Best Festivals in the Bluegrass Region in June

Best Festivals in the Bluegrass Region in June

Best Festivals in the Bluegrass Region in June

This June, Kentucky's Bluegrass Region has a variety of festivals — celebrating everything from bourbon, beer cheese and blackberries to music, wine and even railroads, with a little Heart and Soul thrown in for good measure.

These festivals are guaranteed to keep things lively in the 16-county region throughout the month.

Where to Find the Bluegrass Region's Best Festivals in June

1. Railbird Festival — June 6 & 7

Lexington

The Railbird Festival, the Bluegrass Region's premier summer music event, is held in the infield of the historic Red Mile Harness Racing Track.

Over two days and on three stages, attendees get a full lineup of Americana and Country music favorites. This year's festival is headlined by superstar Tyler Childers, as well as rock, soul, bluegrass and indie artists.

Music lovers can choose their festival experience. Hang out at the infield rail just like a real railbird, cheering on the contenders as they take the stage, and make your way to the Bourbon Hideout between bands for a bourbon break. Or go the VIP route in one of the exclusive lounges where the bourbon and hors d'oeuvres are brought to you.

railbirdfest.com

2. Spirit in the Bluegrass Fest — June 10–13

Lexington

Nipping at the heels of the Railbird Festival, the Spirit in the Bluegrass Music Fest offers two days (June 11–13) of toe-tapping bluegrass music.

Taking place in the spacious Kentucky Horse Park Campground, the Fest features bands with ties to the region as well as new acts ready to take the Bluegrass by storm.

To help celebrate America's 250th birthday, this year's Fest will be the biggest ever, with special attractions such as a beer garden, a kick-off show at the Burl in Lexington's Distillery District, and a second stage for VIP experiences.

spiritinthebluegrass.com

3. Frankfort Bourbon Week — June 12–19

Frankfort / Franklin County

While not a festival in the traditional sense, this week-long party in the commonwealth's capital city honors America's only native spirit. With Frankfort's hometown distillery Buffalo Trace joining other distilleries from around the region and state, it promises to be a bourbon-fueled week.

Kicking off the party will be a June 12th concert by Sam Williams, son of Hank Williams, Jr., who will do his best to keep the "family tradition" alive through a third generation.

The week will also feature bourbon tours and experiences, bourbon boat rides, bourbon-inspired products and an exclusive bourbon tasting event hosted by the House of Commons Bourbon Library in collaboration with Buffalo Trace Distillery and the Capital City Museum.

As a bonus, there will be an opportunity to taste the city's official bourbon cocktail, "the Frankfort," at selected downtown bars and restaurants.

downtownfrankfort.com

4. Swahili Day Celebration — June 13

Lexington

Can you guess what Lexington's third most spoken language is? It's Swahili, and it has lent its name to a festival in the city's Gatton Park which celebrates the diverse African cultures in Kentucky.

There will be bustling market stalls selling colorful clothing and jewelry; booths offering arts and crafts; live music and traditional food (ever tried Mshikaki or Samaki wa Kupaka? Well, here's your chance.)

Whether you're dancing to the beat, tasting something new, or simply soaking in the dynamic culture, Swahili Day is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Don't miss this joyful celebration of language, culture, and community!

marafikicenter.org

5. L&N Day — June 13

Berea / Madison County

Want to reminisce about a slice of America's railroad history? Be in Berea on June 13th for L&N Day, and join in celebrating a nostalgic nod to the past.

The city's depot is the last brick L&N Railroad Depot still standing between Cincinnati and Knoxville, and is now home to Berea's Welcome Center.

And nowhere will you find a warmer welcome than in Berea. Bring the kids, as the day will feature model train setups; train-themed vendors selling memorabilia and model train pieces; food trucks; and more activities geared to the small fry.

However, you might need to have a few years on you to fully appreciate the classic car show in Berea's Old Town Artisan Village.

What could be better than a day set aside for model trains and vintage cars?

visitberea.com

6. Beer Cheese Festival — June 13

Winchester / Clark County

June 13th will be a busy day for visitors to the Bluegrass Region, as they can choose from a Swahili Festival in Lexington, a railroad extravaganza in Berea, or a special day honoring one of the region's favorite foods (the truly energetic may be able to get in all three).

However, foodies won't want to miss being in Winchester for the annual Beer Cheese Festival, located in the town where the creamy cheese spread was born.

Come in Friday night, June 12, and kick off the weekend with Rock the Block on Courthouse Square featuring Eagles tribute band Night Flyer.

Then spend Saturday tasting beer cheese, browsing vendors, and exploring downtown, and make an Always Original weekend from this Kentucky staple. We guarantee a deliciously "cheese-y" good time.

beercheesefestival.com

7. Heart of Kentucky Juneteenth Celebration — June 18–20

Harrodsburg / Mercer County

One Bluegrass Region festival pays tribute to a national holiday commemorating a significant date in America's history.

Harrodsburg, the first settlement in Kentucky, is a fitting site for a festival honoring the day in 1865 that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were the first to learn that they had been emancipated.

In keeping with the serious nature of the day, a number of special guest speakers have been invited to speak about the significance of this holiday to both the African American and white communities.

There will be a more light-hearted celebration as well, with a classic car show, a concert and the crowning of Miss Juneteenth.

Come join in a day not just of celebration, but also of recognition and restoration.

juneteenthky.com

8. SoulFeast Week — June 18–28

Lexington

To coincide with the Juneteenth national holiday, this is a celebration rooted in culture and community, designed to feed the soul as well as the body.

The full schedule of activities for the week includes the kickoff party (June 18) at The Melroy; Cocktails & Cigars (June 19); and SoulTeenth Festival (June 20), a free, family-friendly gathering in Gatton Park with live music, arts and crafts, cooking demos and more.

The popular Soulful Sunday Gospel Brunch will be held at The V on Vine, June 21, with two seatings at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The brunch will feature a menu by James Beard Award Semifinalist Chef Isaiah Screetch.

soulfeastweek.com

9. Kentucky Wine & Vine Fest — June 20

Nicholasville / Jessamine County

Did you know that the first commercial vineyard in America was planted right here in Jessamine County in 1799?

It just goes to show that bourbon isn't the only beverage consumed in the Bluegrass.

Now in its 23rd year, the Kentucky Wine & Vine Fest is a day dedicated to the grape — be it chardonnay or cabernet franc. Browse the booths of Kentucky wineries to sip and savor, or try your luck at the Run for the Merlot and Wine Toss.

Make it a wine-filled weekend by also reserving your spot at the Walk, Wine & Dine on June 19th, a leisurely stroll through Nicholasville's downtown while enjoying food, music, and, of course, wine.

kywinefestival.jessaminechamber.org

10. Carlisle/Nicholas County Blackberry Festival — June 30–July 4

Carlisle / Nicholas County

Blackberries probably aren't the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Kentucky's Bluegrass Region. But find yourself in Carlisle, the county seat of Nicholas County, the last day of June and you just might change your mind.

In case you didn't know, blackberries are Kentucky's state fruit, but as luscious as they are, they weren't the reason for the festival when it started back in 1946. It was meant to honor the returning World War II veterans, and on America's 250th birthday, honoring our vets is still reason for a parade.

A parade is only one of the things that make up this small town carnival. There will also be rides, live music, car shows, food vendors, and, of course, blackberries.

carlisle-nicholascounty.org

June is just the beginning of the festival season in Kentucky's Bluegrass Region. Wait until you see what we have on tap in July, August and September.