Spring into Festivals across the Bluegrass State

It’s that time of year. The temperatures are steadily rising, trees and gardens are beginning to bloom, and the Bluegrass State is ready to celebrate with some fun and quirky spring festivals.  

The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival in Pineville has been a joyous and proud tradition in southeastern Kentucky since 1931. The festival is centered around a pageant in which young ladies from colleges all over Kentucky vie for the title of Mountain Laurel Festival Queen.  

Throughout the two-day celebration, Pineville and nearby Pine Mountain State Resort Park are on full display in all their spring-time glory. Events include parades through town, fireworks, concerts, 5K run/walks, carnivals and so much more. All leading up to the Queen’s Coronation, which takes place at Pine Mountain's Laurel Cove Amphitheater.  

For those who love the outdoors, don’t pass up on the Mountain Mushroom Festival in Irvine. For more than 30 years Irvine has celebrated the morel mushroom, a highly sought after honeycomb-patterned fungi, commonly found in woodlands. In addition to the shrooms, the festival celebrates agate, the state rock of Kentucky, as well as master artisans and crafters. This free festival takes place in late April and features activities such as the morel mushroom cookoff, an agate gem and mineral show, the Twin City Kruzers Car Show and so much more.  

The people of northern Kentucky want you to know that you don’t have to wait until the fall to celebrate German style. Maifest kicks off in the middle of May in Covington’s Goebel Park. Locals and visitors from all over, trek to the southern banks of the Ohio River and celebrate spring with food, beer, music and even a maypole. This family event has something for everyone.  

If you find yourself in Bowling Green in on the last Saturday in April, be sure to check out the White Squirrel Arts Fest. Hosted annually in the city’s historic Shakerag district, the festival brings together arts vendors, food trucks, live music, and unique performances, all in one place.  The main events of the fest include a fashion show, theatrical readings and a poetry slam.  

This list barely scratches the surface of what Kentucky has to offer. No matter the season or the interest, you will be able find a way to celebrate it in the Bluegrass State.  

For more information about these and dozens of other Kentucky festivals, checkout the Kentucky Tourism events calendar.