Don't miss more than 30 free concerts at the 2024 Kentucky State Fair. Here's the lineup
It's like Woodstock meets livestock at the 2024 Kentucky State Fair.
The Kentucky State Fair, held this year Aug. 15-25, celebrates its 120th anniversary with a whopping 70 entertainment acts and 11 days of fun and surprising things to see and do.
Included with admission, fairgoers can rock out with 80s hair bands, sing along with iconic country and Christian acts, and dance to unforgettable hip-hop tracks. This summer's Texas Roadhouse Concert Series includes headliners Lonestar and Eddie Montgomery, The Sugarhill Gang, Melle Mel and Scorpio, The Oak Ridge Boys, 38 Special, CAIN, Tauren Wells, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, Justin Moore, Lauren Alaina, Everclear, Happy Together and more.
The music doesn't stop there. Throughout the 11-day run of the fair, more than 25 bands will perform during the all-day live performances scheduled at The BIG Tent and the Budweiser Tent. Specialty performances and family shows are also included with fair admission.
This year's Big Tent lineup includes Black Top Rodeo, Dance Hall Hooligans, Exit 105, Friday Night Special, Geru Y Su Legión 7, Hank Rose Project, Judge Angus, Kentucky Blue, Rockland Road, Shotgun Serenade, Soul Circus, Sound Machine, and Throwback Thursday.
The Budweiser Tent will host Bill May All Stars, Corridor 64, E & R Project, Judge Angus, Juice Box Heroes, MidnightRadio, Moonshine Magnolia, Most Wanted, No Compromise, Rock Station, Savannah Dean, Soul Circus, Soul Kitchen, The Bottle Trees, The Mad Taxpayers, The Wilson Brothers and Top Shelf.
If that's not enough, on Sunday, Aug. 25, the fair will offer a musical doubleheader. The renowned Mexican band known for its distinctive blend of Norte?o music with accordion and saxophone sounds, Geru y Su Legión 7, will perform in The Big Tent, while Christian singer Tauren Wells with special guest Consumed By Fire take the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series Stage shortly after at 7 p.m
Additionally, fairgoers can expect more than 50 family-friendly activities such as the adrenaline-packed Thrill Ville, and more than a dozen performance locations hosting specialty acts, livestock competitions, live music, and unique one-day events. From the Largest Pumpkin and Watermelon Contest to Beerfest, cow milking demonstrations, Freedy Farm Bureau, a Gospel Music Showcase, Ohio Valley Wrestling, and more, the variety of offerings is sure to make everyone smile.
Kentucky State Fair tickets are available online for $8 at ticketmaster.com. Fee-free tickets are available at participating Kroger locations for $9. Parking is also included with early bird ticket purchases, a $10 savings.
As it has done for 121 years, the world’s most prestigious horse show returns to Freedom Hall Aug. 17-24. Over $1.5 million in prizes and World’s Champion titles are up for grabs during The World's Championship Horse Show. Tickets go on sale June 17 at wchorseshow.com.
Here is the lineup and information you'll want to know to plan your Kentucky State Fair free concert and entertainment experience.
What are the free concerts at the 2024 Kentucky State Fair?
All concerts, except Aug. 25, begin at 8 p.m. with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. and take place in Lot L adjacent to Kentucky Kingdom and Broadbent Arena. On Aug. 25, the concert area opens at 4:30 p.m. with the concert beginning at 6 p.m. Here is the 2024 Texas Roadhouse Concert Series lineup:
Thursday, Aug. 15: Lonestar and Eddie Montgomery
Friday, Aug. 16: The Sugarhill Gang Melle Mel & Scorpio (of Furious Five) with special guest Ying Yang Twins
Saturday, Aug. 17: Stephen Pearcy of Ratt with special guest Quiet Riot
Sunday, Aug. 18: The Oak Ridge Boys with special guests The Country Gold Tour including Leroy Van Dyke, Linda Davis, Jimmy Fortune, Rockland Road (which will perform the national anthem and "God Bless the USA.")
Monday, Aug. 19: CAIN with special guest Katy Nichole
Tuesday, Aug. 20: Happy Together including The Turtles, The Cowsills, Badfinger, The Vogues, The Association, Jay and the Americans
Wednesday, Aug. 21: Justin Moore with special guest Alex Miller*
Thursday, Aug. 22: Everclear with special guest Marcy Playground
Friday, Aug. 23: 38 Special with special guest Exile*
Saturday, Aug. 24: Lauren Alaina with special guests Mackenzie Porter, Kelsey Hart
Sunday, Aug. 25: (6 p.m. show): Tauren Wells with special guest Consumed By Fire
When is the Kentucky State Fair?
The Kentucky State Fair runs for 11 days, this year from Aug.15-25.
Where is the Kentucky State Fair?
The 2024 Kentucky State Fair is held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville.
What are the hours for the Kentucky State Fair?
Outside:
Thursday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 16 to Sunday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 19 to Thursday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Inside:
Thursday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 19 to Thursday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23and Saturday, Aug. 2410 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission to the fair and sale of all unlimited ride wristbands ends one hour before posted outside closing time. Fairgoers under 18 years old entering after 6 p.m. must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 21 years of age or older. Proof of age is required. IDs will be verified at the gate.
Thrill Ville Ride Wristbands
At least 50 rides, including thrill, family, and the iconic Astro Ferris Wheel, are coming to town in August. Thrill-seekers looking for all-day ride wristbands can get the best price by purchasing their Thrill Ville wristbands for $30, a $5 savings, online or at participating Kroger locations.
Where do I park for the Kentucky State Fair?
Parking for the Kentucky State Fair will be in Parking Lot A at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
How much are tickets to the Kentucky State Fair?
Early bird admission tickets for the Kentucky State Fair, which include parking, are on sale online for $8, plus fees, now through July 5. From July 6 to Aug. 6, online tickets are $9.
Tickets purchased Aug. 3-25 are $10 for admission and $10 for parking. Visit kystatefair.org/tickets for details.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Texas Roadhouse Concert Series: free 2024 Kentucky State Fair concerts
