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If you're not afraid of the crowds brought by the Kentucky Derby, which kicks off in late April, then spring is just as wonderful a time to visit Kentucky as the fall. Summer tends to quiet down due to the high temperatures, but starting in September, the state invites you to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, a celebration of all things bourbon whiskey, and the world's largest whiskey and rock & roll festival, Louder Than Life. The Bluegrass State is at its most beautiful during the fall foliage, which peaks in October. From September to November, the state also hosts the largest Halloween celebration, featuring a parade and a multi-day festival.

23 things to do in Kentucky

Daniel Boone Festival

October 6–12, 2024 Event

The oldest continuous festival in Kentucky is dedicated to pioneers and exploration

Kentucky Bourbon Festival

September 13-15, 2024 Event

A celebration of everything about bourbon whiskey

Kentucky State Fair

August 15-25, 2024 Event

One of the oldest fairs in the U.S. features free concerts and traditional entertainment

Thunder Over Louisville

May 4, 2024 Event

Watch the biggest annual fireworks show in North America

Kentucky Highland Renaissance Festival

June 1-July 21, 2024 (weekends only) Event

The oldest Renaissance fair in the state, held since 2005

Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon

April 27, 2024 Event

The largest and most exciting festival in the state

Louder Than Life

September 26–29, 2024 Event

The world's largest whiskey and rock & roll festival

Kentucky Wool Festival

October 4–6, 2024 Event

One of the unique fall festivals of Northern Kentucky

Christmas Lights

mid-November–early January Event

A bourbon distillery, 1880s settlement, and quaint city parks—enjoy the unique light displays throughout Kentucky

Cumberland Falls

all year round (during full moon phases) Nature

One of the few sites in the Western Hemisphere where one can witness a moonbow

Kentucky Fall Colors

October Nature

The Bluegrass State is most beautiful during fall

Halloween in Louisville: Parades, Festivals & Events

September 28–November 2, 2024 Event

The largest celebration in the region includes a parade and a multi-day festival

Jack O'Lantern Festival in Louisville

October 1–November 2, 2024 Event

The region's most impressive Halloween celebration, featuring 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins

Owensboro Air Show

September 13–15, 2024 Event

This three-day air show features multiple aerial demonstrations, which will blow your mind

Hummingbirds in Kentucky

late March–early September (best in late July–August) Nature

You might discover a hummer zipping around your backyards at any time of the year, but the warm season is the most promising

LouisvilleCon

December 7, 2024 Event

Collectors' and comic fans' mecca in the heart of Kentucky

Bacon Bourbon and Brew Festival

March 23-24, 2024 Event

What can be better than 4 days of amazing beer festival in Newport?

Louisville 4th of July Events & Fireworks

July 4, 2024 Event

Join thousands of people in this amazing Independence Day celebration

Jessamine County Fair

July 8-13, 2024 Event

Beaty peagants, agricultural displays, and traditional fair thrills

Shelby County Fair

June 10–15, 2024 Event

Have a wonderful time with your family in Shelbyville, Kentucky

Red River Gorge Fall Colors

late October Nature

The leaf-peeping heaven in Southern Appalachia, Kentucky

Elizabethtown Christmas Parade

December 6, 2024 Event

Holiday fun at a historical town in Kentucky

Great Balloon Glow

April 26, 2024 Event

The official start of the Great Balloon Race weekend

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Nearby destinations

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Louisville, KY
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Cincinnati, OH
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Ohio
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Illinois