After a wild-weather winter, we’re looking forward to spring in Bowling Green. Not that it gets too cold in BGKY, but the desire to hibernate is real! Now that milder temps and longer days are in our view, here is what we’re looking forward to in 2025.
Let’s start with what’s new. The NCM Motorsports Park recently added the stunning Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing to the park’s fleet of high-performance vehicles and is available for a range of driving experiences including high-speed laps, professional driver training, and exclusive events. (BG is no stranger to the Cadillac brand. The XLR was produced alongside the Corvette at BG Assembly Plant from 2003-2009.)
Enhancing our nighttime economy sector, ShakeRag Bar & Lounge is now open in downtown Bowling Green’s historic Shake Rag district. This friendly joint offers craft cocktails, mocktails and gathering space for up to 65 people inside with additional outdoor green space for up to 150.
Slated for opening this spring just a block away is The Mustang Club, an adaptive reuse of the old State Street High School Gymnasium where the Mustang mascot ruled. This two-floor experience will feature an upstairs wine bar and restaurant with a jazz-fueled speakeasy downstairs.
If it’s been a while since you’ve visited Chaney's Dairy Barn, you’ll be “udderly” amazed by its newly expanded space. They added a 50-person dining room, a separate ice cream parlor, a back deck that exits to the children’s playground, and viewing space to watch as the ice cream is made — nearly 30,000 gallons of ice cream annually!
In the accommodations sector, we’re excited to welcome Everhome Suites in late 2025. This midscale, extended-stay brand from Choice Hotels is coming to the Gary Farms development with shopping, food and other amenities in walking distance. We know some of our groups are going to love that convenience.
Lastly on the “new” front as it pertains to visitors (yes, we know there’s a new Chicken Salad Chick in BG!) are several noteworthy exhibitions at the National Corvette Museum. Opening on March 7 is Speed Captured: The Photographic Works of Richard Prince, a breathtaking exhibition celebrating the art of speed through the lens of this famed automotive photographer.
Also, "Father of Corvette" Zora Arkus-Duntov’s personal Corvette is being restored on-site where enthusiasts can see it up close during the NCM Bash April 25-26. Work is slated to be complete in August. And if Americana collections are your thing, begin your Kentucky Americana Triangle adventures with An American Love Affair: Pop Culture and Corvette while on display in the Skydome through the end of 2025.
Lastly for our flagship attraction, the expanded and reimagined Corvette Hall of Fame is slated for opening in the second half of 2025. This enhancement will shine a brighter spotlight on the incredible individuals who’ve shaped the Corvette legacy. We'll raise a glass to that!
Moving on to events, the biggest one in our view is just around the corner, continuing the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of cave explorer Floyd Collins' death. The Ramsey Theatre Company presents: Floyd Collins the Musical at the Southern KY Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 8. The only other place to see this musical in 2025 is on Broadway!
We’re eagerly anticipating a couple of new automotive events for Bowling Green and Beech Bend Raceway in 2025. Coming early in the season will be one of three races in the Bowtie Nationals series. This event takes place April 22-26 and features drag racing, car show, autocross, vendor midway, burnout contest, swap meet and more. Then, the last weekend in May, Sick the Mag will host its inaugural Sick on the Green event inspired by the former NMCA/NMRA series.
On the meetings and sports tourism scene, we look forward to the return of a professional disc golf event with the BG Open in May as well as hosting the Oldsmobile Club of America’s National Meet in July, the Pug Dog Club of America’s National Specialty Show in October, and a new Southern Pickleball Tournament in October.
Stay up to date as other things pop up on our radar by subscribing to our monthly leisure e-newsletter and following us on our social channels @VisitBGKY!
