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 for all ages. There are lots of 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.
Tips for visiting the Kentucky State Fair: The 2024 Kentucky State Fair is August 15-25 at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center.
Tickets Pricing – 2024
You can buy tickets online for $9 per person including parking but you do have to pay a $2.85 per ticket fee, which is thru August 2, after that online is $10 per person + fees. Children 5 and under are admitted free.
Regular admission cost: $10 per person and $10 per car to park and can be bought at the gate.
Now through Aug. 14
Presale Unlimited Ride Wristband – $30 + fees
Aug. 15 through Aug. 25
At The Fair: $35 One-day unlimited ride wristband
Hours
Monday-Wedensday
10:00 am-8:00 pm Inside is open
10:00 am-10:00 pm Outside is open
3:00 pm-10:00 pm Thrill Ville rides open
Thursday
10:00 am-8:00 pm Inside is open
10:00 am-Midnight pm Outside is open
3:00 pm-10:00 pm Thrill Ville rides open
Fridays
10:00 am-9:00 pm Inside is open
10:00 am-Midnight pm Outside is open
3:00 pm-11:00 pm Thrill Ville 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 Ville rides open
Sunday, August 18
10:00n am-8:00 pm Inside is open
10:00 am-11:00 pm Outside is open
1:00 pm-11:00 pm Thrill Ville rides open
Sunday, August 25
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 Ville rides open
Safety tips for visiting the Kentucky State Fair
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.
Save the link to the map on your phone. Plan before you go so you can see what you want and aren’t walking all over the place!
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!!! (inside, south wing. Also, they are hanging out small free ice cream pops in 2023 right outside this animal area)
The border collie dog show (inside, west wing)
Art/crafts show – so many wonderful creations to see
The giant pumpkins in the Ag area
Farmer Freddie out front by the fountains
At least one of the free concerts
Sit in on a horse show at Freedom Hall
Safety Town
What to Eat at the State Fair
A pork sandwich from the KY Pork Producers
Ice Cream
Fudge – so many varieties to choose from
A smoked turkey leg
Roasted nuts
Fresh squeezed lemonade
BBQ pulled pork mac and cheese
Donut Burger
Other helpful information
Take note of where the tram stops. It’s a lifesaver to take the tram back to the parking lot after you are finished with all of your walking!
Be prepared to sit in traffic to get in on weekends and nights to get into the State Fair
Have cash
Bring 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. If you want to save money, bring snacks too so you aren’t tempted to buy all of the yummy things.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Very important!
Try to plan your day where you are alternating between outside and inside, to help manage heat.
Check the weather with our pal Matt Milosevich at WLKY before heading out.
Want to see what else is going on this week? Check out our Week in Preview.
