11 Unique Fall Festivals In Kentucky You Won't Find Anywhere Else

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the Bluegrass State. The leaves start to dance in the wind as they change colors from bright green to shades of brown, red, yellow and orange. As the weather cools, the fall festivals in Kentucky begin as well. We celebrate everything from burgoo to country ham to fruit, and each one comes with something special. Each offers something special, be it fresh homemade goodness, tangy barbecue or fun and games. Here are 11 unique fall festivals in Kentucky worth adding to that bucket list:

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This festival runs from September 13th until the 18th in the historic town of Bardstown. There is so much to see in this little community already, the bourbon fest is just a highlight. You will find arts, crafts, bits of bourbon history, of course, lots of food and bourbon. Good times over or under 21, as long as you like good barbecue and music.

David Kidd

This renowned festival on the outskirts of Louisville has been happening for almost 50 years. It is one of the most popular festivals and takes place from September 16th until the 19th. Even Ben pops in to check out the games, crafts and get some street fair food.

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UK Dept of Ag

The country ham capital has an all about ham, entertainment and fun festival from October 14th until the 16th. If you have never experienced country ham, this is one of the best places to do it. You will find all sorts of great recipes, fresh canned jams, jellies and pickles, and some REALLY amazing country ham. People eat it with syrup, on biscuits, toast, plain, with eggs, or as dinner. It went from survival food in the settler days to a sought after favorite.

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This is a one-day event that covers all things pumpkin. It takes place on October 1st and has a little something for everyone. You will discover pumpkin foods you’ve possibly never experienced, like pumpkin bread, pancakes, cake, donuts and everyone’s favorite pie. There are often other homemade goods there a well, along with games, carving, and lots of fun activities.

7. Kentucky Apple Festival, Paintsville

If you are an apple fan, you won’t want to miss this apple spectacular from September 30th to October 1st. This is the place to enjoy some of the tastiest apples around, along with some amazing homemade desserts. Apple pie is a versatile dish, and there is more to the apple than just pie. Fritters are tasty and homemade are the best. The video gives the details, but there are games, contests, raffles, and lots of art and homemade goodies in Paintsville during the Apple Festival!

6. 27th World Chicken Festival, London

Kentucky Fried Chicken is not the only famous place for chicken in the Bluegrass State. The World Chicken Festival is the place to be on September 22nd until the 25th if you happen to be a fan of chicken. Fried, broiled, steamed, baked, barbecued, battered or in a batch of dumplings, chicken is the star of the show at this festival. There are plenty of fun and games, along with musical entertainment as well. The video gives us some highlights.

5. Anderson County Burgoo Festival

Burgoo is a special part of Kentucky’s history, and Anderson Country celebrates the filling stew from September 23rd to the 25th off Drydock Road. There is no real standard for burgoo, other than filling. It can be broth or tomato based, with whatever vegetables and meat you have access to. Traditionally it was venison, but people substitute pork, beef, rabbit, lamb and goat. You can try a variety of different burgoo styles, along with other homemade goodies, and good, old-fashioned entertainment and games.

4. Clarkson Honeyfest, Clarkson

It is all about the honey on September 21st to the 24th and with good reason. There is nothing better than fresh, organic honey made from the blooms of a beautiful Kentucky spring. There are also fun, games, entertainment and lots of treats made with honey. It is an unusual festival that has some great natural products available from local farmers.

3. Barbecue on the River, Paducah

Barbecue is a special part of Kentucky all year round, but on September 22nd until the 24th, Paducah shares their version with everyone. There are countless different ways to make barbecue and everyone has their favorites. The locals bring their version out to the festival and everyone gets to benefit from it. There are also everyone’s favorite fixin’s and some homemade desserts, accompanied by fun, games and good music. The view of the river really brings out the ambiance of the festival.

2. Louisville Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, Louisville

This parade of pumpkins runs October 13th until November 6th and lights up Iroquis Park off Newcut Road. You will experience hundreds of different pumpkins as they light up the path through the park. It is a very ambient experience with subtle lighting, cool, creepy and breathtaking carved designs. Bring your own refreshments and take a leisurely stroll along the forest path.

Erik Hitzelberger

Erik Hitzelberger

You can visit the beauty of this forest anytime, but October 15th and 16th Bernheim celebrates the annual Colorfest, as the leaves change. Not only do you get to see the beauty of the area itself, but there are also activities like a pumpkin slingshot, mud pies, and a hayride around the scenic beauty of the forest. If you are feeling adventurous, you can try to find your way through a strategically built hay maze. If not, it is a great place to have a seat and just enjoy the views.