Top 10 Music Festivals In Kentucky For Your Bucket List (2023)
Are you looking for the biggest and best music festivals in Kentucky 2023? Well, look no further, as I have put together this list of upcoming Kentucky Festivals of 2023! Because well, Kentucky is a great place to party. All over the state and throughout the year, you can get together with other members of the community to enjoy uplifting music (and great Southern cooking). And on top of all that, what better way to celebrate Kentucky’s natural beauty than with a festival? Here is a list of must-attend music festivals in Kentucky that will have you dancing and swinging all year long. And be sure to read my guides on festival backpacks, festival camping packing list, festival shoes, and festival gear to help you make the most of your time! Top 10 Kentucky Music Festivals 2023 1) Higher Card Than Life Festival: Louder Than Life Festival When: September 21-24, 2023 Where: Louisville, Kentucky Louder Than Life is one of the most popular and best festivals in Kentucky! In fact, in 2022 it was awarded the “Festival of the Year,” and for good reason. Offering attendees world-class production, a stacking lineup, great camps, food vendors, and so much more – the team behind Louder Than Life clearly knows what they’re doing! For rock and heavy metal fans, this festival is a no-brainer and a must-attend every year! Join Louder Than Life 2023 for tickets and more information! 2) Bourbon Festival and Beyond: Bourbon Festival and Beyond When: September 14-17, 2023 Where: Louisville, Kentucky | Highland Festival Grounds at KY Expo Center Offering 4 days of music, a massive stage, and incredible Kentucky festival vibes, Bourbon and Beyond have positioned themselves as a major player in the festival game. In 2022, they’re breaking attendance records, but who can be so surprised with this stacked lineup. Past headliners include Kings of Leon, Alanis Morisette, Pearl Jam, and many more. The production level is next game, there are a lot of amazing food and drink vendors, and the atmosphere is great. There is no better way to spend September than enjoying four days in a bed and breakfast! Join the Bourbon & Beyond Festival 2023 event for more information! 3) Forecast Festival Predictions 2022 Line Up When: May 2024 Where: Louisville, Kentucky “Your musical adventure awaits. A meeting place, Forecastle, brings artists from around the world to the Louisville waterfront for a whale of a good time. Kentucky is the place to be when it comes to Bourbon – Seriously, 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced here! As a result, Forecastle is so much more than just music. It’s a celebration of unparalleled local food and drink and the flair of Kentucky! As you stroll around the grounds, sip on some bourbon, and indulge in the facade’s views Navy, and shop from some of the Commonwealth’s best restaurants.Treat yourself to the ultimate prediction experience with a GA+ or VIP.Relax in the air-conditioned Boathouse with a private bar with a GA+ ticket.Take it to the next level with a VIP and enjoy Mast viewing areas, Boom Stage, private bars, and more! Scroll through for other perks like misting lounges, specialty bars, priority passes into the festival, spa services, and boatloads of other treats.” Unfortunately, Forecastle Festival has decided to go out of business in 2023, but I’ve kept it going. On this list because it brought some of the biggest names in the electronic music industry to Kentucky (and I can’t wait to see them back in 2024). 4) ROMP FESTIVAL WHEN: June 21-24, 2023 WHERE: Owensboro, Kentucky “Celebrating its 20th year, the ROMP Festival is back at Yellow Creek Park in Owensboro! Host to Yellow Creek Park in Davis County, a 150-acre facility known for its nature trails, meandering bay, and lake hunting and all-encompassing treelines, ROMP every year. A full range of artist-led instrumental workshops are held throughout the day, where ROMP artists engage with fans and players of all ages and skill levels. Other workshops and forums include songwriting, flat dance, and yoga (all levels) and bluegrass jamming 101. Additional performances at the ROMP Festival include organic and farm-to-table food vendors, artisan vendors showcasing Kentucky Proud products, art installations and professionally led children’s activities. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own musical instruments and jams throughout the weekend, So is Dance the Night Late Night, where nationally acclaimed acts are featured in the Garden’s Country Pioneer Village.” 5) The Big Stomp Credit: The Big Stomp When: October 2023 Where: Louisville, Kentucky “Located on a private 90-acre nature preserve next to Louisville’s iconic Parklands, The Big Stomp is a festival that tramples stigma around mental health. Our multi-day immersive experience takes a fresh, holistic, and modern approach. Through social activities and mindful programming, we provide tools for education, outreach, and resilience. Together, we’re impacting the elephant in the room – changing the way mental health is communicated while fostering an environment of openness and courage. Music is a universal language that brings us together. With two, three stages and multiple genres (from rock to bluegrass to electronica and beyond) enjoy national acts and the best emerging acts too… Learn and rediscover! 6) The Great American Brass Band Festival When: June 1 – 3, 2023 Where: Danville, Kentucky “The Great American Brass Band Festival is a festival that celebrates brass music and is in its 33rd year. The festival is held every June in beautiful downtown Danville, Kentucky. The festival is a free, family-friendly event. Bands and visitors come from all over the United States and abroad. The Great American Brass Band Festival is a community event that showcases brass band music through performance and education. The festival preserves brass band music and explores its cultural influences through a variety of programs and presentations featuring the world’s best brass musicians.” 7) Poorcastle Music Festival When: May 19-21, 2023 Where: Louisville, Kentucky Poorcastle Festival – A Festival for the Rest of Us.” EST. In 2013 with indie roots, Poorcastle has grown into the magical (and always affordable) experience we all know and love. Each year, hundreds of musicians, local companies, artists, and vendors collide to create a memorable weekend for the Louisville community. Powercastle Festival Inc. It is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, whose proceeds benefit youth-based music organizations in Louisville. 8) Summer Motion Festival When: July 2-4, 2023 Where: Ashland, Kentucky Family-Friendly Festival at Ashland Central Park & River Port. IN THE WORLD WITH NO COST TO ATTEND, AND IN A NO ALCOHOL ENVIRONMENT. Fireworks, games, rides, and more!” 9 ) Black Mountain Jamboree 2023 WHEN: SEPTEMBER 8-9, 2023 WHERE: Monticello, Kentucky BOUTIQUE – UNIQUE – FAMILY FRIENDLY FESTIVAL Join us for a weekend of great music and camping in the heart of Lake Cumberland. Enjoy a curated lineup of up-and-coming Americana, rock and country acts And hiking trails to the lake and all the fresh air and stars you can stand.” 10) Kentucky Reggae Festival When: May 2023 Where: Louisville, Kentucky “The sound of steel drums. The delicious aroma of Caribbean-inspired food. That’s just part of what makes Reggae premiere at the Four Roses Bourbon Kentucky Reggae Festival in Louisville. You’ll love the delicious dishes Authentic food vendors like A Piece of Jamaica Grill Find one-of-a-kind treasures among arts, crafts, jewelry, and more at the Caribbean Vendor Market. And you won’t be able to stop swaying to the infectious, soul-pleasing sounds of live reggae. Come and escape to the islands – Don Leave town.” Interstellar Festival When: August (future dates unknown) Where: Sparta, Kentucky Interstellar is Cincinnati’s premier electronic music festival. This three-day experience features a stacked lineup that includes some of the best talent on the scene. “Join the fun! We are looking for a team of dedicated individuals who are willing to share their time and energy to benefit from the Interstellar experience. As a volunteer, you can work at the front gate, parking, camping, and more. All volunteers will have access to Interstellar and can roam freely when not working their shift. According to their Facebook page, they have finished their festival journey, but who knows — Interstellar might be back in the future! CONTACT US!I’d like to update my list of music festivals in KENTUCKY as much as possible!Looking for more incredible festivals in the US?Check out some of my favorite posts below for more great live music events and festivals around the world!Thanks for reading my guide to festivals in KFC Twitter Facebook Pinterest