Festival City
2012 DATES
April
Mid-April thru Mid-May
Dogwood Azalea Trail
Walk or drive through the picturesque Griffith Avenue area and enjoy the beautiful blooming tree and shrub-lined boulevards.
May
May 11-12, 2012
International Bar-B-Q Festival
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, pageants, a car show, backyard barbecue competitions, and so much more.
www.bbqfest.com
May 18-September 7, 2012
Friday After 5
Owensboro's popular FREE concert series returns to the Ohio Riverfront for its 16th year for the perfect way to start your weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Headline bands play on the RiverPark Center's BB&T Plaza, while Gospel on the River performs inside in Cannon Hall. Acoustic music plays in the Courtyard or take a stroll through the weekly Street Fairs.
www.fridayafter5.com
June
June 2, 2012
Owensboro Soap Box Derby
The annual contest for youth racing, using home-built cars. The winners here go on to compete in the Akron, Ohio National Championships. This year is the inaugural race at the new track at Ben Hawes Park! Contact John Austin, 270-852-3823 for details.
June 11-17, 2012
International Mystery Writers' Festival
The 4th Annual International Mystery Writers' Festival returns in 2012 to RiverPark Center. Original mystery plays performed in Cannon Hall and the Jody Berry Cabaret Theatre.
www.riverparkcenter.org
June 15-16
Bourbon and Jazz Festival
One of Owensboro's newest festival, this two-day event begins at Friday After 5. Friday's activities include a ticketed dinner & dancing. Saturday events will take place Downtown. Bourbon tastings, jazz bands, vendors and more.
June 22-30, 2012
The Dazzling Daylily Festival
The Dazzling Daylily Festival brings beautiful blooms plus multiple activities for everyone to enjoy! Check the Western KY Botanical Garden's website for a complete schedule.
www.wkbg.org
June 28-30, 2012
ROMP: Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival
The 9th Annual River of Music Party brings three days of bluegrass music! Thursday will bring jamming and storytelling at the Museum. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights bring concerts to Yellow Creek Park.
www.bluegrassmuseum.org
July
July 3, 2012
Family Freedom Fireworks Festival
Fireworks and family fun at Panther Creek Park. Vendors open at 5 p.m., fireworksbegin at 9:15.
July 4, 2012
Celebration of the American Spirit
View the fireworks from beautiful Mitch McConnell Plaza on the Ohio River as the City of Owensboro celebrates the Fourth of July with music from the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and concludes with fireworks shot off from a barge in the Ohio River. Gates open at 6 pm, followed by speeches, Color Guard, and fireworks accompanied by patriotic music at 9.
July 20-27, 2012
39th Annual Dust Bowl
This 9-day outdoor basketball tournament is one of Owensboro's oldest. Held at Kendall-Perkins Park, on W. Fifth Street, the tournament is open all ages. Contact 270-684-3324 for more information.
August
August 4, 2012
Dragon Boat Festival
Come one, come all! The first Owensboro Dragon Boat Races will be fun for the whole family. Two teams of 20 will race each other roughly 100 meters down the Ohio River in Dragon Boats.
August 11, 2012
Big O Music Fest
The Big O Music Fest, the best time in Owensboro, will feature top popular Nashville acts. Held at Reid's Orchard, 4812 Highway 144. Tickets can be purchased through the website. Gates open at noon, with performances beginning at 1 p.m.
www.bigomusicfest.com
August 17-18, 2012
6th Annual Street Legends
The event promises to become one of the premiere automotive events in the Tri-State area. Classic cars of every kind will be displayed. Live entertainment both Friday and Saturday night. Held at Diamond Lake Resort.
www.diamondlakeresort.net
August 18, 2012
Multi-Cultural Festival
A unique blending of cultures come together to educate the public through dancing, music, ethnic fashions, food arts and more. A celebration of our diversity. First Presbyterian Church lawn, 1328 Griffith Avenue, 270-684-1467.
August 23-25
Smothers Park Grand Re-Opening & Air Show
Join the party downtown as the Owensboro Parks Department re-opens the beautiful riverfront Smothers Park. The park will contain an iconic fountain, Lazy Dayz (an outdoor children's museum & playground), a spray park, and the new home of the Shelton Memorial.
August 25-26, 2012
Diamond Lake Gran Prix
This professional go-cart race at Diamond Lake Resort is an Owensboro tradition. Over 100 drivers will race at speeds reaching 95 mph on the tracks.
www.diamondlakeresort.net
September
September 8, 2012
East Bridge Art & Music Festival
Studio Slant is proud to present to Owensboro The East Bridge Art and MusicFestival. The festival begins at 10AM and ends at 7PM. The festival will showcase 30 of Kentucky and Indiana's best artists, live music all day. Gourmet Street food by The Famous Bistro and The Miller House will be available for all. East Bridge will be a family friendly atmosphere and there will be activities for children as well.
September 9, 2012
43rd Annual Mt. Saint Joseph Barbecue Picnic
For the 43rd year the Ursuline Sisters offer award-winning barbecue chicken, mutton and pork, serving from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Booths, crafts and games for children are also offered. Mount St. Joseph, 8001 Cummings Road off Highway 56.
September 21-22, 2012
6th Annual Grillin & Chillin BBQ Cookoff
Diamond Lake Resort is proud bring back the only state-sanctioned BBQ Championship. Over 48 of the best cooking teams from several states will compete for over $10,000 in prize money.
www.diamondlakeresort.net
September 21-23, 2012
Owensboro Pumpkinfest
Owensboro's Family Festival offers a great time with rides, games, food, contests, pumpkins and live music: something for everyone at the Owensboro Sportscenter.
www.owensboropumpkinfest.org
September 29-30, 2012
Ole Cider Days
This Year's Ole' Cider Days Festival at Trunnell's Farms will feature live music, tasty barbecue, freshly pressed apple cider, apple cider donuts, cider slushies and great fun for the whole family. Scenic hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch, interactive Giant Corn Maze.
www.trunnellsfarmmarket.com
October
October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 2012
Voices of Elmwood Cemetery
Join the Daviess County Public Library and the Owensboro Museum of Science and History as they invite you on the fifth annual "Voices of Elmwood" tour. Starting at 6:00 PM, take a hayride through the historic sections of Elmwood Cemetery and learn about some of the history of Owensboro, and the people who shaped it. Tickets for the tour are $10. Fridays & Saturdays. Cemetery located at Old Hartford Road and Breckenridge Street.
October 6-7, 2012
The Great Pumpkin Fest
Trunnell's Great Pumpkin Fest will include pumpkin carving and contests. Live entertainment, hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch, interactive Giant Corn Maze.
www.trunnellsfarmmarket.com
October 6-7, 2012
26th Annual Farm Festival
Located at Lampkin Farm at 8284 Short Station Road in Daviess County, features John Deere Tractors & Equipment from the 1800's to the present. Family fun including kiddie rides, tractor pulls, antique cars & trucks, and a flea & craft market.
October 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 2012
8th Annual Boo-Fest
The last three weekends in October at Diamond Lake Resort. Activities include a haunted hay ride on Friday nights, and pumpkin painting, games, crafts, and a trip through the haunted house. Tours begin each Friday and Saturday night at 7 pm.
www.diamondlakeresort.net
October 13, 2012
Monsters on the Ohio
The Monsters on the Ohio Tournament was created to give the growing number of catfish anglers, clubs, and organizations an opportunity to shine in the spotlight and a chance to break the Kentucky State Record for Bluecats by Bruce Midkiff of 104lbs caught in the Newburgh Pool. Events take place at English Park.
www.monstersontheohio.com
October 13-14, 2012
Octoberfest
This family event will teach about cider making, corn griding, butter churning, broom making, and basket weaving. FREE Pumpkins to the First 100 Customers.
www.trunnellsfarmmarket.com
October 20-21, 2012
Reid's Orchard Apple Festival
This unique festival on the third weekend in October 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 or a hay ride.
www.reidorchard.com
October 20-21, 2012
A "maizing" Maze Quest
The whole family will have an amazing time exploring Trunnell's five mazes during the day and for Flashlight Night in the Trunnell's Corn Maze!
www.trunnellsfarmmarket.com
October 27-28, 2012
Fall Square-N-Pumpkin Gobble
Feast on smoked turkey legs or excite your taste buds with our delicious pumpkin and squash soup. Live entertainment, hayrides, interactive Corn Maze, and contests.
www.trunnellsfarmmarket.com
November
November 17, 2012
76th Annual Owensboro Christmas Parade
This special parade is the largest Christmas parade in Kentucky and the tri-state area. 2012 will be the 76th year for the parade! Bands, lighted floats, an historic calliope, and St. Nick himself will entertain all ages.
www.ChristmasParade.net
November-December, 2012
Holiday in the Park
Giant elves, trees, toys and figures, not to mention Santa in his sleigh, illuminated by thousands of lights line the half-mile paved walking path in Legion Park.
www.owensboroparks.org - 270-687-8700
November-December, 2012
Christmas at Panther Creek
Daviess County Parks brings an outdoor holiday display with more than 250,000 lights. Drive the winding trail through Panther Creek Park to enjoy the sights of the season.
www.daviesscountyparks.com 270-685-6142
November-December, 2012
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland brings snowy activities to the banks of the Ohio River at RiverPark Center. This festival includes an enormous Christmas tree at the entrance of an outdoor skating rink, a massive 20 x 40 foot cinema air screen playing favorite holiday movies, refreshments, caroling, children's rides, sleigh rides and visits from Santa.
www.riverparkcenter.org 270-687-2770
December
December 1, 2012
Holiday Stroll
Stroll the downtown streets of Owensboro to get in the holiday spirit. Strolling carolers, storefront decorations, and indoor performers & refreshments will make this evening a reminder of the good ol' days of being downtown at Christmas!
December 1, 2012
Owensboro Dance Theatre's "The Nutcracker"
Owensboro Dance Theatre presents a Christmas classic with elaborate sets, beautiful costumes and the talents of over 100 community members as well as the theatre company and guest artists fro the KY Ballet Theatre.
www.riverparkcenter.org
December, 2012
ICE
Ice sculpting displays, with food vendors, arts & crafts. Children's activities including ice painting and photos with Santa.
December, 2012
Holiday Forest
The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art brings this annual celebration of the holiday season, featuring trees and holiday decorations designed by regional artists and civic groups.
www.omfa.us 270-685-3181