Review of LaGrange Railroad and Bluegrass Festival in LaGrange, KY

If you are a family with small children, you probably have a train lover. The LaGrange Railroad and Bluegrass Festival is a fun fall event held on October 10th & 11th on Main Street in downtown LaGrange.

There are many events planned during the two day festival. The festival begins Friday night with bluegrass music on the Courthouse Square from 6-9pm. This kick-off night would be great for parents to enjoy together. The courthouse has a large grass area, so if children do attend, there is plenty of space to run. Bring your chairs or blankets to enjoy the bluegrass jams.

Saturday morning events begin at 9 am and are spread out along Main Street. We like to begin with one of my kids’ favorite activities of checking out and watching the model train displays set up in the LaGrange YMCA Community Center. Some of the displays are very intricate with sounds, real train engine smoke and flashing lights. My kids like to blow the train horn at one of the displays and see the Thomas the Train display.

After watching the model trains we then make our way to the free miniature train ride set up outside in the De Haven Church parking lot. This is another one of my kids’ favorite parts to the festival. Children can ride the train as many times as they want throughout the day.

If you can get your kids away from the train ride, you can listen to bluegrass music while walking through the La Grange Farmers Market set up on the Courthouse Square. You can find different merchant vendors and food set up here. There is also a magician on the events schedule for this area. 

The cowboy gunfights and train tours scheduled for Saturday sound exciting! You can check them out at the Railroad Museum located farther down Main Street. I recommend checking out some of the unique stores on Main Street during your walk as well!

If you’re feeling creative, Saturday’s events also include a cardboard box train parade. You and your children (ages 6-12) are encouraged to create your own cardboard box train and parade near the Oldham County History Center. Registration begins at 9:15 am for this event and the parade begins at 10 am. Awards will be given for different categories. (Visit the LaGrange Railroad and Bluegrass Festival website for more details on rules regarding construction and materials used for the cardboard box train.)

This festival has something for everyone and is set up in a great location in downtown LaGrange. Bluegrass music and workshops, trains (big and small), swap meets, food, a corn hole tournament and train parade will keep you busy and returning each year to the LaGrange Railroad and Bluegrass Festival!

By guest contributor: Nicolle

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