Tips for Visiting the Kentucky State Fair

The Kentucky State Fair is an exciting 11 days of rides, fair food, agriculture, and so much more. Follow our tips below to get the most out of your visit to the state fair.

Whether this is your first time going to the Kentucky State Fair or you have been several times, there is always something to learn and something new to do. The Fair is 11 days of packed full fun and activities from all ages. There are lots of going outside and also indoor options to help you stay cool in the hot KY August heat. We have some tips to help you enjoy your day(s) at the fair.

Tips for visiting the Kentucky state fair: The 2023 Kentucky State Fair is August 17-27 at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center.

Tickets Pricing – 2023

You can buy tickets online for $10 per person including parking but you do have to pay a $1.25 per ticket fee. Children 5 and under admitted free.

Regular admission cost: $10 per person and $10 per car to park and can be bought at the gate.


Thrill Ville 

Now through Aug. 17
Presale Unlimited Ride Wristband – $30

Presale Unlimited Ride Wristband + VIP Experience – $50
 

Aug. 18 through Aug. 27
At The Fair: $35 One-day unlimited ride wristband

tips for visiting the Kentucky state fair


Hours
Monday-Thursday
10:00 am-8:00 pm Inside is open
10:00 am-9:00 pm Outside is open
3:00 pm-10:00 pm Thrill Ville rides open

Fridays
10:00 am-9:00 pm Inside is open
10:00 am-11:00 pm Outside is open
3:00 pm-11:00 pm Thrill Ville rides open

Saturdays
10:00 am-9:00 pm Inside is open
10:00 am-11:00 pm Outside is open
1:00 pm-11:00 pm Thrill Ville rides open

Sunday, August 20
10:00n am-8:00 pm Inside is open
10:00 am-11:00 pm Outside is open
1:00 pm-11:00 pm Thrill Ville rides open

Sunday, August 27
10:00 am-6:00 pm Inside is open
10:00 am-10:00 pm Outside is open
1:00 pm-10:00 pm Thrill Ville rides open

tips for visiting the Kentucky state fairSafety tips for visiting the Kentucky State Fair

Put a wristband with your contact information on your child. This will help if you and your child are separated. If you don’t have a wristband tape your contact info inside your child clothing.

Save the link to the map on your phone. Plan before you go so you can see what you want and aren’t walking all over the place!

Have a designated meeting spot for everyone in your party. There are a lot of people at the state fair and your cell phone might not always work.

There is a Lost Child Center which is located at the Kentucky State Police command post at the state fair. It is open 24 hours a day. If you become separated from your child they will be taken to the command post when found.

Bad weather can close, delay or cancel some attractions and events. In the event of inclement weather, the Kentucky State Fair does not offer refunds or rainchecks.

Must See at the State Fair

Pride of the Counties

The baby ducks!!! (inside, south wing. Also, they are hanging out small free ice cream pops in 2023 right outside this animal area)

The border collie dog show (inside, west wing)

Art/crafts show – so many wonderful creations to see

The giant pumpkins in the Ag area

Farmer Freddie out front by the fountains

At least one of the free concerts

Sit in on a horse show at Freedom Hall

Safety Town

farmer freddie

What to Eat at the State Fair

A pork sandwich from the KY Pork Producers

Ice Cream from Newton’s Homemade Ice Cream

Fudge – so many varieties to choose from at the Morgan’s Fudge booth

A smoked turkey leg

Roasted nuts

Fresh squeezed lemonade

BBQ pulled pork mac and cheese

Donut Burger

Other helpful information 

Take note of where the tram stops. It’s a lifesaver to take the tram back to the parking lot after you are finished with all of your walking!

Be prepared to sit in traffic to get in on weekends and nights to get into the State Fair

Have cash

Bring something to carry all your things. It is common for the booths in the South Wing to give lots of freebies away.

Take water! It gets hot. If you want to save money, bring snacks too so you aren’t tempted to buy all of the yummy things. 

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Very important!

Try to plan your day where you are alternating between outside and inside, to help manage heat.

Check the weather with our pal Matt Milosevich at WLKY before heading out.

Want to see what else is going on this week? Check out our Week in Preview.

 
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