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FESTIVALS & EVENTS
WEEKLY
Four Legends Jamboree
Drakesboro City Hall, Drakesboro, 270-476-8690
Thumb picking “at its best” held every second Saturday of every month.
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Rosine Barn Jamboree - Fridays
Blue Moon of KY Hwy. (US 62E), 270-274-5552
Enjoy Bluegrass, music at this historic barn in Bill Monroe’s hometown. It all begins at 7 pm until the music stops. Bring lawn chairs in warm weather to sit under the stars. |
FEBRUARY
Elevation L.Y.N.C.
Owensboro
A contemporary Christian music festival and conference.
MARCH
Village Arts Festival - March
Hanson, 270-322-0301
Artists from all over the state showcase their work. Demonstrations through out the day, book signings, children’s exhibits, live music and food vendors. Held the 4thweekend of March.
APRIL
Annual Bluegrass Returns to its Roots Festival
Owensboro
www.visitowensboro.com
This popular bluegrass festival opens on Thursday night with the popular “Battle of the Bands” and also features 24-hour live jamming.
Henderson Breakfast Lions Club Tri-Fest
Downtown Henderson, 270-831-1527
www.hendersontrifest.org
In April, enjoy food types, carnival, entertainment, fireworks, 5K run, bike ride.
Mose Rager Day - April
Drakesboro Elem. School, Drakesboro
270-476-8690
This annual event held the second Saturday in April celebrates Mose Rager, one of the thumb picking greats.
National AKC Beagle Championships
Ohio County Park, Hartford, 270-298-4466
Dogs and dog-lovers from all across the nation gather to compete in or observe the National American Kennel Association beagle finals at Ohio County Park’s wide open spaces.
MAY
Antique Motorbike & Scooter Rally
Dawson Springs
www.dawsonspringsky.com
Join us for a step back in time as the Whizzers and Cushman antique motorbikes arrive at Riverside Park in May. Exhibitors and entrants are on hand to drag, cruise and show their two steel mounts from the past.
Battle of Sacramento Re-enactment
Hwys 81 & 85, Sacramento
270-736-5274 or 270-273-3213
www.battleofsac.com
The largest cavalry re-enactment in Kentucky is held the third weekend in May and takes place on the original battle site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Civil War Discovery Trail.
Hanson Mule Days
www.historichanson.com
Tractor pulls, parade, shopping, vendors, music and more! Annual festival the first weekend in May.
Homegrown Bluegrass & Creative Arts Festival
Audubon State Park
3100 US 41 N, Henderson, 270-826-2247
Regional bluegrass bands perform in the beautiful setting of the park. Arts festival includes pottery, woodworking, soapmaking, visual arts, children’s activities.
International Bar-B-Q Festival
Owensboro
www.visitowensboro.com 270-926-1100
Best described as “two days of barbecue heaven”, the air is filled with the aroma of hickory-smoked chicken, pork, beef and mutton. Live bands, carnival rides, vendor types, pageants, a car show, backyard barbecue competitions, and so much more.
Ohio Valley Cruisers Annual Downtown Car Show
Downtown Henderson
270-826-5831 or 270-869-4699
Classic car show and competition. Parade and Cruise-in. Second weekend in May.
Strawberry Festival
Downtown Beaver Dam, 270-274-4096
There’s a lot to see, do and eat during this Memorial Day weekend of old-fashioned fun and new activities. Includes live music, dancing, pageants, a 5K run, car and motorcycle shows, a parade, Veterans Ceremony, lots of strawberries, and much more!
MAY - SEPTEMBER
Friday After 5 Owensboro - RiverPark Center
Every Friday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the BB&T Plaza offers free live concerts with varied music genre
JUNE-SEPTEMBER
Picking in the Park
Paradise Park, Powderly
270-338-0997
“Home grown” thumb picking event with a “down home” atmosphere held Friday evening June-Sept.
Sebree Summerfest - Summer
Sebree, www.webstercountyky.com
Join in the fun of rides, games and food. Sponsored by the Sebree Chamber of Commerce. Check the website for the exact date.
Summer Concert Series & 4th of July Fireworks
Downtown Riverfront, Henderson, 270-827-0016
www.downtownhenderson.org
Friday evenings, June-July 7-9pm. Various types of musical entertainment. Includes 4th of July fireworks.
Union County Catholic Church Picnics
“Where Mutton is King” June-August-September
Last Saturday in June at St. Peter Church
Waverly 270-389-4224
Second Saturday in August at St. Ann
Morganfield 270-389-2287
Saturday after Labor Day at St. Agnes Church
Uniontown 270-822-4416
JUNE
Bluegrass Draft Horse and Mule Championship
Muhlenberg County Ag and Convention Center
Powderly, 270-754-3187
The largest single day horse and mule pull in the United States. Held in June of every year.
Classic Antique Car & Tractor Show - June
Lions Club Community Center, Sacramento
270-736-2240
The first Saturday in June shows off more than 150 of the “hottest” cars around with cash prizes, trophies and good food.
Dixon Freedom Days
Dixon City Park, Dixon, 270-635-1649
Independence is celebrated with concerts, a parade and children’s rides on the 3rd weekend in June.
Henderson County Fair
Henderson, KY
International Mystery Writers Festival
Owensboro - RiverPark Center
www.riverparkcenter.org
This festival offers the debut performances of brand new mysteries submitted by playwrights from around the world. The premiere festival featured 48 plays performed for the first time.
Lewisport Heritage Festival
Lewisport, 270-295-3535
Bands, beauty contest, rides. Family fun for everyone of all ages. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs.
McLean Co. Fair
Powderly, 270-338-0313
Providence Coal Festival
Providence 270-667-5463
First full week in June at Westerfield Park. Carnival rides, games, auction, professional wrestling.
River of Music Festival (ROMP)
Owensboro
www.bluegrassmuseum.org
The International Bluegrass Music Museum presents ROMP, a mega-celebration of all things bluegrass. "ROMP" includes 3 days and 3 nights of great bands in concert, the "Bluegrass Masters Film Festival", the "Bluegrass Legends Concert", exhibits at the Museum, and Bluegrass Hall of Honor unveiling.
Yellowbanks Dulcimer Festival
Owensboro - English Park on the Ohio River
www.yellowbanksdulcimer.org
The mountain dulcimer, designated as Kentucky’s official state instrument, is celebrated with workshops and performances free of charge.
Union County Fair
Sturgis Fairgrounds, 333-4107
www.ucfairexpo.com
W. C. Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival
1-800-648-3128, www.handyblues.org
Celebrate the birth of the blues and pay tribute to W. C. Handy during this free week long celebration ending the Saturday before Father’s Day. Barbecue, blues, zydeco, street strut and many other activities.
JULY
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Celebration of the American Spirit
Owensboro - Downtown on the River
www.owensboroparks.org
Celebrate the Fourth with vendors & fireworks.
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Daviess County Lions Club Fair
Owensboro, www.daviesscounty-fair.com
Dawson Springs Annual Bar-B-Q Festival
270-797-2781
This community celebrates its heritage every fourth weekend in July with famous barbecue, contests and music.
Family Freedom Fireworks Festival
Owensboro - Panther Creek Park
www.daviesscountyparks.com
To celebrate the 4th, enjoy fun for all ages, food, music, inflatables and fireworks.
Hopkins County Fair
Madisonville
July Fourth Spectacular
Vastwood Park, Hawesville, 270-927-8137
Evening fireworks abound over the 19-acre lake in the park with gospel singing, children’s games, swimming, fishing, camping and picnicking.
Little Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races for Charity
Union County Fairgrounds
270-333-9316, www.littlesturgisrally.net
Sturgis motorcycle enthusiasts from Canada and the US enjoy various events, live bands and dirt drag races. Funds are donated to charities and civic organizations. Always held the third week of July.
McLean County Fair
Myer Creek Park, Calhoun
www.trailsrus.com/mcleancounty
Muhlenberg Co. Freedom Fest
Powderly
Celebrating the 4th, enjoy a gigantic fireworks display, local talent, food and fun.
Sparks in the Park
Ohio County Park, 270-298-3551
Celebrate the 4th with this exceptional fireworks show! You can picnic or play while waiting for dusk.
AUGUST
Annual Street Legends
Owensboro - Diamond Lake Resort
http://diamondlakeresort.net
Classic cars of every kind will be displayed. Live entertainment both Friday and Saturday night.
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Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival
Audubon Mill Park
Downtown Henderson, 1-800-648-3128
www.bluegrassintheparkfestival.com
The second weekend in August enjoy free bluegrass music overlooking the Ohio River. Folklife demonstrations, children’s activities, tennis tournament, bike tour and a street pole vault meet and an all you can eat pancake breakfast. |
Central City/Everly Brothers Cruise In Events
Downtown Central City, 270-754-9603
Last Wednesday in August-Gospel Fest; Thursday evening, Showcase of Talent; Friday, Rock ‘n Roll Cruise In; Saturday, Car Show, Poker Run, Motorcycle Show and Rock ‘n Roll Concert. Lots of arts and crafts, food and fun!
Kentucky Deer Classic
270-338-5422
Hunters can hone their skills and rub elbows with hunting celebrities on the fourth Saturday in August.
Multi-Cultural Festival
Owensboro
www.firstpresbyterianowensboro.com
The third Saturday of August, join in a city-wide multicultural festival to "celebrate diversity and reach beyond ourselves."
Thunder on the Green
Livermore
The Kentucky Drag Boat Association’s annual race is held in mid August on the Green River. Qualifying heats are on Saturday with the main races on Sunday. These drag boats reach speeds of over 100 mph. This is a points event on the KDBA circuit. Contact Roger Austin, President 270-273-5006.
SEPTEMBER
Clay Days
Clay 270-875-7205
Held the 3rd weekend in September. Pit BBQ, tractor pull, rides, entertainment.
Fordsville Days
Downtown Fordsville, 270-314-5454
A real town fair featuring music, pageants, car and motorcycle shows, types and carnival rides.
Grillin & Chillin BBQ Cookoff
Owensboro - Diamond Lake Resort
www.diamondlakeresort.net
This Kentucky State Championship BBQ Cookoff, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, offers over $10,000 in prize money.
Hancock County Sorghum Festival
Hancock Co. Fairgrounds
Hawesville, 270-927-8137
Visitors flock from all over the nation to view the sorghum making process and sample this famous sorghum. Food, arts and crafts, rug and basket weavers too.
International Thumb Picking Weekend
Paradise Park, Powderly
270-338-5414, 270-338-0997
The three day “Home of the Legends” guitar event begins the last of September. The unique style of picking that began in Muhlenberg County is truly a favorite of thumb picking fans!
Island Wooden Bridge Festival
A homecoming in Island, Kentucky. The city enjoys a rich railroad history as well as the “coal capital“ of McLean County. Local musicians and crafts are the flavor of the town on Saturday. The event is held annually on the second weekend in September. The main attraction is the original 1872 wooden bridge that spanned the former railroad. Nearby is the Island Station, a county dance hall open two evenings a week.
Onton Hay Days
Onton 270-884-3411
Over 160 cruisers annually. Parade, auction, gospel singing, crafts. Held the 3rd Fri and Sat in September.
Ruby Moon Vineyard & Winery Arts Festival
9566 US Hwy 41A, Henderson, 270-830-7660
www.rubymoonwinery.com
Outdoor arts festival set throughout the vineyard. Art by Henderson Society of Art available for purchase, wine samples and sales. Second week in September.
Union County Corn Festival
Morganfield, 270-389-9600
Held the third weekend in September, a grand parade, show horses and jumping frogs provide great fun for this gala with food, games, arts and crafts. Sponsored by the Morganfield Lions Club.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
Habitat Festival
Downtown
Hartford, 270-298-3335
Catch the scent of fresh Bar-B-Q chicken in the crisp fall air while enjoying entertainment, music, games, the parade and much more.
Poole Harvest Days
Poole, 270-639-9065
Held the first weekend after Labor Day. Annual festival sponsored by the Poole Lion’s Club.
Jerusalem Ridge Festival
Rosine, 270-274-9181
Enjoy 40 of the top names in American Bluegrass Music performing on beautifully wooded Jerusalem Ridge, the boyhood home of Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass Music. Sweet music, great people – an experience you’ll always remember.
OCTOBER
Annual Cruise-in and Street Dance - October
Hanson, 270-322-0301, www.historichanson.com
Held the first Saturday in October. Join in the fun at the Sock – Hop and car show.
GRADD Arts & Crafts Festival - October
Audubon State Park
3100 US 41 N, Henderson, 270-926-4433
bethgoetz@gradd.com
Annual GRADD arts and crafts with hundreds of exhibitors showing off their handiwork the first weekend of October.
Pumpkinfest
Owensboro - Moreland Park
The Glenmary Sisters offer a family festival with rides, games, food, contests, pumpkins and live music.
Reid’s Orchard Apple Festival
Owensboro
www.reidorchard.com, 270-685-2444
Celebrate the fall season and everything apple! Sample all kinds of tasty treats, the many arts & crafts vendors, enjoy the petting zoo, an old fashion hay ride or the many carnival rides.
Scarecrow Festival
Owensboro
www.wbkg.org
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden starts the fall season with a special festival for the young and old alike.
Hwy 60 Yard Sale
www.highway60yardsale.com
From Union County to Meade County, US Hwy. 60 will become one large yard sale for three days.
NOVEMBER
Christmas Holiday Homecoming Craft Show
Owensboro
One of the biggest arts and crafts show in the tri-state area.
Holiday Open
House Hanson and Madisonville
Second weekend in November
Roving musicians and choirs entertain as you shop.
Merle Travis Birthday Celebration
Drakesboro Elementary School, Drakesboro
270-476-8690
Celebrate the birthday of Merle Travis, one of the great thumb pickers of all time. Always held in November.
Merry Main Street Christmas and Holiday Open House
Downtown Morganfield, 270-389-1199
Held the Sunday before Thanksgiving and sponsored by Downtown Morganfield Inc.
Owensboro Christmas Parade
www.ChristmasParade.net
This special parade is the largest Christmas parade in Kentucky and the tri-state area.
Veterans Parade
Owensboro - Downtown
Bands, floats, Scout troops, organizations all come together to honor our Veterans and show appreciation.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
Beaver Dam Christmas Homecoming
Downtown Beaver Dam, 270-274-3212
Savor the joys of the season with strolling carolers and a cozy horse drawn carriage ride. Antique stores and other businesses will welcome you and say “Season’s Greetings” in a delightful way.
Christmas at Panther Creek
Owensboro
www.daviesscountyparks.com 270-685-6142
Daviess County Parks brings an outdoor holiday display with more than 250,000 lights.
Holiday Forest - Owensboro
www.omfa.us 270-685-3181
The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art brings this annual celebration of the holiday season, featuring trees and holiday decorations designed by regional artists, civic groups and schools.
NOVEMBER – JANUARY
Holiday in the Park
Owensboro
www.owensboroparks.org
Giant elves, trees, toys and figures, and Santa in his sleigh, illuminated by thousands of lights line the halfmile paved walking path.
Winter Wonderland
Owensboro - RiverPark Center
www.riverparkcenter.org
This unique festival includes an outdoor skating rink, cinema air screen playing favorite holiday movies, children's rides, and visits from Santa.
DECEMBER
Clay Christmas Parade - December
Held the Friday before the 1st Sat in December.
Historic & Unique Holiday Home Tour
Morganfield, 270-389-1199
Tour interesting homes at holiday time sponsored by Downtown Morganfield Inc. First Sunday in December.
Return to Bethlehem - December
Madisonville, 270-821-3611
First Baptist Church, www.firstbaptistchurch.cc
Held for 4 days every December. Walk through a recreation of Bethlehem the night Jesus was born. Relive the trip made to Bethlehem as you walk through the streets interacting with characters of the time including soldiers, shopkeepers, beggars and live animals.
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