Next top Must-Attend Events in Kentucky for April and May 2018

From spectacular natural beauty to exciting urban attractions, Kentucky is filled with history and culture. As one of the original frontiers of the United States, the Bluegrass State has a long and storied history filled with mythical figures, including Daniel Boone. The state's industries, including horse breeding and bourbon manufacturing, give the state a rich tapestry of events, activities, festivals, museums and more.

Apr 2018 Louisville

Thunder Over Louisville

Saturday, April 21, 2018
Witherspoon and River Road Louisville, KY 40299 in Louisville, KY

This exciting presentation is one of the activities that takes place prior to the Kentucky Derby. The one day, mid-April event occurs around the third weekend in April and involves a thrilling acrobatic airshow provided by civilian and military aircraft. Enjoy an array of southern home cooking and in the evening, watch a dazzling fireworks display.

Apr 2018 Pikeville

Pikeville Hillbilly Days

April 19, 20, 21, 2018
Pikeville City Park Pikeville, KY 41501 in Pikeville, KY

The Shriners host this annual charitable event that offers guests the chance to enjoy a bit of backwoods fun with a parade, carnival, food and live entertainment. Not to mention the Shriners themselves decked out in full hillbilly costume while driving their modified limos.

Apr 2018 LOUISVILLE

Cherokee Triangle Old Tyme Fair

April 28 – 29, 2018
Louisville, Kentucky in LOUISVILLE, KY

Hundreds of artists arrive at this historic tree-lined neighborhood every April to present their creations and visit with guests. The event also offers children's activities, a food court and live entertainment.

May 2018 Louisville

Great Steamboat Race

Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Louisville, KY

At the end of April, a team of iconic riverboats gather on the Ohio river for this historic race. Guests may watch the event from the shoreline or purchase tickets to ride on one of the vessels during the competition. While aboard, enjoy an evening of dinner, bourbon tasting and live entertainment.

Apr 2018 Apr - May 2018 Louisville

Kentucky Derby Festival

APRIL 14/may 3, 2018
Louisville, KY

Though the actual race does not take place until the first Saturday in May, two weeks prior to race day,the community holds a number of events. There's a carnival to attend, contests, parades and a hot air balloon festival along with plenty of food. Watch riverboat races or any number of other events leading up to the big race.

May 2018 Owensboro

International Bar-B-Q Festival

May 11 & 12, 2018
Owensboro, KY

The air fills with the aroma of hickory smoke as this mid-May festival brings BBQ chefs together for a gala weekend feast. The event also features a carnival, eating contests, arts and crafts and a nice selection of vendors for a fun-filled weekend.

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Mammoth Cave National Park, located in the central region of the state, is home to one of the largest cave systems in the entire world. Visitors can take a number of tours with the park's rangers, including tours that take brave guests off of established trails. Travelers who prefer to stay above ground can visit one of Kentucky's many outdoor recreation spaces, such as Daniel Boone National Forest. The forest offers an extensive network of trails and excellent fishing spots.

Churchill Downs, home of the famous Kentucky Derby, is open to visitors who want to see live horse racing. Visitors who wish to learn more about the history of the famous race can step inside the nearby Kentucky Derby Museum. The extensive exhibits focus on the historic participants of the race, from the horses to the jockeys.

The Louisville Zoo, located in Louisville, features over 1,500 animals spread across 135 acres. At the “Gorilla Forest” exhibit, guests can witness the antics of the exhibit's residents, including a troop of gorillas and a few patas monkeys. The zoo's newest exhibit, “Glacier Run”, includes grizzly and polar bears. Children can play in the exhibit's splash park on a hot afternoon.

Baseball fans will enjoy a trip to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. This museum, which doubles as a production facility for the Louisville Slugger baseball supply company, showcases the history of baseball and includes several notable bats, such as the bat that Babe Ruth used to hit his last home run as a Yankee. The Louisville Science Center is a great attraction for those with more cerebral tastes. The museum is Kentucky's largest hands-on science museum and features exhibits exploring several different areas of science, including physics, anatomy, technology, chemistry and more.

Top destinations for this weekend!

Weekend in Louisville
340 events and shows this weekend
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261 events and shows this weekend
Weekend in Edmonton
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Weekend in Meade
98 events and shows this weekend
Weekend in Bowling Green
82 events and shows this weekend
Weekend in Paducah
69 events and shows this weekend

Counties in Kentucky

Photo credit:

LuAnn Snawder Photography / David Paul Ohmer / woody1778a / LuAnn Snawder Photography / turnerburns / Jeff Kubina / robholland / douggarner08 / Bryce Fields / LuAnn Snawder Photography / jennan0elle / jimmywayne / Digital_Third_Eye / Scientology Media / jcarruther / 5chw4r7z / Chris Breeze / NashvilleCorps / Gage Skidmore / Dougtone / A Train / Sonnett / A Train / USDAgov

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