Kentucky Living

Bourbon City Steam’s “A Weekend At The Races!”
2026-05-09 10:00 - 23:30 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | Holiday Inn Louisville East—Hurstbourne, 1325 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville
Currently the only Steampunk convention in Kentucky, Bourbon City Steam bring focus to our beautiful Bluegrass State with the 2026 theme: “A Weekend At The Races!”. Bourbon City Steam happens a few days after the famous Kentucky Derby, showcasing racing, bourbon, horses and all things quintessentially Kentucky.
Steampunk is a genre that mixes the Victorian Era (1801-1900) with science fiction that is dominated by historical or imagined steam-powered technology. This convention is considered a cosplay (or costume play) event where people are encouraged, but not expected, to dress up in period wear and step into an alternate reality for a weekend.
Bourbon City Steam has a wide variety of entertainment and all ages are encouraged to attend.
“A Weekend At The Races” features vendors, live entertainment, parties, workshops, costume contests and The Steampunk Olympiad: a series of games throughout the weekend. All convention attendees are welcome to participate in all activities!
We also have an extensive list of special guests that will be on site.
More information and how to register can be found on our website: www.bourboncitysteam.com

Bourbon City Steam’s “A Weekend At The Races!”
2026-05-10 10:00 - 17:00 | Holiday Inn Louisville East—Hurstbourne, 1325 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville
Currently the only Steampunk convention in Kentucky, Bourbon City Steam bring focus to our beautiful Bluegrass State with the 2026 theme: “A Weekend At The Races!”. Bourbon City Steam happens a few days after the famous Kentucky Derby, showcasing racing, bourbon, horses and all things quintessentially Kentucky.
Steampunk is a genre that mixes the Victorian Era (1801-1900) with science fiction that is dominated by historical or imagined steam-powered technology. This convention is considered a cosplay (or costume play) event where people are encouraged, but not expected, to dress up in period wear and step into an alternate reality for a weekend.
Bourbon City Steam has a wide variety of entertainment and all ages are encouraged to attend.
“A Weekend At The Races” features vendors, live entertainment, parties, workshops, costume contests and The Steampunk Olympiad: a series of games throughout the weekend. All convention attendees are welcome to participate in all activities!
We also have an extensive list of special guests that will be on site.

2026 Night at the Frazier
2026-05-15 17:30 - 23:30 | Frazier Kentucky History Museum, 829 W. Main St., Louisville
Night at the Frazier returns May 15, 2026, as a star-spangled gala celebrating Red, White & Bluegrass in honor of America’s 250th anniversary! This signature annual event invites our community to gather for an unforgettable evening at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum to celebrate our state’s culture and heritage while supporting the museum’s mission to inspire, engage, and educate by connecting the past with the present to shape the future.
The evening brings together supporters, partners, and friends of the museum for a dynamic experience that reflects the spirit of Kentucky through thoughtfully curated food and cocktails, live entertainment, immersive gallery experiences, and opportunities to engage with the museum’s work in education, preservation, and cultural connection.
Attire is semi-formal. The theme is “Red, White, & Bluegrass”—so think stars and stripes, bold reds and blues, crisp whites, and a little sparkle for good measure!
VIP: 5:30 p.m.–Midnight
· Extended cocktail hour
· Plated dinner and open bar
· Live & silent auction
· Presentation of the Owsley Brown Frazier Award
· Mission moment in support of the museum
· Includes Party access
Party: 8 p.m.–Midnight
· Museum gallery access
· Bourbon tastings from distillers such as Dark Arts, Horse Soldier, and Larrikin; cocktails, and open bar
· Grazing style small plates
· Music and dancing with a live performance by V-Groove
· Silent auction and Bourbon pull
· Kentucky karaoke and themed activations
Secure your tickets at fraziermuseum.org/night-at-the-frazier!

2026 Fountain Run BBQ Festival
2026-05-16 06:00 - 20:30 | Main Street in Fountain Run, Main Street, Fountain Run, KY
Come experience the charm of small-town fun in Fountain Run on May 15th–16th, 2026! Enjoy mouthwatering BBQ, live music, local vendors, exciting kids’ activities, and so much more. Bring your family and friends for two days of great food, entertainment, and community spirit. Follow us on Facebook for updates, schedules, and more details. We can’t wait to see you there!

Benton Farm Spring Fling Craft Show & Festival
2026-05-16 09:00 - 2026-05-17 16:00 | Benton Family Farm, 11946 Old Lexington Pike, Walton
Come experience a very unique outdoor Craft Show on the farm with over 115 TOP Vendors! Enjoy shopping for everyone’s needs! Enjoy Food trucks, pony rides, face painting, live music and all the furry farm animals. Goat and bunny snuggles! Our vendors are handed picked for all your shopping enjoyment! Bring the family or friends and enjoy our booths and boutiques. Coffee truck will be here to keep you caffeinated and ice cream or Stonebrook Winery for a glass of wine to enjoy! Only $5 and ten years under free.

BloomFest at Bernheim
2026-05-16 11:00 - 15:00 | Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, 2075 Clermont Rd, Hwy 245, Clermont
Explore the season through creativity and discovery at this family-friendly festival. Enjoy hands-on activities like arts and crafts, building garden faerie houses, naturalist-led discovery stations, and live musical entertainment, all inspired by the whimsy wonders of the Forest in spring. Plus, shop the plant sale for a great selection on native plants and perennials.

Houndstock
2026-05-16 12:00 - 21:30 | Houndstock, 795 Manchester Street, Lexington
Experience the heart of Kentucky culture — from bourbon and local eats to artisan vendors and the welcoming spirit of downtown Lexington.

78th Annual Strawberry Festival
2026-05-16 12:00 - 22:00 | Adairville, Kentucky, town square, 101 North Main Street, Adairville
Annual Adairville Strawberry Festival, hosted by the Adairville-South Logan Chamber of Commerce. Includes carnival rides, games, and food, parade, live music, food trucks, vendors, Car & Tractor Show, and more. Free and family friendly.

The Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival
2026-05-17 12:00 - 20:00 | Beattyville Town Square, 204 Main Street, Beattyville
The Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival (BAM) celebrates the people, stories, skills, and traditions that shaped Appalachian life. Held in historic downtown Beattyville, at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Kentucky River, this festival honors generations of knowledge passed down through families and communities.
From homesteading and self-reliance skills to distilling and moonshine history, Appalachian culture was built on ingenuity, hard work, and making do with what the land provided. Early distilling—both legal and illicit—played a vital role in the region’s economy and survival, while crafts like quilting, blacksmithing, woodworking, and food preservation sustained families for generations.
The festival brings these traditions to life through demonstrations, storytelling, live music, local food, and hands-on heritage experiences, creating an authentic celebration of Appalachian resilience and community.
Storytelling is at the heart of the festival, with scheduled sessions and special guest appearances, including cast members from the Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners and other heritage voices who help bring Appalachian history and culture to life through personal stories and shared experiences.
Hillbilly BikeFest is a high-energy Saturday feature of the Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival, drawing motorcycle enthusiasts from across the region. The day centers around FRYDADDY’S Old School Bike Show for Charity, a celebrity-judged, open-class motorcycle show inspired by the large rally events like Sturgis. All bike styles and builds are welcome, and judging is done blindly, keeping the focus on craftsmanship and originality. Special appearances by well-known Moonshiners personalities add to the excitement, creating a lively atmosphere that brings a strong, engaged crowd to Main Street. Proceeds from the bike show benefit Shriners Hospital for Children.
The afternoon continues with the annual Shiners for Shriners Charity Ride, a guided group ride along the Moonshine Trail through some of the best riding roads in eastern Kentucky. This ride has become a favorite tradition, combining Appalachian backroads, community camaraderie, and a good cause. One hundred percent of the proceeds support Shriners Hospital for Children in partnership with the Lee County Shrine Club.
Bikefest Event Details Here: Link
Appalachian Motorcycle Group Details Here: Link
Check out the Moonshine Trail for stops around eastern Kentucky for tastings and more!
This festival blends heritage, music, storytelling, and community into one unforgettable Appalachian experience, right in the heart of Beattyville.
We are now accepting vendors, demonstrators, exhibitors, and storytellers for the Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival, taking place May 15–16, 2026, in historic downtown Beattyville, Kentucky—at the birthplace of the Kentucky River.
If you have a skill, a craft, or a story rooted in Appalachian tradition, or know someone who does, we would love to hear from you.
https://www.appalachianmemoriesfest.com
📩 Questions? Contact:
Teresa Mays | tmays@beattyville.org | 606-567-7703
Dedra Brandenburg | visitleecountyky@gmail.com | 606-464-5038
Event management includes Beattyville Main Street & Lee County Tourism.

Poppy Festival
2026-05-23 10:00 - 18:00 | Middle Springs Farm, 163 Levy Road, Paris
🇺🇸 Join us Memorial Day weekend in the poppies (an international symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers) for farm fun for the whole family including:
🚜 Hayrides
🌺 Huge flower fields
🌼 U-pick flowers
📸 Photo props
🫧 Bubbles in the Blooms
🦚 Farm animals
🛝 Play area
🥏 Yard games
🍩 Food + drink
🎤 Live Music, Food Trucks, and a Craft & Vendor Fair on Saturday, Sunday, and Memorial Day (May 23-25).
No vendors on Friday May 22 and other weekends but all other activities will be available.
▫️ 5/22 Friday 10am-6pm
▫️ 5/23 Saturday 10am-6pm
▫️ 5/24 Sunday 10am-6pm
▫️ 5/25 Monday 10am-6pm
Additional open days (without vendors) depending on exact bloom times (anticipated May 16-17, May 30-31, June 6-7). See website and social media for updates.
$11.95 admission on Festival dates (5/23, 5/24, 5/25)
$9.95 admission on non-festival dates (5/22 and other weekends)
* Kids 2 and under and Veterans are free.
Cash and card accepted
Located 30 minutes outside Lexington at 163 Levy Road, Paris, KY

4th Annual Bonsai Weekend
2026-05-29 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-30 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-31 11:00 - 17:00 | Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave, Louisville
May 29 – 31, 2026
Friday 11 am – 5 pm
Saturday 11 am – 5 pm
Sunday, Asia Institute-Crane House Day – 11 am – 4 pm
Guest Artist & Judge Jennifer Price
People’s Choice Award
Workshops & Demonstrations
Vendor Marketplace
Performances by Southern Indiana Taiko Drummers
Activities with the Asia Institute-Crane House and Japan/America Society of Kentucky
Food & Drinks
$10 WBG & Bonsai Society Members
$12 in Advance
$15 at the door
FREE ages 16 and under

Poppy Festival
2026-05-30 10:00 - 18:00 | Middle Springs Farm, 163 Levy Road, Paris
UPDATE:
We extended the Festival to include the weekend of May 30-31.
▫️ 5/30 Saturday 10am-6pm
▫️ 5/31 Sunday 10am-6pm
ORIGINAL POST:
🇺🇸 Join us in the poppies (an international symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers) for farm fun for the whole family including:
🚜 Hayrides
🌺 Huge flower fields
🌼 U-pick flowers
📸 Photo props
🫧 Bubbles in the Blooms
🦚 Farm animals
🛝 Play area
🥏 Yard games
🍩 Food + drink
🎤 Live Music, Food Trucks, and a Craft Vendor Fair on Saturday, Sunday, and Memorial Day (May 23-25, 30-31).
No vendors on Friday May 22 but all other activities will be available.
▫️ 5/22 Friday 10am-6pm
▫️ 5/23 Saturday 10am-6pm
▫️ 5/24 Sunday 10am-6pm
▫️ 5/25 Monday 10am-6pm
⭐Also open May 30-31 and June 6-7 (anticipated)⭐
$11.95 admission on Festival dates (5/23, 5/24, 5/25, 5/30, 5/31)
$9.95 admission on non-festival dates (5/22 and other weekends)
* Kids 2 and under and Veterans are free.
Cash and card accepted
Located 30 minutes outside Lexington at 163 Levy Road, Paris, KY

First Friday Street Fair + Car Show
2026-06-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Scottsville Historic District, Scottsville Square, Scottsville
First Fridays are a true Kentucky hometown experience! On the first Friday of each month (May through October) historic Downtown Scottsville transforms into a special marketplace featuring:
+ Food Trucks
+ Artisan Vendors
+ Live Entertainment
+ Classic Car Show
There’s fun for the entire family as we celebrate all things LOCAL and support small businesses!

4th Annual Kentucky Blues Music Festival
2026-06-06 18:00 - 22:00 | Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Amphitheater, 2590 Richmond Street, Mount Vernon
Get ready for a night of soulful sound at the 4th Annual Kentucky Blues Music Festival! Join us on June 6, 2026 at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Mount Vernon for an unforgettable evening of live blues under the open sky. Featuring incredible performances by Tee Dee Young, Nat Myers, and Donovan Howard, this free, family-friendly event brings the heart of the blues to Kentucky.
🪑 Bring your lawn chairs
🌮 Enjoy food trucks & vendors
🎶 Relax and soak in the music
📍 2590 Richmond Street in Mount Vernon, KY
🕔6:00 PM
Come experience the rhythm, the soul, and the spirit of the blues!

Food Truck Friday Summer Concert Series
2026-06-12 11:00 - 20:00 | Century Bank Park, 44 Anna Mac Clarke Avenue, Lawrenceburg
Food trucks roll in, the music turns up, and summer nights in Lawrenceburg settle into an easy rhythm. Each month, a Friday evening brings a lineup of crowd-favorite food trucks and live music to keep the energy going as the sun goes down. Come hungry and stay awhile—whether you’re discovering a new favorite dish or dancing along to the band.
June 12th kicks things off with Zach Attack, followed by The Crashers on July 10th and Soul Circus closing out the series on August 14th . Bring your lawn chairs, spread out a blanket, and gather your crew for a relaxed night of good food, live music, and summer air.

Getz Museum Bourbon and Cigars 2026
2026-06-14 18:00 - 22:00 | Spalding Hall, 114 N 5th St, Bardstown, KY, United States
Join the Getz Museum of Bourbon History in Bardstown as we celebrate National Bourbon Week and commemorate the 200th anniversary of our historic home, Spalding Hall!
What to Expect:
Premium Bourbon Experience: Sip with three distinguished cohost distilleries: Cox’s Creek, Old SteelHouse, and Limestone Branch. Each ticket includes 2 premium bourbon tastings from our co-hosting distilleries.
🍢 Gourmet Catering: Far beyond simple appetizers, enjoy small plates of gourmet items including a selection of fine cheeses, fresh breads and pastries, and a variety of smoked meat and fish.
💨 Premium Cigars: Complimentary premium Caribbean cigars and heritage choices courtesy of Evergreen Liquors.
🎶 Live Outdoor Music: Featuring an exclusive performance by 3-DEEP!
🏛️ Exclusive Access & Museum Revamp: Wander through the Getz Museum of Bourbon History to see our new vision in motion, including the exciting revamp project led by Sean Ellis.
🎁 Auction & Prizes: Kick off a great week with exclusive prizes and more. Auction Feature: Bid on exclusive single barrel releases and historical artifacts!
Whether you are a dedicated bourbon aficionado or simply looking for an unforgettable night under the stars in the Bourbon Capital of the World, this limited-capacity celebration offers the perfect blend of history, music, and indulgence.
To ensure an incredible experience for all attendees, capacity is strictly limited to 250 guests. Tickets are $100 in advance and will increase to $125 at the door (pending availability).

28th annual Stand for Children Day
2026-06-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Bowling Green Ballpark, 308 E 8th Ave, Bowling Green, KY, United States
Community Education will be hosting the 28th Annual Stand for Children Day, a long-standing community tradition that brings together children, families, and local resources in a fun, welcoming, and informative environment. Brought to you by American Bank & Trust, the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green, and WellCare of Kentucky.
This year’s event will take place at the Bowling Green Ballpark on Wednesday, June 17, from 9–11 a.m. (rain date: June 18). Last year’s event welcomed more than 50 community vendors and over 850 attendees, all coming together to celebrate children and connect families with vital services available throughout the area.
Join us for this meaningful day—free for families and thoughtfully designed to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging experience for all.

2nd Annual Freedom Day Festival
2026-06-20 10:00 - 16:00 | Camp Nelson National Monument, 66145 Danville Road, Nicholasville
You are invited to the 2nd Annual Freedom Day Festival commemorating the Independence Day celebration organized by African American soldiers and refugees at Camp Nelson on July 4, 1865.
Food truck
Free admission
For free shuttle from Louisville info: orrja@yahoo.com

Kentucky Wine and Vine Fest
2026-06-20 12:00 - 18:00 | Jessamine County Fairgrounds, 100 Park Dr, Nicholasville
The 2026 Kentucky Wine & Vine Fest Weekend is a celebration of Kentucky’s thriving wine industry, in the charming downtown district of one of Kentucky’s most historic cities, Nicholasville, Kentucky — just a few minutes south of Lexington. It’s our 23rd year and we are excited to be adding some new wineries to the line up!
On Saturday, browse the booths of Kentucky wineries to sip, savor and enjoy the Kentucky good life at the Kentucky Wine & Vine Fest! Enjoy art displays, Kentucky crafts, delectable food, inflatables for the kids, and more! Also, test your talent at the Run for the Merlot and Wine Toss. So many amazing activities in one location.

Boone County 4-H & Utopia Fair
2026-06-22 08:00 - 23:00 | Boone County 4-H & Utopia Fair, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington, KY 41005
County Fair with motor sports events, horse shows, pageants, 4-H events, music (including Alex Miller on Friday June 26) and a carnival. It is one week a year for the community to come enjoy family fun. Pay one price entry includes parking, all events, shows and the carnival. June 22-27, 2026

Great American Brass Band Festival
2026-06-25 17:00 - 23:30, 2026-06-26 09:00 - 23:30, 2026-06-27 09:00 - 23:30 | Centre College, 600 W Walnut Street, Danville, KY, United States
The Great American Brass Band Festival is a free, family event held annually in beautiful Danville, Kentucky on the campus of Centre College and in downtown Danville. The 2026 festival will be the 36th year for this event, made possible by the generous donations of sponsors, donors and volunteers.

Legacy of Liberty: An America 250 Celebration
2026-06-27 09:00 - 20:00 | Fohs Hall, 201 N. Walker St, Marion
Legacy of Liberty is a once-in-a-generation, two-day celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, coming to Marion, Kentucky on June 26 & 27. For one unforgettable weekend, thousands will gather to celebrate freedom, history, and the spirit that unites us. June 26 kicks things off with a hometown parade, trivia competition, and a living history campfire. Then on June 27, the community transforms into a walk-through timeline—featuring Revolutionary War, Civil War, and other historical encampments, hands-on demonstrations, food trucks, vendors, and activities for all ages. You’ll experience history in motion with living statues, interactive exhibits, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, reenactments, entertainment, and even a vintage-style baseball game. It’s a chance to see how our local story connects to the bigger American story—across generations, cultures, and time.

Green County Heritage Celebration
2026-06-27 09:00 - 22:00 | Greensburg town square, 110 W Court Street, Greensburg
Local events celebrating the 250th birthday of the USA with a walking tour around historic Greensburg, butter making, Nathanael Greene portrayal and other events ending with a free performance by JD Shelburne

2026 Crescent Hill 4th of July Festival
2026-07-04 10:00 - 22:00 | Peterson Dumesnil House, 301 S. Peterson Ave, Louisville
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at one of Louisville’s most beloved traditions, the Crescent Hill 4th of July Festival on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 10 AM–10 PM on the grounds of the historic Peterson Dumesnil House, 301 South Peterson Avenue.
This free, family-friendly event features a full day of activities and entertainment, including an art fair, food trucks, craft beer, live music, a cake wheel, raffle and silent auction, pet contest, cake baking contest, magician, children’s inflatable Fun Zone—plus much more!
Musical acts this year include: Gary Falk and the Falklanders with their Dixieland jazz; the Allen Lane Band for some honky tonk; and Stonewheel to rock out for this most epic birthday party.
The celebration culminates with the national anthem and fireworks at 10 PM, honoring 250 years of American independence.
For more details, contest registration, and the schedule, visit:
4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL

Liberty's 4th of July Celebration
2026-07-04 12:00 - 22:30 | Liberty’s City Green, 518 Middleburg St., Liberty
Come and celebrate the 4th of July in Liberty, KY! Festivities begin on Saturday, July 4th at 12:00 EST, 2026!
ALL EVENTS BEHIND CITY HALL ON THE GREEN & CITY GREEN STAGE!!!
Family events(alcohol free):
12:00 PM FREE Festivities at City Hall, FREE Snow Cones, FREE hotdogs, FREE water, FREE Popcorn, FREE Inflatables!!!
12:30 PM Kiddie Parade City Hall- prizes for “Most Patriotic” by age group
1:00-3:00 PM FREE Face Painting
1:00-3:00 PM FREE Kid contests & Games
3:00 PM Free City Hall Festivities Close
—————————————
Evening events(alcohol being served):
4:30 PM Food and adult beverage vendors open at City Hall parking lot, 518 Middleburg St.
FREE CONCERTS begin at 5:00 PM
🎶 Live Music Lineup:
🕔 5:00 PM – Rounder’s Station
🕕 6:15 PM – The Dooley Gang
🕗 8:15 PM – Derrick Wesley & Multi Ultra
🎇 FIREWORKS at 10 PM ET – Viewable from downtown or the Central KY Ag Expo Center!
10:00 PM FREE Fireworks- viewable from the Central Kentucky Ag/Expo Center or downtown Liberty
Questions- Call or Text 606-706-7777
