Balloons. Concerts. Dogs. Acrobats.
No, this is not the beginning of a bad joke. These are just a few of the things you will find at the 2015 Kentucky State Fair.
Aug. 20-30 in Louisville, you might find farm animals, rock stars and lots of food at the Kentucky Exposition Center and all around Freedom Hall. There will be comedians and magicians, gardeners and more to teach and entertain fair-goers.
To find out more about promotions, concerts, daily shows, vendors and other activities, see below.
Daily Shows
To read about Kentucky Habitat for Humanity’s container home display at the fair, click here.
Balloon Masters – Set your sights high for these larger-than-life balloon creations. Professional balloon sculptors turn everyday balloons into oversized fun and imaginative backdrops right before fairgoer’s eyes.
Discovery Farm – Learn what life is like on the farm through several learning stations and personal encounters with various cattle, goats, llamas, sheep, poultry, a sow and her litter.
Freddy Farm Bureau – At 18 feet tall, Freddy Farm Bureau has been greeting fairgoers in front of Freedom Hall since 1958.
Ford Simulated Factory – Experience hands-on encounters with simulated components of a Ford factory. Located in the North Wing Lobby.
“In the Garden” with Cindi Sullivan – Gardening questions answered by the popular radio and TV personality everyday on the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Blue Ribbon Stage.
Miller’s Border Collies – Trained dogs execute herding techniques on command. Located in the Farm Credit Mid-America Show Ring.
Trial by Jury – Have you ever wondered what it feels like to step into the jury box and be part of Kentucky’s justice system? Fairgoers have the opportunity to hear testimony and evidence and deliver their own verdict. Presented by the Kentucky Justice Association.
The Buck Trout Show – As Buck Trout drives around in his little truck, his zany antics and comical stories promote good values and encourages families to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Bronkar Beatbox Comedy – Watch the world’s only rhythmic juggling beat boxer in this spectacular show of rhythm, energy and laughter. The international superstar and world record holder will captivate you with his one man “circus of sound.”
Chinese Acrobats of Hebei – The Chinese Acrobats of Hebei are masters of agility and grace combining Chinese traditions, acrobatics, intricate costumes, Chinese props and music. This show combines contortionist, plate spinning, martial arts, Chinese poles and more!
Steve Trash Green Street Magician – Be amazed by Steve Trash’s magic tricks and the eco methods he uses in other to perform them. See how he turns everyday pieces of garbage into magic.
JUMP! Ultimate Dog Show – JUMP! The dogs will dazzle audiences with their incredible stunts. In the South Wing Parking Lot.
Cuzzin’ Grumpy’s Porkchop Revue – The Pork Chop Review is a comedy animal variety show featuring swine of all kind! These bodacious barnyard buddies present a show featuring stunts and laughable antics. See them dance, sing and jump.
Hillshire Farm Food Truck Tour – The Hillshire Farm Food Truck Tour stops at the Kentucky State Fair from Thursday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 23. Fairgoers can sample their new lineup of “Naturals” luncheon meats.
Spin Master Mobile Tour – “Spin Master Mobile Tour” will be at the Fair August 22-23. The tour features characters including PAW Patrol, Little Charmers and Chubby Puppies; with Activities, family photo opportunities, new toys and limited edition giveaways.
Agriculture Adventures – Agriculture Adventures is a 30-minute show provides information on conservation, soil health, plant physiology and photosynthesis, farm technology, animal care and the many jobs of farmers and food processors.
Repercussion – Enjoy street performers create a high-energy, unique beat by using garbage cans, pots and pans, buckets and other recycled objects as instruments.
The Kentucky State Fair Main Stage Concert Series are held in Freedom Hall.
Main Stage Concert Schedule:
Thursday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. – Meghan Trainor CANCELLED
Friday, Aug. 21, 5 p.m. – Barrels and Boots Music Festival featuring Montgomery Gentry and John Michael Montgomery with RaeLynn, Eric Paslay, Kelsie May and Craig Campbell; Tickets are $37 for reserved seating, $66 for the VIP experience; Suites are $969 – $1,594 and include 12 reserved seats, private restrooms, digital televisions and three parking passes. For information about suites and VIP tickets call (502) 367-5144 or email premiumservices@ksfb.ky.gov.
Sunday, Aug. 30, 8 p.m. – Boyz II Men and Kool & the Gang; Tickets range from $50-55; $79 for the VIP experience; Suites are $1,185 – $1,810 and include 12 reserved seats, private restrooms, digital televisions and three parking passes. For information about suites and Club tickets call (502) 367-5144 or email premiumservices@ksfb.ky.gov.
Ticket price includes Kentucky State Fair gate admission.
The Turf Concert Series
The Turf Concert Series at Cardinal Stadium features award-winning musicians and groups in a backyard setting each night of the fair. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. unless noted otherwise. All concerts are free with paid gate admission.
Concertgoers are seated on the turf field in chairs, which are on a first come, first serve basis. The stage is along the first base line facing the open turf, seats and concessions from local food trucks. Fans will also get an up-close view of the artists as they perform.
Thursday, Aug. 20 – Slaughter and Great White
Friday, Aug. 21 – Jagged Edge with special guest Dru Hill
Saturday, Aug. 22 – All That Remains
Sunday, Aug. 23 – Oak Ridge Boys with special guest Belles & Whistles
Monday, Aug. 24 – Casting Crowns with special guest I Am They
Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Country Gold Tour featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Steve and Rudy Gatlin, Moe Bandy, Eddy Raven, Jimmy Fortune and Gene Watson
Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Easton Corbin with special guest Nathan Osmond
Thursday, Aug. 27 – Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles, The Association, The Cowsills, Mark Lindsay, The Buckinghams and The Grass Roots
Friday, Aug. 28 – Charlie Daniels with special guest Colt Ford
Saturday, Aug. 29 – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts with special guests Devour the Day
Sunday, Aug. 30 (4 p.m.) – Family Force 5, Hawk Nelson, Matt Maher, For King and Country
Food and Music Tents
Eleven days, seven food and music tents and countless hours of jam time makes any day and time at the fair a food and music-lovers dream.
The food and music tents are:
Budweiser True Music Entertainment Tent – Featuring live music, with food by Associated Enterprises.
Kentucky Cookout Tent – Kentucky’s best homegrown food from: Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers, Kentucky Aquaculture Association, Kentucky Country Ham Producers Association, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, American Dairy Association of Kentucky, Kentucky Pork Producer’s Association and Kentucky Corn Grower’s Association.
Lawn Party – Featuring live music and delicious, smoked barbecue by The Q.
Sivori Country Music Tent – Featuring good time country music and a variety of delicious, grilled foods.
West Courtyard Live – Relax to live acoustic music beside the West Courtyard water garden.
Kentucky Bourbon, Bites and Brew Tent – The Kentucky Bourbon, Bites and Brews Tent presented by Six Row Events is located on the West Lawn, and features Kentucky bourbon, Kentucky themed food and craft beer. Visitors learn the process of distillation and brewing via displays and talks with local brewery/distillery representatives. Educational talks will be scheduled in the tent throughout the 11 days. Local bands will entertain guests in this tent for the duration of the fair.
Ticket Prices
Early prices for tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for seniors and children ages 6-12. Parking is $5.
At the gate, tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for seniors and children ages 6-12. Parking is $8.
Discount admission tickets are sold at all checkout lanes of Kroger locations throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana through Aug. 19 until 10 p.m.
Promotions include:
Thursday, Aug. 20 – Carload Day
Pay only $20 for an entire vehicle until 5 p.m., includes parking. Buses (16 passengers or more) and motor coaches are $200, parking included. Does not apply to school and group tours. Only available at the gate.
Saturday, Aug. 22 – University of Kentucky Day
Attention Big Blue Nation: To commemorate UK’s 150th anniversary, Saturday, Aug. 22 is University of Kentucky Day at the Fair. Click here for your advance discount tickets.
Sunday, Aug. 23 – Military Sunday
All active duty and veteran military personnel and their families save 50 percent on admission and can purchase $10 Midway wristbands with valid military ID.
Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Senior Day
Admission is only $1 for seniors 55 and over. Gate discount ends at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 27 – Carload Day
Pay only $20 for an entire vehicle until 5 p.m., includes parking. Buses (16 passengers or more) and motor coaches are $200, parking included. Does not apply to school and group tours. Only available at the gate.
Midway wristbands are good ALL DAY, ANY ONE DAY and can be purchased in advanced or on-site during the Fair. Advanced wristband (purchased on-line) – $20. Discount available through Aug. 19. Children (ages 12 and younger with maximum height of 56”) – $12 on-site and online in advance. On-site purchase of wristband – $25 Wristbands can be purchased online here.
Fair Hours:
Thursday, Aug. 20 – Opens at 2 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 23 – Open at 12 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 24 through Thursday, Aug. 27 – Open at 2 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Aug. 30 – Open at 12 p.m.
Gates open at 7 a.m. and exhibits open at 9 a.m. The Midway and tents close around midnight and exhibit halls close at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Some areas close earlier on Sunday, Aug. 30.
For more information, visit the website at http://www.kystatefair.org.