LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Deep-fried food, carnival rides, animals and the Oak Ridge Boys can only mean one thing in the commonwealth: the Kentucky State Fair. 

The 120th event kicks off Thursday, Aug. 15 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Among the highlights include a star-studded concert series and more than 70 entertainment acts such as specialty performances and family shows, in addition to a variety of special promotional days.

If you're headed to the fair, here's a look at what you need to know to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience:

• Ticket prices: The last day to purchase fee-free tickets is Wednesday, Aug. 14, which are available at select Kroger stores. Online prices are $10 and include free parking. Those who purchase at the gate will be required to pay $10 for admission plus $10 for parking. Select guests will receive discounted or free admission on three days: Military Sunday (Sunday, Aug. 18), when active military personnel, veterans and their families can attend for free; $5 Monday (Monday, Aug. 19), where admission is $5 for all guests, including parking and Senior Day (Tuesday, Aug. 20), where those 55 and older receive free admission.
• New Gate 4 traffic pattern: Gate 4 of the Kentucky Exposition Center (off Crittenden Drive) is under renovation. Though it will be operational, there is a short detour fairgoers will drive through the gate to get to the parking lot. Fairgoers will then go through a new roundabout connecting gate traffic and the neighboring parking lot to Circle of Champions.
• Daily schedule: The fair offers something for everyone with hundreds of daily activities. Be sure to plan ahead with its daily schedule.  
• Weather: There are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy should inclement weather occur. The fair said outdoor activities, including Thrill Ville and concerts, may be postponed or canceled in the event of severe weather without refunds. 
• Cooling stations: The dog days of summer often mean brutally hot temperatures in Kentucky. There will be several large misting fans outside to help guests cool down. Indoor exhibits are air-conditioned.  
• Livestock and animal changeover days: Limited to no livestock and animals will be present in the barns the evening of Sunday, Aug. 18 and during the day Monday, Aug. 19. However, fairgoers can visit Discovery Farm in AgLand or attend free performances of the World's Championship Horse Show, where they'll see equine and livestock on display. This is so the fair can sanitize and prepare the barns for new livestock, which has been common in years past.
• Fair tram rides and scooter rentals: Trams from parking lots to exhibition halls are free and will drop guests off at several popular locations, including the West Lawn, for those needing a motorized scooter.
• Minor attendance policy: Effective after 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and all-day Friday through Sunday, the fair said guests under 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone 21 or older. Proof of age is required. More can be found on the fair's policies page. 
• Admission closing time: Admission to the fair ends one hour before closing time each day, except Thursdays through Saturdays, when admission ends at 10 p.m. Check out the fair's hours page for a full list of hours for both the fair's indoor and outdoor portions. 

Visit the fair's website for more details, including a full entertainment lineup and list of attractions.