LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky State Fair is back in action at Louisville's Kentucky Fair & Expo Center. Running from Aug. 17–27, the annual celebration of all things Kentucky drew over 520,000 visitors and provided $7.6 million in economic impact last year alone.

From the daily Free Concert Series to countless fried foods, here's what to expect if you're headed to the fairgrounds this year.

Free concerts daily

The Texas Roadhouse Concert Series offers live performances for every visitor, free with paid admission to the Fair. Located in Parking Lot L, gates for the concerts will open at 6:30 p.m. with concerts starting at 8 p.m. daily.

This year's performers include annual staples like the Oak Ridge Boys, but also big names like Casting Crowns, Foghat and Motley Crue's Vince Neil.

Affordable admission

Speaking of paid admission, getting into the Kentucky State Fair won't cost an arm and a leg—though we can't say the same for some of the food.

For $10 plus fees, you can get admission that also serves as your parking pass. But if you're carpooling, each attendee over age 5 will have to have their own ticket.

Each ticket covers parking and entry to the State Fair and it's 75+ daily activities and entertainment acts in tents and stages.

Admission to ThrillVille is separate from State Fair admission. Wristbands are $35 for unlimited rides, but they can be purchased at area Kroger locations for $30.

Special ticketing days

There are a host of special promo days happening at this year's State Fair, as well.

  • Sunday, Aug. 20: Military Sunday | Active military and veterans, and their families, get free admission with valid military ID (Limit of four tickets, parking not included).
  • Monday, Aug. 21: $5 Monday | All visitors get entry and parking for a flat $5.
  • Tuesday, Aug. 22: Senior Day | All visitors 55 and older get free admission (Parking not included).
  • Wednesday, Aug. 23: Sensory Awareness Day | Free admission and ThrillVille tickets are available to fairgoers with sensory processing differences. (To receive tickets, email melissa@featlouisville.org or katc@louisville.edu.)

Other mainstays of the State Fair will also be present at the Fairgrounds: Farm Bureau Freddy, astoundingly massive pumpkins and, of course, performances from the finest Border Collies and other canines in the Commonwealth.

The Kentucky State Fair is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, with hours extended an hour on Fridays, Saturdays and the first Sunday.