The 118th Kentucky State Fair is prepared to entertain you and your taste buds
The Kentucky State Fair is unlike any other event around. It brings together the best festival and food experiences while celebrating the passions and rich history created by its fair-goers. Where else are buns replaced for donuts on a burger? Where else are jams sampled and wearing ribbons for all to see? For fair-goers living in the city, it’s an opportunity to learn about where food comes from. There is beauty in agriculture. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the hobbies that turn into heartfelt entries. To enjoy free concerts and entertainment in a unique package is hard to find anywhere else. This is where Kentucky comes together!
In our 118th rendition of this family tradition, there will be a lot of new experiences. But a lot of what has made the Fair great since 1902 will continue. We like to blend these two things to create an event that is welcoming to everyone.
This year, we expect to welcome more than half a million people through the gates of the Kentucky Exposition Center August 18-28. Fair-goers can expect unforgettable sights, smells, sounds, tastes, experiences and more. Our team at Kentucky Venues has been working endlessly to make an event befitting of the Kentucky name.
From the biggest pumpkin and watermelon contest to deep-fried Mac ‘N Cheese Balls, and champion livestock, the Fair has something for everyone.
Stop by:
▪ The Texas Roadhouse Concert Series to enjoy one of 28 acts including the Oak Ridge Boys, Trace Adkins, Kentucky’s Alex Miller and 2022 American Idol winner Noah Thompson.
▪ World’s Championship Horse Show to see some of the 2,000 finest horses in the country on display.
▪ The BIG Tent to enjoy family entertainment, community acts and unique food & drink. ● AgLand which includes FFA and 4-H to hear compelling projects from Kentucky’s amazing youth. ● The Kentucky State Fair Talent Classic to watch talent from around the state compete. ● The livestock area to witness champion livestock and their owners.
▪ Main Street Kentucky to interact with exhibits about education, government, environment and the arts in the State.
▪ Health Horizons for potentially life-saving free health screenings by medical professionals.
▪ The 9/11 NEVER FORGET exhibit to hear harrowing stories and see artifacts from the September 11, 2001 tragedy in New York City.
▪ The Family Stage to laugh your socks off, celebrate time with your family and cool off from the summer heat.
▪ Discovery Farm to see how many times a duck will jump down a mini slide.
▪ The Show Ring to witness kids wear matching costumes with their farm friends. ● The West Wing to watch Miller’s Border Collies herd geese into cages.
▪ Pride of the Counties and explore the unique story behind each county.
▪ Little Miss and Mister Pageant to cheer on winners from county fairs
Plus there are games, rides and roving entertainment that will stop you in your tracks. You will need 11 days to experience everything the Fair has to offer. We invite you to purchase your early bird admission ticket on our website before Aug. 6 which includes parking and admission for $8. You’ll see what Kentucky Venues and those from around the Commonwealth have been working on for the past year. Let’s continue to make Kentucky’s Fair one of the best in the country.
I look forward to seeing you at the 118th Kentucky State Fair!
Additional details regarding the $8 early bird ticket, special days, free parking and hours of operation can be found online at Kystatefair.org. Pictures of the Fair, my handwritten signature and headshot are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fxa828nv5tbfxvs/AACyliq GZW0sErOjnfcTU1wa?dl=0.
David S. Beck is the President & CEO of Kentucky Venues.