Kentucky State Fair Hotels & Vacation Rentals

Look for the food stand called The Tot Spot for the tastiest version of this humble food on the planet. Try the Philly Cheese Steak Tots if you crave cheesy and spicy beef, or check out a Kentucky favorite, the tater tot incarnation of the Louisville tradition, the Hot Brown. Originally created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville by Fred K. Schmidt in 1926, the key ingredients are turkey, bacon, and mornay sauce.

The newest sensation at the Kentucky State Fair is the alligator burger, served up by John C’s Seafood Mobile Grill. Famous for its crab cakes, last year's fair pulled out all the stops and debuted the awesome gator sandwich. The motivation of the grill's owners is to highlight the option of exotic meats.

If you want to totally blow your diet, check out the doughnut burger, a Kentucky State Fair tradition since 2001. Right on the main midway, this classic features a beef patty, cheese, and bacon wedged between two Krispy Kreme glazed doughnuts. If you can manage to leave your health consciousness behind for a day, you won't regret this culinary experience.

Each night of the fair, The Turf Concert Series at Cardinal Stadium offers musical performances in a casual atmosphere. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. unless noted otherwise. There is no extra charge for this laid-back concert experience beyond regular fair admission. Music lovers sit on chairs placed in the turf field to enjoy top-notch musical offerings. After this memorable evening, retreat to one of many Kentucky State Fair vacation rentals available.

Any event in the state of Kentucky suggests the presence of horses and the Kentucky State Fair will not disappoint horse lovers of all ages. The Quarter Horse Show includes events sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, and the National Reining Horse Association. The Miniature Horse Show is a three-day event featuring adorable minis showing off in the ring.

This is the perfect way to experience all Kentucky has to offer right there in Louisville. Each county in the state offers an exhibit of their history and culture. Everything from historic objects and crafts to local treasures and commercial products tell the unique story of each part of the Bluegrass State. After visiting these exhibits, you can plan your next visit to the Bluegrass State.

There are six gates available for entry into the fair. Gates 2 or 4 on Crittenden Drive are the most accessible. Gates open at 7 a.m. and exhibits at 9 a.m. Exhibit halls close at 9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday–Saturday. The Kentucky Exposition Center is located at the junction of I-65 and I-264, and there are direction signs on both roads for the fair. Kentucky State Fair hotels nearby may also allow you to walk!

You won't want to miss the coolest way to enjoy some Kentucky cuisine combined with musical performances in the iconic music and food tents. The Bud Tent located on the West Lawn offers cold brew and pop music. If you prefer country music, visit the Whiskey Jam tent for the latest Nashville sounds. The Kentucky Cookout Tent offers the best in the state's home-grown culinary favorites.

Part of any state fair is state residents competing in a variety of venues. The Kentucky State Fair is no exception. Everything from cheer and dance competitions, talent contests, and cooking showdowns will captivate the attention of the entire family. There's even a Little Miss and Mister contest for budding models and performers.