OWENSBORO, Ky. (July 9, 2015) — Hot air balloons will take flight above Owensboro as part of summertime festivities at the Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens. more: Hot air balloons take flight over Owensboro

OWENSBORO, Ky. (June 23, 2015) — The July calendar adds an extra performance of Owensboro’s Friday After 5 series, with a fan-favorite kickoff to the Fourth of July weekend.

Friday After 5 is a summer-long concert and family entertainment series with a block party and street festival that take place each Friday through Sept. 4. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. with music playing until 11 p.m. more: ‘Friday After 5’ summer entertainment lineup for July

OWENSBORO, Ky. (June 4, 2015) — John Prine, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, Balsam Range and Hot Rize are among dozens of award winning acts set to perform at this year’s ROMP Festival, June 24-27, in Owensboro.

ROMP is a four-day, traditional bluegrass festival with music, camping, concerts and impromptu jam sessions that attract top acts and thousands of fans. In 2012 ROMP was named event of the year by the International Bluegrass Music Association, which originated in Owensboro. The area is rich in bluegrass history, with the birthplace of Bill Monroe in nearby Rosine, Ky. more: Owensboro’s ROMP Festival spotlights top names in bluegrass

OWENSBORO, Ky. (June 2, 2015) — The ROMP Festival, drawing marquee bluegrass acts and thousands of fans, is one of many events inviting visitors to Owensboro during the month of June. more: Owensboro invites visitors to a full month of fun in June

St. Mary Magdalene Parish to mark its 100th annual event

OWENSBORO, Ky. — Owensboro’s International Bar-B-Q Festival early each May is only the start of a summer of hickory-flavored festivities.

From May through the end of September, the area’s Catholic churches celebrate tradition and raise a bit of money, too, at 22 parish barbecue picnics that serve tasty chicken, pork, mutton and burgoo to all comers. All are within a 45-minute radius of downtown Owensboro. more: Owensboro Ushers in Summer Series of Parish Barbecue Picnics

OWENSBORO, Ky. (May 13, 2015) — Owensboro’s emerging music scene strikes a resonating cord when Friday After 5 returns to the downtown riverfront for 17 consecutive weeks of live music.

Friday After 5 is a summer-long concert and family entertainment series with a block party and street festival that take place each Friday from May 15-Sept. 4. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. with music playing until 11 p.m. more: ‘Friday After 5’ summer entertainment series returns to Owensboro

OWENSBORO, Ky. (April 16, 2015) — The International Bar-B-Q Festival is serious but fun competition with an appetizing invitation. Visitors can sample and take home meat cooked on pits tended by the best cooks around. There’s bluegrass music too, and both activities celebrate Owensboro’s signature attractions. more: Owensboro festival serves up bluegrass, barbecue and burgoo