Guide to the Kentucky State Fair. Find out everything you need to know.
The 2024 Kentucky State Fair will take place August 15-25. Find out everything you need to know about ticket prices, venue and more.
At the Kentucky State Fair, all things are fair when it comes to food and, well, more food.
From turkey legs to elephant ears and other fried dishes, you’ll find plenty of classic options for a holiday feast.
But that doesn’t mean that the menu will be the same as in previous years.
As is tradition at many state fairs, the food booths set up in Louisville will showcase some new and unusual dishes. At the recent Ohio State Fair, visitors were able to sample espresso-flavored deviled eggs and the world’s largest gummy bear. And at the current Iowa State Fair, there are lobster corn dogs and bacon cheeseburger spring rolls.
A highlight of the Indiana State Fair? An over-the-top Bloody Mary with a miniature corn on the cob, a cheeseburger slider, fried mac and cheese, fried pickles, waffle fries, a hot dog slider and, to top it all off, a miniature apple pie.
How will the State Fair (Kentucky version) fare in terms of must-try dishes?
Read on for details on four new culinary offerings at the 2024 Kentucky State Fair, which will be held Aug. 15-25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane. For more information, visit kystatefair.org.
Two new dishes from a staple food stand at the Kentucky State Fair
Louisville-based Sivori Catering presents a mix of classics and creative creations every year at the Kentucky State Fair. In 2023, the outdoor booth served the BBQ Sundae, basically a barbecue dinner in a mug.
Memorable dishes from the past include the Totcho, which includes potato pancakes with ranch dressing, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, bacon and banana peppers with grilled cubed chicken and bourbon glaze.
This year, Sivori is launching the Chili Cheese Corn Dog, a hand-dipped and deep-fried corn on the cob filled with chili and topped with cheese. Another new addition is a BBQ Pork Pizza with pickles and red onions.
You can find Sivori Catering outdoors near the Midway at the Kentucky State Fair.
The “Smoke Show” and campfire atmosphere at the Kentucky State Fair
After 53 years at the Kentucky State Fair, Louisville-based International Catering is still having fun with funnel cakes and more.
Having previously launched chicken and dumplings, fried coffee cakes, lobster rolls, the Kentucky Klucker, a chicken sandwich with hot sauce and pimento cheese, and the Chicken Bacon Donut Sandwich, International Catering owner Mike Baron may have felt pressured to change things up further.
“There are people who come to the fair just to try food that they don’t get every day,” Baron told the Courier Journal. “There are people who are looking for those exact things.”
This year, in the huge area of the Kentucky Exposition Center that Baron and his family members occupy as International Catering, some eye-catchers will again be served in the hope of maintaining the excitement for the fair visitors.
New dishes include the Smoke Show, a smoked meatloaf sandwich with pepper jack cheese, mayonnaise and sweet and spicy fried pickles, all served on a brioche bun.
Fried marshmallows with chocolate sauce and powdered sugar are also introduced.
The 73-year-old Baron likes to add new dishes, but he also insists on keeping the classics. The menu includes 50 dishes, including one special for him.
“We have preserved the tradition of the real elephant ear,” he said.
That’s because certain clients rely on International Catering for their Kentucky State Fair dining experience.
“You get to know the people and the other vendors,” he said. “I love the people, the energy and the atmosphere of the fair.”
Baron spontaneously thinks of an example.
“There’s a woman named Margaret who has been coming every year for 25 years,” he said. “And she says, ‘Mike, honey, I want my elephant ear.'”
He is sure she will come back this year.
Here’s what else you should know about the 2024 Kentucky State Fair:
When is the Kentucky State Fair?
The Kentucky State Fair lasts 11 days, this year from August 15 to 25.
Where is the Kentucky State Fair held?
The 2024 Kentucky State Fair will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville.
What are the hours of operation of the Kentucky State Fair?
Outside:
- Thursday, August 15, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday, August 16 to Sunday, August 18, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Monday, August 19 to Thursday, August 22, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday, August 23rd and Saturday, August 24th, 10am to 11pm
- Sunday, August 25, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Inside:
- Thursday, August 15, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, August 16, and Saturday, August 17, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, August 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday, August 19 to Thursday, August 22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, August 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fair admission and sale of all unlimited ride wristbands will end one hour prior to the posted closing time. Fairgoers under the age of 18 entering after 6 p.m. must be accompanied by a parent or guardian age 21 or older. Proof of age is required. IDs will be checked at the entrance.
Where can I park for the Kentucky State Fair?
Parking for the Kentucky State Fair is available in Lot A at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
How much are tickets to the Kentucky State Fair?
Tickets purchased between August 3 and 25 are $10 admission and $10 parking. For more information, visit kystatefair.org/tickets.
Thrill Ville wristbands are available now through August 14th online, at participating Kroger stores and at the Kentucky Exposition Center box office for $30.
Thrill Ville wristbands are $35 starting August 15. Kentucky State Fair admission and ride wristbands are available online through Ticketmaster and at participating Kroger locations. For more information, visit kystatefair.org/tickets.
Reach food and restaurant reporter Amanda Hancock at [email protected].
