FESTIVALS AND EVENTS - Bluegrass, Blues and Barbecue Region
This is a listing of annual recurring events in the Bluegrass, Blues and Barbecue Region. For more information about each region's specific events for the curent year, visit the linked websites below.
Central City Calendar
Hopkins County Calendar
Hancock County Calendar Owensboro Calendar
Henderson Calendar
ANNUAL Festivals & Events - These annual events are scheduled every year -
see each linked site for specific dates and current details.
APRIL
Breakfast Lions Club Tri-Fest - Downtown Henderson
In April, enjoy food, booths, fireworks, live music, carnival, and a 5K race. (270) 831-1527, www.hendersontrifest.org
National Beagle Championships - Ohio County Park, Hartford
Sponsored by the American Kennel Club, this event showcases the top beagles in the country the second week in April. - (270) 298-4466 www.ohiocountypark.com
MAY
Battle of Sacramento Re-enactment - Hwys 81 & 85, Sacramento
The largest cavalry re-enactment in Kentucky is held the third weekend in May and takes place on the original battle site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Civil War Discovery Trail. - (270) 736-5114 www.battleofsac.com
Lewisport Heritage Festival - Downtown Lewisport - held each Memorial Day weekend. Baby contest and beauty contest for all ages. Rides, food, and fun. For more information call: (270) 685-6454
Hanson Mule Days - Hanson
Tractor pulls, parade, shopping, vendors, music and more! Annual festival every first weekend in May. - (270) 821-4171 www.historichanson.com
International Bar-B-Q Festival - Riverfront, Owensboro
Every year in May throngs of people from the U.S. and Europe flock to enjoy tons of barbecued chicken, mutton and gallons of burgoo. Arts, crafts, music and kids’ stuff add to this two-day event. - (800) 489-1131 www.bbqfest.com
Derby Fest - Renaissance Corner - Morganfield
Food Booths, Marketplace (Craft Items), Beauty Contests, Baby Contests, Talent Show, Pet Parade, Decorated hat Contest and TV Raffle held on first Friday and Saturday of May.
(270) 389-1199
Friday After 5- RiverPark Center, Owensboro
FREE weekly concert series running every Friday night from late May-September, features live bands on the BB&T Plaza, bluegrass music in the courtyard, and gospel music in Cannon Hall. (270) 687-2770, www.FridayAfter5.com
JUNE
ROMP - River Of Music Party - Yellow Creek Park, Owensboro
The International Bluegrass Music Museum hosts this three-day festival of music, exhibits, trade shows and workshops. - Toll Free 888-MY BANJO - www.riverofmusic.org
Classic Antique Car & Tractor Show - Lions Club Community Center, Sacramento
The first Saturday in June shows off more than 150 of the "hottest" cars around with cash prizes trophies and good food. - (270) 736-2240
W.C. Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival - Audubon Mill Park, Henderson
In June celebrate the birth of the blues and pay tribute to the great W.C. Handy. Join blues’ connoisseurs for this weeklong event featuring a barbecue competition sanctioned by Memphis In May. - (800) 648-3128 www.handyblues.org
Dixon Freedom Days - Dixon City Park, Dixon
Independence is celebrated with concerts, a parade and children’s rides on the fourth weekend in June. - (270) 639-5838
Party in the Park - Madisonville
A beach party with live music, food, fun and dancing in the sand, occurs annually in June. - (270) 821-3435 www.hopkinschamber.com
Union County Fair - Morganfield
Annual mid-June hometown fair with lots or rides, activities, events, and fun. (270) 333-4107
Providence Coal Festival - Westerfield Park, Providence
Every June this weekend festival enjoys rides, games, a baby contest, beauty pageants and concerts. - (270) 667-2045
Yellowbanks Dulcimer Festival – English Park, Owensboro
Annual Festival celebrating the mountain dulcimer, designated as Kentucky’s official state instrument, June, (270) 864-1631
International Mystery Writer’s Festival – RiverPark Center, Owensboro
Festival featuring the premiere of original stage mysteries. Festival ends with a gala evening complete with televised awards show. June, (270) 687-2770, www.riverparkcenter.orgJULY
Bar-B-Que and Homecoming - Dawson Springs
This community celebrates its heritage every fourth weekend in July with famous barbecue, contests and events. - (270) 797-2781
July Fourth Spectacular - Vastwood Park, Hawesville
Evening fireworks abound over the 19-acre lake in the park with gospel singing, children’s games, swimming, fishing, camping and picnicking in the afternoon. (270) 927-8137
Little Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races for Charity - Union County Fairgrounds
Sturgis Motorcycle enthusiasts from Canada and the U.S. enjoy various events, live bands and dirt drag races. Funds are donated to charities and civic organizations. - (270) 333-9316 www.littlesturgisrally.net
Sebree Horse Show - Sebree
Gaited and walking horses show off their grace and form during this horse show on the first Saturday in July.
Celebration of the American Spirit - English Park, Owensboro
Owensboro’s annual July 4th celebration with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and fireworks to round out the day. (270) 687-8700, www.owensboroparks.org
Daviess County Lions Club Fair – Daviess County Fairgrounds, Owensboro
Annual county fair featuring pageants for all ages, carnival rides, truck & tractor pulls, motocross races, food & crafts vendors, and many exhibits. July, www.daviesscountyfair.com
AUGUST
Bluegrass in the Park/Folklife Celebration - Riverfront Henderson
Entertainers fill the outdoors with the high lonesome sounds of bluegrass in August with children’s activities, food, and folklife demonstrations. - (800) 648-3128 www.bluegrassintheparkfestival.com
Pickin & Pedalin Bike Tour - Henderson
Rest stops feature bluegrass entertainment and refreshments. Family fun following Bluegrass in the Park in August with 12, 36 or 62 mile routes. - (800) 648-3128 www.pickinandpedalin.com
Gospelfest - Downtown Central City
In August enjoy a night with Crabb Family members, friends, and other gospel groups. Bring your lawn chairs. (270) 754-2360 www.centralcitykytourism.com
Kentucky Deer Classic - Muhlenberg County Agriculture & Convention Center, Greenville
Hunters can hone their skills and rub elbows with hunting celebrities on the fourth Saturday in August. - (270) 338-5422 www.kydeerclassic.org
David Roger’s BIG BUGS Exhibit – Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, Owensboro
A remarkable group of giant bugs is created using all natural materials. WKBG is the only botanical garden within a 150-mile radius to offer this event. August - October, (270) 852-8925, www.wkbg.org
Multi-Cultural Festival – First Presbyterian Church lawn, Owensboro
Every third Saturday of August, this city-wide multicultural festival celebrates the diversity of our world. Features exhibits of different cultures, music & dance performances, and ethnic foods. www.firstpresbyterianowensboro.com
SEPTEMBER
Central City Everly Brothers Cruise In-Car Show-Concert - Central City
The weekend before Labor Day, enjoy cruising the famous Central City Strip, a "show and shine" car show, blue-grass music, poker run, motorcycle show, food, arts and crafts, carnival rides and good ole’ rock ‘n roll. - (270) 754-2360 www.centralcitykytourism.com
Home of the Legends Thumbpicking Weekend - Paradise Park, Powderly
This unique style of guitar picking began in Muhlenberg County. The international 2 day event begins the weekend prior to Labor Day weekend. Bring your lawn chairs. (270) 338-5422 or (270) 754-2360 www.centralcitykytourism.com
Hancock County Sorghum Festival - Hancock County Fairgrounds, Hawesville
Each September visitors flock from all over the nation to view the sorghum making process and sample this famous sorghum. Food, arts and crafts, rug and basket weavers too. (270) 314-5688 or (270) 927-8137
Island Heritage Festival- Island
On the second Saturday in September the community gathers to celebrate its heritage with historical exhibits, food, crafts and an old-fashioned square dance and a new-fangled line dance. - (270) 486-3292
Jerusalem Ridge Festival - Jerusalem Ridge, Rosine
Bluegrass music comes home to the birthplace of this American art form. Enjoy an unforgettable weekend with live music, food and friends in a beautiful setting. Last weekend of September or first weekend of October. - (270) 274-9181 www.jerusalemridgefestival.org
Poole Harvest Days - Poole
Second weekend in September. Annual Festival sponsored by Poole Lion’s Club - (270) 639-5572
Union County Corn Festival - Morganfield
In September a grand parade, show horses and jumping frogs provide great fun for this gala with food, games, arts and crafts. - (270) 389-9600
Grillin & Chillin BBQ Cookoff – Diamond Lake Resort, Owensboro
This Kentucky State Championship BBQ Cookoff is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and offers $10,000 in prize money. September, (270) 302-0923, www.diamondlakeresort.net
Owensboro Pumpkinfest – Owensboro Sportscenter, Owensboro
The Glenmary Sisters offer a family festival with rides, games, food, contests, pumpkin and live music. September, www.owensboropumpkinfest.orgOCTOBER
GRADD Arts and Crafts Festival - John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Annual GRADD arts and crafts with hundreds of exhibitors showing off their handiwork in October. - (800) 926-4433 www.gradd.com
Reid’s Orchard Apple Festival - Hwy 144, Owensboro
This fun two-day event every October is filled with fall festivities: a carnival, food petting zoo, hayrides, games and apples in abundance. - 270) 685-2444 www.visitowensboro.com
NOVEMBER
Owensboro Christmas Parade - Downtown Owensboro
The special parade is the largest Christmas parade in Kentucky, offering bands, lighted floats, a performance by an historic calliope, and St. Nick himself. Mid-November, www.ChristmasParade.net
Winter Wonderland - RiverPark Center, Owensboro
Family fun featuring a large Christmas tree at the entrance of an outdoor skating rink on the plaza at RiverPark Center, 20x40 foot cinema air screen playing holiday movies, refreshments, rides, snow-making machine and visits from Santa. (270) 687-2880, www.riverparkcenter.org
Holiday Forest - Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, Owensboro
This annual celebration features trees and holiday decorations designed by regional artists, civic groups and schools. (270) 685-3181, www.omfa.us
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