The state of Kentucky is an incredibly diverse and interesting place to visit. It's a state whose people like to have a good time, and who have plenty to celebrate. Whether you're interested in the state's history and heritage, music and arts scenes, or wildly delicious foods, there's always something interesting happening in Kentucky. Though the Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, there are still plenty of fun and exciting festivals and events worth discovering this year. Complete your vacation in Kentucky by booking a room at one of our charming Kentucky Bed and Breakfasts nearby.

It's worth mentioning here that, even if you don't have tickets to the Kentucky Derby itself, you can still participate in many of the festivities that happen throughout the lead-up to the big event.  The Kentucky Derby Festival is a multi-week celebration of not just the Derby, but of Kentucky itself.  Festival events range from steamboat and hot air balloon races to marathons, concerts, and the acclaimed Thunder Over Louisville fireworks display, which lights up the skies this Saturday, April 23rd.  These spectacular events are an unbelievable way to get into the spirit of Kentucky.  After the celebrations, get closer than ever before when you explore and tour Kentucky's storied horse country. If you're a food lover, then you'll want to keep a few Kentucky festivals on your mind when planning your vacations and getaways this year.  Coming up during the second weekend of May is the International Bar-B-Q Festival in Owensboro, Kentucky.  No where else in Kentucky will you find the aromas of rich, hickory-stoked fires mixed with sizzling chicken and bubbling burgoo.  What is burgoo, you ask?  Put simply, it's the Bluegrass State's official dish, and is something between a soup and a stew.  You'll have to try it yourself to find out more.  If you miss your chance to try burgoo in Owensboro, don't fret. In September, if you plan things right, you may just score two great festivals in one packed weekend.  One of these festivals is the great Anderson county Burgoo Festival, known as the "burgoo capital of the world".  It's a distinctive honor, to be sure, and one that you'll want to taste on your own.  Also, less than 2 hours away, is the World Chicken Festival in London, which pays a necessary tribute to the legacy of Kentucky's fried chicken.

Finally, music lovers won't want to miss their chance to hear Bluegrass from the state where it all began.  Music lovers will get their chance in June, at The Festival of the Bluegrass in Lexington.  Started in 1974, this is the 43rd year for this spectacular festival. The 2016 lineup includes some wonderful stars of the Bluegrass world, and will certainly be a weekend you won't soon forget. Make the most of these Kentucky festivals when you stay at one of our charming Bed and Breakfast Inns located throughout the state.  Once you've found the festival that's right for you, search through our delightful Kentucky Bed and Breakfasts by region, and find your perfect home away from home.  Don't forget to make reservations early around these popular dates!