Written by Justin Mewse
April 2024
Kentucky boasts a myriad of renowned attributes – its horse racing prestige, warm southern hospitality, and globally acclaimed bourbon. Yet, amidst these notable features lies a thriving music and festival scene, often overlooked but deeply ingrained in the state’s cultural fabric.
Music: Harmonies in the Heartland
From the hills of bluegrass to the rhythms of rock and roll, Kentucky’s musical legacy runs deep. Birthplace to icons like Loretta Lynn and Bill Monroe, the state’s rich musical tapestry comes to life at festivals throughout the year, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe.
Forecastle Festival, an esteemed event in Louisville, unfolds along the picturesque Ohio River, featuring headliners like Jack Johnson. Equally enticing is the Bourbon & Beyond Festival, a fusion of bourbon and music, boasting stellar acts such as John Mayer and Foo Fighters while showcasing Kentucky’s distillery prowess.
Beyond the urban sprawl, Owensboro hosts the ROMP Bluegrass festival, an ode to the genre’s roots and branches. Meanwhile, the Festival of the Bluegrass at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington offers a blend of music, camaraderie, and bourbon, embodying Kentucky’s vibrant spirit.
Bourbon: Toasting to Tradition
No Kentucky festival is complete without a toast to bourbon, the state’s beloved spirit. Bourbon enthusiasts flock to events like the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and Bourbon & Beyond, where master distillers share their craft and visitors indulge in tastings of the finest Kentucky bourbons. From small-batch artisanal blends to iconic distillery tours, these festivals offer a spirited celebration of Kentucky’s distilling legacy and the artistry behind every bottle.
Cuisine: A Culinary Journey
Kentucky’s culinary scene is a tantalising blend of Southern comfort and innovative flair, showcased at festivals throughout the state. From savoury barbecue to indulgent bourbon-infused dishes, food festivals like the Kentucky State BBQ Festival and the Bourbon County Secretariat Festival delight taste buds with a smorgasbord of flavours. Locally sourced ingredients, farm-to-table fare, and traditional Southern recipes take centre stage, inviting festival-goers on a culinary journey through the heart of Kentucky cuisine.
Equestrian: Racing to the Finish Line
As the horse capital of the world, Kentucky’s equestrian festivals are legendary affairs, celebrating the grace, speed, and majesty of thoroughbred racing. Events like the Kentucky Derby Festival and the Kentucky Three-Day Event showcase the state’s equestrian prowess, drawing spectators from around the globe. From the thundering hooves of racehorses to the precision of dressage performances, these festivals embody the spirit of Kentucky’s equine heritage and the thrill of the racetrack.
Explore the Best of Kentucky With These Recommended Tour Itineraries
From June 2023, British Airways will be flying five days a week direct from London Heathrow to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – so you’ll now have even more time to explore the Bourbon Trail!
15-Day Sips, Sights And Sounds Of Kentucky
Delve into the history of bourbon, Bluegrass, local cuisine and Kentucky-born heroes including Muhammad Ali on this road trip of discovery.
From £1,905pp
Including flights
Operated by America As You Like It
- Enjoy the Bluegrass music scenes of Owensboro and Renfro Valley
- Take a walking-foodie tour in Lexington
- Follow the the Country Music Highway
- Visit Bardstown – first settled in 1780 and known as the Bourbon Capital of the World
- Explore the UNESCO Creative City of Paducah and see the colourful Lower Town Arts District
- Visit the birthplace and homestead of the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, in Rosine
- 14 nights accommodation
- 14 days car hire
- Return International flights
- ATOL protected
15-Day Bourbon, Bluegrass & Horse Country
Embark on a journey to explore distilleries, bluegrass music and the horse culture in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.
From £1,399pp
Operated by Discover North America
- Catch a horse race at one of Kentucky’s renowned racetracks
- xplore the beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest
- Visit Mt. Vernon, nestled in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains
- Frequent the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame
- See the thoroughbred horses at Darley at Jonabell Farm, where Kentucky Derby winning stallions have been bred
- Spend time at one of Kentucky’s most revered distilleries: Buffalo Trace
15-Day Kentucky & Tennessee By Motorhome
Explore the best of these scenic, neighbouring states at your own pace while enjoying many adventures along the way.
From £2,825pp
Including flights
Operated by North America Travel Service
- Spend time at the “Niagara of the South,” in Cumberland Falls State Park
- Explore Newport, Kentucky – the gaming predecessor to Las Vegas
- Enjoy hiking, trails and caves, paddling and kayaking at Carter Caves State Park and Cave Run Lake
- Step back in time at the Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill
- Take a Belle of Louisville sightseeing cruise
- Experience boating and fishing on the 5,100-acre Rough River Lake
- 4 nights hotel accommodation
- 10 days C25 motorhome rental
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
14-Day Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains
From colonial settlements and Civil War sites to the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains and stunning Great Smoky Mountains, this mid-South U.S. tour features historic sites, spectacular scenery, and fun experiences all along the way.
** SAVE up to £150pp **
From £2,629pp
Operated by Cosmos
- Enjoy a fascinating visit to the Kentucky Horse Park
- Visit the Lincoln Museum and Sinking Spring Farm, to see where the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, was born
- Learn about the production of the finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and enjoy a tasting
- View the green pastures, white-board fences, and the columned estates of Kentucky bluegrass country – backdrop for the movie Seabiscuit
- Expert Tour Director-Led Trip
- 13 nights accommodation
- 10 breakfasts
- Full escorted tour itinerary and excursions
- Coach
- Tour Director
- ABTA & ATOL protected
Find My Perfect Holiday Destination
By using our intelligent search tool, we will present you with a tailored list of destinations based on your requirements.
From the European beaches of Antalya and Majorca or the Caribbean sands of Barbados to the culture and cuisine of Thailand or majestic scenery of the Canadian Rockies, we’ve well over 400 destinations to inspire you.
Holiday Inspiration Delivered To Your Inbox
Sign-up to the Inspire My Holiday newsletter for the following…
* Receive details of the latest offers – plus savings that are exclusive to our subscribers
* Be the first to hear about some amazing competitions with truly incredible prizes
* Keep abreast of the hottest travel trends
* Discover outside-the-norm holiday ideas
* Discover articles, blogs & travel guides to your next getaway