It’s almost time for a chat with Freddy Farm Bureau, a turn on the Ferris wheel, and the aroma of mouth-watering fried foods. Yep, it’s time to start planning your trip to the Kentucky State Fair.
This year marks the Kentucky State Fair’s 120th anniversary which will be celebrated with free concerts, including the Oak Ridge Boys’ 50th Kentucky State Fair performance, the best in Kentucky livestock, crowning the Five-Gaited World’s Grand Champion at the World’s Championship Horse Show, awarding blue ribbons for exceptional general entries, a Beerfest, a Latin Festival and plenty more during the iconic event’s 11-day run.
The fair kicks off Aug. 15 and runs through Aug. 25. Courier Journal Day at the State Fair is Aug. 16
Whether it’s directions on how to get there, cost of tickets, where to park, promotional discount days or more, check out the information below to find the answers. Here’s everything else you need to know about the 2024 Kentucky State Fair:
When is the Kentucky State Fair?

The Kentucky State Fair runs for 11 days, this year from Aug.15-25.
Where is the Kentucky State Fair?

The 2024 Kentucky State Fair is held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville.
What are the hours for the Kentucky State Fair?

Outside:
- Thursday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 16 to Sunday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Monday, Aug. 19 to Thursday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Inside:
- Thursday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday, Aug. 19 to Thursday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 23and Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission to the fair and sale of all unlimited ride wristbands ends one hour before posted outside closing time. Fairgoers under 18 years old entering after 6 p.m. must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 21 years of age or older. Proof of age is required. IDs will be verified at the gate.
Thrill Ville Ride Wristbands
At least 50 rides, including thrill, family, and the iconic Astro Ferris Wheel, are coming to town in August. Thrill-seekers looking for all-day ride wristbands can get the best price by purchasing their Thrill Ville wristbands for $30, a $5 savings, online or at participating Kroger locations.
Where do I park for the Kentucky State Fair?

Parking for the Kentucky State Fair will be in Parking Lot A at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
How much are tickets to the Kentucky State Fair?

From July 6 to Aug. 6, online tickets are $9. Tickets purchased Aug. 3-25 are $10 for admission and $10 for parking. Visit kystatefair.org/tickets for details.
Thrill Ville wristbands are available now through Aug. 14 online, at participating Kroger stores, and at the Kentucky Exposition Center box office for $30.
Thrill Ville wristbands cost $35 starting Aug. 15 . Keep in mind that Beerfest will require an additional wristband purchase.
Kentucky State Fair admission and ride wristbands are available online via Ticketmaster and at participating Kroger locations. Visit kystatefair.org/tickets for details.
How much are tickets to the World Championship Horse Show?

Tickets for the World Championship Horse Show, held Aug. 17-24, start at $8 depending on the day. This does not include general State Fair admission. All-week reserved World Championship Horse Show tickets are $184 and include fair admission and parking. Call 502-367-5177 to purchase.
How can I save money at the Kentucky State Fair?

Back by popular demand, the Kentucky State Fair offers fairgoers discounts on multiple promotional days. Some discounts will pertain to specific individuals, but there’s one day when every fairgoer can attend for a discounted rate.
- Sunday, Aug. 18: 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 onsite. There is a limit of six wristbands per valid military ID.
- Monday, Aug. 19: $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, Aug. 20: Senior Day — Anyone 55 and older can get into the fair for free, although you will have to pay for parking. Special activities will be planned throughout the day.
- Wednesday, Aug. 21: Sensory Awareness Day — Free admission and Thrill Ville tickets will be given to fairgoers with sensory processing differences. From 10 a.m. 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.
When is Courier Journal Day at the Kentucky State Fair?
The staff from the Courier Journal looks forward to meeting you Friday, Aug. 16 when we will have a booth set up in the Southwest section of the South Wing lobby from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. While supplies last, pick up a free copy of the day’s paper plus a Courier Journal branded tote bag and sign up for a drawing to win a four pack of tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.
What are the free concerts at the 2024 Kentucky State Fair?

All concerts, except Aug. 25, begin at 8 p.m. with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. and take place in Lot L adjacent to Kentucky Kingdom and Broadbent Arena. On Aug. 25, the concert area opens at 4:30 p.m. with the concert beginning at 6 p.m. Here is the 2024 Texas Roadhouse Concert Series lineup:
- Thursday, Aug. 15: Lonestar and Eddie Montgomery
- Friday, Aug. 16: The Sugarhill Gang Melle Mel & Scorpio (of Furious Five) with special guest Ying Yang Twins
- Saturday, Aug. 17: Stephen Pearcy of Ratt with special guest Quiet Riot
- Sunday, Aug. 18: The Oak Ridge Boys with special guests The Country Gold Tour including Leroy Van Dyke, Linda Davis, Jimmy Fortune, Rockland Road (which will perform the national anthem and “God Bless the USA.”)
- Monday, Aug. 19: CAIN with special guest Katy Nichole
- Tuesday, Aug. 20: Happy Together including The Turtles, The Cowsills, Badfinger, The Vogues, The Association, Jay and the Americans
- Wednesday, Aug. 21: Justin Moore with special guest Alex Miller*
- Thursday, Aug. 22: Everclear with special guest Marcy Playground
- Friday, Aug. 23: 38 Special with special guest Exile*
- Saturday, Aug. 24: Lauren Alaina with special guests Mackenzie Porter, Kelsey Hart
- Sunday, Aug. 25: (6 p.m. show): Tauren Wells with special guest Consumed By Fire
What animals will I see at the Kentucky State Fair?
Fairgoers will see plenty of animals while visiting the State Fair including:
- Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goats, Poultry, Pigeons and Rabbits
- Boer Goats
- Mules & Jacks
- Sheep
- Market Goats and Wether Dams
- Beef Cattle
- Championship Drive
- Draft Horse and Mule Pull
This story will be updated with more details as fair organizers finalize dates and times for many of its events. Be sure to check back for updates and visit the 2024 Kentucky State Fair at kystatefair.org.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article was originally published by a www.courier-journal.com . Read the Original article here. .
