Concerts Galore and More: Kentucky State Fair Tickets on Sale

The countdown to summer’s biggest celebration is on as the Kentucky State Fair announces ticket sales and unveils the much-anticipated entertainment lineup for the August 14-24 event. There will be dozens of entertainment acts, including the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series performances, family shows, and more, all included with fair admission. Advance admission tickets cost just $9! In addition to saving big when buying before the fair, fairgoers purchasing online through Ticketmaster get free parking, a $10 savings! Admission goes up to $12 on July 21. Pricing includes all fees.

“The Kentucky State Fair is the greatest part of the summer season, and we’re on a mission to pack in and celebrate everything Kentuckians love most about the Commonwealth," said David S. Beck, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues. "From live music and mouth-watering food to thrilling rides, family-friendly entertainment, and livestock competitions. This year’s Kentucky State Fair is where you can find All Things Kentucky, All in One Place."

2025 Kentucky State Fair Texas Roadhouse Concert Series Lineup

From classic rock and disco legends to contemporary country, Christian, and a cappella sensations, the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series lineup spans generations and genres, offering something for every music lover. Whether you're drawn to gospel harmonies, Southern rock, or throwback hits, this year’s concert series delivers a dynamic soundtrack to the fair’s summer celebration, all included with admission. The concert area opens daily at 6:30 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m.

Thursday, August 14: Sawyer Brown with special guest Home Free

Friday, August 15: Sister Sledge Ft. Sledgendary with special guest C+C Music Factory

Saturday, August 16: Blue Öyster Cult with special guest Great Southern

Sunday, August 17 (Military Sunday): Roots & Boots, which includes Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye, and Sammy Kershaw

Monday, August 18: We The Kingdom with special guest Level Ground

Tuesday, August 19 (Senior Day): Happy Together Tour, which includes The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, and The Cowsills

Wednesday, August 20: Parmalee and Drew Baldridge

Thursday, August 21: Grand Funk Railroad with special guest Frankie Ballard

Friday, August 22: Theory of a Deadman with special guest Wyld Ryde

Saturday, August 23: Ole 60 with special guest Avery Anna

Tribute in the Tents – Sunday, August 24

The Kentucky State Fair will keep the music alive on the last day of the fair by filling the tents with high-energy tribute bands celebrating iconic sounds across the decades. Fairgoers can dress the part and rock out to the legendary hits of ZZ Top, The Eagles, and Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, all included with admission. 

Music & Entertainment Tents

Throughout the 11-day run of the fair, over 30 bands will play a part in the all-day live performances scheduled at The BIG Tent, the Budweiser Tent, and the Hitching Post.

 The BIG Tent Lineup

Acts are listed in alphabetical order.

Blacktop Rodeo, Corridor 64, Exit 105, Friday Night Special, Hank Rose Project, Hound Street Saints, Kentucky Blue, Leather and Lace, Naked Garden, Shotgun Serenade, Sound Decisions, Sound Machine, Throwback Thursday, ZZ-KC

 Budweiser Tent Lineup

Acts are listed in alphabetical order.

The Bottle Trees, Dance Hall Hooligans, Hartshaker, Jeni Carr Trio, Les Masters Band, Lexie & The Chillbillies, The Mad Taxpayers, Most Wanted, No Compromise, Radiotronic, Red Thurzday, Roses & Rattlesnakes, Savannah Dean, Soul Circus, Soul Kitchen, Top Shelf, The Wilson Brothers

The Hitching Post

Journey to the Heart, Petty Theft
Special performance by Zeno Jones during BEERFEST Saturday, August 23

Specialty Acts, Family Activities

Being the largest indoor fair in the country, fairgoers can shop hundreds of vendors, revel at thousands of incredible general entries, learn about agriculture in AgLand, get a screening in Health Horizons, or visit nearly all of Kentucky’s 120 counties in Pride of the Counties without ever leaving the grounds.

Fairgoers can expect dozens of family-friendly activities to take place across the fair. Plus, the adrenaline-packed Thrill Ville and more than a dozen performance locations hosting specialty acts, livestock competitions, and live music are sure to be a great time. Returning in 2025 are some of our fairgoer-favorites like the Largest Pumpkin and Watermelon Contest on August 16 and BEERFEST on August 23.

 Specialty Acts, Family Activities Listing (as of June 5)

Listed in alphabetical order. Full schedule will be available at a later date. 

Featuring: The Wilderness Road 250 Exhibition

4-H Cloverville, AgLand, Animal Cracker Conspiracy, BEERFEST, Blue Ribbon Stage and Family Stage Performances, BMX Pros Stunt Show, Breaka Boyz, Championship Drive, Circus Fantasy & Magic, Country Ham Contest, Discovery Farm, Draft Horse and Pony Pulls, The Duckling Slide, Farm to Fair Cooking Stage Demonstrations, FFA Exhibit, Freddy Farm Bureau, Gospel Music Showcase, The Groovy Guy Show, Health Screenings in Health Horizons, Kentucky Remembers: The Vietnam War, Kentucky State Auctioneers Association Contest & Live Auction, Kentucky State Fair Talent Classic, Kentucky’s Best Entries in Culinary, Farm Products, Fine Arts, Textiles, & More, Lady Houdini, Largest Pumpkin and Watermelon Contest, Little Miss & Mister, Livestock Competitions, Main Street Kentucky, Miller's Border Collies, Milking Demonstrations, National Civics Bee State Competition, News Media Personality Visits, North Wing Shops, Ohio Valley Wrestling, Poultry, Pigeons & Rabbits Competitions, Pride of the Counties, Rescue Ridge, Rooster Crowing Contest, Rose Smelling Contest, Safety Town, South Wing Shops, Steve Brogan & Company, Strong and Amazing Aerial Show, Sunshine Class, Thrill Ville, Twin Stunts, World's Championship Horse Show & More!

Special Days at the Kentucky State Fair

The Kentucky State Fair is excited to once again offer special days and discounts in 2025.

Sunday, August 17: Military Sunday

Active military and veterans, as well as their families, can attend the fair for free. Military ID is required. There is a limit of four free tickets, and parking is not included. Wristbands for Thrill Ville will be discounted 20% and available on-site. There is a limit of four wristbands per valid military ID.

Monday, August 18: $5 Monday

Those looking for a big bargain won’t want to miss this day. Admission is just $5 at the gate and includes parking. While livestock changeover is occurring on the west side of the property, fairgoers can visit Discovery Farm in Agland and also attend morning or evening performances of the World’s Championship Horse Show for free. Free evening tickets will be available at the KEC Ticket Office.

Tuesday, August 19: Senior Day

Fairgoers 55 and older enter the fair for free. Parking is not included. Special activities will be planned throughout the day.

Wednesday, August 20: Sensory Awareness Day

In partnership with Kissel Entertainment, FEAT of Louisville, Home of the Innocents, and Kentucky Autism Training Center, free admission and Thrill Ville tickets will be given to fairgoers with sensory processing differences. From 10 a.m. until noon, Thrill Ville will operate with minimal lights and music to create an enjoyable fair experience for those with sensory sensitivities. Limited tickets are available. A request form will be available later in the summer through the Kentucky State Fair website. The fair does not determine who receives tickets or issue tickets, but a partner association will contact those who will receive them.

The Sunshine Class, which will be held on Sensory Awareness Day, offers an opportunity for individuals with special needs to work in a show ring. Working with a mentor, the exhibitor will show the animal, and all are presented with a championship banner. To learn more and register, visit https://www.kyagr.com/sunshine/

BEERFEST

Price now includes admission and parking when bought online. New date and time.

BEERFEST is back at the Kentucky State Fair for its third annual event. Don’t miss the chance to sample beers from around a dozen local craft breweries on Saturday, August 23. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy beers from a souvenir glass, games, photo ops, and live music. Online tickets include fair admission and parking and cost $30. Want to join in on the fun and are already at the fair? Door price for BEERFEST is $35. A list of breweries will be available in July. VIP and bourbon tasting add-on options are available. Limited tickets are available, and patrons must be 21 years of age with a valid ID to participate.

Thrill Ville

Thrill-seekers looking for all-day ride wristbands can get the best price today by purchasing their Thrill Ville wristbands for $30, a $5 savings, online or at participating Kroger locations. During the fair, ride wristbands are $35. Families can enjoy at least 50 rides, including the iconic Astro Ferris Wheels.

For guests with sensory processing differences, the Sensory Inclusion booth offers bags with sensory items to assist with the visit, and trained staff will be back, too. These are available through the KultureCity certification. In addition to rides, the Popcorn Cow Buckets will be back. Unlimited popcorn is available for those with the cow bucket!

121st World’s Championship Horse Show

The world’s most prestigious horse show returns to Freedom Hall August 16-23, celebrating Kentucky’s high-stepping excellence. The 121st event brings a heightened level of competition; with over 200 classes, thousands of participants from around the country will converge in Louisville, Kentucky, to compete for over $1.5 million in prizes, World’s Champion titles, and make their mark in the history books. Tickets go on sale June 16 and will be available on the World’s Championship Horse Show website.

Ticket Pricing and Availability

Admission & Parking

All 2025 Kentucky State Fair admission tickets include parking when purchased online through Ticketmaster and at participating Kroger locations. Advance admission ticket pricing is $9 through July 20, increasing to $12 the following day. The listed prices include fees. Admission purchased at the gate during the fair is $10 per person and $10 for parking per standard vehicle.

Thrill Ville

Purchase your discounted Thrill Ville ride wristband voucher online through Ticketmaster and at Kroger for $30 through August 13. Prices go up to $35 on August 14 and are sold on Ticketmaster, at the fair, and through Kissel Entertainment. VIP upgrades are available only through the Kissel Entertainment website.

Additional Experiences

BEERFEST tickets are available via Ticketmaster or can be purchased on-site at the KEC Ticket Office for $30 through August 22. Prices go to $35 at the door. The World's Championship Horse Show tickets go on sale June 16.

The Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 14-24, 2025 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For more information, visit www.kystatefair.org or find the fair on Facebook, Instagram, and X.