Festivals

LEISURE & RECREATION FESTIVALS

INTERNATIONAL BAR-B-Q FESTIVAL

Second Weekend in May

Best described as “two days of barbecue heaven,” the International Bar-B-Q Festival fills the downtown riverfront with the aroma of hickory-smoked chicken, pork, beef, and mutton. Live bands perform on three stages. The festival includes carnival rides, vendor booths, backyard barbecue competitions and so much more.

FRIDAY AFTER 5

Fridays from late May through early September

Owensboro’s FREE live music festival plays on the riverfront from Memorial Day to Labor Day every summer. Main stage bands perform on the BB&T Plaza at RiverPark Center; acoustic entertainment takes place in the RiverPark Courtyard; Gospel on the River performs in Cannon Hall; local bands perform on the Smothers Park Overlook Stage and Party on the Pier; weekly Street Fairs line the riverfront. It’s “Where The Weekend Begins” in Owensboro! REID’S APPLE FESTIVAL // PHOTO BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

PORCHFEST Early June

PorchFest celebrates community togetherness and music. This event is free and open to the public and suitable for all ages. Music lovers stroll down Griffith Avenue to enjoy multiple acts on front porch “stages”. Bring your own seats, find your spot, sit and enjoy. Then simply pick up your chairs and take a short walk to the next welcoming stage!

ROMP

Late June

The annual ROMP Festival, the 4-day bluegrass and Americana music fest held at Yellow Creek Park, is best known for its stellar line-ups, friendly camping atmosphere and easy access to artists. Original arts and crafts, farm-to-table healthy food vendors and professionally-led children’s activities (including a spray park and playgrounds) endear audiences to ROMP.

DAZZLING DAYLILY FESTIVAL

Late June

The Dazzling Daylily Festival brings beautiful blooms, plus multiple activities for everyone to enjoy! Balloons Over the Garden will return as well. Check the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden’s website for a complete schedule.

ALL-AMERICAN FOURTH OF JULY

July 4th

Join us in Downtown Owensboro for an incredible display of fireworks in recognition of our nation’s independence, including a special performance by the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra!

DUST BOWL

July

A long-standing annual outdoor basketball tournament for the whole community to enjoy. Owensboro’s best and bravest ballers in different age groups take the court at Kendall-Perkins Park each July.

MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL Third Saturday in August

A unique blending of cultures come together to educate the public through dancing, music,

ethnic fashions, food, arts and more. A celebration of diversity on the First Presbyterian Church front lawn.

SYMPHONY STROLL

Seasonal

Symphony Stroll began in the fall of 2020 and features various ensembles throughout downtown Owensboro’s Riverfront. Attendees are encouraged to stroll downtown, enjoy the shops and restaurants and hear delightful performances along the way. For more information visit OwensboroSymphony.org.

CONCERT ON THE LAWN

Late August

Concert on the Lawn is a more than 30-year tradition for the Owensboro Symphony and occurs in late August. Hosted on the lawn at Kentucky Wesleyan College, this is opportunity for anyone to enjoy a free concert! For more information visit OwensboroSymphony.org

DAVIESS COUNTY PIONEER DAYS

September

Formerly “Patriot Days,” Daviess County Pioneer Days is held at the Pioneer Village in Yellow Creek Park. This event features living history exhibits and demonstrations like woodworking, basket weaving, school house activities, storytelling, colonial games, scavenger hunt, prizes and refreshments.

OWENSBORO AIR SHOW

September/October

The skies above Owensboro buzz every fall with the sounds of vintage aircraft, military war birds, and jets as the annual Owensboro Air Show takes to the skies. Enjoy a static display of aircraft and a glimpse of some amazing aerial demonstrations on Friday night at the Owensboro Regional Airport. Then head downtown on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the amazing talents of some of the best pilots in the world, as they push the limits and showcase the best in aviation technology and history.

REID’S APPLE FESTIVAL

October

This unique festival celebrates the fall season and everything apple! Sample all kinds of tasty treats from food vendors, go shopping among the many arts & crafts vendors, and let the kids enjoy the petting zoo, or get a thrill on the many carnival rides. Held annually at Reid’s Orchard.

MONSTERS ON THE OHIO

October

This is the fastest-growing catfishing tournament in the United States. Come down to the weigh-in at beautiful English Park in Owensboro to see some of the best anglers in the country weigh their monster catches in hopes of beating the Kentucky State Record for Bluecats!

HOLIDAY IN THE PARK

Late November – early January

Giant elves, trees, toys and figures, not to mention Santa in his sleigh, line the half-mile walking path at Legion Park in the heart of Owensboro.

CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK Late November – early January

An outdoor driving lighted tour with 400,000-plus lights winding through Panther Creek Park. $5 charge per carload. Wagon rides through the park are also available.

OWENSBORO CHRISTMAS PARADE

November – early December

The annual Owensboro Christmas Parade is “where Kentucky starts Christmas.” It’s the largest Christmas parade in Kentucky and the tri-state area. Each year has a central theme and features marching bands, lighted floats, an historic calliope, and an appearance by St. Nick himself.

HOLIDAY STROLL

First Saturday of December

Stroll the downtown streets to get in the holiday spirit. Strolling carolers, storefront decorations, and indoor performers will make this evening a reminder of the good old days of being downtown at Christmas.

HOLIDAY FOREST FESTIVAL OF TREES

Mid November - December

More than a dozen monumental Christmas trees, designed and decorated by area artists, floral designers and cultural organizations, interpret the current exhibition at the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art. O

*All festival information obtained from visitowensboro.com. Please check their website for up-to-date information.