Unique and Unforgettable Festivals in the Bluegrass State

Every year the Bluegrass State is home to more than 700 festivals and fairs, all of which celebrate some aspect of Kentucky culture, food, arts and so much more.   

It is common knowledge that Kentucky hosts the “most exciting two minutes in sports,” also known as the Kentucky Derby, for the last 150 years. What might not be quite as well known, is that Louisville spends most of the month of April celebrating with the Kentucky Derby Festival.  

The festival attracts more than 1.5 million visitors and features around 70 events of every kind. From parades to marathons to elegant balls to wine tastings, Derby city pulls out all the stops for this one-of-a-kind celebration.  Be sure to catch “Thunder Over Louisville,” which is the festival’s opening ceremony and the largest annual fireworks shows in North America. The Great BalloonFest is another signature event that makes the Louisville skyline fun and beautiful.  

For something outside the bustling city, check out Stanton’s Corn Festival, held every August.  This three-day festival takes place in a beautiful small town in the Appalachian foothills. Enjoy live music, dozens of vendor tables and don’t miss out on the annual corn eating contest! 

During the first week of September, thousands of visitors trek to Oak Grove in southwest Kentucky for the Butterfly Festival. This event features a variety of engaging activities, including arts and crafts, face painting, a balloon artist, a photo booth, the bubble zone, and more, making it perfect for families. The biggest draw is the grand release of more than 3,600 butterflies, making a fun family event truly unforgettable.  

The World Chicken Festival, held the last weekend of September in London, celebrates the life of Kentucky Fried Chicken founder, Harland Sanders. Since 1990 this event has been devoted to showing people a good time with crazy contests, such as the rooster crowing contest – for people and the Colonel Sanders look-a-like contest, not to mention, live music, rides and all kinds of delicious chicken. 

The Anderson County Burgoo Festival is another Kentucky culinary celebration. Burgoo, a hearty stew consisting of three kinds of meat, wild game and any vegetables. This delicacy has been a staple of Kentucky kitchens for generations The festival, held every October in downtown Lawrenceburg, brings visitors from near and far to celebrate the dish with burgoo tastings, vendors, live music, pageants and so much more. 

The Best of the Bluegrass (formerly known as Festival of the Horse) is a popular three-day event that celebrates Bluegrass culture in the heart of horse country.  This fest showcases more than a dozen musicians and countless vendor booths, ranging from handmade woodwork and crafts to jewelry, apparel and home décor. Two of the festival's most popular events include the Colt & Filly Review Parade and the Grand Parade of Horses.     

This list barely scratches the surface of what Kentucky has to offer.  No matter what the interest is, the Bluegrass State has found a way to celebrate it.