Updated Kentucky State Fair Guide
The Kentucky State Fair returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. We’ve pulled together a guide to help you enjoy all 11 days of the Kentucky State Fair 2021 event. The KY State Fair essentially celebrates everything Kentucky!
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The first unofficial event dates back to 1816, although it became official in 1902. In earlier years, it would travel from city to city, until it found a permanent home on the vast 520-acre Kentucky Exposition Center. It is expected to draw nearly 600,000 visitors.
Interesting fact, did you know that the KY State Fair ranks #1 in America as the country’s largest indoor fair? Therefore, even during a rainy day you can wander around 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space that features shows, animals, and attractions.
Where is the Kentucky State Fair?
The KY State Fair is held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, located at 937 Phillips Lane, in Louisville, KY. This location is conveniently located right off I-65.
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What are the 2021 Kentucky State Fair dates and hours?
The 2021 Kentucky State Fair is held from August 19-29. Gates open up at 7 a.m. every day. However, the hours in the exhibit hall are outlined below, which are slightly different.
- Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 22: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 29: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thrill Ville Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: opens at 3 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday: opens at 12 p.m.
- Thrill Ville closes at approximately midnight
For a complete list of Thrill Ville rides and games you can check here.
How much are Kentucky State Fair tickets?
If you purchase online, tickets are $10 per person and parking is included with that. If you purchase tickets at the gate, admission is $10 and $10 parking per vehicle will also be charged. Children five and under are granted free admission.
Thrill Ville wristbands are $30 for one-day of unlimited rides. Early bird ride wristbands can be purchased by August 18th for $25.
Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster, in-person at participating Kroger locations, and also at kystatefair.org/tickets.
Kentucky State Fair Concert Lineup
The 2021 Kentucky State Fair typically offers a free concert series, which is one of the highlights of the event.
This year’s headliners included Kentucky native and “American Idol” contestant, Alex Miller. Miller will open up for country music singer Josh Turner. Additionally, Cory Asbury, Colt Ford, White Reaper, the Oak Ridge Boys, will also headline for the free concert. A full list of concert performers is outlined below.
If you have a ticket to the KY State Fair, your admission to the concert has already been covered. Therefore, you can catch any show which generally start at 8pm each day. On the final day, the last concert will start at 4pm however. Gates open 1.5 hours early each day so be sure to get there early if you want to secure a spot up front. The Texas Roadhouse Concert Series stage is located in Parking Lot L.
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- Thursday, Aug. 19 — Josh Turner with special guest Alex Miller
- Friday, Aug. 20 — Ginuwine with special guest Color Me Bad
- Saturday, Aug. 21 — Colt Ford with special guest Elvis Shave
- Sunday, Aug. 22 — Oak Ridge Boys with special guest T. Graham Brown
- Monday, Aug. 23 — Zach Williams with special guest Cain
- Tuesday, Aug. 24 — Happy Together Tour with the Turtles, Gary Puckett, The Association and Classics IV
- Wednesday, Aug. 25 — P.O.D. with special guest All Good Things
- Thursday, Aug. 26 — Jackyl with special guest The Kentucky Headhunters
- Friday, Aug. 27 — White Reaper with special guest The Tommys
- Saturday, Aug. 28 — Jameson Rogers with special guest Exile and JD Shelburne
- Sunday, Aug. 29 — Cory Asbury with special guest The Kingdom and Jordan Smith
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World’s Championship Horse Show
Another one of the highlight of the fair is the World’s Championship Horse Show. This marks the 118th World’s Championship Horse Show which will be hosted in Freedom Hall on August 21-28th. This event is held in conjunction with the fair, therefore it is a ticketed event.
If you’ve never been, this show is kind of a big deal! It is touted as the most prestigious Saddlebred show in the world. More than 2,000 horses travel to the fairgrounds to compete. What’s at stake for these Saddlebreds, hackney ponies, and standard-bred horses? A shot at Grand Champion status, and more than $1 million in purse and awards! Tickets for this event range from from $8-$11.
Schedules and Visitor Maps
You can checkout a Kentucky Fair map here. Also, there will be paper maps and daily schedules available onsite at the Fair Grounds.
