See prized country hams that will be sold during the Country Ham Breakfast and Auction — some for millions of dollars — in the indoor exhibit halls. | Photo by LOUtoday
We’re less than a month out from the Kentucky State Fair — I can already smell the fried food. The State Fair runs for ten days, so it pays to plan ahead. Here are some pro tips + special dates to help plan your fair experience.
If you want to see all the best cakes, cookies, and other food items, plan to attend early — they do go stale and get taken off display.
The Texas Roadhouse concert series is free with your admission. Consider planning your day to coincide with an artist you’d like to see.
There are different animal shows each day, but the West Wing + Pavillion barns will be closed on Monday, Aug. 18 for Changeover Day.
Asked
Asked
How many Antiques categories are there in the 2025 Kentucky State Fair Premium Book?
“Hamlet” | Wednesday, July 23 + Saturday, July 26 | 6 p.m. | Central Park | Free | Come early for the food trucks and pre-show performance — the tragedy of the Danish prince begins at 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 24
Yappy Hour | 5-8 p.m. | Goodfellas Pizzeria, Baxter Ave. | Free entry | Bring your pup for a happy hour on the patio with cocktail specials and live music, all raising money for Animal Care Society.
Friday, July 25
Cinema Safari: “Wicked” | 8-11 p.m. | Louisville Zoo | $5, free for zoo members | Defy gravity like the birds or spot a cowardly lion as you see the new film outdoors at the zoo.
The Big Stomp Music Festival | Friday, July 25-Saturday, July 26 | 4-11 p.m. | Brown-Forman Amphitheater | $59+ | See local + regional bands while taking in health and wellness activities at this mental health-focused music festival.
A nearly 100-year-old educational institution is back open after closing in 2017. The Bourgard College of Music and Art has been renovated and will continue offering arts education for Louisville’s West End. (Louisville Business First)
Drink
Local wineries will set up shop in downtown Jeffersonville this Friday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., for Wine Walk + Shop. Hear live music, sample wines, and see artist demos — tickets are $25 in advance, $30 on the day-of. (WHAS11)
Giveaway
Waterfront Park is giving away two tickets to Big Stomp this weekend (scroll back up for a little more info on that festival). Just leave a comment on this post for a chance to win general admission entry to the two-day festival.
Eat
Great Bagel + Bakery is opening its first Louisville location in Middletown on Monday, Aug. 4. The Lexington-based breakfast place mills its grain in-house + focuses on fresh ingredients sourced directly from farmers. (Louisville Business First)
Kids
No need to worry about first day of school transportation. JCPS superintendent Brian Yearwood says on the first day back (that’s Thursday, Aug. 7), the districtwill have enough bus drivers to cover every route. The superintendent will also host a series of community meetings on student transportation throughout the year. (WAVE)
Weather
An air quality alert is in place for today due to ozone pollution. Sensitive populations like kids, older adults, and people with respiratory difficulties should exercise caution, according to officials. Air quality will be worst in the afternoon and evening.
Sports
Louisville’s 2026 recruiting efforts intensify, with rising center prospect Arafan Diane catching the coaching staff’s attention. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Finance
Did you know? Endowment life insurance offers peace of mind and a payout you can use in retirement. It’s a financial strategy to care for loved ones and invest in your future. See if it’s right for you.*
Community
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on the LOUtoday Job Board + get connected with local candidates quickly and efficiently. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
The Buy
Teva’s original universal sandal, now 50% off on Nordstrom Rack. A cushioned footbed + adjustable canvas straps make this a hikeable, wadeable, walkable sandal that will see you through all of your outdoor summer adventures.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
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