Annual Events in Bowling Green, KY
With motorsports events dotting the calendar all spring and summer to the Duncan Hines Days and the Bowling Green International Festival, there’s something to look forward to in Bowling Green all year long!
Top Annual Events in Bowling Green
Duncan Hines Days is a weeklong affair in honor of the man who pioneered restaurant guides in America. Enjoy a great selection of food, music, and family fun at events throughout the week.
Every late July, the SoKY Fair is a classic can't-miss event. Come for the rides and fair food and stay for the demolition derbies and rodeo. Enjoy a funnel cake while taking in the views from the top of the ferris wheel for a quintessential fair experience!
For the motorsports enthusiast, there’s red hot racing in town all summer long. Catch some drag racing at Beech Bend Raceway and watch cars zip around the track at NCM Motorsports Park. Be sure to check out the signature motorsports events page for even more fun in Vette City.
The Bowling Green International Festival is an annual celebration of the different cultures from around the world that make up Bowling Green's beautifully diverse community. Take in musical and dance performances and sample food from every corner of the globe. The event is equal parts entertaining and educational, and completely family-friendly.
At the BG Bourbon and Brewfest, enjoy sampling the best of Kentucky bourbons and beers while browsing bourbon-themed vendor booths. This one-day festival is held at Bowling Green Ballpark, and all attendees must be at least 21 years old.
For one Saturday every Spring, the White Squirrel Arts Fest celebrates all forms of art. Visitors can enjoy the culinary arts from some of the area's best food trucks and browse ceramics, paintings, jewelry and more made by talented regional artists while local musicians, thespians, dancers, and poets provide free entertainment all day long.
When to Visit for Festivals & Events
Spring and summer are prime time for festivals and events since the majority of big events in town occur during the warmer months.
The motorsports calendar is packed all spring and summer long, and popular festivals like the SoKY Fair and Duncan Hines Days occur during the height of the summer.
In the cooler months, holiday-themed events are front and center on the calendar. Kick off the holiday season by visiting downtown for Light Up BGKY, a week of festivities featuring holiday lights, a Christmas market, and more.
Free Events in Bowling Green
Head to Circus Square Park on Friday nights from June through August for Concerts in the Park. Every concert is free, and each week features a different musical act.
Several of the events at Duncan Hines Days are free to attend, including live music and a vintage car show.
On the 4th Monday of each month through October, join the community for the Family Fun Bike Ride.
The Capitol regularly hosts free movie screenings, and the Hardin Planetarium hosts a series of interactive shows where you’ll learn all about the stars in the sky.
Get started on planning your trip by browsing our full listing of events. You can also request a free visitor’s guide and stay up to date by subscribing to our newsletter.