FULL GUIDE: What you need to know for the 120th Kentucky State Fair

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - The 120th Kentucky State Fair kicks off on Thursday, August 15. Here is everything you need to know before heading out.

All information provided by the Kentucky State Fair

Gate 4 Traffic Pattern

The Kentucky Exposition Center’s Gate 4 (off Crittenden Drive) is currently under renovation. The gate will be operational, but fairgoers must take a detour to get to the parking lot. After the detour is a new roundabout connecting gate traffic and the neighboring parking lot to Circle of Champions.

Ticket Prices

Wednesday is the last day to purchase fee-free tickets at participating Kroger locations. Online ticket prices are $10 and include free parking. Fairgoers who purchase admission at the gate will pay $10 for admission and $10 for parking. Click here for more information.

Daily Schedule

Fairgoers have the option to participate in hundreds of activities. Check out the fair’s daily schedule.

Livestock & Animal Change Over Days

Limited to no livestock and animals will be present in the barns on the evening of Military Sunday (Aug. 18) and throughout the day on $5 Monday (Aug. 19). Fairgoers can visit Discovery Farm in AgLand or go to the free morning and evening performances of the World’s Championship Horse Show to see equine and livestock on display.

Fair Tram Rides & Scooter Rentals

Trams from parking lots to the exhibit halls are free for fairgoers. The trams will drop off at several locations including the West Lawn for those needing a motorized scooter.

Cooling Stations

Several large misting fans will be stationed outside each day of the fair to help cool guests down. Inside exhibits are air-conditioned.

Weather

Any outdoor activities may be postponed or canceled due to weather with no refund. Stay up to date with the latest forecast.

Minor Attendance Policy

Effective Monday-Thursday after 6 p.m. and Friday-Sunday all day, fairgoers under 18 years old entering the fair must be accompanied by a chaperone 21 years of age or older. Proof of age is required. View the entire policy and other conditions by clicking here.

Admission Closing Time

Admission to the fair ends one hour before the outdoor closing time each day except for Thursdays-Saturdays when admission ends at 10 p.m. visit the fair hours page for hours.

Parking

Friday, August 16, 2024 - Sunday, August 18, 2024 - Kentucky State Fair

8 am - 11 pm

Phillips Lane from Monarch Drive to Freedom Way (authorized vehicles only)
Phillips Lane from Freedom Way to Crittenden Drive (residents, guests and Phillips Lane business patrons only)

No Parking Areas

All Day

Phillips Lane from Preston Highway to Crittenden Drive
Monarch Drive from Phillips Lane to Manning Road
Manning Road from Preston Highway to Gate 7
KFEC Gate 6 Drive from Preston Highway to I-65 Overpass
Emberson Avenue from Phillips Lane to the end

Friday, August 23, 2024 - Sunday, August 25, 2024 - Kentucky State Fair

8 am - 11 pm

Phillips Lane from Monarch Drive to Freedom Way (authorized vehicles only)
Phillips Lane from Freedom Way to Crittenden Drive (residents, guests and Phillips Lane business patrons only)

No Parking Areas

All Day