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.
The 2022 Kentucky State Fair is August 18-28 at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center.
Tickets Pricing – different for 2022
You can buy tickets online for $10 per person including parking but you do have to pay a $1.15 per ticket fee. Children 5 and under are free.
Regular admission cost: $10 per person and $10 per car to park and can be bought at the gate.
Now through Aug. 17
Presale Unlimited Ride Wristband – $30
Aug. 18 through Aug. 28
At The Fair: $35 One-day unlimited ride wristband
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 Vill 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 Vill 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 Vill rides open
Sunday, August 21
10:00n am-8:00 pm Inside is open
10:00 am-11:00 pm Outside is open
1:00 pm-10:00 pm Thrill Vill rides open
Sunday, August 28
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 Vill rides open
Safety
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.
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
The baby ducks
Farmer Freddie
At least one of the free concerts
Kinetic Sand play tables (Aug 15-17)
Discovery Farm
Safety Town
What to Eat at the State Fair
A pork sandwich from the KY Pork Producers
Ice Cream from Ehrle’s
A smoked turkey leg
BBQ pulled pork mac and cheese
Bourbon Donut Burger
Other helpful information
Be prepared to sit in traffic to get in on weekends and nights to get into the State Fair
Have cash
Bering 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.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Download the KY State Fair App
Try to plan your day where you are alternating between outside and inside, to help manage heat.
Check the weather with our pal Matt M at WLKY before heading out.
Want to see what else is going on this week? Check out our Week in Preview.