2023 Kentucky State Fair: From animals to rides & more, here's your complete guide
The theme for the 2023 Kentucky State Fair is "Summer Summed Up" — three words that pretty much sum up the 11 days of the Bluegrass state-themed family-friendly event held each year as we inch our way toward the conclusion of summer here in Kentucky.
If you are ready for corn dogs, ice cream, beer, live music, rabbits and goat exhibits, the tilt-a-whirl, horse shows and more, you are in luck. The 119th Kentucky State Fair is gearing up to return at the Kentucky Exposition Center from Aug. 17-27. This year, the Kentucky State Fair includes the popular (and free!) Texas Roadhouse Concert Series, plus a new beer festival, beloved attractions like AgLand and sinfully delicious fried food, plus a wide array of entertainment options that cater to all fairgoers.
“The fair has been a staple of Kentucky's cultural heritage for generations, and this year's event is set to continue the tradition of creating unforgettable experiences for fairgoers," David S. Beck, president & CEO of Kentucky Venues, said. "This event brings together the vibrant spirit of our great state, and we remain committed to providing our guests with a diverse range of entertainment."
For the first time in 2023, fairgoers will have the opportunity to sample beer from up to 20 different Kentucky craft breweries at Beerfest, a new experience happening Saturday, Aug. 19 in partnership with Louisville Ale Trail.
"The beer scene in Kentucky is something worth celebrating together," said David Satterly, co-founder of the Louisville Ale Trail. "Our team is excited to partner with the State Fair and organize Beerfest, which will give fairgoers a chance to experience some of the best Kentucky-made craft beers."
The 2023 Kentucky State Fair also features a celebration of Latin Culture on Sunday, Aug. 27, and the return of the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series. The concerts are included with fair admission, and this year will feature acts including Chris Janson, Morris Day and the Time, the Happy Together Tour, Foghat, and more.
This year is also a special year for the historic World's Championship Horse Show, held Aug. 19-26 at Freedom Hall. The prestigious event is celebrating its 120th anniversary at the fair.
Here's everything else you need to know about the 2023 Kentucky State Fair:
When is the Kentucky State Fair?
The Kentucky State Fair runs for 11 days this year from Aug.17-27.
Where is the Kentucky State Fair?
The 2023 Kentucky State Fair is held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville.
What are the hours for the Kentucky State Fair?
Outside:
Thursday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 18 to Sunday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 21 to Thursday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 25, and Saturday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 27, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Inside:
Thursday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 18, and Saturday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 21 to Thursday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 25 and Saturday, Aug. 26 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission to the fair and sale of all unlimited ride wristbands ends one hour before posted outside closing time. Fairgoers under 18 years old entering after 6 p.m. must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 21 years of age or older. Proof of age is required. IDs will be verified at the gate.
Where do I park for the Kentucky State Fair?
Parking for the Kentucky State Fair will be in Parking Lot A at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
How much are tickets to the Kentucky State Fair?
Tickets purchased in advance include parking and are $10. Tickets purchased during the fair are $10 for admission and $10 for parking.
Thrill Ville wristbands are available now through Aug. 16 online, at participating Kroger stores, and at the Kentucky Exposition Center box office for $30.
Thrill Ville wristbands cost $35 starting Aug. 17. Keep in mind that Beerfest will require an additional wristband purchase.
Kentucky State Fair admission and ride wristbands are available online via Ticketmaster and at participating Kroger locations. Visit kystatefair.org/tickets for details.
How much are tickets to the World Championship Horse Show?
Tickets for the World Championship Horse Show, held Aug. 19-26, are $8-$11 depending on the day. This does not include general State Fair admission. All-week reserved World Championship Horse Show tickets are $184 and include fair admission. Call 502-367-5177 to purchase.
How can I save money at the Kentucky State Fair?
Back by popular demand, the Kentucky State Fair is offering fairgoers discounts on multiple days. Some discounts will pertain to specific individuals, but there's one day when every fairgoer can attend for a discounted rate.
“We’re thrilled to bring back promotional days to the Kentucky State Fair, as one of the primary goals of the fair is to provide something for everyone to enjoy. We appreciate all of our community partners who make these days possible,” Beck said. “Our team recognizes that Kentuckians come from all walks of life, and with these special-ticketed days, more of our neighbors can experience Summer Summed Up.”
Sunday, Aug. 20: Military Sunday — Active military and veterans, as well as their families, can attend the fair for free. Military ID is required. There is a limit of four free tickets, and parking is not included. Wristbands for Thrill Ville will be discounted 20% and available onsite. There is a limit of six wristbands per valid military ID.
Monday, Aug. 21: $5 Monday — Those looking for a big bargain won’t want to miss this day. The $5 admission is per person and includes parking.
Tuesday, Aug. 22: Senior Day — Anyone 55 and older can get into the fair for free, although you will have to pay for parking. Special activities will be planned throughout the day.
Wednesday, Aug. 23: Sensory Awareness Day — Free admission and Thrill Ville tickets will be given to fairgoers with sensory processing differences. From 10 a.m. until noon, Thrill Ville will operate with minimal lights and music to create an enjoyable fair experience for those with sensory sensitivities. Limited tickets are available. To receive tickets, email melissa@featlouisville.org or katc@louisville.edu.
When is Courier Journal Day at the Kentucky State Fair?
The staff from the Courier Journal looks forward to meeting you Friday, Aug. 18 when we will have a booth set up in the Southwest section of the South Wing lobby from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. While supplies last, pick up a free copy of the day's paper plus a drawstring backpack.
What's new at the 2023 Kentucky State Fair?
Beerfest will be held Saturday, Aug. 19, and will feature 20 Kentucky craft beers curated through the Louisville Ale Trail.
The Latin Music Fest will be held Sunday, Aug. 27, and will feature salsa dancing, meet and greet with LouCity soccer players and musical performances throughout the day in The BIG Tent.
What are the free concerts for the Kentucky State Fair?
You'll get your fill of country, hip-hop, retro-pop, Christian, heavy metal, oldies, and R&B at the 2023 Kentucky State Fair. And yes, the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series is free with the price of admission. All concerts begin at 8 p.m. with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. and take place in Lot L adjacent to Kentucky Kingdom and Broadbent Arena.
Here is the 2023 Texas Roadhouse Concert Series lineup:
Thursday, Aug. 17: Chris Janson with special guest Alex Miller
Friday, Aug. 18: Morris Day and the Time with special guest Tag Team
Saturday, Aug. 19: Foghat with special guest The Kentucky Headhunters
Sunday, Aug. 20: The Oak Ridge Boys with special guest T.G. Sheppard
Monday, Aug. 21: Casting Crowns
Tuesday, Aug. 22: Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, The Classics IV, and The Cowsills
Wednesday, Aug. 23: Larry Fleet with special guest Tyler Rich
Thursday, Aug. 24: Vince Neil the Legendary Voice with special guest Autograph
Friday, Aug. 25: Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry with special guest Lonestar
Saturday, Aug. 26: Warren Zeiders with special guest JD Shelburne
What animals will I see at the Kentucky State Fair?
Fairgoers will see plenty of animals while visiting the State Fair including:
Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goats, Poultry, Pigeons and Rabbits
Boer Goats
Mules & Jacks
Sheep
Market Goats and Wether Dams
Beef Cattle
Championship Drive
Draft Horse and Mule Pull
This story will be updated with more details as fair organizers finalize dates and times for many of its events. Be sure to check back for updates and visit the 2023 Kentucky State Fair at kystatefair.org.
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Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky State Fair 2023: Complete guide to tickets, dates, bands
