LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Summer in the Bluegrass State wouldn’t be complete without the Kentucky State Fair, and organizers announced a jam-packed lineup Thursday for the 2025 event.
Set for Aug. 14-24 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, there will be dozens of concerts, entertainment acts and family shows, all included with fair admission.
“The Kentucky State Fair is the greatest part of the summer season, and we’re on a mission to pack in and celebrate everything Kentuckians love most about the Commonwealth,” said David S. Beck, Kentucky Venues president and CEO. “From live music and mouth-watering food to thrilling rides, family-friendly entertainment and livestock competitions, this year’s Kentucky State Fair is where you can find ‘All Things Kentucky, All in One Place.’”
A major highlight is the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series, which will feature everything from rock and blues to disco and country. The concert area opens daily at 6:30 p.m., with music beginning at 8 p.m.
All shows are free with fair admission. Here’s the full lineup:
- Thursday, Aug. 14: Sawyer Brown with special guest Home Free
- Friday, Aug. 15: Sister Sledge featuring Sledgendary with special guest C+C Music Factory
- Saturday, Aug. 16: Blue Öyster Cult with special guest Great Southern
- Sunday, Aug. 17 (Military Sunday): Roots & Boots, which includes Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye and Sammy Kershaw
- Monday, Aug. 18: We The Kingdom with special guest Level Ground
- Tuesday, Aug. 19 (Senior Day): Happy Together Tour, which includes The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues and The Cowsills
- Wednesday, Aug. 20: Co-headliners Drew Baldridge and Parmalee
- Thursday, Aug. 21: Grand Funk Railroad with special guest Frankie Ballard
- Friday, Aug. 22: Theory of a Deadman with special guest Wyld Ryde
- Saturday, Aug. 23: Ole 60 with special guest Avery Anna
Organizers said the final night, Sunday, Aug. 24, will feature a number of tribute bands spread out at tents across the fairgrounds, paying tribute to classic rock legends such as ZZ Top, The Eagles and Tom Petty.
More than 30 bands will also perform at the BIG Tent, the Budweiser Tent and the Hitching Post over the fair’s 11-day run, which will feature music all-day.
Also part of the fair is the World’s Championship Horse Show Aug. 16-23 at Freedom Hall. With more than 200 classes, thousands of participants from around the U.S. will compete for more than $1.5 million in prizes and World’s Championship titles. Tickets will go on sale June 16 on the World’s Championship Horse Show website.
Other highlights include hundreds of vendors, dozens of family-friendly activities, livestock competitions and the “Pride of the Counties” exhibit, which pays tribute to Kentucky’s 120 counties and all they have to offer.
Also back this year is the third annual BEERFEST, where guests 21 and up can sample beers from around a dozen local craft breweries on Saturday, Aug. 23. Thrill-seekers also get their fill at Thrill Ville, which will feature at least 50 thrill and family rides and the iconic Astro Ferris Wheel.
Organizers said tickets include parking when purchased online through Ticketmaster and at participating Kroger stores. Advance admission ticket pricing is $9 through July 20 before increasing to $12 the following day. The listed prices include fees.
Admission purchased at the gate during the fair is $10 per person and $10 for parking per standard vehicle, organizers added.
Check out the fair’s website for additional information, including a full entertainment lineup and other attractions.