The Five Things You Must Do at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair

The Kentucky State Fair gets underway Thursday, August 14th in Louisville and runs through Sunday, August 24th. It's one of my personal favorite events of the year and I have been broadcasting from it for over two decades. At my radio station, the Kentucky State Fair is a beloved annual tradition and I can't wait to visit again. We're already making plans and I thought I would give you some advice as you're making yours.

My love for the Kentucky State Fair goes well beyond the last twenty years though. I remember piling into my car with some friends and heading to the fair to see Chaka Khan in concert back in the early 90s. I remember doing the same thing to see Pat Benatar. And while the concerts are certainly a huge draw, there are infinite reasons to make a trip to the Louisville Fair and Exposition Center.

In advance of this year's event, I have put together a list of 5 Things You Must Do at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair. This list has compiled with love and nearly thirty years of fair-going experience. So, here we go!

THE 5 THINGS YOU MUST DO AT THE 2025 KENTUCKY STATE FAIR

#1- THE TEXAS ROADHOUSE CONCERT SERIES

My love affair with the Kentucky State Fair is built around music. The Texas Roadhouse Concert Series is always loaded with huge names in music from a wide variety of genres. The best part about it? Admission to those concerts is INCLUDED in your Kentucky State Fair ticket. Here's a look at this year's lineup, which features everything from country to gospel to disco.

Peep Saturday, August 23rd. Ole 60, with roots here in western Kentucky, are on the verge of superstardom. They've been touring the globe and are bringing their fusion of country and southern rock back to their home state. It's going to be awesome.

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#2- FREDDY FARM BUREAU

He's the Kentucky State Fair's iconic photo op. This is the selfie everyone should have!

Freddy Farm Bureau towers over the central entrance to the Kentucky State Fair and has been for decades. In addition to posing for selfies with you, he's also the official greeter. Yes! You can and must have a conversation with him.

#3- THE DUCKLING SLIDE

It's become a staple of the Kentucky State Fair and it entertains kids AND adults.

You'll be amazed at how entertaining this is. My co-host, Mary-Katherine, says, "It's my favorite." She loves it. You will too.

#4- MILLER'S BORDER COLLIES

Sure, there are tons of farm animals on display and competing at the Kentucky State Fair- rabbits, goats, cows, pigs, pigeons, mules, jacks, and more. But, the highlight of that particular section of the fair is Miller's Border Collie show, which has been delighting audiences for 55 years.

You must watch the dogs herd the ducks. You'll laugh, point, giggle, laugh some more, and likely want to adopt a border collie when it's all said and done. There are multiple shows daily. Simply check your Kentucky State Fair schedule for exact times.

#5- PINEAPPLE WHIP

I have saved what is arguably THE best for last.

Sure, there are an insane amount of guilty-pleasure foods at the Kentucky State Fair, but this is my favorite. You can find 'Dole' Whips at restaurants and theme parks around the Midwest, but no version tops what I consider to be the original. The Pineapple Whip at the Kentucky State Fair is lighter and more refreshing than any other 'whip' I have ever tasted. It's become such a part of our tradition that we save it for the end of the day. It's always the very last thing we do before we head to the parking lot. We get a Pineapple Whip and eat it on the way to the car. It's our way of saying 'goodbye' to the Kentucky State Fair and immediately looking forward to the next installment.