From the 37th Annual Trail of Tears Intertribal Pow Wow in Hopkinsville – Batter Capital of the World in early September to the Halloween Festival and Thriller Parade in Lexington – Horse Capital of the World in late October, the 11 destinations along the Kentucky Capitals Quest are putting the fall fest in your Quest.
Find your fall festival fun in four easy steps:
1. Map out your fest Quest.
2. Pick up a Kentucky Capitals Quest passport at the first destination you visit.
3. Collect a custom sticker in each destination.
4. Earn prizes while having a fantastic fall.
Hopkinsville – Batter Capital of the World
Trail of Tears Intertribal Pow Wow
September 7-8, 2024
Information: www.visithopkinsville.com
Enjoy traditional Native American dancing and a chance to join in during Intertribal dances during this event held at the Trail of Tears Commemorative Park. Free crafts, free face painting for kids, flute playing and storytelling are part of the fun along with Indian tacos, buffalo burgers, fry bread and other foods available for purchase from Native and local food vendors. Admission: $10/adults; $5/children ages 7-12; free for children ages 6 and under. Free parking.
Owensboro – Bluegrass Music Capital of the World
Owensboro Airshow
September 13-15, 2024
Information: www.visitowensboro.com
Witness the aerial acrobatics of the Blue Angels; the Wings of Blue freefall parachuting; precision formations and freestyle maneuvers of the Northern Stars; the two-ship formation aerobatic performance of the Redline Air Shoe. Additionally, premier airshow performer and freestyle aerobatic competition pilot Rob Holland will wow the crowd. All will perform both Saturday and Sunday at the riverfront. Aerial demonstrations on Friday (Owensboro Regional Airport) will feature a limited number of performers. Admission: $5 (Friday); Saturday and Sunday: Free.
Paducah – Quilt Capital of the World
Barbecue on the River
September 19-21, 2024
Information: www.paducah.travel Gather with the locals to feast on mouthwatering hickory-smoked meats during Paducah’s 30th Annual BBQ on the River. This https://www.paducah.travel/event/paducahs-annual-barbecue-on-the-river/33737/beloved tradition celebrates all things saucy, savory and smoked on the banks of the Ohio River. Over 100 vendors, ranging from barbecue (chicken and pork grilled, smoked and cooked, among other tasty choices) to irresistible desserts to local shopping boutiques, will tempt with their goodies. Plenty of live music, too.
Oldham Co. – Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky
Corn Island Storytelling Festival
September 20-21, 2024
Information: www.touroldham.com
This two-day festival, held at the Oldham County History Center in downtown La Grange, features world famous storytellers like this year’s headliners Andy Offutt Irwin, storyteller, humorist, musician, public speaker, educator, whistler and all-around show-off, and Jasmin Cardenas, award-winning bilingual storyteller, actress, director/deviser, published writer and filmmaker. The Juggernaut Band, food trucks, music, puppeteers, storytelling workshops, open mic, ghost stories, contests and more add to the fun. Tickets here.
London-Laurel Co. – Cycling Capital of Kentucky
World Chicken Festival
September 26-29, 2024
Information: www.visitlondonky.com
The World’s Largest Stainless Steel Skillet and thousands of pieces of crispy-crunchy fried chicken Col. Sanders himself would approve; nonstop live music entertainment, including Sneaky Pete, Hannah Dasher and Uncle Kracker; the “84 Lumber Chicken Invasion;” kids’ activities and crazy contests; arts, crafts and food vendors from across the country . . . this family-fun festival has it all. Carnival rides, too.
Morehead-Rowan Co. – Muskie Fishing Capital of the South
Cave Run Storytelling Festival
September 27-28, 2024
Information: www.visitmorehead.com
Beloved storytellers including Charlotte Blake Alston, Rev. Robert B. Jones, Sr. and Bil Lepp gather in this beautiful mountain lakeside setting to carry you away to other times and places through the art of storytelling. Stories are told in large tents on the shore of Cave Run Lake at Twin Knobs Recreation Area in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Ghost stories and an open mic event are also part of the 24th annual festival. Tickets here.
Bowling Green – Corvette Capital of the World
International Festival
September 28, 2024
Information: www.visitbgky.com
A cultural extravaganza that draws people from all over the country to this diversity epicenter, the 34th Annual International Festival features more than 40 local food vendors that specialize in international cuisine presenting international menus that incorporate locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, there are dynamic performances showcasing music, dance and artistic expressions from a variety of cultures. Wander through bustling streets adorned with colorful flags and vibrant stalls offering authentic dishes from all around the world. Tickets here.
Frankfort – Historic Heartbeat of Kentucky
Bourbon Street on Broadway
October 4, 2024
Information: www.visitfrankfort.com
Prepare to be enchanted as Broadway Street in downtown Frankfort is transformed into the setting for this free evening street fair. Enjoy performances from aerialists to fire eaters. Dine on delicacies dished up by Frankfort’s downtown merchants as well as regional food and beverage vendors. Lots of live music . . . and did we mention bourbon?
Winchester – Beer Cheese Capital of the World
20th Anniversary Celebration of the Bluegrass Heritage Museum
October 10, 2024
Information: www.visitwinchesterky.com
Join the crowd to sing “Happy Birthday” to the Bluegrass Heritage Museum and enjoy birthday cake and other special refreshments for this free evening event. In two decades, the museum’s historic building has grown from a single floor of exhibits to three floors filled with galleries dedicated to preserving the history of Clark County and the Bluegrass region and has welcomed thousands of visitors and presented hundreds of programs, including three Smithsonian exhibits.
Somerset-Pulaski Co. – Houseboat Capital of the World
Moonlight Festival
October 19, 2024
Information: www.lctourism.com
This day-long festival (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) takes place in downtown Somerset on Saturday and offers a variety of food vendors and spirits along with an eclectic mix of performances by outstanding musicians. A unique feature of this festival is live art creation from local and regional artists. Best of all, it’s all free.
Lexington – Horse Capital of the World
Halloween Festival and Thriller Parade
October 20, 2024
Information: www.visitlex.com
Lexington’s largest free Halloween party kicks off with a DJ spinning spooky tunes and Halloween-inspired art and performances and culminates with the Halloween Parade and Thriller reenactment. Food and beverage vendors serve up a variety of good eats and treats. This event has been named a Top 10 Halloween Destination by USA Today and featured in the Top 25 Best Halloween Festivals Across the U.S. by Oprah Magazine.