I loved going to the State Fair all growing up as a kid, and I’ve enjoyed the times I’ve been able to take my own daughter over the years. Here’s a mom’s guide to the Kentucky State Fair for how to make the most of your day with your family this year.
WHEN TO GO
ASAP! Mark your calendar starting August 17th. The fair ends August 27th, so any day in between is the best day to go. With young kids, I’m a fan of starting early when it’s cooler, but the hours are pretty much 10AM-10PM every day, and you can be either inside or outside.
Note for parents with older kids: A minor attendance policy will be in effect Monday-Thursday after 6pm and Friday-Sunday all day. View the State Fair’s site for more information.
LMC Mom Tip: Admission ends one hour prior to outdoor closing time, so the earlier the better.
WHERE TO GO
Kentucky Exposition Center right here in Louisville!
WHAT TO BRING
Purses, bookbags, water bottles, and strollers are permitted, but they are subject to search – so leave your weapons and drones at home. 
Coolers are prohibited. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on the grounds either.
Check the weather, because it might POUR rain one day, but you can still have a ton of fun. Ponchos and rainboots make for an even better adventure!
For the pet parents out there: Dogs are allowed in most areas of the Fair except the World’s Championship Horse Show and the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series. All dogs must be on a leash.
LMC Mom Tip: Bring your own water bottles and refill them at the water fountains around the fairgrounds.
WHAT TO EAT
Everything. But seriously, the fair is the ultimate excuse for a cheat day. The fair is an 11-day food-lovers dream, with food tents that will cater to even the pickiest of preferences!
Bring along snacks and those water bottles (just remember no glass and no coolers), especially if you have younger ones with you.
LMC Mom Tip: Keep checking the State Fair website for more details as they keep adding to it.
WHAT TO SPEND
Admission and parking – $9. A ticket is required for each individual over the age of 5. Food prices range. For a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 kids), I’d plan on spending at least $50. Early Bird Ride Wristbands cover rides all day.
LMC Mom Tip: An Early Bird General Admission ticket covers parking and entry into the Kentucky State Fair and its attractions, excluding BEERFEST, Thrill Ville, and evening performances of the World’s Championship Horse Show.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
With young kids, the day is mostly about seeing animals and playing games. Oh, and eating – lots of eating. The Kentucky State Fair has a lot to offer!
-75+ unique daily activities
-24 artist performances on the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series stage
-Hundreds of vendors offering a variety of food and items unique to the fair
-30,000+ competitive entries highlighting the best of Kentucky
-Dozens of entertainment acts in tents and stages
Our “must dos” are as follows:
- Beerfest – August 19th
- Thrill Ville ($30)
- Kissel Entertainment is the official ride operator for the Kentucky State Fair Midway (Thrill Ville). Early Bird Ride Wristband Vouchers covers rides all day during normal operation hours.
- Dozens of rides available for all ages
- Kentucky State Fair admission is required to enter the Midway area.
- World Championship Horse Show ($8)
SPECIAL DAYS OF THE FAIR
Thursday, August 17: County Fairs Day
Come one, come all 120 Kentucky counties. They will highlight winners from county pageants and competitions and have special activities planned throughout the day.
Sunday, August 20: Military Sunday
Active military and veterans, as well as their families, can attend the fair for free. Military ID is required. There is a limit of four free tickets, and parking is not included. Wristbands for Thrill Ville will be discounted 20% and available on-site. There is a limit of 6 wristbands per valid military ID.
Monday, August 21: $5 Monday
Those looking for a big bargain won’t want to miss this day. The $5 admission is per person and includes parking.
Tuesday, August 22: Senior Day
Senior Day allows anyone 55 and older to enter the fair for free. Parking is not included.
Wednesday, August 23: Sensory Awareness Day
In partnership with Kissel Entertainment, FEAT of Louisville, Home of the Innocents, and Kentucky Autism Training Center, free admission and Thrill Ville tickets will be given to fairgoers with sensory processing differences. From 10am until noon, Thrill Ville will operate with minimal lights and music to create an enjoyable fair experience for those with sensory sensitivities. Limited tickets are available. To receive tickets, email melissa @ featlouisville . org or katc @ louisville. edu.
Accessibility: All restrooms are wheelchair accessible, and all buildings can be accessed by ramps.
LMC Mom Tip: There’s some surprisingly fun entertainment in the vendor areas too (cooking demos anyone?) and lots to see INSIDE in case it rains!
[FUN FAIR FACT: For many years, the Fair featured ostrich races. In 1953, Governor Lawrence Wetherby raced to victory aboard an ostrich named Calamity.]
HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT
The very first official year of the fair was hailed as a great succes, but the weather was described as “ill”. We’re assuming that means the weather was not so great. If we know one thing about August in the Midwest it’s that we can usually count on it to be HOT and humid! If you’re looking for ways to stay cool, here are some ideas to Beat the Summer Heat from our Sister Site in Cincinnati. The ice cube necklaces and frozen water bottles are amazing!!!
The first official Kentucky State Fair was held in 1902, even though the fair was organized first in 1816, just five years after the U.S.’ first fair was held in Massachusetts! The State Fair moved to its current site at the Kentucky Exposition Center in 1956 after hopping from city to city each year. It’s a tremendous opportunity to see all the things to love about the Bluegrass State in one place: hard-working farm families, incredible food and drinks, tremendous entertainment, lots of horses, and endless family fun.
The fair makes for a great family day and a lifetime of memories!
