville
Louisville - Belvedere, Waterfront Park
Start the Derby Festival off with a bang! Don't miss the world’s largest fireworks show. Come down and see the whole sky light up with beautiful colors.
www.kdf.org
800-928-FEST or 502-584-FEST
April 12 - Grill Master Competition
Corbin - Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Are you the king of the barbecue? Here is the venue to show off your skills. There will be winners in several categories. You must bring your own equipment.
Hours: 11 am – 2 pm
www.parks.ky.gov
606-528-4121
April 12 - Raptors: Cavity Nesters
Clermont - Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
This month’s raptor “open house” features cavity nesting raptors like the American Kestrel, a falcon species, and the Eastern Screech Owl. This popular series of informal programs gives visitors the opportunity to see live raptors up close and learn about the important role they play in the environment. Make a $10 donation to Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky and they will help you assemble a Kestrel nest box that you can take home. It might attract a kestrel to your back yard! All ages
Hours: Between 1 pm – 3:30 pm.
Admission: Members, $8 per family, Non-members, $12 per family
www.bernheim.org
502-955-8512
April 12 - Kentucky Bluebird Society Annual Conference (open to the public)
Henderson - John James Audubon State Park
Want to learn how to attract bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting birds to your yard? Interested in protecting bird populations for years to come? Plan to attend this information packed day. Registration and fee required for Flying WILD and Building for Bluebirds workshop only.
Register with Julie McDonald at juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov or 270-826-2247.
www.parks.ky.gov
270-826-2247
April 12 - Capturing Mother Nature: Wildlife Photography
Frankfort - Salato Wildlife Education Center
Nature photographer Mike Matthews will show you strategies for using your camera outdoors including advice on angles, using light, and processing your pictures. You do not have to own expensive photography equipment to enjoy this outdoor hobby. If the natural wonders of the outdoors inspire you, then bring your camera for a day of exploring! Cost $30 Limit 15 participants ages 15 and up. Registration and pre-payment are required.
fw.ky.gov
800-858-1549 ext 429
April 12 - Belle / Spirit ~ Thunder Over Louisville Cruise
Louisville
For Thunder Over Louisville, the Belle of Louisville remains dockside, offering the best view possible of the largest fireworks display in the country. A delicious bountiful buffet will be featured and a cash bar will be available. Guests will have access to the wharf throughout the day.
www.belleoflouisville.org
502-574-2992
April 12-13 - Arbor Day Celebration – Adopt a Tree
Clermont – Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Trees may look solitary, but each one is teaming with life. During a tree’s lifespan, people, animals, birds, wind, storms, and lightning all leave their mark on a tree. When you plant a tree, you’re also planting stories. Stop at the Visitor Center to enjoy free tree discovery stations and find out how you can pick up a free tree for your own landscape and plant your own stories!
Hours: Sat. 11 am – 4 pm; Sun. 1 pm – 4 pm
www.bernheim.org
502-955-8512.
April 12-13 – Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site guided tours
Hodgenville
Join the ranger-led tours offering a deeper insight into the Lincoln family’s frontier years in Kentucky. Learn how daily struggles for survival helped shape the character of our future president. Admission is free and open to the public.
Hours: 10 am and 2 pm
www.nps.gov/abli/
270-358-3137
April 12-13 – Spring Wildflower Weekend
Land Between the Lakes – Nature Station and Homeplace
Explore LBL through exciting guided walks, programs, activities and demonstrations; or explore LBL on your own on a weekend dedicated to spring beauties. The Nature Station will be hosting a native plant sale throughout the weekend. Native plants are adapted to local conditions so they require less water and care, attract wildlife, increase biodiversity, and enhance the beauty of your yard. Many free programs all weekend.
www.lbl.org
270-924-2020.
Show Details
April 12-13 - Overnight Backcountry Backpacking Trip
Falls of Rough - Rough River Dam State Resort Park
Get out of the house and enjoy nature as we backpack through Mammoth Cave National Park. A fee of $75 includes all equipment and supplies needed including your backpack, food, tent, sleeping bag and pad, etc.
www.parks.ky.gov
800-325-1713 or 270-257-2311 (Sheila Jones)
April 12-13 - County Days at Kentucky Down Under
Horse Cave
Warren, Metcalfe and Edmonson County residents can tour Kentucky Down Under, an interactive Australian-themed animal park, this weekend for only $5 per person.
www.kdu.com
800-762-2869
April 12-13 - Spring Encampment, 18th Century Thunder
Louisville - Historic Locust Grove
Companies representing General George Rogers Clark's troops from the Northwest Campaign will re-enact life in a military camp, including surveying, cooking, drilling and other demonstrations.
www.locustgrove.org
502-897-9845
April 12-13 - Arbor Day Celebration
Shepherdsville – Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Pick up a free tree and learn how to plant and care for it. Also take a walk through the Arboretum to see it full grown.
www.bernheim.org
502-955-8512
April 12-19 - Earth Week
Cadiz - Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Celebrate Kentucky and National Earth Week with a full week of nature hikes and boat tours, regional history and folk life programs, nature arts, guest speakers, live animal presentations, trail and shoreline cleanups, live entertainment, astronomy, and more!
www.parks.ky.gov
800-325-1708
April 13 – Second Sunday Antiques Marketplace
Covington, MainStrasse Village
Vendors celebrate the first show of its outdoor season by offering an eclectic array of antiques and collectibles.
www.secondsundayantiques.com
859-341-3390
April 13-20 – Final Days - Medieval and Renaissance Treasures from the Victoria and Albert Museum
Louisville - Speed Art Museum
Thirty-five masterpieces have been selected from the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection to present the range of subjects in these great artistic periods featuring a rare notebook on geometry and mathematics by Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci written in mirror image cursive. Admission is $10, free to museum members.
www.speedmuseum.org
502-634-2700
April 14 - Dogwood Trail Celebration
Paducah
Enjoy the spectacular beauty of Western Kentucky in the springtime on a lighted 12 mile dogwood trail. Reception at Paducah City Hall, 5th & Washington Streets. 7:00 pm. Followed by complimentary one-hour tour of the trail. Follow signs and drive on your own anytime day or night throughout the blooming season.
www.paducah.travel/
800-PADUCAH
877-448-7469
April 15 – A Gardener’s Delight – Butterflies & Hummingbirds
Owensboro - Western KY Botanical Garden
Enjoy lunch as Anita Alton speaks on Butterflies and Hummingbirds. Optional stroll in the garden after the luncheon. Reservations required.
Hours: Lunch and program, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm; Stroll, 12:30 pm
Admission: $10 for members, $12 for non-members
www.wkbg.org
270-852-8925