Kentucky State Fair 2023 Guide, Tips, and Attractions
Y’all ready for an end of summer extravaganza? The 2023 Kentucky State Fair is back, and this year’s theme is “Summer Summed Up.” Get ready to soak up the last bit of sunshine as we celebrate everything that makes the Bluegrass state special. From thrilling rides to mouthwatering fair food, this 11-day event is the perfect way to bid farewell to summer in style. Bring the whole family and join us as we make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on the highlight of the season. So grab our latestCountry Pumpkin Shirt or our classic Y’all Shirt and git yourselves ready for the biggest hootenanny in town. See y’all there, Kentucky!
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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 2023 event. The KY State Fair essentially celebrates everything Kentucky!
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.
SEE ALSO: Best Kentucky Gifts, Souvenirs, Apparel, Gear
What are the 2023 Kentucky State Fair dates and hours?
The2023 Kentucky State Fair is held from August 17-27. Gates open up at 7 a.m. every day. However, the hours in the exhibit hall are outlined below, which are slightly different.
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.
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?
Unlike most consumer goods in America currently, State Fair ticket prices have remained largely unchanged from the last couple of years. 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, through August 17th. Then tickets will go to $35. Save $5 when you buy in advance!
Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster, in-person at participating Kroger locations, and also at kystatefair.org/tickets.
Kentucky State Fair Concert Lineup
The2023 Kentucky State Fair typically offers a free concert series, which is one of the highlights of the entire event. This year’s lineup is jam-packed with top-notch performers that will have you singing and dancing all night long. From country superstars to rock and roll legends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Y’all, are definitely set for a rootin’ tootin’ good time with this 2023 Kentucky State Fair lineup! Certainly one of the highlights of this epic event is the free concert series! Here’s a preview of the stellar lineup of musicians that will be rockin’ the stage.
- 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
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 19-26. 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 daily. Otherwise, you can purchase tickets in a package for all-week admission for $184. This includes admission to the fair as well.
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.
So throw our Meemaw Tried Shirt, or any of our Kentucky Tshirts for that matter, and make this an annual family tradition!
FAQs
What are the dates of the Kentucky State Fair? The 2023 Kentucky State Fair runs from August 17th to August 27th.
Can you conceal carry at the KY State Fair? Individuals who are of legal age are allowed to possess firearms on the fairgrounds. Even if there are “no guns” signs up, firearms are permitted on the premises by law.
How much is Kentucky Kingdom during state fair?
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