The Kentucky State Fair occupies 540 acres at the Kentucky Exposition Center. | Image courtesy Kentucky State Fair
The Kentucky State Fair is in full swing. Whether you’re a fair first-timer or a long-time Freddy Farm Bureau fan, we’ve got the absolute must-sees at the State Fair.
The most popular attraction at the fair, according to LOUtoday readers, is the food. Specifically, y’all are headed for the funnel cakes, the corn dogs, and any new foods. This year, new foods include a Cheeto corn dog at Sivori and an ostritch burger at American Farmboy Fare.
Here are some non-food highlights our readers said you shouldn’t miss:
“The cooking shows, the animals, the roses and the shopping”
“State fair horse show” Pro tip: If you’re looking to spectate the World’s Championship Horse Show, which happens during the state fair, you’ll need a separate ticket.
“The big pumpkin”
“People watching”
Bonus: If you get your State Fair tickets online, you’ll get parking for free. If you buy at the gate, parking is an extra $10. If you’d rather avoid parking on-site, TARC Route No. 28 is running service every 15 minutes with a stop at the fair’s Gate 6.
Asked
Asked
What are your State Fair must-sees?
A. The food B. The rides C. The music D. The animals
Tiki Party | 5-10:30 p.m. | High Stakes Rooftop Grill | Free entry | Enjoy skyline views, Caribbean-inspired cocktails, themed bites, and music from DJ Ty Latte at this rooftop event — tropical chic attire encouraged.
Kentuckywood: Sunday Shorts Screening | Friday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Aug. 17 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | MaybeItsFate | $1+ | BYOB to watch short film screenings from Kentucky filmmakers at this donation-based event.
“TL;DR: Thelma & Louise; Dyke Remix” | Friday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Aug. 24 | Times vary | The Henry Clay Theater | $20+ | This grrl-rock musical reimagines the finale of the iconic film as the beginning of a new life together.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Blackberry Festival | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | East End Farmer’s Market | Free | Find farm fresh blackberries while eating local foods, listening to live music, and letting the kid participate in activities.
Tacos and Tequila | 4-7 p.m. | Louisville Slugger Field | $43+ | Ages 21+ can join this inaugural event with food trucks, music, tequila, and commemorative shot glasses.
CONNECT at Bernheim | 6:34-11:34 p.m. | Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, Clermont | $25+ | Enjoy a one-of-a-kind festival filling the forest with interactive art, hands-on activities, live music from five local bands, a silent disco, food trucks, and good vibes under the stars.
Sunday, Aug. 17
Louisville Film, TV and Media Pitch Sessions | 2-5 p.m. | MaybeItsFate | Free, RSVP required | See local filmmakers pitching their projects, learn about Kentucky’s film industry, and network with other industry professionals.
The Serum, powered by clinically proven Mitopure. | Photo by Timeline
As we age, skin loses the firmness and elasticity that gives it a youthful appearance. A key reason? Skin cells lose energy, hindering essential functions like collagen production.
The KFC Yum! Center is embarking on its single largest capital project in its 15-year history. The $13 million investment will fully replace the roof of the facility. It’s already underway, and is expected to wrap up by December with minimal impact to guest experience. (Louisville Business First)
Community
A Louisvillian recently posted on Reddit looking to recover a handmade bookshelf which was sold at a moving sale in 2021. The bookshelf is constructed of white oak + woodburned with the names Donohue and Santora, plus the date August 2008. There is a cash reward for its rediscovery.
Theater
Tickets are on sale now for Redline Performing Arts’ production of “Dreamgirls,” a Tony Award-winning musical about a Chicago music trio’s rise through the industry in the 1960s and 1970s. The run starts at Actors Theatre on Friday, Sept. 19.
Outdoors
UofL’s Envirome Institute is seeking volunteers aged 18-75 for a study on the effects of green space on stress. You’ll have to spend 20 minutes walking in an urban park — sounds lovely. Participants will receive a $50 gift card.
Feel Good
Though one koala recently left the Louisville Zoo for a home in Columbus, two more just arrived — via UPS. “Operation Boomerang” safely brought Chuckels and Myalla to the Louisville Zoo from the West Coast this week to join Dharuk at the foot of Glacier Run.
Sports
Can the Cardinals’ momentum carry them through the challenges they face in the rest of the season? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Home
When the pumpkin-scented candle isn’t cutting it anymore, High Bridge Development, Louisville’s full-service design + build home remodel experts, can give your home the cozy upgrade you’ve been dreaming of. This outdoor living space speaks for itself.*
Job
Think you’d enjoy working with people and being part of a supportive community focused on health + movement? Check out this posting for an Administrative Assistant at Holly’s Pilates Village.*
Featured Deal
Put your business’s message here in as little as two days when you score 15% off your first ad buy on our self-service ad portal. Redeem your discount with code NEW15 at checkout.
The Buy
Our favorite back-to-school find for college students: an upholstered storage ottoman. Dorm rooms don’t offer much space, so smart storage solutions are a must. This ottoman delivers with a roomy interior and soft teddy velvet fabric — combining function with style.
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.
Ok Louisville board game fans — let’s get real for a second. If you’re anything like me, you have a game shelf that is dangerously overburdened. Fortunately, the St. Matthews Library is here to help.
Tomorrow, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the library will host a board game + puzzle swap. Bring your lesser-played games or solved jigsaws to swap with other fans.
‡The Serum disclaimer: Based on an 8-week randomized controlled clinical trial of 36 healthy women aged 40 to 65 years.
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