Kentucky State Fair 2019

Since its inception in 1902, the Kentucky State Fair has continued to attract a growing number of Kentuckians (and our neighbors) each year who come for fun-filled attractions, concerts, shows, exhibits and of course, greasy fair food! Read on for the full scoop on what’s happening at the Kentucky State Fair 2019. Held at the Kentucky Expo Center from 15-25 August, The Kentucky State Fair offers a plethora of opportunities for guests to enjoy themselves. Read on to find out all about what’s happening at this year’s fair!

Texas Roadhouse Concert Series

Each year the Kentucky State Fair brings top-ranked music and every concert is free with paid admission to the fair! The entertainment area also has unique food and beverages that showcase the flavors of Kentucky. This years concert lineup:

8/15: Montgomery Gentry (with special guests Exile and Layla Spring)
8/16: Sheila E (with special guest Rose Royce)
8/17: Black Stone Cherry (with special guest Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown and The Josephines)
8/18: The Oak Ridge Boys (with special guest Lee Greenwood)
8/18: For King & Country (with special guest Young Escape)
8/20: Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone (with special guest Gary Lewis and the Playboys and Mitch Ryder)
8/21: Granger Smith ft. Earl Dibbles Jr. (with special guest Brandon Lay)
8/22: Lovelytheband (with special guest The Mowgli’s)
8/23: Dylan Scott & Mitchell Tenpenny (with special guest Jake Rose)
8/24: Vince Neil of Motley Crue (with special guest Kix)
8/25: Lauren Daigle (with special guest Ahi)

Free Shows

There will be over a dozen stages at the fair showcasing a range of original acts, talent showcases, animal performances and educational experiences. There’s sure to be something for everyone. Find the Kentucky State Fair 2019 Visitor’s Map Here. Some of the free shows available during the 2019 fair include:

Kinetic Sand Feel The Fun Tour (Aug 15-17) – sand play tables for kids and adults of all ages; South Wing Parking Lot
Lady Houdini – Escapologist show; South Wing Parking Lot
The Marvelous Mutts – Fun-filled dog sport show; South Wing Parking Lot
The Magic of David Garrard – Family-friendly magic show; Family Stage in South Wing C
Miller’s Border Collies – Trained dogs performing herding techniques on command; West Wing
Moto Maniacs – Motorcycle stunt and acrobatic show; Parking Lot L
The Nintendo Switch Road Trip (Aug 15 – 19) – Nintnento switch interactive exhibit, challenges, games, photo ops etc.; South Wing Parking Lot
O’Reilly Auto Parks – Auto Parts display; South Wing Parking Lot
Pogo Fred – Extreme pogo jumper; all around the fair daily
Pro BMX Trick Team – X-Games championship BMX bicycle stunt riders; West Courtyard
Renata The Band – Trio of siblings with unique blend of harmony-driven country/rock music; Performing Arts Stage in North Wing Lobby

Gourmet Garden

The Gourmet Garden will feature coking demonstrations by fine chefs, caterers and bakers from across the commonwealth. Live cooking demonstrations and competitions can be found at the state-of-the-art Gourmet Garden cooking stage in South Wing A. If you think you’ve got what it takes and you’d like to apply to be a part of one of these competitions (and have your chance at a cash prize), you can enter here. Competitions available in the 2019 Kentucky State Fair:

Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Competition
Kentucky Beef Council Backyard Burger Competition
Kentucky Pork Challenge

Agriculture Events

Agland

In Agland, there will be more than an acre of agricultural exhibits spread across South Wing A, highlighting Kentucky’s farm and field heritage, 4-H, FFA, future farming and agribusiness. Visit the 2019 Agland map here. There will be a discovery farm where visitors can learn what life is like on the farm through a variety of learning stations, and personal encounters with cattle, goats, llamas, sheep, poultry, a sow and her litter. There will also be a corn maze where you can try your hand at finding your way out!

Animals and Livestock Shows

You’ll find opportunities to view dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine, draft horses, boer goats, mini horses and more at this year’s Kentucky State Fair. The 2019 Animal Schedule can be found here. And the full Livestock Judging Schedule for 2019 can be found here.

Championship Drive recognizes more than 70 4-H and FFA competitors and animals who win a class at the fair. This years Championship Drive will be held 22 August at 6:30pm in Broadbent Arena.

Horse Shows

Each year, the Kentucky State Fair line-up includes 3 competitive horse shows.

World’s Championship Horse Show (August 17 – 24 2019)

With more than $1 million in prizes, the World’s Championship horse show is the richest and most prestigious saddlebred show. It attracts competitors and spectators from all around the world. To learn more visit the World’s Championship Horse Show’s website.

Miniature Horse Show

The Miniature Horse Show is spread over three days during the Kentucky State Fair. The show features equestrian minis who will compete in ore than 80 classes based on size, gender and age. It will be held in Broadbent Arena. To find our more, email hcfminiatures@gmail.com or call 502-418-7743.

Quarter Horse Show

The Quarter Horse Show is held 8-11 August 2019 in the lead-up to the fair.
The show includes a variety of events sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association and The Ranch Sorting National Championship. Competitions will include cutting, reining, western pleasure, horsemanship, trail, team penning, barrel racing, pole bending, rescue race, flag race, speed race and roping events. Show admission is free and open to the public at Broadbent Arena and Freedom Hall. Parking – $10 per vehicle. This year’s show bill can be find here.

There will also be a 4-H Horse Show leading up to the fair the features hunter (flat and fences), saddleseat (trotting), walking, mountain, racking, contest, western and miniature events.

Kentucky State Fair Talent Classic

Visitors to the fair will have the chance to enjoy top-rated Kentucky talent. The Talent Classic showcases the skills of 13-21 year olds from across the state of Kentucky who’ve already competed in preliminary contests. Find out more here including a list of contacts for preliminary contests

Heritage Hall

Enjoy a free cup of coffee and join in the music, games, dancing, bingo, exercises and singing every day in the Heritage Hall, South Wing C rooms 109 and 112. Participate in theme days, compete in contests and register for prizes.

Kentucky State Fair 2019 Tickets

July 1 – August 14: $7 Admission, $5 parking when purchased online or at Kroger (online purchases subject to Ticketmaster fees). Children under 5 are free.

August 15 – August 25: $8 Admission, $8 Parking when purchased online, $10 Admission, $10 Parking at the gate. Children under 5 are free.

Buy Tickets here

Thrill Ville Midway Tickets

Save money by buying your wristbands in advance. One day unlimited ride wristbands are $20 for adults and $12 for kids 12 and under (and under 46 inches) when purchased in advance online.

From August 15 to 25 unlimited ride wristbands are $25 for adults and $12 for kids ages 12 and under (and under 46 inches).

Buy Tickets Here

World’s Championship Horse Show Tickets

Show dates August 17 – 22: $8 admission (does not include fair admission or parking)

Show dates August 23 – 24: $11 admission (does not include fair admission or parking)

All week reserved seats: $168; Includes fair admission for all 16 shows, 2 practice days, 6 free morning shows, and 8 paid evening shows.