Bar-B-Q Festival
May 13 & 14
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 May 20 through September 2
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!
ROMP
June 22-25
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
June 21-25
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.
Freedom Festival Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday, July 2
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!
Big O Music Festival
TBA
The Big O Music Fest, the best time in Owensboro, features some of the top names in country music and is held annually at Reid’s Orchard.
East Bridge Art & Music Festival
September 2-3
Studio Slant hosts the 5th Annual East Bridge Art & Music Festival in Smothers Park. More than 50 artists from around the region showcase their amazing talents, while dozens of teams turn the streets around the festival into a canvas of incredible chalk art. Includes the Bridge Walk. Walkers, runners and strollers can travel across the Ohio River on the Glover Cary (Blue) Bridge during the day.
Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, September 17
The fourth annual festival brings hundreds of participants and thousands of people down to English Park to enjoy the incredible competition of dragon boat racing on the Ohio River, along with cultural entertainment and great food.
Daviess County Pioneer Days
Saturday, September 17
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.
Grillin’ & Chillin’
Saturday, September 24
Diamond Lake Resort is proud to 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.
Owensboro Air Show
October 1 & 2
The skies above Owensboro will be buzzing again this 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 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.
Monsters on the Ohio
Saturday, October 8
This is the fastest-growing catfishing tournament in the United States. Come down to the beautiful English Park in Owensboro. Monsters on the Ohio is a great opportunity for anglers to try to beat the Kentucky State Record for Bluecats!
Apple Festival
October 15 & 16
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.
Boo Fest
The last three weekends in October
Diamond Lake Resort hosts Boo Fest the last three weekends in October. Activities include a haunted hayride on Friday nights, and pumpkin painting, games, crafts, Trick or Treating every Saturday at 3 p.m., and a trip through the haunted house. Tours begin each Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m.
Trunnell’s Fall Festivals
Weekends, Sep. – Oct.
Children can join in the fun in the Family Fun Acre, visit the Animal Barnyard and pet the animals, play Farm Scene Investigation, get lost in the Interactive Corn Maze, and additional themed activities each week. The whole family can enjoy live entertainment, scenic hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch, pumpkin painting, and more “Absolutely Farmtastic Fun!”
Holiday in the Park
Late Nov. – early Jan.
Giant elves, trees, toys and figures, not to mention Santa in his sleigh, line Legion’s half-mile walking path. Byers Avenue & JR Miller Boulevard, 270-687-8700.
Christmas at Panther Creek
Late Nov. – early Jan.
An outdoor driving lighted tour with 400,000-plus lights winding through Panther Creek Park. $3.00 charge per carload. Wagon rides through the park are also available. 5160 Wayne Bridge Road.
Holiday Stroll
Saturday, Dec. 3
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. Second and Third streets from Daviess to St. Ann. 4-8 p.m.
*All festival information obtained from visitowensboro.com.
