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Festivals & Events
Week 4 – April 23 – 29
Week 1 :: Week 2 :: Week 3 :: Week 4 :: Week 5
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 22-26 - 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 23-26 - American Quilter's Society National Quilt Show
Paducah - Paducah Expo Center
Named one of the top 100 events in North America by the America Bus Association, the AQS National Show and Contest is a Mecca for quilting enthusiasts. Over 400 quilts on display, merchants mall, workshops and lectures, and special events including an awards banquet, a fashion show and an auction to benefit the Quilt Museum.
Admission: $8 per day
www.americanquilter.com
800-PADUCAH
April 23-26 - Grand Rivers Spring Festival and Quilt Show
Grand Rivers - Community building on Cumberland Street
This event runs concurrently with the Paducah Quilt Show. Enjoy a variety of quilts: old, new, patchwork, fancy and lots from the Land Between the Lakes. Outdoor craft vendors.
Hours: Wed. and Thur. 9 am to 6 pm; Fri. and Sat. 9 am to 8 pm; Sun 9 am to 4 pm.
www.grandrivers.com
270-362-0152 or 888-493-0152
Garrison Keillor, America's favorite story teller, will perform at The Glema Mahr Center for the Arts on April 24 at 7:30 p.m. Main floor seats are $50 and balcony seats are $45. For more information call 270-821-2787.
Contact Information
270-821-2787
April 24-26 - Corvette C5/C6 Birthday Bash
Bowling Green - National Corvette Museum
The eleventh annual C5/C6 Bash activities include scenic road tours, museum tours, seminars, auto cross, drag racing, a “Celebrity Choice” car show, a special event honoring the Corvette Race Team, autograph sessions, preview of the 2009 model year, raffle drawing and benefit auction.
www.corvettemuseum.com
800-53-VETTE
April 24 – 27 - ROLEX KENTUCKY THREE-DAY EVENT ($)
Lexington - Kentucky Horse Park
Featuring the only Four Star Three-Day Event in the Americas. The weekend additionally offers an international trade fair and various demonstrations and exhibitions.
www.KyHorsePark.com
859-254-8123
April 24-27 - Camper's Appreciation
Richmond - Fort Boonesborough State Park
Join us for our official kick-off to the 2008 camping season. We will have lots of scheduled activities throughout the weekend including bingo, live entertainment, arts and crafts, free historic tours, free putt-putt, a bonfire, a movie, and a whole lot more. In addition when you pay for Friday night camping we will give you Saturday night for free. Activities for registered campers only.
www.parks.ky.gov
859-527-3131
April 25 - Owensboro Symphony Orchestra Wine/Cheese Tasting
Owensboro - Independence Bank
A wine and cheese tasting fund-raiser and charity auction for the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra.
www.owensborosymphony.org
270-684-0661
April 25 - Belle / Spirit ~ Red hat Lunch Cruise
Louisville
Red Hat chapters from far and wide will board the Belle of Louisville for an afternoon of fun and frolic. A delicious lunch buffet will be served while cruising the beautiful Ohio River. Live music for listening and dancing will top off the day. Door prizes will be awarded. Romeos are also welcome.
www.belleoflouisville.org
502-574-2992
April 25-26 - Back Roads Tour
Marion
Self-guided tours and brochures highlighting the Amish community, local antique stores, historical and cultural sites, and museums. Food and craft vendors at the courthouse square. Local quilt shows, antique show, Amish market and community trade days.
www.marionkentucky.us
270-965-5015
April 25-26 - Camper Appreciation Weekend
Falmouth - Kincaid Lake State Park
We appreciate our campers by giving them two nights for the price of one. Special programs and activities planned throughout the weekend.
www.parks.ky.gov
859-654-3531
April 25-26 - Old Fashioned Trading Days
Mount Vernon
Craft booths, entertainment and food make for a fun-filled weekend.
606-256-3437
April 25-26 – Monroe County Heritage Festival
Tompkinsville – Old Mulkey Meetinghouse
The festival will salute the Bicentennial Celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday by focusing on the Civil War era. A Blue & Gray Banquet, interactive living history presentations, a show-and -tell of artifacts, children’s games and a potluck “dinner on the ground” are some of the activities planned. Attendees are encouraged to come in period-accurate clothing.
www.parks.ky.gov
270-487-8481
April 25-26 - Camper Appreciation Weekend
Dawson Springs - Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park would like to show our appreciation to our campers by offering them a rate of two nights camping for the price of one. There will be entertainment on Friday night and a full schedule of programs on Saturday. Programs will have Arbor Day and Earth Day oriented themes.
www.parks.ky.gov
270-797-3421
April 25-26 - Campers Appreciation Weekend
Union - Big Bone Lick State Park
Camp two nights for the price of one. Enjoy special activities and programs throughout the weekend including arts and crafts, nature activities and hikes.
www.parks.ky.gov
859-384-3522
April 25-26 - Dogwood Writer's Conference
Greenup - Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
Escape to the beauty of Northeastern Kentucky for workshops by the writing industry professionals, networking with other writers, and for market updates. This workshop has something for the experienced writer and for the novice. Join us for a weekend of fun, friendship, and relaxation. Package price: $71.96 for lodging each night not including tax and meals.
Hours: Fri, 2 pm - 9:30 pm; Sat, 8 am to 9:30 pm
www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/go/
800-325-0083
April 25-26 - Campers Appreciation Weekend
Corbin - Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Camp Friday night and receive Saturday night free of charge! A variety of nature and craft activities will be offered Friday night and Saturday.
www.parks.ky.gov
800-325-0063
April 25-26 - Campers Appreciation and Earth Day Celebration
Gilbertsville - Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
Camp two nights for the price of one! Our weekend will feature activities from our Kentucky heritage and culture with games, crafts, and entertainment. Bring a program to Wickliffe Mounds State Park for a discount on tours and museum entry. Enjoy several quilt shows that will be in the area including Paducah's National Quilt show.
www.parks.ky.gov
800-325-0146
April 25-26 - Somernites Cruise - Car Show
Somerset
The cruise is held on the 4th Friday and Saturday of each month April-October, rain or shine. Somernites Cruise is always free to participants and spectators. Enjoy food and music while viewing classic cars–fun for the whole family.
www.somernitescruise.com
606-677-1707
April 25-26 - Kenlake's Camper Appreciation
Hardin - Kenlake State Resort Park
Kenlake is offering two nights of camping for the price of one with special recreation activities planned throughout the weekend. Pay for Friday night and get Saturday night free.
www.parks.ky.gov
270-474-2211
April 25-26 - Campers Appreciation Weekend
Prestonsburg - Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
Camp one night and get the second night free! Planned nature and recreation activities for all ages. A free cookout for all campers on Saturday night. Please bring a covered dish, as the park will supply the hotdogs and buns.
www.parks.ky.gov
800-325-0142
April 25-26 - Camper Appreciation Weekend
Burnside - General Burnside Island State Park
This is a weekend devoted to campers. Campers can buy one night and get the second night free. We will be having crafts, games and lots of prizes to give away to our winners. The Lake Cumberland Square Dancers will be here at about 10:30 am to perform for everyone. Then lunch is served at noon for all campers. Another special guest for the kids, a magician, will be performing at 1:45 pm
www.parks.ky.gov
606-561-4104
April 25-26 - 2008 Camper Appreciation Weekend
Taylorsville - Taylorsville Lake State Park
Enjoy the party at Taylorsville two days and nights of camping for the price of one! We are offering games, entertainment, prizes, hayrides, contests, group activities and chances to win free camping. Call the park for more details.
www.parks.ky.gov
502-477-8713
April 25-27 - Lake Cumberland Camper Appreciation Weekend
Jamestown - Lake Cumberland State Resort Park
Campers come and enjoy a weekend of camping activities such as games and crafts, nature hikes and special entertainment. Camp Friday night and stay Saturday night free!
www.parks.ky.gov
270-343-3111
April 25-27 - Wildflower & Camper Appreciation Weekend
Olive Hill - Carter Caves State Resort Park
This weekend has been set aside as a special weekend for campers. Those camping will be charged the regular camping rate on Friday night and will receive Saturday night camping free! Special rates will apply to campers for mini-golf and cave tours. Some of the recreational programs include a Smokey Lake canoe trip, crafts, homemade ice cream, and a live performance on Saturday night. For Wildflower weekend we will have several Wildflower walks and programs to show the guest the beautiful array of the wildflowers of Carter Caves.
www.parks.ky.gov
800-325-0059
April 25-27 - Camper Appreciation Weekend
Henderson - John James Audubon State Park
Enjoy fun family activities Friday-Sunday as we celebrate John James Audubon's birthday and thank our visitors for making Kentucky State Park's system the nation's finest!
www.parks.ky.gov
270-826-2247
April 25-27 - 2008 Kentucky Writers Day Celebration
Gravel Switch – Historic Penn’s Store
Enjoy the weekend of honoring, preserving and encouraging the written word as writers, authors, poets, journalists and songwriters come together with readings and performances of their original works. Bring your blanket or lounge chair and come join the song.
www.pennsstore.com
859-332-7706
Show Details
April 25-27 - Barren River's Camper's Appreciation Weekend
Lucas - Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Campers, camp two nights for the price of one and join in on all the fun, games and activities. We even provide a hamburger and hot dog dinner on Saturday night to registered campers.
www.parks.ky.gov
270-646-2151 or 800-325-0057
April 25-27 - Campers Appreciation Weekend
Cadiz - Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Two nights camping for the cost of one and a slew of camper-focused activities, games, and crafts will kick off Lake Barkley's camping season!!!
www.parks.ky.gov
270-924-1131
April 25-27 - “Now That’s A Bargain” Camping Weekend
Carrollton - General Butler State Resort Park
Pay the first night camping fees, and stay the second night on General Butler! General Butler's
Campground will open its gates to a public campsite swap meet. Campers are welcomed to sell their wares during this weekend. Selling areas are limited to one's campsite for Saturday only from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. General Public is invited with special parking. Also weekend entertainment and activities will be planned for registered campers.
www.parks.ky.gov
502-732-4384
April 25-27 - Camper's Appreciation Weekend
Burkesville - Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Attention camping enthusiasts! Don’t miss your chance to camp two nights for the price of one! We will offer guided hikes, crafts, programs and special entertainment in appreciation of your visit this weekend.
www.parks.ky.gov
270-433-7431
Show Details
April 25-27 - Camper's Appreciation
Falls of Rough - Rough River Dam State Resort Park
Spend one night in the campground for regular price and get one free! There will be great food cooked over an open grill for all to enjoy. Activities for the kids and parents will be provided all weekend; including pottery, archery, scavenger hunts, campfire program and much more!
www.parks.ky.gov
800-325-1713
Come enjoy an evening of delicious chocolate desserts hosted by the Kappa department of the Murray Woman's Club.
Contact Information
(270) 753-9640
Show Details
April 25-27 - BPA Baseball World Series Qualifier
Owensboro - Jack Fisher Park & Panther Creek Park
Baseball tournament
www.teamipevents.com
270-683-9307
April 26 – Nature Photography Workshop
Land Between the Lakes, Nature Station
Budding photographers attend the annual nature photography mini-workshop at the Woodlands Nature Station. Learn exposure and composition and practice your skills as you take photos in the field. Participants will receive an instructional book. Limited to 20 participants. Pre-registration and full deposit required. The cost of $30 covers admission to Nature Station, class and book. Bring your camera (35mm SLR or digital), film, lunch and drinks. Hours: 10 am – 2 pm.
800-LBL-7077
www.lbl.org
April 26 – Art in the Park
Crittenden
A park setting makes this annual event fun for all. Join artists and crafts people from the tri-state area who offer a range of products from paintings, dolls, photography, woodworking, jewelry and more.
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm.
I-75 To Exit 166, and follow the signs to Grant County Park
800-382-7177
April 26 - Spring Art in the Park
Crittenden - Grant County Park
Annual Spring Art in the Park features the best artists and craftspeople from the tri-state area. Come enjoy the day in this beautiful shady park. We're just off I-75, Exit 166. Follow signs to a great show.
www.cetaarts.us
800-382-7117
April 26 - Kentucky Bourbon Festival Sampler
Bardstown
A fun-filled evening of sampling a variety of Kentucky bourbons and foods from area restaurants.
www.kybourbonfestival.com
502-348-3623
April 26 - WKBG Annual Plant Sale
Owensboro - Western KY Botanical Garden
Herbs, perennials and annuals all on display and for sale at Western KY Botanical Garden.
www.wkbg.org
270-852-8925
April 26 – Get Art-y at the Homestead
Louisville, Blackacre Nature Preserve & Historic Homestead
Join fellow painters, sketchers and photographers for a day of fun unlashing your creativity on subjects found outside and around this historic homestead. Bring artist materials, chairs, blankets, lunch – whatever you need to be artistic and enjoy yourself. Multi-media artist Aline Barker will be on hand to offer tips and share techniques.
No charge, donations appreciated
www.blackacreconservancy.org
502-266-9802
April 26 - Spring into Fishing!!
Frankfort - Salato Wildlife Education Center
It’s time to break out the old spinner baits and see if the bass at Kentucky Fish & Wildlife's lakes are biting! It is the perfect time to get kids outdoors after a long school year and teach them a few fishing skills. Join Salato staff and volunteers for a fun-filled day packed with fishing. We will provide lunch for the kids (sandwich, potato chips and drink); parents can eat with their kids for an additional $5. Cost is $10 limit 15 participants ages 12 and under. Registration and pre-payment are required.
fw.ky.gov
800-858-1549 ext 429 or 502-564-7109
April 26 – Blues Festival
Owenton – Elk Creek Vineyards
Enjoy various blues bands playing at the outdoor theatre from afternoon into the evening. Food vendors will be on the grounds. Tickets available in advance and at the door.
www.elkcreekvineyards.com
502-484-0005
April 26 - Spring Wildflower Walks
Clermont – Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
A colorful awakening is beginning in the woodlands! This popular series of guided wildflower walks features the changing face of the forest floor throughout spring. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. (Limit 20 each walk)
Hours: 1 pm – 2:30 pm – Admission: $5 members; $7.50 non-members
www.bernhiem.org
502-955-8512
April 26 - Adventure Trek to Blanton Forest
Pineville – Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Enjoy a hiking adventure to explore this diverse ecological treasure located on Pine Mountain's southeastern slope. A virtual time capsule, 3,090 acres Blanton Forest is one of the largest old-growth forests in the eastern U. S. The registration fee is $15 per person and the park will provide bottled water and transportation by van. Participation is limited to 10 persons and all participants are encouraged to bring snacks and a sack lunch. The hike is strenuous so wear sturdy boots. Time: 7 hours.
www.parks.ky.gov
800-325-1712
April 26 - Spring Extravaganza
Mount Olivet - Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
Thinking about redecorating your house? Shopping early for Mother’s Day? Blue Licks Gift Shop is the perfect place to find unique, one-of-a-kind items. We are hosting a Spring Extravaganza to show off all of our new merchandise. There will be refreshments, door prizes, book signings, and much more.
Hours: 10 am – 6 pm.
www.parks.ky.gov
859-289-5507 or 800-443-7008
April 26 – Junior Ranger Day
Hodgenville – Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site & Knob Creek Farm
This program encourages families and children to connect to America through our parks. Activities at Knob Creek Farm will include knowledge hunts, touch tables, leaf tracing and dissecting owl pellets. Participation is free and open to kids of all ages.
Hours: 9 am – 3 pm
www.nps.gov/learn/juniorranger.htm
270-358-3137
April 26 – Invasive Plant Removal Volunteer Day
Louisville, E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park
Coming just after Earth Day, celebrate by getting rid of some invasive weeds. Volunteers will meet in front of the Activities Building off Freys Hill Road. Bring your own water and dress for the weather. Clippers and pruners will be provided if you cannot bring your own.
Hours: 9 am - Noon.
www.parks.ky.gov
502-429-7270
April 26-27 - Camper’s Appreciation Weekend
Mount Olivet - Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
Campers pay for one night and get the second night free during this weekend where we say thank you to all our campers! Special canoe trips, programs, and music during the entire weekend.
www.parks.ky.gov
859-289-5507
April 26-27 - Birds & Blossoms of Bernheim
Clermont - Bernheim Forest
Field trips, guided hikes, and learning stations focused on spring wildflowers.
www.bernheim.org
502-955-8512
April 26-27 - Maysville Antique & Craft Show
Maysville - King Burley Warehouse
120 vendors from four states participate in this event sponsored by Washington Lions Club.
Hours: Sat. 9 am - 5 pm; Sun 11 am - 4pm.
www.freewebs.com/washingtonlionsclub
270-745-7317 or 606-564-6240
April 27 – Wildflower Hunt Hike
Louisville, E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park
Enjoy a two-hour hike lead by Dennis Crawly with the Kentucky Trails Association and park naturalist Tessa Edelen. You will traverse easy terrain and are asked to bring your own water and dress for the weather.
Hours: 10 am - Noon
www.parks.ky.gov
502-429-7270
April 27 – Tree ID Hike
Louisville, Louisville, Blackacre Nature Preserve & Historic Homestead
Join naturalist Alan Nations for a forest hike to learn how to identify trees using leaves, twigs, bark and habitat as your guide. Hike is appropriate for all ages.
No charge, donations appreciated.
Hours: 2 pm
www.blackacreconservancy.org
502-266-9802
270-786-1200
502-968-6300
Show Details
April 26-27 – Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site guided tours
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 27 - Belle / Spirit ~ Call To The Post Brunch
Louisville
Begin your Kentucky Derby festivities with a cruise on the beautiful Ohio River. Take this time to plan your betting strategies for a day at the races while enjoying a delicious brunch aboard the Spirit of Jefferson. Boarding at 8:30 am, cruising from 9 am to 11 am Don't miss it, it's a WINNER!
www.belleoflouisville.org
502-574-2992
April 28 - Jam Session
Corbin - Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
"Open Mike" night. Musicians bring your instruments and enjoy an informal jam session. Music lovers; come to hear the music.
www.parks.ky.gov
606-528-4121
April 28-29 - Birds, Blossoms, & Bees Spring
Celebration
Clermont, Berheim Arboretum & Research Forest
This weekend is celebration of the spectacle of Springtime at Bernheim. The stars of this event are unquestionably the blossoms in our landscape, including our stellar dogwood collection. However, we humbly offer these lesser diversions to enhance your experience: Guided and self-guided walks within the arboretum to discover what’s in bloom; Spring Nature Discovery Stations, including Birds & Bees at the Visitor Center and Education Center; New spring collections of books, jewelry, arts and crafts, t-shirts, and children’s items in the gift shop
Hours: Sat. 11 am – 4 pm; Sun. 1 pm – 4 pm
www.bernheim.org
502-955-8512
April 30 - Belle / Spirit - Great Steamboat Race
Louisville
Be part of a true Kentucky Derby tradition as the Legendary Lady takes on her arch rivals in the Great Steamboat Race. The much coveted "Golden Antlers" will be awarded to the victor, along with bragging rights for the year.
www.belleoflouisville.org
502-574-2992