It is Kentucky State Fair time, which means it is socially acceptable to sit down and eat a Krispy Kreme Donut Burger, deep-fried Oreos, pulled pork mac and cheese, and totchos. You can also enjoy live music, cotton candy, corn dogs, rabbits and goat exhibits, shop at vendors with a variety of merchandise, and more.
The fair will be held Aug. 18-28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane. Watterson Expressway and the Fairgrounds.
Gates open at 7 a.m. daily. Exhibit Halls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 28), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets, if purchased online through Aug. 17, are $10 per person (parking included). If tickets are purchased at the gate Aug. 18-28, they are $10 per person with an additional $10 for parking. The State Fair is free for ages 5 and younger. Fairgoers ages 17 and younger 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.
For a full list of events and more information, visit kystatefair.org. But if you're looking for a little guidance, here are more than a dozen things you can do at the 2022 Kentucky State Fair:
WHAT: The prestigious saddlebred show is held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair and crowns world champion Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies and Road Horses in different divisions. The show attracts spectators and competitors from across the world and includes over 2,000 horses competing for more than $1 million in awards. Horses compete in divisions including Three-Gaited, Five-Gaited, Fine Harness, Saddlebred Pleasure, Saddle Seat Equitation, Hackney/Harness Ponies, Roadster, In-Hand, and American Saddlebred. Each division includes several classes for amateurs, ladies, amateur ladies, and junior exhibitors, as well as younger horses and ponies.
WHERE: Freedom Hall, 937 Phillips Lane
WHEN: Aug. 20-27. For a complete schedule visit wchorseshow.com/schedule
TICKETS: $8 reserved, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 21-25 at 6:30 p.m.; $11 reserved, Aug. 26 at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.; all-week reserved tickets include seats and Kentucky State Fair admission for all 14 shows (Upper-Level Rows C-L), $184.Free performances are held on Aug. 21 at noon and Aug. 22-24, 26-27 at 9 a.m. Seating is available in the upper level of Freedom Hall (no morning performance on Aug. 25). This does not include admission to the fair. Tickets may be purchased at the Kentucky Exposition Center ticket office and online at ticketmaster.com or wchorseshow.com/tickets. To purchase all-week reserved tickets, call the ticket office at 502-367-5144.
Kentucky State Fair:From animals to rides & more, here's your complete guide to this year's state fair
WHAT: Get your adrenaline pumping with these rides including roller coasters, Dino Train, carousel, giant slide, tilt a whirl, tea cups, Hurricane, Monster Truck, Orient Express and more.
WHEN: Aug. 18-28. Opens 3 p.m. Monday-Friday; 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
MORE INFORMATION: One-day unlimited ride wristbands are available for $30 online through Aug. 17; $35, Aug. 18-28. Thrill Ville closes at 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday-Sunday; 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28.
The 2022 Kentucky State Fair is bringing its free concert series that offers a variety of genres, including country, hip hop, retro-pop, Christian, heavy metal, oldies and R&B. Something for everyone.
American Idol winner Noah Thompson, from Louisa, Kentucky will be performing on Aug. 24. He will be opening for fellow Kentuckians John Michael Montgomery and Walker Montgomery. Admission to the concert series is free with regular Kentucky State Fair admission.
The Texas Roadhouse Concert Series is located in Parking Lot L will be held Aug. 18-28, gates will open at 6:30 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. each day. On Aug. 28, gates open at 2:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 4 p.m.
You may like'American Idol' winner Noah Thompson to perform at Kentucky State Fair
WHAT: Free shows and entertainment at the Kentucky State Fair:
WHAT: Feed your need for entertainment, food, music and beer at The BIG Tent, a new outdoor family entertainment space and the popular Budweiser Tent.
WHERE: The BIG Tent (in Lot A adjacent to the South Wing); Budweiser Tent (West Wing Lawn)
MORE INFORMATION: For the daily lineup for each tent: kystatefair.org.
WHAT: Demonstrations by chefs, caterers, and bakers from across the Commonwealth and live cooking demonstrations and competitions.
WHERE: State-of-the-art stage (South Wing A)
MORE INFORMATION: For a complete schedule: kystatefair.org.
You may likeFrom bourbon to new restaurants, everything to know about Louisville's summer food scene
WHAT: Learn more about your health with free health screenings and assessments by local medical professionals. Tour medical displays, pick up free samples and donate blood.
WHAT: Come for coffee stay for fun. Enjoy a free cup of coffee and bingo. Participate in activities, compete in contests and register for prizes.
WHERE: South Wing C, rooms 109 and 112
WHAT: See exhibits and creative displays. Fairgoers of all ages will enjoy exhibits focusing on education, government, the environment and the arts.
WHAT: Vendors with candy, toys, clothes and more. Go inside and cool off, eat funnel cake, and purchase memorabilia.
You may like12+ food, drinks and music events around Louisville you can still attend this year
WHAT: The fair will have four special discount days:
WHAT: Meet TV anchors, DJs, reporters, and columnists that work in local media
WHAT: Looking for dairy cattle, dairy goats or swine? What about the lambs, sheep, Boer goats and mules and jacks? These and more are making their appearance at the Kentucky State Fair.
WHAT: Features more than an acre of agriculture exhibits in South Wing A highlighting Kentucky's farm and field heritage, including the future of farming and agribusiness through 4-H and FFA exhibits.
Reach features clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com