LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The 2026 Kentucky State Fair – slated for Aug. 20-30 – is fast approaching. The fair will be in the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville and will offer everything from showcases of the state’s rich agricultural heritage and livestock shows to competitive entries and live music, according to officials.

“We chose this year’s theme, ‘Country Traditions, Country Celebration,’ to highlight Kentucky’s unique heritage within the national America 250 celebration,” Ian Cox, executive director of communications for Kentucky Venues at the Kentucky Exposition Center, told Farm World, of the 122st annual event.

He said the Kentucky State Fair brings together all 120 counties, “and every year, you see families carrying on traditions that have been passed down for generations. You’ll hear people say, “I’ve been coming since I was a kid,” while others are experiencing the fair for the very first time. That’s what inspired Country Traditions, Country Celebration.

“Our official poster also reflects that idea,” he added. “It draws inspiration from iconic national park posters, but spotlights the World’s Championship Horse Show, a premier 2,000-horse competition unique to the Kentucky State Fair that attracts global attention and continues to grow. In fact, we recently heard from a media outlet in South Africa that’s been covering the event for more than 30 years.”

According to officials, the Kentucky State Fair is the summer’s largest gathering, and this year’s fair honors the semiquincentennial, with a special exhibition and related programming, ‘United We Stand at 250.’ 

“The Kentucky State Fair will run for 11 days, featuring hundreds of exhibits, family activities and livestock competitions,” Cox said. “This year, we’ve also added new America 250 competitions and exhibits celebrating Kentucky’s role in our nation’s history.

“Families can explore interactive displays, watch artists at work, and experience special programming throughout the fair,” he added. “The Texas Roadhouse Concert Series will host both Kentucky artists and national performers, all included with admission.”

Tickets are on sale and fairgoers can take advantage of the best admission price of the season with advance tickets for just $9, which includes parking for a $10 savings, officials said. From Aug. 20-30, one ticket gives attendees access to live concerts and rides, to blue ribbon entries and family-friendly attractions. Fairgoers can lock in the advance ticket savings now for a limited time at https://kystatefair.org/tickets.

“The Kentucky State Fair is one of our proudest Commonwealth traditions, uniting generations through agriculture, education, world-class entertainment, and the kind of family memories that last a lifetime,” said David Beck, Kentucky Venues president and CEO. “With this year’s fair theme making a nod to America’s 250th anniversary, we have a special opportunity to celebrate Kentucky traditions, along with a major milestone for our nation.”

Officials said exhibitor tickets are offered to anyone who enters and exhibits in the competitive departments. Exhibitor tickets come in a packet of 11 tickets. Each ticket includes admission and parking for the Kentucky State Fair. Exhibitors may only purchase up to one packet of tickets at the time of entry. The one packet of tickets shall be picked up during entry drop off.

The livestock exhibitor barn access admission badge is $25; barn access includes 14 admission and parking scans, officials said. Barn access only badges can be given to an exhibitor upon request in the livestock office. Exhibitor tickets are $44, with 11 admission and parking tickets. Poultry, pigeon and rabbit exhibitors will be limited to purchasing three packets of exhibitor tickets. If an exhibitor misplaces a badge, a replacement badge can be re-issued for $35.

Taking center stage at the fair includes Kentucky natives Ricky Skaggs, JD Shelburne and Black Stone Cherry. The Texas Roadhouse Concert Series returns as a premier music event, featuring a diverse lineup spanning rock, country, gospel and retro classics. Concerts are in Lot L at the Kentucky Exposition Center, officials said. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and performances begin at 8 p.m. each night. A full list of performers is available at kystatefair.org.

Cox said what sets the Kentucky State Fair apart is that it is the largest indoor fair in the country: “That comes as an exciting and welcome relief during the hot days of August. At the same time, we program a substantial amount of outdoor space to embrace the summer tradition that the Kentucky State Fair represents. Our website lists events, and we have a new app available where people can schedule and plan their day.

“We are honored to support the Kentucky State Fair, which thrives, thanks to thousands of dedicated volunteers and community members who keep this tradition alive,” he added. “Team Kentucky invites everyone to attend, participate and celebrate with us.”

For the full schedule, download the fair app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or visit kystatefair.org.