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Festivals & Events
Week 5 – April 30–May 6
Week 1 :: Week 2 :: Week 3 :: Week 4 :: Week 5
April 30 - May 3 - 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
May 1–4 - Ohio Valley Birding Festival
Henderson, J.J. Audubon State Park
Learn about birds, birding and bird habitat from some of the best birders in the field. Seminars, workshops, hikes and crafts will be available for all ages and all levels of interest. Annual Bird Migration Walks will be May 3.
www.parks.ky.gov
270-826-2247
May 2 – Belle of Louisville ~ Oaks Brunch
Louisville
The Belle of Louisville has a delicious brunch planned for Oaks Day, May 2. Come aboard for a 2-hour cruise and enjoy a fine assortment of breakfast and lunch items.
www.belleoflouisville.org
502-574-2992
May 2 - Spirit of Jefferson ~ Oaks Dinner Cruise
Louisville
After an exciting day at the races, continue the Oaks Day fun with a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Jefferson. A bountiful buffet and a full cash bar will be featured. Get set to celebrate with the lucky winners and console the not so fortunate.
Hours: 7:30 pm - 10 pm
www.belleoflouisville.org
502-574-2992
May 2 - 1st Friday in Dawson Springs
Dawson Springs
Join us downtown Dawson for an evening of fun, antique cars, motorcycles, food, live entertainment and crafts
Hours: 6 to 9 pm
www.dawsonspringsky.com
270-797-4248
May 2 – Art Show
Mount Sterling, Gallery for the Arts
Enjoy seeing local and regional art at the First Friday Art Show in the charming historic downtown Mount Sterling.
859-498-6264
May 2 - Farmer's Market Dawson Springs
Dawson Springs
Fresh produce and vegetables for sale by local farmers
Hours: Noon to 5 pm
www.dawsonspringsky.com
270-797-4248
May 2 – 10th Woodburn Days Strawberry Festival
Woodburn
Vendors will set up along Main Street and in front of Marsha T's Antique and Restoration Center. Antique and collectible flea market, city-wide yard sale, BBQ, strawberries and strawberry shortcake.
270-529-2424
May 2-3 - Herpetology Weekend
Slade, Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Discover nature's most misunderstood critters! Experienced herpetologists will lead field trips into the Red River Gorge National Geologic Area to observe reptiles and amphibians in their native habitat. Most Saturday fieldtrips will be offered at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Collection is prohibited. Friday and Saturday evening presentations will focus on reptile and amphibian natural history and conservation. Some demonstrations will include live venomous snakes! Registration upon arrival, $5/adult and $2/child. For more information contact park naturalist Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1710, ext. 2104.
www.parks.ky.gov
naturalbridgepark@ky.gov
606-663-2214
May 2-3 - Kentucky Walking & Racking Horse Derby Classic
Harrodsburg, Mercer County Fairgrounds
Sponsored by Kentucky Trainer's Walking & Racking Horse Association.
Hours: Fri., 7 pm; Sat., 5 pm
606-877-1790 or 859-734-2364
May 2-3 - Mule Days
Hanson
Downtown street fair and live music starts at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Saturday festivities open at 7 am with a community yard sale. Events also include parade, festival at Carhartt, all day wagon rides, petting zoo and pony rides.
www.historichanson.com
270-322-8521
May 2-3 - Camper Appreciation Weekend
London – Levi Jackson State Park
Levi Jackson State Park would like to show their appreciation to all their campers by giving one night free (Friday) when you pay for Saturday night. A dinner will be served Friday evening and activities are planned for both days. Start the camping season off by joining us at Levi Jackson for this kick-off celebration.
parks.ky.gov
levijackson@ky.gov
606-878-8000
May 2-4 - Derby Fest
Richmond, Fort Boonesborough State Park
If you can’t go to the Derby in Louisville, join us for the weekend instead. We will have scheduled times for a Kentucky Burgoo supper, bingo, free historic tours, free putt-putt, hayrides, a scavenger hunt, a free continental Derby breakfast, a Kentucky Derby contest and of course we will watch the Kentucky Derby on the big screen satellite TV. For registered campers only.
www.parks.ky.gov
(859) 527-3131
May 2-4 - Heart of the Bluegrass Antique & Collectible Show
Harrodsburg
Shop for quality antiques and fine collectibles in Historic Harrodsburg.
Admission: Free
Hours: Fri 11 am - 7 pm (special events will be held on Friday evenings); Sat., 9 am - 5 pm; Sun., 11 am - 5 pm.
859-691-0496
May 2-4 – Kentucky Spring Premier Saddlebred Show
Lexington, Kentucky Horse Park
A showcase for the American Saddlebred, Hackney ponies and Roadsters, featuring performance and equitation classes.
www.KyHorsePark.com
859-268-4509
May 3 - Derby Day Brunch
Harrodsburg
Come enjoy a Derby Brunch and a good time! Morgan Row will be decorated for the event. Limited number of tickets sold at $15 per person. Seating times: 9:30 am and 11 am.
www.harrodsburghistorical.org
859-734-7829 or 859-734-5985
May 3 - Diamond Derby Party
Owensboro
Join the fun at Diamond Lake Resort to watch the Kentucky Derby! Ladies can wear their fanciest Derby hat for a contest. There will be games, food and Diamond Juleps! Plus, come and cook your best recipe for chili for great awards.
www.diamondlakeresort.net
270-229-4900
May 3 - Governor's Derby Day Celebration
Frankfort
Join the fun with the free Derby Breakfast on the Capitol Grounds. Traditional crafts, children’s activities and entertainment will be featured.
Hours: 7 am – 11 am
Parking and shuttle services will be available at the Human Resources Building, Martin Luther King Blvd. and East Main St.
May 3 - 7th Annual City-Wide Yard Sale
Munfordville
The Munfordville Tourism Commission will host the 7th Annual City Wide Yard Sale Extravaganza on Saturday, May 3, RAIN or SHINE. Over 200 groups and individuals will have yard sales throughout the City of Munfordville. A “Treasure Map” of locations will be available at all Munfordville restaurants and service stations beginning Friday, May 1.
www.visitmunfordville.com
270-774-7883 or 888-686-3673.
May 3 - Cruisin On Main
London
Car Show showcasing many of the southeast's finest cars. This is a non-judged event open to car enthusiasts.
Admission: free
Hours: 2 pm – 8 pm
www.cruisinonmain.com
606-878-2064
May 3 - Historic Downtown Car Shows
Mount Sterling
Visit historic downtown during the evenings of the First Saturday in the summer months to see new and old cars alike.
www.rebelrodders.com
859-498-9874
May 3 - Murray City-Wide Yard Sale
Murray
West Kentucky's largest city-wide yard sale. Something for everyone!
www.tourmurray.com
270-759-2199
May 3 - 134th Running of the Kentucky Derby
Louisville, Churchill Downs
America’s premiere race for three-year-old thoroughbreds that annually draws 150,000 fans to historic Churchill Downs. Reserved seats are sold out; however general admission is available for $40. Gates open at 8 am and the first race is at 11 am. Twelve races. Televised live on NBC Sports.
www.kentuckyderby.com
502-636-4400
May 3-4 – Barkley Backpacking 101
Cadiz - Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Interested in spending a night under starry skies and a day surrounded by woods and water? Setting out on an overnight backpacking trip and investing in the gear to do it can be a chore - unless you've been on one of Barkley's Backpacking 101 Weekends! Join the Park Naturalist on Saturday morning for a one-night camping trip where we provide the gear, the experience, and the memories! Registration is limited, so call ahead and reserve your spot.
www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/lb/
800-325-1708
May 3-4 - Canoe Camping
Corbin, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Many people enjoy canoeing and would like to travel further than they can go in a day. The naturalist staff at Cumberland Falls can take you on an overnight canoe adventure. We will begin in the morning and canoe until time to set up camp. We will camp overnight and canoe the next day until lunch. The naturalist staff can show you what and how to pack and also teach you the minimum impact camping techniques. Not only will you learn how to plan an overnight canoe trip, but we also provide all of the equipment needed for this overnight adventure. Limited to ages 18 and up. Registration fee of $75 includes all equipment rental, instruction, and meals. Registrants will receive a list of suggested personal items to bring prior to their trip. For more information, contact Steve Gilbert at Steve.Gilbert@ky.gov or call 606- 528-4121.
www.parks.ky.gov
800-325-0063
May 4 - My Old Kentucky Homecoming
Bardstown
Join us on the lawn of Spalding Hall for our annual old fashioned barbeque and picnic. Good music and art, good food and a great time on the Sunday after the Kentucky Derby.
www.visitbardstown.com
800-638-4877
May 4 - DOLLYFEST
Union, Jane's Saddlebag
Celebrate Responsible Pet Ownership as we remember Dolly our llama. Event will feature many animals and is free to the public. Donations to Humane Society. Boone County Police K9 Demonstration. Motorcycle Ride, cost $20.
www.bigbonelick.com
859-384-4416
May 4 - Kentucky Off Road Hare Scrambles Championship Series
Millerstown,
An off-road Motorcycle and ATV Race over natural terrain. Courses are normally 8-12 miles long. See the website for the full schedule, directions, rules and results.
www.kyharescramble.com
270-444-0065
May 5 - Heart of Kentucky Cinco De Mayo Celebration
Lebanon
Celebrate the Mexican culture and the close ties Lebanon has with its Mexican-born citizens. Visitors have the opportunity to play games such as Mexican bingo and win prizes and kids can take a swing at the piñatas. There are also Mexican artifacts and art exhibits.
270-692-0021