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Falling for Kentucky: The Best Festivals of the Season

  • larissalongg
  • 17 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

By Larissa Long


Fall in Kentucky has a way of making everything feel a little more special. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and weekends are perfect for getting out and enjoying the season. From pumpkin patches and orchard adventures to live music and local food, fall festivals are the best way to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Bluegrass.


Falling for Kentucky blog header graphic featuring autumn leaves and text promoting The Kentucky Taste Buds fall festival guide.

At Kentucky Taste Buds, we’ve gathered some of our favorite festivals happening this September and October. There’s something for everyone—family-friendly fun, foodie finds, and a few events you’ll want to plan your weekend around.



🍁 September Festivals


Crowd at Louder Than Life music festival in Louisville, Kentucky, with live bands and bourbon tastings during the fall.

Photo courtesy of GotLouisville.com

  1. 🎸Louder Than Life

    Date: September 18th-21st

    Location: Louisville, KY

    If rock music and bourbon are your jam, Louder Than Life is basically heaven. With over 175 bands, gourmet food, and bourbon tastings, it’s worth planning a whole weekend around. Learn more


Photos courtesy of Shaker Village

  1. 🪔Shaker Village Harvest Fest

    Date: September 20th-21st

    Location: Harrodsburg, KY

    Step back in time with traditional crafts, seasonal foods, and historic charm. It’s cozy, family-friendly, and a picture-perfect fall weekend. Details here



Couple walking dog in fall forest; brown poster for "Furry Finds Fall Market"; woman holding a cat indoors; cozy, warm vibe.

Photo courtesy of Old North Bar

  1. 🐾 Furry Finds Fall Market

    Date: Septemeber 20th

    Location: Lexington, KY

    A pet-lover’s dream! Shop for your furry friends, enjoy food trucks, and even meet adoptable animals. Event info



Street scene at Midway Fall Festival in Kentucky with local arts, crafts, food, and live music.

Photo courtesy of Midway Fall Festival

  1. 🎨 Midway Fall Festival

    Date: September 20th-21st

    Location: Midway, KY

    Arts, crafts, local food, and live music fill this charming small-town festival. Perfect for a laid-back weekend stroll. Visit site



World's largest apple pie at Casey County Apple Festival in Liberty, KY.

Photo courtesy of Casey County Apple Festival

  1. 🍎 Casey County Apple Festival

    Date: September 25th-27th

    Location: Liberty, KY

    Live music, parades, contests, and the world’s largest apple pie! A mix of small-town charm and tasty fall fun. Festival info



Families at Jessamine Fall Festival in Nicholasville, KY, are enjoying food trucks, vendors, and community parade.

Photo courtesy of Jessamine Fall Festival

  1. 🎡 Jessamine Fall Festival

    Date: September 26th-27th

    Location: Nicholasville, KY

    Food trucks, craft vendors, parades, and family activities all come together at this community celebration. More details



Promotional graphic for Old North Bar Silent Disco in Lexington, KY, highlighting music and fall event details.

Photo courtesy of Old North Bar

  1. 🎧 Old North Bar Silent Disco

Date: September 27th

Location: Lexington, KY

Grab your headphones and dance the night away with three channels of music and fall drink specials. Check it out



Map of Raven Run 10K at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, Lexington. Highlights race route in red, trails, points of interest, and elevation graph.

Photo courtesy of runsignup.com

  1. 🏃‍♂️ Raven 10K Trail Run

    Date: September 28th

    Location: Lexington, KY

Run, jog, or walk through gorgeous fall scenery at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Sign up


🎃 October Festivals


Glowing carved pumpkins with eerie faces fill a forest scene at night, creating a spooky ambiance with orange and red hues.

Photo courtesy of Jack O'Lantern Spectacular

  1. 🕯️ Jack O'Lantern Spectacular

    Date: October 2nd-November 2nd

    Location: Louisville, KY

Thousands of glowing pumpkins create a magical trail at Iroquois Park. Perfect for families or a spooky date night. See more



People browsing colorful art and craft booths at the St. James Court Art Show, surrounded by trees and white tents on a sunny, lively day.

Photo courtesy of St. James Court Art Show

  1. 🎭 St. James Court Art Show

    Date: October 3rd-5th

    Location: Louisville, KY

One of the country’s biggest art shows with 700+ artists, live music, and food vendors. Visit site



Jockeys race horses on a dirt track surrounded by vivid orange autumn trees. "Keeneland" text in white is visible at the bottom.

Photo courtesy of Woodford Humane

  1. 🐎 Keeneland Fall Meet

    Date: October 3rd- 24th

    Location: Lexington, KY

A Kentucky tradition! Horse racing, tailgating, and autumn energy you don’t want to miss. Tickets here



Graphic for Wildside Winery Pumpkin Festival featuring fall-themed pumpkins, seasonal colors, and event details.

Photo courtesy of Wildside Winery

  1. 🍷 Pumpkin Festival at Wildside Winery

    Date: October 11th-12th

    Location: Versailles, KY

Sip pumpkin-spiced wines, browse local vendors, and enjoy vineyard views. More info



Gourds and red mums displayed on a wooden cart with corn stalks, set against green trees at Eckert’s, creating a festive autumn scene.

Photo courtesy of Eckert's

  1. 🌾 Eckert's Pumpkin Jamboree

    Date: October 26th

    Location: Versailles, KY

Pumpkin picking, hayrides, and seasonal treats make this a family favorite. Festival details


Whether you’re chasing live music, apple pies, or pumpkin patches, Kentucky’s fall festivals have something for everyone. Grab your friends or family, get outside, and make the most of this season. And if you go, don’t forget to tag @KYTasteBuds so we can share your adventures!



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