Child’s Play

Come have a weekend family trip with us! With one of the most awarded playgrounds in the entire country, Owensboro is the perfect destination for your children to have a ball.

Best last-minute Halloween costumes for kids

Listen, we’ve all been there. It’s Halloween weekend, and you realize your kids have nothing to wear. We try our best as parents, we really do. But when it comes to the holidays, things get a little crazy. And that’s whenwe find ourselves in those moments where, suddenly, it’s Sunday night, and your kiddo is supposed to be in a costume for school on Monday morning. In a fit of panic, we turn the house upside down trying to uncoveritems to throw an outfit together, and all we come up with is a pair of Fiskars scissors, some scotch tape and possibly a few tears.  That’s where we come in. We put together a list of cute, creative and easy-to-make children’s costumes that will serve as life savers in that final hour.  We’ll start with some basic, go-to Halloween costumes that are timeless and, most importantly, always on theme for the spooky season.  –Witch: All you need is a witch’s hat, a broom, a black dress and some long green socks. If you don’t have a hat, you can easily make one out of black construction paper. –Mummy: Grab some old sheets and tear them into strips. Wrap them around your kid and fasten….

Celebrate Christmas in the beautiful outdoors at Western KY Botanical Garden

Grab the kiddos for a family-friendly event this weekend at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden—one of the prettiest places in the area!This weekend, children, music and crafting can come together at the Botanical Garden’s Christmastime Music & Crafting experience. This event will give kids ages 2-6 a very special way to celebrate Christmas in an interactive way.You can register for Christmastime Music & Crafting on two different dates. The first kicks off December 9 and the second on December 13. The event runs from 10-11 a.m. both days. The cost is $10 per child, and siblings under the age of 1 are free. You can register here or go to melodygardenkids.com.   Children can participate and listen to a variety of nature-based music that includes all kinds of instruments and techniques. From guitars to wind chimes, kids can become immersed in the sounds played by musicians in a beautiful outdoor setting.Everyone participating in these classes gets to interact with one another, sing songs, dance and celebrate all things nature!On top of that, Western Kentucky Botanical Garden is hosting a Family Christmas Sing-Along on Saturday, December 11. This event includes hands-on music for the kiddos, hot chocolate, cookies and a number of…

Head to Owensboro to explore a variety of outdoor murals

With so many talented artists living in Owensboro, outdoor murals are becoming more widespread across the city. You can take a stroll through downtown Owensboro and see most of these murals for yourself, but we thought we’d break some of the locations down for you to make your journey a little easier. Owensboro’s “Be the Change” mural was spearheaded by New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services and encourages people to step up and intervene in dangerous situations when they see them. Those situations may include sexual harassment and assault, bullying and negligent or abusive behavior by families, spouses and caregivers. The lion represents the courage one needs to step up and say something, while the green dots represent the Green Dot Program—a training program that teaches residents what to look for and how to respond to potentially dangerous situations involving other people around them. The Be the Change mural is located at Third and Allen streets in downtown Owensboro. The “Owensboro” mural that scales the east side of the Visit Owensboro building (215 East Second St.) depicts a number of banjos and other instruments, with the word “Owensboro” painted across the top. The mural highlights Owensboro’s rich Bluegrass Music heritage, as well as its designation as…

Spring Break events in Owensboro

Whether you’re a visitor or a local, spring break in Owensboro is a great experience. Not only is there a ton of stuff to do during the week, but the Dogwood trees and Azaleas have started to bloom. The days are getting warmer, outdoor patio seating is getting fuller, and the entire city comes alive with the excitement of getting out and experiencing it all.With our spring break running April 4-8 this year, we’ve got you covered on what to do, what to see, and where to go. From sporting events, to petting zoos, to live music, there’s no better time to check out what Owensboro has to offer than during Spring Break 2022.Maybe you’re in the market for a little athletic competition this spring break, but don’t know where to find it. We’ve got you covered here in Owensboro with the 2022 Showdown in the Bluegrass Quads Indoor Volleyball Tournament. The tournament is only one day—Sunday, April 3–and there’s cash prizes to be had, so why wouldn’t you sign up?! There’s also a 6 vs. 6 Co-Ed tournament the day before on Saturday, April 2! Both events take place at the Owensboro Convention Center.Experience Artrageous at the RiverPark Center…

Explore more than 25 parks across Owensboro-Daviess County

Our community has two amazing parks systems, which are reflected not only in the sheer number of parks we have across our city and county (28!), but in the beautification, acreage and athletic and leisure opportunities they provide for visitors.Whether it’s golf, disc golf, fishing, hiking or biking you’re looking to do in the great outdoors, Owensboro’s parks have you covered.You can find one of the prettiest golf courses in the area at Ben Hawes State Park.You can play some incredible games of disc golf at Yellow Creek and Panther Creek Parks.For those who want to cast their line in the lake, you can fish at Waymond Morris Park, Yewell Heritage Park, Yellow Creek Park, Panther Creek Park and Horse Fork Creek Park.Some of the best hiking and biking trails can be found at Ben Hawes. The Rudy Mines Mountain Bike Trails include 7.5 miles of easy-to-intermediate mountain bike trails within the 298-acre park. But you can also enjoy some easy-to-hike trails at Joe Ford Nature Park, the Adkisson Greenbelt, Yellow Creek Park, Panther Creek Park, Legion Park and Moreland Park.For those bringing their fur babies on the trip, a brand-new dog park at Legion Park is the perfect atmosphere…

Best places to stargaze this summer

Stargazing is one of the great, naturistic pastimes that you just can’t get in a city. One of the great things about Owensboro, however, is that there are tons of great places to watch the stars in the night sky, and only a couple miles away from the heart of the city.  For your best stargazing locations, you’ll need to find a place that’s away from the city lights. And only three miles away from downtown Owensboro is Yellow Creek Park.  Though you’ll find a few rolling hills at Yellow Creek Park, much of the area is on the flatter side, making it the perfect place to see the vast night sky in all its glory. There are very few lights at Yellow Creek that would deter your vision as well. Panther Creek Park is another great option for stargazing. Located only about five miles away from the city, there’s plenty of acreage and wide open space to get your best views of the stars. Just bring a blanket and a flashlight to navigate your walk, and you’re set for a night of amazing star, planet and constellation sightings.  Ben Hawes Park is another great place to escape the city lights for a night…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: July 22-24

Daviess County Fair    It’s that time of year again, folks! The Daviess County Lions Club Fair will be bringing you all the rides, food and good times you could ask for July 20-23. You can click here to check out the four-day schedule, which will include events such as an open dairy show, petting zoos, inflatables, laser tag, live music and a monster truck show. Trust us – no matter which day you attend, you’re guaranteed to have a blast. Be sure to bring some cash and pack some sunscreen because it’s expected to be warm and sunny this year! Splash Pad at Horse Fork Creek Park      You can find one of the best spray parks in Owensboro at Horse Fork Creek Park, located on the east side of the city. This spray park opened only a couple years ago and is a guaranteed hit for anyone traveling with kids. The 80-by-60-foot splash pad is nearly double the size of other splash pads in the area and includes 23 individual spray features – 13 ground-mounted sprays and 10 above-ground features. Kids can also enjoy a frog, Cattail Twirl and a 20-foot dumping bucket. You could spend the entire…

Beat the Summer Heat in Owensboro

Here in Kentucky, summer likes to stick around all the way through September, and it’s no secret that it can get really, really hot. But here in Owensboro, we’ve got tons of amazing ways to help you beat that summer heat and have a good time doing it.  If you’re looking for a great swimming pool to cool down in, check out Atlantis Swim Club. Not only can you enjoy a full-length swimming pool with 25-meter lanes, but you can splash around in a wave pool, a gigantic water slide and a gated baby pool for the little ones!  You don’t have to be a member to swim at Atlantis either. Adults can swim for a full day at $16/person, $11/child and kids 2 and under get in free. And prices drop after 3 p.m. to $11/adult and $7/child.  If you don’t have time for a day at the pool, there are tons of parks across Owensboro-Daviess County with spray parks. And, hey, who says you have to be a kid to cool off at a spray park?  You can find spray parks at Smothers Park in downtown Owensboro, Horse Fork Creek Park on the east side of the city, Legion Park and Yellow…

Kick off the Fall season at Hayden Farms Fall Market

For those who love everything related to Fall, a fan-favorite event is returning to Owensboro-Daviess County in September!  The Hayden Farms Fall Farm Market will be held September 18 from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. This family-friendly festival is the perfect chance to get in your first sip of apple cider or your first shopping trip for Fall decor as the upcoming season begins to unfold.  More than a thousand people attend the Fall Farm Market each year and 2022 is expected to be no different! The only cost to attendees is $5 for parking.  With vendors ranging from local sweets shops to regional flower arrangement businesses, you can shop for dozens of treats, gifts and farm-grown pumpkins at the Fall Farm Market. New events at this year’s festival include hay rides, a flower patch and Fall photo opps!  This event is the best way to say, “See ya later, Summer” and “Hello” to Fall, and we hope to see you out there enjoying every moment of it.  

Car, Truck & Jeep Show to feature hundreds of vintage vehicles

One of the biggest car shows of the year will be hitting the pavement this Fall in Owensboro. You can check out tons of vintage, modern and custom classics at the 11th Annual Car, Truck & Jeep Show, held at Kentucky Wesleyan College on October 9.  Hundreds of cars, Jeeps and trucks will be on display at this one-day event. Admission is free to the public, and attendees can enjoy prizes from a 50/50 pot and shop from dozens of vendors during the day as well.  More than just a car show, this event will offer full concessions, live music and door prizes that include a luxury vacation, big screen TVs and various raffle drawings.  JEEP owners participating in the show will have the chance to win a handful of prizes, including the President’s Award, Tallest Jeep, Club Pick, Oldest Jeep and Top 20.  Registration runs from 8 a.m.-noon with a $20 entry fee, and an awards presentation kicks off at 3 p.m. Guests can enter the show at KWC from Scherm Road. 

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: September 2-4

Panther Creek Park Fireworks      Dubbed “The Unofficial End of Summer,” the Independence Bank Fireworks Festival is the perfect way to kick off the Fall season in style! Located at Panther Creek Park on September 3, you can bring the whole family out to enjoy food trucks and inflatables starting at 5 p.m., followed by live music from 6-8:15 p.m. The fireworks will hit the sky at 8:15. Attendees should bring their own chairs to this event.Sunflower Experience       Trunnell’s Farm Market is bringing back a fan favorite in the form of millions of beautiful sunflowers and multiple chances to see, pick and smell them throughout the month of September. You can enjoy Trunnell’s Sunflower Experience from September 1-30 (excluding Tuesdays). With over 65 varieties planted, you’ll have a blast choosing the perfect one to take home with you. You can also spend the day enjoying the 30-plus attractions Trunnell’s has available! Live on the Banks     Downtown Owensboro’s live music scene will continue to impress with this weekend’s Live on the Banks. Featuring Blackford Creek at the Overlook Stage and Tom Small at the Allen Street Gazebo, you can spend one of the final nights of summer strolling…

Kick Off the Fall Season at Owensboro’s Amazing Orchards

Whether you’re on the hunt for decorative pumpkins, in desperate need of an apple cider, or itching to take the family on a hayride, our local orchards have everything you’re looking for during this beautiful Fall season.  Trunnell’s Farm Market is famous for its sunflower fields, where you can enjoy over a million different blooms and more than 65 varieties! From September 3-30, you can head out to Trunnell’s for its Sunflower Experience. Explore the sunflowers, take tons of pics, and enjoy over 30 different attractions that make this family-run farm such an amazing place to play, eat and shop.  As part of the Sunflower Experience, Trunnell’s will host several special events throughout the month of September, including Dinner in the Blooms (Sept. 3 and 10), Sips-n-Sunflowers (Sept. 9, 16 and 17) and the Sunflower Music Fest (Sept. 23 and 24).  And if you’re planning an October trip to Owensboro, you can’t miss one of the most looked-forward-to events of the year: Reid’s Orchard Orchard Apple Festival!  Held for two days on October 22 and 23, the Apple Fest brings thousands of people to Daviess County each for some of the best food, shopping, carnival rides and apple cider slushies in the Tri-State.  But even…

A List of Fall Events in Owensboro

Here in Owensboro, we celebrate Fall in all the best ways. Whether it’s a festival, trick-or-treating, or a day spent among the sunflowers, we’ve got it all. And here’s a list of what you can look forward to!  Reid’s Orchard Apple Festival  The Apple Festival will run for two days this year on October 22 and 23 at Reid’s Orchard. You can go pumpkin picking, enjoy rides at the carnival, eat all the apple-flavored treats you can imagine, and shop from tons of vendors at this family-friendly event. The only cost to attendees is $5 for parking.  Reidland Play Area Also held at Reid’s Orchard, the Reidland Play Area is a great way for families and kiddos to celebrate fall in all its beautiful glory. You can enjoy a corn maze, the famous Apple Slider slide, duck races, Bella’s Barnyard, inflatables, train rides on the Apple Express and even go apple and pumpkin picking at this venue.  Sunflower Experience Trunnell’s Farm Market is hosting its annual Sunflower Experience for all ages through the month of September. You can graze through a field of more than one million sunflowers, pick from the pumpkin patch, enjoy over 35 different attractions, visit the animal barnyard and eat delicious apple…

See Beautiful Fall Foliage in Owensboro

Owensboro is one of the best places in the state to view the color-changing leaves of fall. With more than 25 parks spread across the city and county, you’ve got tons of options for leaf-peeping.  Experts say the best time to view fall foliage in western Kentucky starts in mid-to-late October and lasts through the beginning of November, so there’s plenty of time to plan a trip to see it in all its beautiful glory.  World’s Largest Sassafras Tree First off, you’ve got to start your fall foliage journey by checking out the largest known sassafras tree in the world! Located at 2100 Frederica Street, this tree measures over 100 feet tall and 21 feet in circumference. The average sassafras is only 30 to 50 feet tall, if that gives you an idea as to how big this tree is. Even better, sassafras trees boast some amazing colors during fall, with leaves turning bright yellow, orange, red and even pink.  Ben Hawes Park  This 300-acre park contains a golf course, shelters, a playground and the famous Rudy Mine biking and hiking trails, but it’s also recognized for its gorgeous fall foliage. You can play a game of golf while being surrounded by thousands of color-changing…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: September 30-October 2

Drag Racing       The dB Drag Racing Association’s 25th Anniversary World Finals event will take place October 1 and 2 at the Owensboro Convention Center. Elite car-stereo competitors from across the country will participate in dB Drag Racing, Bass Race, Psychlone, Top Dog and Freestyle competition formats. You can enjoy the fun by purchasing a VIP All Access Pass for $75 or a Weekend Pass for $40 right here.Pumpkin & Pickle Festival   One of the greatest combos you never knew existed until now, the Cottage Farm Stand’s Pumpkin & Pickle Festival will bring you a variety of pickle-flavored foods as well as tons of gorgeous pumpkins to shop from. You can even score a pickle-flavored craft beer from Brew Bridge! Held for two days on October 1 and 2, you can shop from tons of amazing vendors, meander through a corn maze and spend a day with the animals at the petting zoo. Bring $5 for parking and enjoy the festivities from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Halloweekends at Holiday World       Just because summer is over doesn’t mean the fun stops at Holiday World! This family-friendly special event includes all the rides you love at the amusement park,…

Travel to Owensboro to Catch Jake Owen Concert

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with a country music concert from one of the biggest names in the game?! Country music star Jake Owen will perform live at the Owensboro Sportscenter on November 10, with special guests Travis Denning and Mackenzie Carpenter singing along with him.  Owen has rapidly climbed to superstardom with his newest single “Made For You” along with nine No. 1 songs under his belt. The “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” singer and songwriter is headlining a nationwide tour that stretches all the way from Texas to Jacksonville, with Owensboro being one of the stops along the journey.  You’ll get to hear Owen’s biggest hits, including “Alone With You,” “Beachin’” and “The One That Got Away” on this tour, along with a series of new songs from the Academy of Country Music Award winner.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see one of Nashville’s biggest superstars up close and personal, and tickets to see Owen are starting out at $39.50 and can be purchased right here!  

Where to Celebrate Halloween in Owensboro

There are so many ways to celebrate Halloween, and Owensboro has tons of ways to get you into the spooky season this year!  We’re breaking down a list of all the parties, festivities and Halloween-themed events that should be on your radar leading up to October 31. You could make an entire weekend out of several of them! At Owensboro’s hometown brewery, Brew Bridge will host History Served Up: Halloween Style on October 21 from 5:30-7 p.m. Collaborating with the Owensboro Museum of Science & History, you can learn all about the history of witches at this fun event. Historian Matt Alschbach will present Bewitched: Women as Purveyors of the Medical, Mystical and Magical in America. Tickets are $30 and include a $10 appetizer and a $6 pumpkin spice beer.  If you’re in the mood for a Halloween party with all the bells and whistles, you won’t want to miss Cork & Cuisine: Happy Hallo-Wine at the Owensboro Convention Center on October 27. Treat yourself to a night of spooktacular food, wine and spirits from 6-10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased right here!  Also on October 27, you can bring the entire family to downtown Owensboro for Trail of Treats from 5:30-8 p.m. Be…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: October 21-23

Pumpkin Painting at The Cottage     For those who love painting pumpkins with family and friends, The Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Co. has a whole day dedicated to that very thing! On October 22, you can grab your favorite people and spend the day letting your inner artist get creative with a day of pumpkin painting. Pick your pumpkin from the patch and enjoy free paints and brushes as you make a masterpiece. Pumpkin prices vary based on size and style, and the event runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.BlOktoberfestCelebrate Oktoberfest with a twist at downtown Owensboro’s 2nd Annual BlOktoberfest! Bringing together a variety of downtown businesses and local artisans and musicians for a full day of family-friendly fun, you can celebrate fall in the best way! This year, enjoy live music all day, a stein holding competition and some of the best beer in Kentucky from a number of bars and restaurants. BlOktoberfest will be held on Saturday, October 22 from 2-8 p.m. Reid’s Orchard Apple Fest          One of Owensboro’s best festivals of the year, the Reid’s Orchard Apple Festival will be held for two days on October 22 and 23 this weekend! Celebrate all things…

Kentucky 2A Championships Generates $1.25 Million Economic Impact for Owensboro

The Kentucky 2A Championships are a huge component of Visit Owensboro’s economic impact on our community. A series of tournaments spanning six different sports and growing in number each year, the overall economic impact totals $1.25 million.  The 2A Championships was designed to give smaller schools with enrollments between 600 and 1,000 students a unique opportunity to qualify and compete for a state championship.  According to Chris Gendek, destination development and sports management director for Visit Owensboro, the Kentucky 2A Championships provide a great service in bringing statewide exposure to Owensboro-Daviess County.  “These tournaments bring in over 1,000 unique student-athletes, coaches and their families throughout the year,” Gendek said. “This brings people from across the Commonwealth that may not know about Owensboro-Daviess County and fills our restaurants, hotels and attractions.”  Even more, the Kentucky 2A Championships plays an important role in bringing awareness to Owensboro’s local colleges, Brescia University and Kentucky Wesleyan College.  “This awareness gives our local colleges an opportunity to get in front of over 1,000 students and their families as potential student-athletes, as well as students who could potentially attend school here, graduate, and continue living in Owensboro,” Gendek said. 

Head to Owensboro for One of Kentucky’s Best Christmas Parades

Often regarded as the best Christmas parade in Kentucky, you can head over to Owensboro for a night of magic and memories on Saturday, November 19 at 4:30 p.m.  Held by Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade Association, this year’s parade is going to be one for the books, with more than 100 floats bedazzled in lights making their way through downtown Owensboro.  You can grab your entire family and bundle up for this event, sitting roadside with or without your own chairs to keep you comfortable throughout the hour-long experience.  Not only will there be tons of decked-out floats to keep you entertained, but marching bands will play music, holiday songs will belt out from vehicles, and character appearances will have your kiddos super excited to sit up front and score some free candy!  While at the parade, you can purchase hot chocolate and warm snacks from food vendors, as well as cotton candy and light-up toys that make the parade experience as magical as it gets.  And, of course, you won’t want to miss the man of the hour himself – Santa – as he finishes the parade out with a grand finale entrance.  Make a whole night of the Christmas Parade by spending the night…

Enjoy Fun, Holiday Magic at RPC in December

Summer might be for the outdoors, but winter is for the theater, and we’ve got a great bundle of shows coming to Owensboro in December!  On December 7, take the whole family to RiverPark Center to see Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical for some cheery holiday fun. The beloved TV classic will be portrayed on the stage and will include all your favorite characters, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf and Bumble the Abominable Snowman as they navigate the North Pole and teach the invaluable lesson: What makes you different, makes you special.  Tickets to see Rudolph are $45 and the show kicks off at 7 p.m.  RPC will also bring you The Prophecy Show on December 8, where you can experience the magic of Christmas in all its musical glory. This award-winning musical experience from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is always a huge hit with audiences, and tickets can be purchased right here for $25!  And, last but certainly not least, you can once again kick your holiday season off the right way with a wonderful show from Owensboro Symphony. Home for the Holidays will hit the RPC stage on December 10, mesmerizing listeners with classic favorites and some fresh,…

Make Owensboro Your Next Food Truck Stop

Owensboro is home to a growing number of food trucks, and we are here for it!   Whether it’s seafood, chicken wings, vegan cuisine or coffee you’re craving, there is a food truck for everyone’s needs in our town. You can follow these food trucks on their social media pages to find out where they’ll be next, but it’s almost a guarantee you’ll run into them at one of Owensboro’s many downtown events held all year long!  Here’s a list of some of our favorite food trucks you should be checking out during your next visit:  Lure Smoke Shack  You can order some amazing barbecue from the Lure Smoke Shack at public events, but you can also use the shack for private events and catering as well! This brand-new food truck offers a mix of upscale and down-to-earth barbecue with everything from smoked bologna to prime rib and lobster.  J’s Good Grub A fan favorite for everyone in Owensboro, you won’t find better buffalo chicken anywhere in the tristate. J’s famous cajun ranch fries are one of the best fried foods you’ll ever eat, and the family-owned food truck also serves a variety of delicious items that range from plant-based chicken sandwiches to chicken and waffle…

Celebrate the Holidays at ‘Christmas at the Inn’

It’s the time of year to start celebrating all things Christmas, and downtown Owensboro has a series of holiday-themed events with all the bells and whistles coming to you in December!  Friday After 5 and the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront will kick off “Christmas at the Inn” for the first three Fridays in December: December 2, 9 and 16. This holiday extravaganza will take place at the hotel and its surrounding area, bringing you all the music, cheer and warm, fuzzy charm of Christmas.  Live music will be a big draw this year, as Matchbox Twenty’s Adam Gaynor will perform live on Dec. 9, followed by a unique style of Christmas music from Steve Bridgmom on Dec. 16.  Not only will there be amazing live music, but a ton of other fun events to look forward to! Attendees can enjoy an outdoor igloo, activities for kids, carolers, and an entire winter wonderland experience for everyone to enjoy.  You can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, sip on hot chocolate and, with snow predicted for each of the three Fridays, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the North Pole.  Christmas at the Inn will run from 6-8 p.m. each Friday.

Head to Owensboro For All Your Holiday Shopping

The holidays are right around the corner, and that means it’s officially shopping season, y’all! And there’s no better place to get that Christmas shopping started than right here in Owensboro.  With more than 45 locally-owned boutiques, gift shops and antique stores to shop from, there are literally places all across Owensboro-Daviess County to shop for your loved ones (or yourself!) And while you’re at it, be sure to check out the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Shop Owensboro event, running November 26-December 3.  Downtown Byron & BarclaySimply Chic Home AccentsEden LivingLove Yourself BoutiquePeachtree Antique GalleryWillow and Pine MarketLil Bit SassyGhostly Productions Halloween StoreHorseFeathers GiftsA Repeat BoutiqueHidden Treasures Wesleyan Park Plaza Bella Ragazza BoutiqueExcursionsThe EarleLance & Co. JewelersLegends OwensboroJulep Home and Gift Midtown Meta Crystal ShopSamantha’s ClosetEmbellishMoonbow Apothecary & EmporiumCrazy Me Gifts & ApparelCome-hitherRobin’s Resale BoutiqueKidstop Children’s BoutiqueSwaim & Sparrows VintageTD’s Tuff DecisionsAdornSwank Style & BoutiqueThe Spot Coffee and FineryKiwi VintageBlitz Boutique Salon and Spa Highway 54 Peacocks and PearlsBoutique 54J.J. FostersA Monogram BoutiqueRebecca’s Gift Gallery West Parrish Avenue  Preservation StationThe Sturdy Hinge

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: November 18-20

Bill Engvall      This Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling recording artist and comedian is heading to Owensboro for a night of great laughs. On Friday, November 18, you can catch Bill Engvall at the RiverPark Center at TWO different times: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Engvall has garnered worldwide fame for his FOX sitcom Last Man Standing and was named “Casino Comedian of the Year” at the 2019 Casino Entertainment Awards in Vegas. Tickets to see this comedic legend are going for $59 and selling fast, so get yours today! Christmas Parade  One of the greatest Christmas parades in the Midwest is coming to downtown Owensboro on Saturday, November 19 at 4:30 p.m. Bring all your favorite people to our city to enjoy over a hundred different floats bedazzled in lights, marching bands, Christmas music blasting from windows and character appearances galore! This hour-long parade will also feature the man himself – Santa – as he closes the parade with a grand finale. The Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade is free to the public and runs along 2nd Street from Pearl Street to Locust Street. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band          You’ll have the chance to see one of the greatest country…

Experience Diverse Lineup of Live Music in Owensboro this Winter

Just because winter is coming doesn’t mean the fun stops in Owensboro! In fact, we’ve got an amazing lineup of live music coming to you from several different venues this holiday season. You can find everything from rock to bluegrass to symphony music over the next few months!  Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville has released its lineup for the month of November, and there are some really great shows to look forward to, including:  Music City Dueling Pianos November 18 and 19 at 9 p.m. and November 20 at noon. Blackford Creek November 25 at 9:30 p.m. Whiskey Row December 2 at 9:30 p.m.  Being the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World, Owensboro’s also got some concerts happening at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, including:  Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on November 19 at 7 p.m. Lanham Brothers Jamboree Christmas Show on December 3 at 7 p.m. Jimmy Fortune on December 15 at 7 p.m.  The RiverPark Center also has a packed calendar of events this winter, including lots of live music:  Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical on December 7 at 7 p.m. The Prophecy Show on December 8 at 7 p.m. Owensboro Symphony: Home for the Holidays on December 10 at 7 p.m. WAR on January 7 at 7 p.m.STOMP on…

Explore the Evolution of Downtown Owensboro

It wasn’t too long ago that Owensboro’s downtown riverfront wasn’t much more than a grassy bank dotted with park benches and one boat dock. But these days, visitors are getting an entirely new experience when they travel to Owensboro, and our downtown riverfront is one of the top attractions visitors seek out. And that’s for good reason. After years in development, downtown Owensboro received a makeover several years ago in the form of a six-acre project that included waterfront views and updated sidewalks, multiple fountains, speakers playing music along light-adorned pathways, and one of the most famous playgrounds in the world at Smothers Park.  Between 2008 and 2013, those investments generated a $1 billion economic impact for the City of Owensboro.  But that’s not all that’s happened over the last few years. Downtown Owensboro also built the Owensboro Convention Center, which has garnered nationwide fame for both its incredible architecture and world-class facilities.  On top of that, downtown Owensboro added two – and soon to be three – riverfront hotels that not only made it possible to have large-scale conventions in our city, but gave tourists beautiful waterfront views from their hotel rooms. The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Downtown Owensboro/Waterfront and Holiday…

Score a Harlem Globetrotters Experience Right Here in Owensboro

One of the best basketball events of the season in Kentucky (one that DOESN’T include a heated UK versus U of L rivalry) is coming to the Owensboro Sportscenter on Wednesday, December 14 for some family-friendly fun! The Harlem Globetrotters will take the court for a night of tricks, dunks and all-out athleticism.  The Globetrotters are in the midst of their first-ever tour that includes fan interaction every game, and you won’t want to miss these amazing basketball players show off their incredible skills! As the Globetrotters say, it’s everyone’s game this time around, and you might even get lucky enough to participate with them in front of thousands of people.  From trick shots to court-length shots to “how did they do that” shots, you’ll be awe-inspired by these professional athletes as they perform. You’ll see some of the fastest ball-handling and dribbling on the planet, as well as insane crossovers and even the team’s own four-point shot during this incredible experience.  And that’s not all! During this four-quarter game, watch as the Globetrotters face off against the Washington Generals for a slam dunk contest. We can’t promise anything just yet, but you might even see a backboard shatter!  Those who want some extra…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 2-4

The Nutcracker      If you want to spend the weekend enjoying the arts AND Christmas, there’s no better show to see than The German American Bank Nutcracker, held for two days at RiverPark Center on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. This stage production is loosely adapted from E.T.A. Hoffman’s original story when, on Christmas Eve, Marie falls asleep after a party at her house and dreams herself into a fantastic world where toys become larger than life. Owensboro Dance Theater always puts on an amazing show, and tickets are only $17!Dancing Lights in Downtown Owensboro  Head to downtown Owensboro for your own Hallmark Christmas movie! Every night from 5-9 p.m., downtown will become aglow with tons of dancing lights that spectacularly light up the whole area! The lights will change colors every 15 minutes along with each Christmas song that plays. These lights will be strung all across downtown,  including a giant Christmas tree right in the middle of Smothers Park! You won’t want to miss this riverfront holiday experience as part of Owensboro’s 2022 Hometown Christmas, and it’s free to the public through Dec. 31. SIP Owensboro          ‘Tis the…

Owensboro’s ‘Dancing Lights’ Gives All the Fun Holiday Feels

If you’re in the fairly large subgroup of people that LOVES a good Hallmark Christmas movie, then Owensboro is the perfect place to plan your next holiday trip.  You will be blown away by how beautifully decorated our downtown riverfront looks during the holidays. All those scenes from Hallmark movies that get you into the Christmas spirit – you know, where the characters explore the snow-topped, light-adorned winter wonderland setting around them – can be found right here in Owensboro, Kentucky.  As part of the City of Owensboro’s 2022 Hometown Christmas event, our city has decked out our downtown with thousands of lights that have been wrapped around almost every tree and building in Smothers Park.  But these aren’t your ordinary Christmas lights. Presented by Big Rivers Electric Corp. and Visit Owensboro, these “Dancing Lights” come in every color imaginable, and they’re part of an interactive light show that kicks off every 15 minutes. So not only do you get to watch in amazement as the lights change color, but they’re also programmed to synchronize with a lineup of classic holiday songs you can hear from speakers all across the riverfront.  This spectacle wouldn’t be complete without a giant Christmas tree in the center…

Owensboro to Host American Cornhole Organization World Championships

This summer, Owensboro will be hosting the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) as some of the best players from across the globe gather for one of the biggest events of the year – the 18th Annual World Championships.  This event is expected to bring enormous turnout as visitors travel to Owensboro to participate in the cornhole tournament. It’s estimated that more than 800 people (ages 12 to 80) in the form of athletes, organizers and fans will be staying in Owensboro July 25-29.  That enormous turnout will also produce an estimated economic impact of more than $1 million – and that’s just over a five-day period.  Owensboro hosted the ACO World Championships for the first time in 2012, and this will be the second time the city has landed the exciting event.  Hosting a tournament of this size and scale is a big deal in many ways. Not only will it keep our hotels full for the week, but it will bring visitors from all over the world to our local restaurants, bars and shops. Out-of-towners will get a full view of Owensboro and all its potential, and since the tournament will be streamed online, our city will gain even more exposure across the globe.  Athletes…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 9-11

Hot Chocolate Hop       You can walk, skip or hop your way through this event but, however you end up traveling, you’ll score some great hot chocolate along the way. Celebrate the holidays with the Hot Chocolate Hop, held for two days on December 9 and 10 in downtown Owensboro. The third annual event is going to be better than ever as local businesses sell a variety of specialty hot chocolate drinks. There will even be adult hot chocolate for those who want a little something extra in their drink! Home for the Holidays If you’ve never seen the Owensboro Symphony in action, then head to the RiverPark Center on December 10 for one of its cheeriest concerts of the year. “Home for the Holidays” is the best way to kick off your holiday season as you’ll hear a lineup of classic Christmas favorites, along with songs and scores from The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol and Sleigh Ride. See why the Owensboro Symphony and Troy Quinn have been getting so much attention for their incredible talent by purchasing tickets right here for $44.The Prophecy Show  The holiday fun continues all weekend long in downtown Owensboro, and The Prophecy Show is just…

Best Spots in Owensboro for Your Holiday Photos

Everyone loves a good holiday picture. Whether it’s for Christmas cards, social media or even to hang on your wall, it can be tough to find that perfect setting that just perfectly captures the essence of the season.  However, Owensboro-Daviess County has so many cool places to use as a holiday backdrop, we’re going to break them down into a list!  Christmas at Stonegate is one of the best places in the area for big, bold lights. With houses decorated all throughout the neighborhood of Stonegate (off Highway 54), you can gather your loved ones around and capture the glow of Christmas all around you! The best part is, you can drive to Stonegate to see the lights Sunday-Thursday from 5-8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-10 p.m. Donations at the entrance are collected for two local charities.  Downtown Owensboro is another great place for holiday photos. You can stand in front of the giant Christmas tree in Smothers Park, next to decorations hung along the Ohio River, or even pose for a photo with the lit-up bridge in the background! The Holiday Inn Downtown Riverfront also features an outdoor igloo that would make a pretty cool backdrop.  Another place that’s great for…

Owensboro Expecting Record-Breaking Turnout for 2023 Jeeps and Jamz Expo

There are people who love their cars and trucks, but there’s an even bigger group of people who LOVE their Jeeps, which is why Owensboro will be hosting the first-ever Jeeps and Jamz Expo this year for all the Jeep enthusiasts across the country!  Held for two days on May 19 and 20 2023 at the Owensboro Convention Center, Jeeps and Jamz will bring together hundreds, if not thousands, of Jeep owners and enthusiasts for two days of live music, car shows, city-wide discounts and deals, tons of vendors, off-roading events and after-parties.  Hosted by the Owensboro Offroad Jeepers, this event is expected to be one for the record books.  And that’s not an exaggeration. According to Friday After 5 Executive Director Fran Marseille, she’s already made a phone call to the Guinness Book of World Records as the Jeeps and Jamz Expo is predicted to bring the longest convoy of Jeeps to the state of Kentucky.  The Jeeps and Jamz Expo will coincide with Friday After 5’s opening night on May 19 – also referred to as City Night, which will make the event even more exciting for everyone attending. A FA5 After Party will be free fun for everyone at Jeeps and…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 16-18

Jimmy Fortune    You can hear legendary artist Jimmy Fortune perform live at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum on December 15! For those who may not know, Fortune climbed to fame by singing and touring with the Statler Brothers for 21 years, where he wrote the group’s No. 1 hit “Elizabeth,” followed by “My Only Love” and Too Much On My Heart.” Fortune launched a solo career in 2002 the included a slew of albums, with accolades including #10 Billboard Country Album, #1 Southern Gospel and #6 Contemporary Christian. You can score tickets to see Jimmy Fortune right here for $35.Breakfast with Santa   What’s a better combination than a pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa?! You’ll get the best of both worlds at the Owensboro Convention Center on December 17, where families are invited to attend an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and score free pics with the big guy himself! The 5th annual event is always a good time for everyone who attends and the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. The event runs from 7-10:30 a.m.Santa’s Sweets         As part of Owensboro’s Hometown…

Holiday Events for the Whole Family

As we get closer and closer to Christmas Day, we wanted to invite visitors and locals alike to partake in a number of family-friendly holiday activities that are sure to boost your spirits leading up to the big day!  Christmas at Panther Creek runs every night from 6-9 p.m. at Panther Creek Park. You and your family can ride together in your vehicle to experience over 500,000 lights and more than 50 displays along a 1.15 mile long driving tour. Grab your hot chocolate and turn on the holiday tunes for this country adventure! Admission is $5/vehicle and the event runs until January 2.  On the topic of Christmas lights, head to Legion Park in the heart of Owensboro to experience “Holiday in the Park” with your family and friends. There are tons of lights and displays to see, and it’s free to the public! The event runs through January 1 each night. Meanwhile, the Owensboro Christmas Lights, held in the Stonegate neighborhood off Highway 54, is another great drive- or walk-thru option for festive holiday lighting.  As part of Owensboro’s Hometown Christmas event, the Dancing Lights are one of the biggest draws of the holiday season! Head to Smothers Park in downtown…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 23-25

Winter Break Blast       The Owensboro Museum of Science and History is hosting a weeklong event for all the kiddos who want something fun and educational to do while school’s out! OMSH’s “Winter Break Blast” will be held December 20-23 featuring different events each day. Head downtown to see the museum’s Live Animal Experience from 10:30 a.m.-noon, where you can get your photo taken with baby lambs, calfs, bunnies and goats! And on December 21, the OMSH will host storyteller Susan Fowler for “The Night Before Christmas” (11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) and “Winter Adventures with Lewis and Clark” (12-2 p.m.) programs. Admission is $5 for non-members and free for members! Christmas at Panther Creek   It’s a magical, memorable experience for the whole family when you attend Christmas at Panther Creek! This outdoor, lighted driving tour features more than 500,000 lights that you can enjoy from the warmth of your vehicle. See lights and displays in every color, shape and size through January 2 from 6-9 p.m. each night. And to make the experience even better, the proceeds collected from admission ($5/vehicle) goes directly to five nonprofits across Daviess County. Holiday in the Park          If you’re more…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 30-January 1

New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop        If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate the new year, head to downtown Owensboro for a day of fun, festivities and, best of all, balloons! The Owensboro Museum of Science and History will hold its annual Balloon Drop in the form of hundreds of multi-colored balloons floating to the ground to kick New Year’s off the right way. Enter a half-pot raffle for the chance to win some extra holiday cash, and celebrate 2023 with all your loved ones from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on December 31. Admission is $5 for nonmembers and free for members!Space Cowboys at Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville    For the second year in a row, Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville is toasting to the new year in a big way with its New Year’s Eve Party on December 31. This year’s theme is “Space Cowboy,” so go on and saddle up with the best themed outfit you can find. All general admission tickets will include hors d’oeuvres and are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab them while you can right here! Held from 6:30 p.m.-1 a.m., enjoy live music from Josh Merritt and Andy Brasher…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: January 6-8

ACO Cornhole Tournament        Ahead of the American Cornhole Organization’s World Championships this summer, the ACO Owensboro Major will hold its Pro Series Tour January 6 and 7 at the Owensboro Convention Center. This tournament will bring some of the best cornhole players in the Midwest together for two days of competitive play. There will be separate competitions for seniors, women, juniors, coed teams, world doubles pool play and world singles pool play. The competition kicks off at 9 a.m. Greatest Showman Interactive Experience    If you’re looking for something unique and fun to do this weekend, head over to the RiverPark Center for The Greatest Showman Interactive Film Experience. Not only will you get to watch the movie on a big screen, but the RPC Shadow Cast Crew will perform alongside the film in Cannon Hall! You’ll receive a goodie bag upon arrival to use throughout the film to enhance the experience, and you can dress up as your favorite character. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. on January 6 and tickets are $12.Tour at Science & History Museum            While you’re in Owensboro, be sure to make time for a visit to the…

Skate All Winter Long at Owensboro’s Edge Ice Center

One of Owensboro’s best-kept secrets is our amazing ice-skating rink. One of only four ice-skating rinks in the state of Kentucky, Edge Ice Center is open all year long, and it’s well-known all across the Midwest for its top-notch quality.  Edge Ice Center is home to the Owensboro Youth Hockey Association and the Owensboro Figure Skating Club, but it’s open for public ice-skating as well. It offers a full concession stand and pro shop, so you can warm up with hot chocolate and other fun snacks while you’re taking a break from the ice! With over 42,000 square feet of space, including 17,000 square feet of ice surface, Edge is one of the largest public ice-skating rinks you’ll find anywhere.  Edge also has three meeting rooms with flat-screen TVs in each, so you can throw all kinds of parties and events there.  Click here to see when Edge Ice Center is open each day. Tickets are $6/person and skaters under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Owensboro Symphony’s ‘Night at the Museum’ an Action-Packed Concert for All Ages

We always love a good chance to brag on the Owensboro Symphony, and this upcoming concert is one for listeners of all ages!  On Saturday, March 4, the Owensboro Symphony will present “A Night at the Museum” at RiverPark Center. This is a show where music and art come together for a night of action-packed history on stage!  You’ll be delighted as the Owensboro Symphony brings an exciting lineup of music from some of the greatest films of our time. You’ll hear sounds and scores from Indiana Jones, The Mummy, Night at the Museum and more!  The Owensboro Symphony will also perform an illuminating rendition of Modest Mussorgky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, giving you all the cool museum vibes you could possibly ask for.  Tickets to see “A Night at the Museum” are $44 and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: January 28-30

Wedding Show        Whether you’re starting to plan your wedding or are dreaming of that special day in your future, the Owensboro Convention Center has everything you’ll need for your future wedding this weekend! The “Your Perfect Day Wedding Show” will feature trusted area wedding professionals displaying popular trends and unique offerings for your big day. You can also win door prizes and, if you pre register by Jan. 27, you could win a $100 Visa gift card! The event will be held on Sunday, Jan. 29 from noon-4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and children 12 and under get in free. Owensboro Symphony: Cinematic Romance   With Valentine’s Day only weeks away, the Owensboro Symphony’s “Cinematic Romance” concert is the perfect chance to get an early start on the holiday celebrating love. Enjoy an evening of Hollywood’s most romantic movie scores with music from Gone with the Wind, Romeo and Juliet and Casablanca. Violin soloist Sandy Cameron will also be there to perform a selection of beautiful songs. Cinematic Romance will take place at RiverPark Center on January 28 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $44. Escape Rooms          If you’re looking for something fun to do…

Travel to Owensboro for the Great American Bluegrass Jam

Owensboro is doing big things when it comes to Bluegrass music, y’all. And this year, we’ve got a brand new event dedicated to all things bluegrass with The Great American Bluegrass Jam!  This weekend-long festival will take place in downtown Owensboro March 17-19 with TONS of different events for all bluegrass fans to enjoy:  –The Kentucky Fried Pickin’ Hotel Jam will happen at the Holiday Inn Downtown Riverfront. Guests will pick and play alongside other musicians from across the country. Anyone is able to see these around-the-clock jam sessions.  –The Kentucky State Fiddle Championships will be held at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Areas of competition include flatpick guitar, fiddle, mandolin, dulcimer, old-time banjo, old-time singing, Bluegrass banjo, dancing and the Championship Fiddle-Off. There is no fee to enter and pre-registration is open right now!  –Guests can sign up for an excursion to see the birthplace of the “Father of Bluegrass” Bill Monroe. The journey will also take you to Monroe’s beloved Uncle Pen’s cabin, as well as the Rosine Cemetery, the Rosine Barn for lunch and music, and the new Bill Monroe Museum.  –King’s Highway will perform on the lobby stage at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum at…

Beat the Cold with Indoor Fun in Owensboro

Here in Kentucky, the last thing we’re able to predict is the weather. But we do know that it can get cold around here during winter. But that shouldn’t stop you from having fun!  It’s easy to just hunker down and stay home when the days are short and the skies are gray, but Owensboro has a TON of indoor activities for you to enjoy during these winter months.  We’re breaking down a list of some of the most unique ways to stay warm–and have fun–while in Owensboro:  Museums We’ve got three museums in downtown Owensboro that make for great indoor experiences. The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Owensboro Museum of Science and History and the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art.  Escape Rooms Escape Today is a gem in our city, and they currently have three different escape rooms to choose from! Never tried an escape room before? This is the best place for your first experience. They also have an indoor arcade room featuring over 50 different games!  Indoor Golf While it’s tough to get a good outdoor game going in this weather, Par 3 Indoor Golf is the perfect chance to practice your swing in the off-season. You can golf individually or in…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: February 3-5

Frank and Friends         Owensboro’s very own Franklin Embry is returning to the stage for a night of amazing hip hop music! Embry, an Owensboro native, has spent the last eight years touring the country and opening up for some huge names in hip hop, including Jelly Roll, Upchurch, The Lacs, Struggle Jennings, Big Smo, Rehab and Nappy Roots. Embry blends hip hop with country and rock music, so you’ll get a little bit of everything at this concert! The show will take place at the RiverPark Center on February 3 and tickets are $25. Owensboro Museum of Science and History   There’s a lot of exciting stuff happening at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History! You can spend an entire day checking out the museum’s exhibits and galleries, which include the Ford Government Gallery, the Origins Natural History Gallery, the Impact 100 Cave, The Coal Mine Gallery and the First People of Yellow Banks: Native American Gallery. The museum also includes a PlayZeum for children, a SpeedZeum for motosports and race car fans, and two new exhibits – Little Tots Farm Gallery and A-MAZing Airways – will open to the public on February 28! You can visit the…

Owensboro to Host World’s Largest Geocaching Event in May

The largest geocaching event in the WORLD is coming to our city this spring, and that’s something to get excited about!  GeoWoodstock XIX will be held in Owensboro over Memorial Day weekend this year, May 22-28. This large-scale event is expected to bring in more than 3,000 visitors to experience our city, taste our food, hear our music and see what our northwestern Kentucky city is all about.  For those who may not know, geocaching is a recreational activity where participants use an app on their phones to search for hidden containers – also called “geocaches” – throughout the city. It’s an event that brings together people of all ages, ethnicities, races and experience levels.  GeoWoodstock began in 2003 and has thus far been held in cities that include Nashville, Dallas, Raleigh, Seattle and, most recently, British Columbia.  This high-tech treasure hunt is not only a great hobby, but an amazing way to meet other people from all over the country.  As stated by Visit Owensboro President & CEO Mark Calitri, this event puts Owensboro on a national stage.  “The bid process was extremely competitive and involved over four years of hard work to earn the business,” he said. “Our team stayed strong after it and…

Head to Owensboro for Burger Week 2023

One of Owensboro’s most-loved traditions is coming back in a big way this year! Owensboro Burger Week will span NINE days this year, allowing you to purchase delicious burgers from dozens of different restaurants at only $7 apiece from March 3-11.  Burger Week has gained a huge following since its inception in 2021, bringing thousands of people out to explore a variety of local restaurants across Owensboro-Daviess County. By charging only $7 per burger, this gives you the chance to try as many burgers as possible–many from restaurants that don’t typically sell burgers!  In previous years, we’ve seen everything from pork belly burgers to mac-and-cheese burgers to breakfast-style burgers topped in layers of egg, bacon, and hashbrowns. Owensboro is known for its barbecue, of course, and you can score some of the tastiest burgers you’ll ever find at our world-renowned BBQ establishments!  As always, a distinguished panel of self-proclaimed burger experts will do a blind tasting of these burgers to determine the Burger Week Champion. Stay tuned for a social media contest during Owensboro Burger Week as well.  Hint: The more burgers you eat, the better your chance of winning a prize!

Owensboro’s Bronze Buffalo Statues Hold Historic Significance

Owensboro is a well-renowned arts city, and one of the best gifts we give to our visitors are our amazing displays of public art. Most of these are spread throughout downtown Owensboro (and some beyond) and all are free to the public.  One of our most famous public art displays features three different bronze sculptures that include two bronze buffalo statues and one Native American hunter. We like to call the three-piece display the “Bronze Buffalo Statues” and, together, they tell a historic story about Owensboro’s roots.  Located at Frederica and 10th Streets in the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art’s Sculpture Park, these sculptures reflect our city’s history as a buffalo trace for early settlers. In fact, what is now Frederica Street was traveled by buffalo many years ago.  Buffalo herds opened the first road in the wilderness to present the site of Owensboro (called Yellow Banks during that time). In 1797, Bill Smothers followed the trail from Rough Creek to the Ohio River and built a cabin at the end of the road near where the sculptures are located today. Old court records even say that the “Buffalo Road” was a place of “great resort for that kind of game.”  The three statues…

Moneta Sleet Festival

Moneta Sleet Festival   This festival will honor one of Owensboro’s most treasured icons. “Through Sleet’s Eyes” will honor the late Moneta Sleet Jr. – the first Black person to win a Pulitzer Prize for Journalism. Through art and education, this festival will create a meaningful experience for the community and beyond, with the intent of inspiring hope. Enjoy seeing Sleet’s most prolific photographs, a documentary about Sleet’s life, community engagement talks and musical performances. This festival will be held at the RiverPark Center  on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 

Owensboro Hosting Massive Car Show in August

It’s time to get excited because Owensboro has a brand new car show coming to you this August! And it’s going to be massive and packed with fun.  The Bluegrass Legends Experience will be held at Moreland Park and the Owensboro Sportscenter on August 19 and 20, 2023.  Whether you enter your vehicle in the show or are simply a fan of car shows, this large-scale event has a TON of things to do during this two-day festival. You’ll get to experience a wide variety of cars, trucks and more displayed throughout the park along with an action-packed weekend of fun.  Some of the weekend festivities will include musical performances in the park, an indoor exposition and vendor show, a large food truck rally, a swap meet, and a beer garden.  The experience will actually kick off a day earlier on Friday, Aug. 18 at Friday After 5! You’ll find custom cars displayed across the waterfront with a special musical guest on the Ruoff Party Pier. On Saturday, you can try food from over 30 different food trucks and even take your vehicle out to Windy Hollow Speedway for a test run on the dragstrip from 6-11 p.m. under the WDRA sanctioning body.  Sunday will…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: March 3-5

Night at the Museum         This is going to be an action-packed night for music enthusiasts of all ages! Owensboro Symphony’s “Night at the Museum” will bring you a concert full of songs and scores from some of the greatest adventure films in history. You’ll hear music from Indiana Jones, The Mummy, Night at the Museum and more! The show will be held at the RiverPark Center on March 4 at 7 p.m. and tickets are $44.Science Museum: New Exhibits   The Owensboro Museum of Science and History is showcasing, not one, but TWO new exhibits that are guaranteed to be showstoppers! Head to downtown Owensboro with your little ones for OMSH’s brand new “Little Tots Farm Gallery,” as well as their new “A-MAZing Airways” exhibit. These long-awaited installations can be found on the museum’s second floor and will give everyone a whole new reason to visit one of Owensboro’s top-notch facilities. Members can tour the exhibits for free and it’s only $5 per person for non-members. Burger Week          It’s back and better than ever this year! Burger Week 2023 is going to be a mouth-watering experience for visitors and locals alike as dozens of local…

ROMP 2023 Bringing Amazing Lineup to Owensboro

In what is being described by many Bluegrass music fans as the best ROMP lineup yet, we can’t wait to break down the final musical lineup for Owensboro-Daviess County’s outdoor Bluegrass music festival.  To kick off ROMP’s 20th year, those at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum went all out on putting together an out-of-this-world lineup. Headliners for ROMP 2023 include Greensky Bluegrass, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway and Rhonda Vincent taking the stage on Thursday. On Friday, headliners will include Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, The Infamous Stringdusters and Tuba Skinny. And then Saturday will bring us Old Crow Medicine Show, Sam Bush and Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band.  But that’s far from where the fun ends for this four-day music fest. The rest of ROMP’s lineup is just as stellar with a ton of fan favorites and nationally-recognized Bluegrass artists.  Thursday will also feature Kitchen Dwellers and Rick Faris, while Slocan Ramblers, The Purple Hulls and Bill & The Belles will take the main stage on Friday. On Saturday, you’ll get sets from The McCrary Sisters, John R. Miller, David Peterson & 1946 and Kentucky Shine.  And if you thought that was enough, we’ve got even more artists to announce!  On the…

Fun Events at ROMP (Aside From the Music)

While the music at ROMP is the obvious attention-getter of Bluegrass music fans everywhere, this four-day concert packs quite the punch when it comes to other forms of entertainment as well!  Throughout the four-day festival there are all kinds of fun things attendees can see, taste and experience. Yellow Creek Park’s 150-acre facility provides a number of excellent walking paths that serve as great nature trails. With winding creeks and a fishing lake to boot, you can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities at your own leisure.  You can also have your own personal Bluegrass music experience with a lineup of artist-led instrument workshops. This is a super cool opportunity to learn from the ROMP entertainers themselves. Workshops range from songwriting, clogging, flat-foot dancing, yoga and Bluegrass jamming 101.  For the foodies out there, ROMP will have food trucks, organic and farm-to-table vendors, as well as craft vendors featuring Kentucky Proud products. There will also be art installations and professionally-led children’s activities to enjoy throughout the four days.  Attendees can bring their own instruments and jam out all day and night and spend the night under the stars at the onsite campgrounds. ROMP is an event for outdoor, art, food and music enthusiasts alike.

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: March 10-12

Home Expo         Held for two days on March 11 and 12, the Owensboro Home Expo will bring you the best of everything related to home ownership. There will be experts and vendors there to talk about building, remodeling and outdoor living, so this is the perfect chance to get started on your spring and summer homebuilding plans! Show hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 11 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 12. Tickets are $5. Spring Market Day   This large-scale shopping event will bring dozens of vendors together for one huge day of fun! Preservation Station’s historic location provides the perfect venue for this once-a-year shopping extravaganza, presented as Spring Market Day. You can find the eclectic, vintage, boutique and antique at Preservation Station, and Spring Market Day will be held on March 11 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Kentucky Headhunters & Confederate Railroad          The Kentucky Headhunters are famous for creating a hybrid of honky tonk, blues and southern rock that appeals to fans of both country and rock music. You can see this band perform live with Confederate Railroad, who first rolled onto the national country music scene in the early 90s–on March…

Check Out Large-Scale Ice-Skating Competition in Owensboro

Owensboro has one of only four ice-skating rinks in the state of Kentucky, which makes it the perfect place for a large-scale ice-skating competition this spring. The Edge Ice Center will hold the 10th Annual Living on the Edge ISI Invitational Team Competition March 24-26.  This competition will include a huge variety of ice-skating events, so it’s a great opportunity to see competitive ice-skating up close and personal. There will be solo events for preschool and tots, while stroking and freestyle competitions will be open to skaters along with rhythmic, theme spotlight, couples spotlight, ensemble team and jump and spin events.  If that isn’t cool enough, there will also be hockey-style competitions available to those who want to show their finesse with a stick and puck. Hockey shooting, hockey skating and hockey goalie competitions will determine who has the best shooting, speed and style on the ice.  The Edge Ice Center will be open to those who want to watch these events. With stands to sit in and a full concession stand onsite, there will be plenty of seating and warm food to keep you comfortable over the weekend.

Easter Events in Owensboro

Easter is right around the corner so we’re here to break down all of the fun Easter events going on in Owensboro-Daviess County! From egg hunts to Easter Bunny appearances, we’ve got it all:  –Easter Adventure at Reid’s Orchard will be held on Saturday, April 1 from noon-5 p.m. You can bring the kids out to enjoy the Reidland Play Area, a scavenger hunt, the animal barnyard, appearances from the Easter Bunny and egg picking. The cost is $10 per child and adults get in free.  –The Egg-Ceptional Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Fun at Trunnell’s Farm Market will be held for two days on Saturday, April 1 and Saturday, April 8 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This event will feature nonstop egg hunts with prize packs for kids from the Easter Bunny, who will also be making an appearance. You can play with baby animals and enjoy Easter face painting as well. Each child will also get a free prize bag from Texas Roadhouse. Tickets are $19.99 per child and $14.99 per adult.  –Easter Egg Adventure on the Farm will be held at Cecil Farms Produce on Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At only $5 per child…

Owensboro to Honor Nicky Hayden with Summer Motorsports Festival

Owensboro celebrates one of its hometown heroes in a big way each year with Nicky Hayden Week honoring the life of “The Kentucky Kid” and world-famous racer.  Part of that celebration includes hosting one of the largest motorcycle and powersports shows in the state!  The River City Bike Expo will be held for two days this year on June 2 and 3 at the Owensboro Convention Center. This event will not only bring tons of visitors to our city but will kick off Owensboro’s Summer Motorsports Festival, held June 2-10. With 43,000 square feet of space, the Owensboro Convention Center is the perfect place to host this large-scale event. Attendees can enjoy incredible custom builds, National Builders Manufacturing Displays & Vendors and a Motorcycle Audio Sound Warz Competition, among many other cool displays and events.  Even more, you can spend Friday night at Owensboro’s summer music festival, Friday After 5, for free! Everything is within walking distance to the convention center and both downtown hotels and there will be multiple bands and singers spread throughout downtown Owensboro.  There will be a downtown cruise-in on Saturday, June 3 from 4-7 p.m. and a NASCAR Truck Series Toyota 200 Watch Party at The Lot (900 East 4th…

Where to See the Flowers Bloom in Owensboro

Owensboro is an absolutely gorgeous city to visit in the springtime. We are famous for our pink and white dogwood trees you can find blooming all across the city. You’ll find hundreds and hundreds of beautifully bright azalea bushes, along with fields and sidewalks lined with daffodils. It’s truly a floral paradise here March through May.  Because of all that beauty, we created a list of some of the best places you can find the flowers blooming this year!  Western Kentucky Botanical Garden is a top spot for viewing flowers in peak blooming season. There are so many different types of flowers, plants and trees in bloom at the Botanical Gardens that we couldn’t even begin to name them all–you just gotta trust us when we say, it’s worth it. Admission is free to members, $8 for adults and $2 for children.  Reid’s Orchard has its very own flower garden (Katie’s U-Pick Flower Garden) where you can pick your own flowers at a very affordable price. This garden is fully stocked each year with a gorgeous variety of zinnias, snapdragons, sunflowers and salvia, among many others.  Cecil Farms Produce has its own variety of flower gardens and it’s very own greenhouse to boot! Run by…

Daviess County to Hold Strawberry Festival in June

The Cottage Farm Stand saw major success with its first-ever Strawberry Festival last year, so they are bringing it back for a second time this summer!  Held for two days on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11, this is an event for people of all ages, including anyone and everyone who loves strawberries!  While The Cottage will have plenty of fresh, homegrown strawberries to taste and purchase at this festival, there will also be tons of strawberry-flavored treats to try. Vendors will be set up outside so that attendees can peruse the grounds for items ranging from strawberry ice-cream to strawberry donuts and drinks.  Whether it’s a strawberry pie, a strawberry cake pop or strawberry muffins you’re in the mood for, The Cottage will have something to satiate your sweet tooth.  You can also shop from various vendors during the festival, and there will plenty of activities for the kiddos! Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event! The Strawberry Festival will run 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on June 10 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on June 11.

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: March 31-April 2

Watchhouse Duo         This singer-songwriter duo will bring their amazing chemistry to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum with a concert on April 1. Andrew Marlin and Emily Franz have achieved amazing success over the last year, opening up for Punch Brothers in 2022 and headlining shows across the US. After starting their musical journey over a decade ago playing coffee shops and restaurants, this duo has continued to create beautiful music while garnering nationwide fame. Tickets are $38.50 and the show starts at 7 p.m.Tour at Western KY Botanical GardenThere is so much to get excited about when it comes to Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, and there’s never been a better time to take a tour at this amazing facility. With the flowers beginning to bloom, you’ll be transported to an oasis full of beauty, wonder and awe. With new art installations abound, the historic WeatherBerry House open to the public and a new Path of Hope and Healing walkway paving the way for guests to enjoy a quiet and relaxing experience, Western Kentucky Botanical Garden has it all. WKBG is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from noon-4 p.m. Admission is $8…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: April 7-9

Trunnell’s Easter Egg Hunt        You can enjoy spring in all its glory at the Trunnel’s Egg-Ceptional Easter Egg Hunt this weekend! Held on April 1, join the Easter Bunny on the hunt for eggs. This event will feature nonstop egg hunts with prize packs for the kids, photo opps, a unicorn meet-and-greet and over 30 different farm attractions to enjoy. The event runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and tickets are $19.99/child and $14.99/adult.Easter Adventure Held at Cecil Farms Produce for two days on April 7 and 8, the Easter Egg Adventure on the Farm is a family-friendly event for everyone to enjoy! There will be Easter eggs, visits to the greenhouse and fun spring shopping from local vendors. This event is being held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and the cost is only $5. Western Kentucky Botanical Garden       The flowers are all beginning to bloom at Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, so it’s the perfect time to tour this beautiful 12-acre facility. Even better, WKBG is kicking off April with a day of fun and learning for elementary-aged kiddos! Check out hundreds of flowers, plants, trees and art installations at this wonderful garden, and be sure to explore the historic…

Check Out Owensboro’s Skate Park During Your Next Visit

Owensboro has a variety of beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but one of the coolest parks on the list is known for more than fishing lakes and nature trails.  The Travis Aubrey Skatepark is another one of our city’s hidden gems. This 14,000 square-foot facility was designed by Spohn Ranch Skateparks for Owensboro’s skating and BMX community. Located at Chautauqua Park in the center of our city,  This skate park includes quarter pipes, a bowl, ledges and wedge ramps and a staircase with a handrail. Half of the park includes space for technical tricks while the other section is designed for catching more air, so you get the best of both worlds at this skatepark.  The Travis Aubrey Skatepark has received amazing reviews on Google, with users complimenting its cleanliness, design, good lighting and beautiful park surrounding the skating area.  Visitors are welcome to visit the skatepark anytime! It is open from dawn to 11 p.m. each day and is free to the public.

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: April 14-16

Spring Bliss Market Day       If you’ve never been to historic Reid’s Orchard, this is the perfect opportunity to check it out! Spring Bliss Market Day will be held on Sunday, April 16 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., bringing you a greenhouse full of plants and flowers, 25 different vendors to shop from and plenty of activities for the kids! Reid’s is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year, so come out and see what the fun is all about! Owensboro Music Business Expo Discover new ways to approach your music career at Owensboro’s first-ever Owensboro Music Business Expo. Workshops will be led by some of the best songwriters and producers in the country, with keynote speakers that include Taylor Swift’s former manager Rick Barker and Liverpool-based producer Steve Levine.  Former Matchbox Twenty Guitarist Adam Gaynor is launching the OMBE with Francine Marseille. OMBE will be held April 13-15 at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum. You can register right here! Jesus Christ Superstar       Celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, Jesus Christ Superstar returns to the stage bigger and better than ever before With lyrics and music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, JCS is set against the backdrop…

BBQ and Barrels Bridging Two Owensboro Staples for One Fun Weekend

A longtime Owensboro tradition will be revitalized this year with BBQ and Barrels – a new take on two of our city’s greatest culinary staples: Unique barbecue and historic bourbon.  BBQ and Barrels will be held for two days this year on May 12 and 13 in downtown Owensboro.  While those who love the International Bar-B-Q Festival will still be able to score their favorite items from local restaurants and cooking teams, the addition to this event will be in the form of a ticketed bourbon element at the Owensboro Convention Center. Already, 35 different distilleries have signed up. Bourbon classes and a sit-down dinner will be offered at Green River Distilling Co. as well.  And that’s not all! BBQ and Barrels will also feature a carnival for kids, a 5K event, and a number of craft vendors to shop from.  Things will kick off on Friday, May 12 at noon with barbecue from local church cooking teams and food vendors, carnival rides and live music. You can see the full music lineup right here!  The fun continues on Saturday with a BBQ 5K, Backyard BBQ Cook-off and bourbon-tasting events inside the Owensboro Convention Center.  You can purchase tickets for the bourbon-tasting portion of the event…

See Owensboro’s Famous Dogwood Trees this Spring

Owensboro is famous for its beautiful dogwood trees and, starting in mid-to-late April each year, our city becomes a sea of white and pink as the dogwood trees reach peak blooming season.  The dogwood trees are so popular, in fact, an entire section of Owensboro has been dedicated to them! The Dogwood-Azalea Trail runs through the center of the city along Griffith Avenue and many of its side streets.  But that isn’t the only place to find dogwoods! Because of its commitment to urban forest management, Owensboro has been a designated “Tree City” since 2018, so there are plenty of places to spot dogwoods all over.  If you want to take a gorgeous drive lined with dogwoods, both Hwy. 56 and Hwy. 144 are great country roads surrounded by rolling hills and tons of beautiful trees, including plenty of dogwoods. And if you want to get out of the car and explore the dogwoods, check out Yellow Creek Park, Ben Hawes Park, Panther Creek Park and James Mason Park, located right in the heart of Owensboro.

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: April 21-23

The Isaacs    The Isaacs have performed for over 50 years, taking home nine Dove Awards and receiving three Grammy nominations for their latest three albums. This band has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and as members of the Grand Ole Opry as well. You can see The Isaacs perform at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum on April 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35. Pigtails & Cowlicks At least 500 families will be selling new or gently used children’s items at amazing prices at this year’s Pigtails & Cowlicks event! This is a great way to stretch your budget and still buy high-quality clothing, shoes and more. In fact, you can find everything from clothing to furniture to baby gear. There is no admission fee to shop and the event will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center on April 21 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) and April 22 (8 a.m.-1 p.m.).Beer at The Pub on Second The Pub on Second is expected to launch its first round of in-house brews in a few weeks, making this a very exciting time to check out this downtown bar. The Pub is widely known for its selection of craft beer…

What to Pack for ROMP

ROMP 2023 is right around the corner, so there’s a lot to get excited about! And while you’re making your plans for this four-day outdoor Bluegrass festival, we wanted to break down a list of some of the must-haves you’ll need when it comes to packing and preparing for it. Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, ROMP will be held right when the weather starts to really get warm – June 21-24. That means you should pack lots and lots of water. Whether it’s bottled water, water by the gallon, or water in your tumbler, staying hydrated is one of the keys to keeping your spirits up during those hot summer days. Speaking of summer, be sure to pack sunscreen and chapstick with SPF protection. Trust us, the days will be mostly sunny and even if you don’t feel like you’re getting a sunburn out there, you’ll feel it later. The area in front of the stage doesn’t provide a whole lot of shade, so it’s important to protect yourself. We also suggest wearing a hat when you can. And if you don’t bring your own, you can buy one at the ROMP merch tent! Bring cash for food trucks and other activities…

Friday After 5 Preview for Summer 2023

The summer season will be here before you know it, which means it’s the perfect time to preview this season’s Friday After 5 outdoor music fest! This 16-week, summer-long, award-winning series of free outdoor concerts is held on our stunningly beautiful riverfront, and we’ve got an amazing lineup of artists to brag about!  Friday After 5 will kick off on Friday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m. with “City Night.” Owensboro’s first-ever Jeeps and Jams Expo will be celebrated that night with live music coming from The U.S. Stones, Sugar Lime Blue, Happiness Jones and Lilly May. On Friday, May 25, FA5 will host a special edition event celebrating the National GeoWoodstock event in town – the largest geocaching event in the world! You’ll hear live music from the Michael Gough Group, Stackin’ Eight’s, Josh Martin & Anthony Adams and The Thing with Feathers.  On Friday, June 2  we will be celebrating MotorSports week with the RiverCity Bike Expo in town, the first round of WBKR Friday Night Fight Night Auditions, and during this historic night, you will enjoy music from The Owensboro Symphony with Troy Quinn and Rockapella,  Al Green & The Hard Times,  First & Main and Cam Thompson & Kalico. On Friday,…

Check Out These Black-Owned Businesses in Owensboro

With Owensboro continuing to expand and evolve, we wanted to highlight some of our local Black-owned businesses that serve some of the best food, drinks, entertainment venues and products in the city!  From live shows to delicious dining to coffee and sweets, Owensboro’s Black community is doing amazing things here, and we hope you’re sure to check them out next time you’re in town.  Shiloh’s Lounge offers an awesome breakfast, lunch and dinner menu along with tons of live entertainment on select nights.  J’s Good Grub is considered one of the best food trucks in Owensboro, serving everything from chicken wings to cajun fries to several vegan options!  Try amazing, authentic Jamaican food at Jamaican Yard Vibes.  You can enjoy your favorite childhood slushies with an adult twist at The Frozen Lounge.  The Party Space Place is perfect for showers, parties and other festivities with your family and friends.  A hotspot in Owensboro, Pinky’s SnowCones & Snacks offers snowcones, cakes, cookies, brownies and more! Mechanicsville Neighborhood Kitchen has a full breakfast and lunch items ranging from delicious omelettes to chicken and waffles to burgers.  If you want the kind of pizza everyone brags about, PeezO’s Pizza is the place. They also serve a variety of sandwiches, salads and wings.  Ever…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: May 5-7

Alison Brown    Bluegrass fans, you’re not gonna want to miss this one! Grammy-winning musician Alison Brown is hitting the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum on May 6 for a night from one of the most forward-thinking banjo players in the industry. Brown blends bluegrass music with jazz for a sound that’s earned praise from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, NPR and USA Today. Her newest album includes special guests such as Steve Martin, Kronos Quartet, Sierra Hull and Stuart Duncan. Tickets are $22 and the show starts at 7 p.m. Brasher’s Derby Party  You need a place to celebrate the Kentucky Derby? We’ve got you covered. Brasher’s Little Nashville is hosting a Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 6, so you can drink all the Mint Juleps you want while watching the race live from the bar. A number of drink specials will be available and live music will be played by Matt Morris at 6 p.m. followed by Whiskey Row at 9:30 p.m. Brasher’s will open at noon that day so you can get an early start!American Junior Golf Visit Owensboro is hosting the Ninja Junior All-Star Series Golf Tournament this weekend at the Owensboro Country…

Head to Owensboro for FREE Symphony Concert

We are super excited to announce that the Owensboro Symphony is returning to downtown Owensboro this summer for its Summer Salute concert! The Summer Salute will feature both the Owensboro Symphony and special guest Rockapella for a night of amazing music. Songs will be performed from Shambala, Philadelphia Freedom, Rock the Boat and more!  For those who don’t know, Rockapella became hugely successful after achieving fame in the early 90s for its TV performances on Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Since then, they’ve gone on to tour the globe to provide some funky soundtracks to generations of music fans. Their music spans a variety of genres, including pop and soul.  One of the best things about Summer Salute is that it’s absolutely free to everyone! Thanks to sponsorships from Daviess County Fiscal Court, the City of Owensboro and Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, you’ll get to see one of the best symphonies in the country perform at no cost. Just bring your lawn chairs and a blanket and find a spot at the Atmos Amphitheater on McConnell Plaza to enjoy!  Those who want a VIP experience can purchase tickets for the Conductor’s Circle or special Reserved Seating tickets right here.The Summer Salute…

See Two Amazing Drone Shows in Owensboro

Visit Owensboro is constantly creating new events for our out-of-towners to enjoy, so the first-ever Owensboro Drone Show should definitely be on your radar!  The Drone Show will be held on downtown Owensboro’s riverfront on May 17 and 19. And this event is going to be absolutely bonkers with 300 different drones lighting up the night sky for something truly spectacular.  You’re going to see these drones create tons of different formations in the sky using a variety of colors. To make it even cooler, the drone show will be accompanied by an awesome musical soundtrack.  Visit Owensboro is teaming up with the City of Owensboro, German American Bank and Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari for this once-in-a-lifetime event.  One of the best parts is, you’ll get two different chances to see the Owensboro Drone Show! The same show will be held on Wednesday, May 17 and Friday, May 19. There will be a lot of activity surrounding the Drone Show on Friday with Friday After 5’s Opening Night and Owensboro’s Jeeps and Jamz Expo kicking off on the same day.  This free event will be held at 8:30 p.m. both nights. 

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: May 12-14

Nashville Songwriter     The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum is kicking things up a notch with its Nashville Songwriter Series this year! This year’s HITMAKERS edition will kick off on May 11 on the outdoor stage. You’ll get to hear the stories behind the songs from professional songwriters based in Nashville. You’ll want to bring your own chair for this event! The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $20.BBQ and Barrels You’ll get to taste two of Owensboro’s greatest staples this weekend at BBQ and Barrels–a revitalization and rebirth of our International Bar-B-Q Fest with an added bourbon element for those who want the chance to try bourbon from over 30 different distilleries. Head to downtown Owensboro for our famous barbecue from over 20 cooking teams (including church teams and familiar favorites) and vendors, carnival rides, craft vendors and live music. Food sales begin at noon on Friday, May 12 while the bourbon events will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center on Saturday, May 13, along with the Backyard BBQ Cook-Off. Mother’s Day Brunch What better way to honor your mom than with a Mother’s Day Brunch? Leave the cooking (and cleaning) to the Owensboro Convention Center as…

Visit Owensboro for World’s Largest Geocaching Event

The largest Geocaching event in the world is about to kick off, and this year’s GeoWoodstock is right here in Owensboro!  GeoWoodstock is a massive, annual geocaching event held each year in a different place across North America. Owensboro is expected to see more than 3,000 visitors attend this large-scale event, held May 22-28.  While the main geocaching event will be held on May 27, Visit Owensboro has teamed up with our tourism partners to bring you an entire week of fun, family-friendly activities that will keep you busy for days on end.  Head on over to Brew Bridge on Tuesday, May 23 for a night of ax-throwing, escape rooms, vintage arcade games and some awesome locally-brewed beer. On Wednesday, May 24, you can spend the day at Daviess County’s historic Reid’s Orchard for a day of amazing food, live animals and an entire play area for the kids.  On Thursday, head on over to one of the prettiest places in Owensboro for a “Venti Cinco de Mayo” event at Western Kentucky Botanical Garden for food trucks, fresh margaritas, cold beer and fun, festive photo opps.  And Friday will really start to kick things off with Friday After 5, an award-winning outdoor music festival held…

Take Your Pups to Our Amazing Dog Park During Visit

For a lot of visitors out there, bringing your pets with you on trips is a must. And luckily for them, Owensboro has a super cool place to take your dogs when they need a good place to release some energy! Located within the larger Legion Park area is Castlen Dog Park, which was created specifically as a place for dogs to play and run in a safe, enclosed space. Gated all the way around, this dog park is split into four different sections–two for small dogs and two for large dogs.  The dog park is a great area for your canines as it’s so spacious, but it also provides a lot of shade due to the large trees that surround the area. Plus, you can walk your dog with a leash around the rest of Legion Park as well!  So when your traveling with dogs and need a place to let them off the leash, bring them over to this amazing facility! Castlen Dog Park is open from 5 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. 

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: May 19-21

Josh Turner Concert   We’ve got a big weekend with lots of events coming up, so we’re going to kick things off by highlighting a Josh Turner concert at the RiverPark Center! Turner is a country music superstar who’s sold more than 6.5 million records and has reached 4.8 billion worldwide streams. You can see this hitmaker live in Owensboro on Thursday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $39.Owensboro Drone Show  The first-ever Owensboro Drone Show is hitting the downtown riverfront for two separate performances this week! This show will feature 300 LED-lit drones flying over the Ohio River for a spectacular performance. You’ll witness choreographed performances set to an amazing soundtrack. The Owensboro Drone Show will take place on Wednesday, May 17 and Friday, May 19 at 8:30 p.m. It is free to attend! Jeeps and Jamz We’ve got another big event this weekend to get excited about with the first-ever Jeeps and Jamz Expo hitting the Owensboro Convention Center! Held for two days on May 19 and 20, Jeeps and Jamz will bring together hundreds, if not thousands, of Jeep owners and enthusiasts for a weekend of live music, car shows, city-wide discounts, tons of vendors and off-roading events…

Head to Owensboro for PorchFest 2023

It’s time to get ready for one of the coolest live music events of the year, y’all!  PorchFest 2023 will bring out thousands of people for a day and night of live music from the front porches of some of the most beautiful homes in Owensboro. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 10 from 3 p.m.-10 p.m.  PorchFest will feature musicians from numerous genres this year, including rock, jazz, folk, country and more!  Taking place along Griffith Avenue from Frederica Street to Robin Road, you can set up lawn chairs or blankets in front of different houses to hear the sounds from a variety of musicians throughout the day.  The porches are referred to as “stages,” so you can check out the full musical lineup right here, which includes details regarding which artist will play on which stage.  This FREE event will feature more than 40 different musicians, tons of food trucks and lots of fun, so you won’t wanna miss out!

Where to Karaoke in Owensboro

Summertime and karaoke are just a good mix. That’s why we’re highlighting some of the best places to check out for your next karaoke night in Owensboro!  Karaoke is the perfect way to blow some steam by belting out your favorite songs without judgment. As we head into summer, now’s the time to start making plans for a karaoke night at one of our amazing venues.  The GhostLight Lounge provides a perfect space to karaoke without breaking the budget. This 21-and-older facility gives you the opportunity to feel like a rock star for the night. They often host karaoke nights a few times a month, and you can check out their schedule right here!  Owensboro’s downtown brewery also hosts a lot of karaoke and open mic nights! Brew Bridge is an awesome place to let loose with your friends, and they have tons of craft beer, drink specials, delicious barbecue and outdoor patio space to explore as well!  If you want to take your crew out to the country for a night, head to O’Bryan’s Bar & Grill for your next karaoke night! O’Bryan’s hosts karaoke nights pretty often, and you can check out their Facebook page to get all the details about their…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: May 26-28

Cork & Cuisine: Saddles and Spurs All you Yellowstone fans, we’ve got an event designed specifically for you! Held at the Owensboro Convention Center on May 25, Cork & Cuisine: Saddles and Spurs will feature a five-course western-themed menu paired with wines and spirits all inspired by the popular TV show. Dress up as your favorite character and enjoy some Yellowstone trivia throughout the night! Tickets are $75/person or $130 for two people. Make reservations right here! This is a 21-and-older event and the evening kicks off at 6 p.m. GeoWoodstock  The world’s LARGEST geocaching event is coming to Owensboro this weekend! GeoWoodstock 2023 will bring thousands of people to our city for an entire week full of fun festivities, with the big event being held on May 27. You can click here to read a description of events that will be held throughout the week (May 22-28), which will include our award-winning music festival, Friday After 5, along with tons of themed events for adults and families alike. Strawberry Pickin’ at Reid’s Did you know you can pick fresh strawberries right here in Owensboro? Head on over to Reid’s Orchard this weekend for an authentic strawberry-picking experience at one of the prettiest orchards…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: June 2-4

River City Bike Expo    This weekend is for all the motorcycle enthusiasts out there! The River City Bike Expo will be held on June 2 and 3 at the Owensboro Convention Center. This event will be packed with fun activities for cyclists of all ages and experience levels, including tons of onsite vendors, a sound show, a bike show and a tattoo experience! On Saturday, you can enjoy live music, a fashion show by Evansville Harley Davidson and an awards ceremony for the bike show and tattoo competitions.Owensboro Symphony Summer Salute  We’ve got a FREE concert from the Owensboro Symphony to brag about! The Summer Salute will feature the Owensboro Symphony with special guest Rockapella for a night of amazing music on our downtown riverfront. Songs from Shambala, Philadelphia Freedom and Rock the Boat will be played. This concert will be held on June 2 at 7 p.m. at McConnell Plaza. Just bring your own chairs! Those wanting a VIP experience can purchase tickets for the Conductor’s Circle right here. Farmers Market There’s no better way to kick off your weekend than with a trip to the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market! Held on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon, you can shop from…

Less Than One Month Out From ROMP: Everything to Know

Friends, we are about a month out from one of the greatest Bluegrass concerts in the country, and that means it’s time to remind you why you should absolutely be checking out ROMP 2023!  ROMP will be held June 21-24 at Yellow Creek Park and this year’s lineup is one for the books. You’ll hear live music for four straight days from some of the best Bluegrass artists in the business. We’ll break down the lineup right here:  Wednesday, June 21: Stillhouse Junkies will perform on the Jagoe Homes Afterparty Stage at 8 p.m., followed by Damn Tall Buildings at 9:30 p.m.  Thursday, June 22: Rick Faris kicks things off at 4 p.m., followed by Kitchen Dwellers at 5:15, Rhonda Vincent at 6, Greensky Bluegrass at 8:30 and Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway at 10:30. Afterwards, Kitchen Dwellers will take the Afterparty stage at midnight, followed by Greenwood Rye at 1:30 a.m.  Friday, June 23: Bill & The Belles takes the main stage at 2:15 p.m., followed by The Purple Hulls at 3:30, Slocan Ramblers at 4:45, Tuba Skinny at 6:30, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder at 8:30 and The Infamous Stringdusters at 10:30. The Afterparty Stage will host Slocan Ramblers at midnight and…

Check Out These Historic Churches in Owensboro

Owensboro is full of rich history, and we wanted to highlight a couple of the super cool churches you should check out during your next visit. Coming from two totally different backgrounds with different backstories, these two churches are historic to our city and well worth checking out while you’re here!  Fourth Street Baptist Church is one of the most historic churches in Kentucky. Not only has it been around for over 190 years, it’s also regarded as Daviess County’s oldest Black church. This church received a Historical Marker in 2020, so you can read about its history on a plaque in front of its location.  The history behind Fourth Street Baptist is absolutely fascinating. As the plaque outside reads, “In 1830, a Baptist church began in a log cabin-house, which was provided for Black worshipers by Philip Thompson. The congregation was first led by Black Baptist Minister Oliver Potts. The Black Baptist Church was founded after the Civil War & in 1866 was named Fourth Street Baptist Church. It is the oldest African American church in Daviess County.”  The Black congregation originally attended church services at First Baptist Church but, after a while, the congregation grew to the point of needing its…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: June 9-11

Strawberry Festival     The 2nd Annual Strawberry Festival is back this summer, and it’s going to be even bigger and better than before! Held on June 10 and 11 at The Cottage Farmstand & Baking Co., this festival will feature over 115 different vendors selling everything from homemade jewelry to amazing artwork to home decor. And you can taste ALL the strawberry-flavored treats and pick up some fresh, homegrown strawberries while you’re there! The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. 4 p.m. on Sunday.PorchFest   It’s time to get ready for one of Owensboro’s coolest music events of the year! PorchFest 2023 will be held along our famous Griffith Avenue corridor on June 10, featuring dozens of talented artists who will be playing on the front porches, or “stages,” of some of the most beautiful homes in Owensboro. A variety of genres, including rock, jazz, soul, folk and bluegrass, will be played throughout the day. Food trucks will be offering delicious food and drinks, so come hungry! Music will be played from 3-10 p.m. and the event is free to the public! Nicky Hayden Ride  We are celebrating one of our hometown heroes…

Kick Off Summer with a Trip to Holiday World

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is one of the coolest theme parks and water parks in the country, and they are officially open for their summer season! Located only 20 minutes away from Owensboro, Holiday World is perfect if you want to spend the day at the park and stay in Owensboro for the night without having to drive a long way. And it’s got plenty of activities for visitors of all ages, making it the perfect family-friendly park for those who love an exciting thrill along with those who prefer to stay away from roller coasters.  Speaking of roller coasters, Holiday World has three award-winning wooden coasters: The Raven, The Legend and The Voyage. Even better, Holiday World has the world’s ONLY launched wing roller coaster–The Thunderbird!  But that’s not all. At Splashin’ Safari, which is attached to Holiday World in a separate portion of the park, you can ride Mammoth, which is the LONGEST water coaster in the world! And Mammoth provides, not one, but two water coasters!  Like we said, there’s lots of exciting rides at Holiday World, but there’s also plenty of fun for the little ones. Click here to see a full list of rides, water park features and…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: June 16-18

Crawfish Boil at Trunnell’s    You can treat yourself to a Cajun dinner party this weekend at a Crawfish and Shrimp Low Country Boil! Held at Trunnell’s Farm Market on Saturday, June 17, this boil will feature delicious food, live music, a full bar and fancy funnel cakes for dessert. You can bring a date, your friends or even take your dad out for Father’s Day! This is an 18-and-older event and will be held from 5-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $39. Nashville Talent at Friday After 5   The Inspirational Country Music Association (ICMA) is making a stop in Owensboro to host a MAJOR talent competition for the chance to perform at the Grand Ole Opry and record your own music! On Friday, June 16, you can join Steve Bridgmon, Andrew Marshall and The Voice Season 18 Winner Todd Tilghman after the competition as they headline Friday After 5 for a blend of country, gospel, worship and classic rock music. They will perform at the Atmos Amphitheater at McConnell Plaza from 7-10 p.m.MMA at The Sportscenter Kicking off their debut in the state of Kentucky, Legacy Fighting Alliance is bringing a professional mixed martial arts promotion and top-level feeder league for the…

Owensboro Celebrating 4th of July with Multiple Fireworks Shows

You can catch one of the best fireworks shows in the Midwest right here in Owensboro this Fourth of July!  Owensboro’s All-American Fourth of July event is super unique in that the City of Owensboro holds, not one, but four different fireworks shows at the same time! It’s a super cool experience to hear and see fireworks all around you as you look up at the night sky.  This event also helps with crowd control, giving you a little more room to spread out and enjoy the show from wherever you choose to watch it.  Owensboro’s downtown riverfront will be one of the four locations for this year’s show. There, you can watch the fireworks explode over the Ohio River and enjoy delicious food and live music from Whiskey Row at 5 p.m. and The Downtown Band at 7 p.m. The 15-minute fireworks show will kick off at 9:15 p.m.  The fireworks at each location will be launched simultaneously. In addition to the riverfront at Smothers Park, you can watch the show from Jerry Rad Davis Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Owensboro Sportscenter/Moreland Park; and Owensboro Warehouse Leasing (the former GE plant). Spectators can tune into 92.5 FM WBKR to listen to a specially-made soundtrack…

Experience Owensboro’s World-Renowned Playground

Every now and then, we just have to take a moment to remind visitors how amazing our local parks are. And with summer here, it’s the perfect time to talk about Lazy Dayz Playground at Smothers Park!  Smothers Park spans a large section of our riverfront in downtown Owensboro. You can walk, sit and enjoy the fountains, swing as you take in views of the Ohio River. But if you’ve got kids, you absolutely can’t miss our whimsical, award-winning playground!  Lazy Dayz Playground is absolutely huge and visitors continually brag about its design and structure. It was named one of the best playgrounds in the world by Landscape Architects Network in 2015. Complete with multiple slides, climbing surfaces, walkways and swing sets, this playground is perfect for children of all ages.  It also comes with beautiful, waterfront views. So if your kids need to burn some energy, you can sit to the side and catch gorgeous sights of the Ohio River (especially at sunset) as your kiddos play on one of the top-rated playgrounds on Earth.  During the summer, Lazy Dayz sports a spray park, handicap-accessible overhead ramps inside large artificial trees and several gigantic animal sculptures (both on the ground and in the…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: June 23-25

ROMP We are officially heading into ROMP weekend, y’all! Held June 21-24 at Yellow Creek Park, this outdoor Bluegrass music festival is going to bring thousands of people together for four days of live jammin’, delicious food and amazing vibes. With a lineup that includes Sam Bush, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent and Old Crow Medicine Show (among many others), you’re in for a treat whether you’re a first-timer or a ROMP veteran. Get tickets here and be part of ROMP’s 20th anniversary this year! ROMP Bourbon Barrel Release You’ll have the chance to get your hands on a special-edition ROMP bourbon for the first time this week! On June 20 from 4:30-6:30 p.m., head over to Green River Distilling Co. to purchase a bottle of the first-ever ROMP single barrel to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style. ROMP attendees who signed the initial barrel at the 2018 festival will have the chance to taste the bourbon that was aged inside it over the last five years. The bourbon is presented at full-proof, 110-proof and will be on sale for $59.99.Events at Bluegrass Hall of Fame With the focus being Bluegrass music this week, now is the perfect time to check out the world famous…

Cool Off at These Amazing Spray Parks in Owensboro

It’s officially summer, which means it’s time to talk about all the spray parks we offer here!  Owensboro has several spray parks located across our city and county that are free to the public. So if you need a good, affordable place to take the kids on those hot summer days, we’ve got you covered (and cooled off).  Smothers Park offers a huge, award-winning playground (Lazy Dayz) for the kids, as well as a splash pad and spray park! The spray park is open through Labor Day weekend from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and has space for dozens of kids to play at a time!  Horse Fork Creek Park offers a pretty large spray park and is free fun for kids of all ages! It features tons of water features, including a giant bucket of water that hangs above and spills over onto the ground when filled. Horse Fork Creek Park also includes an all-inclusive playground for children of all abilities. You can visit the park and playground from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.  At Legion Park, located right in the center of the city, you can spend the entire day at the playground and spray park! Featuring a zero-depth spray ground where kids can interact through…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: June 30-July 2

Hayden Farms Our friends at Hayden Farms are hosting an event this weekend for those seeking a fun shopping spree in a beautiful country setting! The Hayden Farms & Friends Pop-Up Shop will feature a selection of local beef along with crafts and other specialty goods handmade by eight small businesses in the area. You can grab dinner, plants and more at this family-friendly event, which will be held on Friday, June 30 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Hayden Farms is located at 1195 New Cut Road in Whitesville. Kid’s CarnivalIn the heart of downtown Owensboro, you can spend the evening treating your kiddos to a Kid’s Carnival! RiverPark Center is hosting a carnival-themed night that’s gonna be jam-packed with awesome stuff to keep the kiddos entertained, including carnival games, face-painting, balloon art and free interactive performances. Held on June 30 from 6-11 p.m., you can play games for $1 apiece or buy an unlimited armband for $15 that includes free popcorn and soda!Daylilies at Western KY Botanical Garden  One of nature’s best showoffs of the year can be enjoyed in all its splendor this weekend at Western Kentucky Botanical Garden! The daylilies are in full bloom and are a marvel to experience as you…

Looking for Something Different? Check Out these Unique Shops in Owensboro

Here at Visit Owensboro, we love our visitors to check out our many local shops while they’re in town! While big box stores are popular and widespread, there’s so much more to experience when you visit a local store. We’ve got countless shops here that sell everything from sweets to cowboy boots, and we wanted to take a minute to brag about a few of the most unique locally-owned shops that you can’t find just anywhere! Moonbow Apothecary & Emporium is one of the coolest little gems in Owensboro. Maybe even in the entire state of Kentucky! This locally-owned shop looks like it belongs in a magazine, and you can find everything from crystals to handmade jewelry to candles and bath and body supplies here. Trust us when we say, this place is one of the coolest and cutest stores around. If you need something to promote positive energy in your life, this is your place! Next on our list of unique stores is Meadow House Flowers + Gifts. This store has ALL the flowers and even a variety of house plants you can purchase! If you’re looking for a cute gift with a personal touch, they’ve got you covered. Meadow House sells…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: July 7-9

Pinta Replica on the River     This weekend will be super special in that our lucky guests will have the chance to see a real-life replica of the historic “Pinta” Portuguese Caravel used by Columbus and many early explorers! This floating museum will open for dockside educational tours at English Park July 7-16. Self-guided tours will be held each day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and no reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased at the ship for $8/adult and $6/child, while children four and under get in free.Four Horsemen  This amazing Metallica tribute band will perform live at the RiverPark Center on Friday, July 7! This is RPC’s first free concert as part of its Summer Event Series, so you can rock out to this heavy metal music all night at no cost! Focusing on Metallica’s first five albums, you can relive the 80s and 90s with this high-energy show and crowd-engaging experience. The show kicks off at 7 p.m.Sunflower Market Day  We’ve got a brand new and super exciting event coming for ya this weekend! Reid’s Orchard will host its first-ever Sunset Flower Market Day on July 9 from 4-8 p.m. You can taste some of the most delicious food from…

See ACO World Championships in Owensboro!

We’ve got a big announcement for all the cornhole players and fans out there! This July, Owensboro will host the American Cornhole Organization (ACO) World Championships Season 18 at the Owensboro Convention Center. This is a HUGE tournament, expected to bring in players from nearly 40 states! This tournament is also great for our local economy and is projected to bring in over a million dollars to our community. Those numbers really show that these large-scale sporting events are win-wins for everybody.  The ACO World Championships is expected to bring in up to 800 athletes from ages 12 to 80, so you’ll get to see players of all walks of life compete for best cornhole player in multiple divisions and overall to become the King or Queen of Cornhole in the United States.  You can experience this large-scale tournament up close and personal at the Owensboro Convention Center July 25-29. Even better, admission is free for spectators. You can also test your doubles skills in the ACO Tailgator Tournaments, held throughout the week that are open to the public for doubles play. Get more information on the Tailgator and all things ACO Worlds 18 at americancornhole.com

Upcoming Exhibit to Feature Jerry Garcia’s Bluegrass Roots

Bluegrass fans everywhere have something to get excited about this upcoming year as the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum announced they will be opening an exhibit focused on Jerry Garcia’s bluegrass roots. Jerry Garcia, you ask? Of Grateful Dead fame? Yep, the same legend who brought many a Deadhead to life got his musical start in bluegrass! Bluegrass Hall Executive Director Chris Joslin is constantly looking for ways to build a bigger audience for bluegrass – both through shows like ROMP and through new exhibits he helps curate at the museum. According to Joslin, Garcia was a great banjo player before Grateful Dead took off. Growing up on the west coast, he was involved in both folk and bluegrass music. In fact, the second best-selling bluegrass album of all time is “Old and In the Way,” which featured Garcia. Joslin thinks this exhibit will bring people in from all over the country to experience Jerry Garcia’s bluegrass background. Many of Garcia’s biggest fans can learn even more about the iconic musician’s life. Joslin is planning a February 2024 opening for the new Jerry Garcia exhibit, so be sure to keep an eye and ear out over the following months! 

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: July 14-16

Supporting Heroes Tribute Gala     We’re excited to bring you an event celebrating all of our brave heroes out there! On July 15, the Supporting Heroes Tribute Gala will give first responders and their families the chance to remember and honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This event also celebrates those who continue to serve us and keep up safe. The Gala begins at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased for $65/adult and $30 for children 10 and under.Downtown Art Show  Owensboro will be kicking off its third annual Downtown Fine Art Show on July 15 this year! Sponsored by Fetta Specialty Pizza and the Owensboro Art Guild, this show will feature the paintings, sculptures, mixed media, mosaics, pottery and jewelry created by amazing artists. Held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., artists will set up booths and displays from 2nd Street to Veterans Blvd. with live music, food and drinks to enjoy throughout the day.Friday After 5 This is where the weekend begins here in Owensboro! Friday After 5 will be supporting its heroes this weekend so this one is all about our hard-working first responders. Live music from Caribou will be…

See Gary Allan Live in Owensboro

There are so many amazing concerts happening in Owensboro right now, and this might be one of the biggest ones of the summer!Country music superstar Gary Allan is bringing his Ruthless Tour to the Owensboro Sportscenter on Saturday, August 5. This is a great chance to see the legendary artist perform at a world-class facility in one of the best small cities in the Midwest.Allan has been making music since 1996 and his illustrious career has earned him five No. 1 country radio hits, 14 Top-10 hits and more than 2.8 BILLION streams in total.Described by some as “dark and dreamy” and by others as soulful and rough around the edges,” Allan has been selling out venues from New York to L.A. since getting his start. This tour, Allan will perform hits from his first album in eight years—Ruthless—as well as some of his classics.Make sure to get tickets to see this multi-platinum country artist before they sell out! Tickets start at $29 and the show kicks off at 8 p.m.

Summer Events for the Whole Family

If you’re looking for some summer fun for the entire family to enjoy, Owensboro is the place to be! We’ve put together a list of some of the festivals, concerts, events and experiences that are family-friendly for people of all ages: Tour a Replica Pinta ShipTake your family to English Park to see a replica of the Portuguese Caravel used by Columbus and other explorers! Check out this “floating museum” for self-guided educational tours July 7-16 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Tickets are purchased at the ship for $8/adult and $6 for children, while kids four and under get in free. Peaches at Reid’s Orchard Head over to historic Reid’s Orchard to snag a whole heaping of fresh, homegrown peaches. Right now, peaches are in season, and Reid’s has them by the basketful. Click here to see more details.  Daviess County Lion’s Club FairThis fair is full of entertainment, and you can enjoy everything from Monster Truck Shows to carnival rides to live music and pony rides. Click here to check out the full schedule for this event, which will be held at 6191 KY 54 on July 14-22. Admission is $15/adult and $10 for kids 5-12 years old. First FridaysKick back and enjoy some amazing…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: July 21-23

Daviess County Fair      You can spend the whole week at the Daviess County Lions Club Fair this week! Held July 14-22 in Philpot, this county fair is full of delicious food and tons of fun for people of all ages. They’ll have everything from Monster Truck Shows to carnival rides to vender booths and petting zoos and pony rides, and PLENTY more in between. Click here to see a full schedule for the fair. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children 5-12 years of age. Kids five and under get in free.Owensboro Artifact Show   The Owensboro Convention Center is bringing back a super cool event this year! If you’re into Native American artifacts and history, the Owensboro Artifact Show is the perfect place to view and purchase all types of amazing relics. Artifacts from all over the country will be on display, with items ranging from coins and knives to fossils and jewelry. The show will be held on July 21 from 2-8 p.m. and July 22 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $20 on July 21 and free on July 22.Gene Watson We’ve got one of the greatest country singers in history playing a live show for…

See Grammy-Winning Band, For King & Country, Live in Owensboro

Anddd we’ve got yet another Grammy-winning band coming to Owensboro to fill up our concert lineup this summer!For King & Country – one of the biggest names in contemporary Christian music – is playing live at the Owensboro Sportscenter on August 11. The band will be playing music from their latest album, What Are We Waiting For.For those who don’t know, For King & Country is one of the music industry’s most respected and award-winning duos. Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone have won four Grammys, an American Music Award, 10 GMA Dove Awards and a Billboard Music Award.For King & Country continues to play for sold-out stadiums all across the globe. The band has even released seven consecutive No. 1 songs, including well-known hits such as “TOGETHER” and “God Only Knows.” They’ve collaborated with some of the best artists out there, including Dolly Parton, Jordin Sparks and Timbaland.You can purchase tickets to see For King & Country right here! The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $29. VIP tickets include early entry and a Q&A session with Joel and Luke before the show.

Johnny Depp is an Owensboro Native Who Still Visits!

Owensboro is the hometown of several world-famous celebrities, and one of them is none other than Johnny Depp! Yep, the actor who starred in Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (among many others) was born in Owensboro, Kentucky on June 9, 1963. Pretty cool, right? Depp lived in Owensboro until 1970 when his family moved to Miramar, Florida, but he still has family who live in town, and he even paid a visit to them last year to the excitement of a lucky group of locals who got to meet and take photos with him. There have been tales of other Johnny Depp sightings in Owensboro over the years, including a time when a local looked over to their right at a traffic stop and spotted Depp sitting in the front seat of a red sports car. The man just stared, stunned to see Depp in a car right next to him on Frederica Street. Allegedly, Depp just smiled and waved at the man before the light turned green and he drove on. Visitors can visit a mural dedicated to Depp in Owensboro. “Candiculture” was painted on the south-facing wall of the historic…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: July 28-30

Dust Bowl      Owensboro is famous for its annual Dust Bowl Basketball Tournament, and this year’s is extra special because the Dust Bowl is celebrating its 50th Anniversary! Held July 21-29 at Kendall-Perkins Park, this double elimination outdoor tournament features players (both men’s and women’s) from 3rd grade to adulthood. This tournament is about basketball, of course, but it’s also about celebrating one of Owensboro’s longest-running community events. Click here for more information about dates and times.ACO Cornhole Championships  Some of the best cornhole players in the world are coming to Owensboro for the ACO World Championships Season 18! Held at the Owensboro Convention Center July 25-29, see up to 800 athletes ages 12 to 80 play for the title of best cornhole player across multiple divisions. They’ll even fight for the overall grand championship and the right to call themselves the King or Queen of Cornhole in the United States. Admission is free for spectators and you can even test your doubles skills in the ACO Tailgator Tournaments that are held openly throughout the week.Ted NugentHe’s been playing for a long time now, but this is officially Ted Nugent’s last tour, y’all. You can catch the singer at the RiverPark Center on…

Beat the Heat With Locally-Made Ice Cream in Owensboro

Well, guys, if there’s one thing we know for sure right now…it’s hot outside. But, instead of focusing on the negatives that come with all that heat and humidity, we’re gonna focus on one of the positives: This is your chance to eat all the ice cream you want without feeling any guilt.Summer is the time to treat yourself to the dessert that’s best served cold. We’ve got tons of amazing places you can visit for a delicious ice cream cone, and we’re gonna break down a list of some of our local ice cream spots below!Lic’s Deli & Ice CreamThis local chain features homemade ice cream along with a variety of burgers and other food. But the ice cream is what it’s famous for. Lic’s has made its own ice cream since 1950, and you can try everything from chocolate-dipped cones to ice cream floats and banana splits.Marble Slab CreameryImagination has no limits at Marble Slab Creamery, so you can find a ton of creative ice cream flavors here. From chocolate caramel butter pecan to cotton candy carnival, you can buy ice cream by the cup, pint or quart, and you can even create your own personalized ice cream cake!Wonder WhipEveryone in Owensboro loves Wonder Whip. With an old-school aesthetic that takes you all the way back to the 1950s, Wonder Whip serves delicious hot food along with some of the…

Check Out This Amazing Dog Show in Owensboro

If you love pups of all shapes and sizes, or if you’ve got a dog you want to show off, we’ve got the perfect event for you! Owensboro is bringing back a fan favorite with this year’s 2023 River Valley Cluster All Breed Dog Show at the Owensboro Convention Center.  This year’s dog show will bring in some of the cutest pups around to compete for some top-notch prizes. Sponsored by two AKC Sanctioned All Breed Clubs—Owensboro River City Kennel Club and Southern Indiana Kennel Club—there will be four AKC All Breed Shows taking place between August 25 and August 27.Even more, an AKC Accrediated B Match will be held on Saturday, August 26.This is also a chance to purchase toys, food and other pet supplies for your fur babies as there will be plenty of space for vendors to set up shop.With 92,000 square feet of air-conditioned space at this state of the art facility—not to mention the competitive rates to participate in this year’s event—this dog show is a must for anyone and everyone who’s been training their K-9s. 

The Perfect Festivals to Close Out Summer

Well, folks, it’s officially August. Which means we are nearing the end of summer and, soon, we’ll be heading into Fall. Before you know it, we’ll be carving pumpkins for Halloween and trading in our T-shirts for hoodies.But let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. There’s still several weeks of summer to go, so we put together a list of warm-weather events that you and your loved ones can enjoy before this season ends and the next one begins. If you want to keep the party going for as long as possible, check out these various festivals you can attend to close out Summer 2023!Reid’s Orchard Peach BlissAt our historic Reid’s Orchard facility, you can spend the afternoon enjoying live music, food and craft vendors, fresh, homegrown peaches and quality time with your family and friends. Peach Bliss will be held on August 8 from 4-8 p.m.Sunflower ExperienceWho doesn’t love a festival full of sunflowers and summer fun? At Trunnell’s Farm Market, you can check out two different events during the month of September. Sips & Sunflowers will be held September 8 and 15, while Dinner in the Blooms will be held September 2 and 9.Multicultural FestivalThe 2023 Owensboro…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: August 11-13

Bourbon and Blues      We’ve got the best of both worlds coming for you this weekend with Owensboro’s Bourbon and Blues Car Experience! Held August 11-13, you can enjoy hundreds of street rods, muscle cars and vintage automobiles from around the southeastern U.S. Friday After 5 will kick off the event on Aug. 11 as Netherlands-based blues/rock band JVT Band takes the stage, while Saturday Aug. 12 will feature a car show at Green River Distilling Co from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., complete with live music, food and distillery tours. You can find more info right here!Hops on the Ohio   One of the best beer festivals in Kentucky is happening this weekend! Hops on the Ohio is a four-hour tour through a variety of Kentucky breweries and an exploration of the country’s favorite brands. You can score delicious food and enjoy live music all day long at the Owensboro Convention Center with hundreds of other beer enthusiasts. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, there’s a beer for everyone at this fest. You can get tickets right here for $45 and Hops on the Ohio will be held on August 12 from 1-5 p.m.Taylor Swift Dance PartyThe Eras Tour is in full…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: August 18-20

Multicultural Fest      We’re celebrating the Owensboro Multicultural Festival’s 25th Anniversary this year in a big way! Held on August 19 on the front lawn of First Presbyterian Church, the Multicultural Fest will feature more than 40 exhibit booths representing different countries, cultures and community organizations from all over the world. You can taste food from places you’ve never been and enjoy live performances from musicians, dancers and more! The festival will be held from 10 a.m..-4 p.m.Bluegrass Legends Car Show  Your entire family can enjoy a weekend full of awesome vehicles, live music and tons of food vendors at the Bluegrass Legends Car Show! Held at Moreland Park and the Owensboro Sportscenter August 18-20, this festival is built for those who appreciate custom and vintage vehicles of all types. The event kicks off Friday at Owensboro’s award-winning outdoor music fest, Friday After 5, then continues Saturday with a multi-style vehicle car show, live music, food trucks and a beer garden! You can also peruse a variety of motorcycle displays and check out a “Swap Meet” area! This event is FREE to attend and you can click here to see the full schedule of events.Steve EarleHead to the Bluegrass Music Hall…

Plan Your Trip to See the Owensboro Air Show

All eyes will be on the skies this September as the Owensboro Air Show returns to our downtown riverfront for a weekend of fast, loud and exciting fun!This year’s Air Show will be held September 15-17 and is expected to bring in thousands of visitors. Each year, the Owensboro Air Show draws crowds of 30,000-50,000 people!One thing that makes the Owensboro Air Show so amazing is the incredible talent that performs for us. This year, you’ll see the USAF Thunderbirds zip, flip and soar through the sky, along with Wings of Blue skydivers, Team Aeroshell, Ghost Writer, Kevin Coleman, Bill Stein, Ace Maker Air Shows, Vampire Air Show, Friends of Jenny and Flagship Detroit.While you can watch the Air Show itself at no cost, you’ll also have the chance to experience Army aviation with the unique opportunity to ride in the legendary helicopters such as the UH-1 Huey or an AH-1 Cobra. Paid rides will be available each day at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport.On Friday, Sept. 15, head to the Owensboro Regional Airport from 4-7:30 p.m. to get up close and personal with a wide range of aircraft. You’ll even get to meet some of the pilots who will…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: August 25-27

Steven Curtis Chapman      This multi award-winning singer is coming to Owensboro for a live performance that you’ll never forget! Steven Curtis Chapman is known around the world for being one of the most awarded artists in Christian music history. He’s earned 59 Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove awards, five Grammys, an American Music Award and a mind-bending 50 No. 1 singles. With more than 11 million albums sold, including 10 Gold and Platinum albums, need we say more? See Steven Curtis Chapman at the RiverPark Center on August 24. Tickets are $29.99 and the show starts at 7 p.m.Elle King  This chart-topping artist is coming to Owensboro for a night of raw, powerful and honest songwriting and storytelling. Elle King’s hits include “America’s Sweetheart,” “Drunk (And I Don’t Want To Go Home) with Miranda Lambert, “Different For Girls” and “Worth a Shot” featuring Dierks Bentley. Influenced by country, rock and blues, King has a musical style that taps into many different genres and resonates with people from all walks of life. See Elle King live on August August 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50.River Valley Dog ShowYou can see hundreds of pups compete (and be adorably cute whether or…

Air Show After Party Feat. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

What better way to celebrate an incredible Air Show than with an incredible concert? You’ll get to do that very thing on September 16 as Nitty Gritty Dirt Band heads to Owensboro for an Air Show After Party! This concert is extra cool because each ticket includes access to the lawn for a special viewing of the Owensboro Air Show. All you need to bring is a chair or blanket for this outdoor show and you’re good to go! Leave the coolers at home for this one, as the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum will have a bar and concessions available all night. And the legendary Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is giving peak performances these days with a refreshed lineup and newfound energy. The group’s been around for a long time and still remains one of the most accomplished bands in American roots music. This show follows an extended 50th Anniversary tour for the band, where the ensemble grew to six people in 2018, including father-son duo Jeff and Jaime Hanna. This show will be held on the outdoor lawn at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In the event of bad weather, the concert will move…

Owensboro Hosting World Championships Racing Event

If you’re into competitive racing and loud engines, it’s time to get pumped! Owensboro is hosting the 2023 dBDRA Drag Racing World Finals this fall, and you can learn all about it right here!The dB Drag Racing World Finals will take place at four venues across the world, and Owensboro is proud to be one of them. These pre-qualified contestants will compete for Regional Championship honors and a shot at the World Championship title!You’re going to see a full competition at each location. The formats include dB Drag Racing; Bass Race; Psychlone; Top Dog; and Freestyle. Click here to learn more about what each format entails.These races are gonna get loud! In fact, the two loudest competitors in each dB Drag Racing class will go head-to-head to determine the World Champion. The winner of each Bass Race class at each location will compete in a new contest to determine the World Champion, while winners at each location in the Top Dog category will compete in a new contest to determine the World Champion.For the Psychlone and Freestyle categories, all of the scores will be combined onsite, and the scores from each of the four locations will determine the World Champion…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: September 1-3

Hall of Fame Weekend       If you’re looking for a night to celebrate all things Bluegrass, head to Owensboro this weekend for the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Hall of Fame Homecoming Weekend! Held September 1 and 2, you’ll get an all-star lineup of live shows from Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers on Sept. 1 and Del McCoury and Paul Williams on Sept. 2. Tickets are $45 and the shows start at 7 p.m. both nights. Sunflower Experience  Grab your flower-lovin’ friends for this one! Trunnell’s Farm Market is bringing its 6th Annual Sunflower Experience back to the farm, where you can see over ONE MILLION beautiful sunflower blooms up close and personal! With one of the best U-Pick Sunflower Fields in Kentucky, you’ll find sunflowers of all shapes, colors and varieties at this venue. This is the perfect transition between summer and fall, so make the most of it and grab your tickets right here! The Sunflower Experience is held September 2-24.Apple Season at Reid’s OrchardIt’s officially apple-pickin’ season! And at our very own Reid’s Orchard, you can enjoy apple-flavored everything this weekend. Reid’s has apple-flavored slushies, apple-flavored candy and all the varieties of fresh homegrown apple…

Meet Tons of Famous Actors, Artists at Owensboro Comic Con

We’ve got a cool new convention coming to town, and right here’s where you can learn all about it! The Owensboro Convention Center is holding the Owensboro Comic & Toy Convention October 7 and 8, where you can meet some of the best voice actors in the business, including SpongeBob SquarePants voice actor Tom Kenny, among so many others!But that’s not all. You can score professional photos with celebrities and spend the weekend hanging out with other comic book fans and toy collectors from across the country. Want to shake the hands of some of the comic book creators you’ve idolized for years? You can do that right here!This celebrity lineup is full of talent, and these stars span many different genres of entertainment, so there’s an artist here for everybody. Plus, there’s plenty other guests who haven’t been announced yet.Tom Kenny–who’s also done voice acting for shows such as CatDog and Adventure Time–will be joined by many other celebrities over the weekend. Some of the other guests on this star-studded lineup for the Owensboro Comic & Toy Convention include Megan Hollingshead from Pokemon, Naruto and Yu-Gi-Oh; Marty Grabstein from Courage the Cowardly Dog; Cal Dodd from X-Men: The Animated…

Where To Grab A Quick Bite Before the Big Game

There’s something so authentic about a Friday night football game. And here in Owensboro, we always show up and support our high school and college football teams! But before the game, you gotta eat. When you’re going out to eat before the big game, it’s not all about being fancy, right? You just need something quick, delicious and, frankly, not super complicated. Whether it’s a burger or some chicken wings, here’s some of our top spots to dine at before the big game. At Beef O’Brady’s, this is your ultimate pre-game food menu. They’ve got everything from buffalo chicken wings to loaded nachos to delicious cheeseburgers. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong here, no matter what you choose to eat. But with “Beef” in the restaurant’s name, we recommend going for something with red meat while you’re there. Have you ever tried Cheeseburger Fries before? Also on our list, and located just down the street from Beef’s, is Legends Sports Bar & Grill. With a menu topped with the perfect pre-game food items, you can find everything from chicken wings to burgers to homemade chili. Legends is famous for their fried banana peppers as an appetizer, but we recommend trying…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: September 8-10

Bumps & Bundles       Here’s an event for all the current or expecting parents out there! The Bumps & Bundles Baby Expo will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center on September 9, where you can learn everything there is to know about having a baby in one setting. They’ll cover topics such as businesses and services geared toward pregnancy, birth and postpartum care in the Owensboro area. You can win prizes and all proceeds will benefit Hope’s Embrace to ensure birth support is accessible to all. The event runs from noon-4 p.m.Night, Mother at Theatre Workshop Our very own Theatre Workshop of Owensboro is kicking the fall season off with an award-winning production of Night, Mother, held September 8-17. This play was written by Kentucky native Marsha Norman and it features a mother-daughter duo who must confront the issues of their past in order to accept the present. The play will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. You can get tickets online right here or by calling 270-683-5333.Market Day at Preservation StationOur famous historic school-turned-shopping center is back with another big event! Preservation Station’s Market Day will feature over 100 vendors and…

Check Out These Cute Donut Shops in Owensboro

One of the questions we hear from visitors a lot is, “Where’s a good breakfast place in Owensboro?” And while our city has tons of restaurants we love to recommend, on thing is for certain: Our donut game is STRONG.I mean, is there anything better than a warm, sugar-glazed, chocolate-drizzled, icing-topped donut that comes fresh out of the oven? You can smell the sweetness as soon as you open the doors. And there’s a certain thrill in seeing the variety of donuts in front of you and wondering which one you should try. Couple that with a cup of fresh, hot coffee and you’ve got yourself one heck of a good start to the day.So when visitors ask us about breakfast, we never forget to mention our ever-growing donut scene. In no specific order, we’d like to highlight some of our favorite local donut shops to check out next time you visit.Gramps Coffee & DonutsLocated just a few blocks away from our downtown riverfront area is Gramps Coffee & Donuts. This locally-owned bakery and coffee shop has some of the tastiest donuts we’ve ever tried. You’ll find a unique shape and style to these donuts along with so many awesome…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: September 15-17

Owensboro Air Show       One of the most exciting times of the year is officially upon us, friends, as the Owensboro Air Show takes to the sky this weekend in downtown Owensboro. We’re expecting thousands of visitors for this incredible two-day performance featuring some of the world’s greatest pilots. This year, you’ll see the USAF Thunderbirds zip, flip and soar through the sky along with awe-inspiring performers from vintage warbirds and aerobatic demonstrations from a slew of military jets. Held September 16 and 17, the Owensboro Air Show is free to the public, but those wanting front row access through reserved seating can purchase tickets right here. On September 15, head to the Owensboro Regional Airport to see a wide range of aircraft up close and personal and meet some of the pilots! Tickets are $5 each and the event runs from 4:30-8 p.m. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band  If you want to make the most out of your Owensboro Air Show experience, make plans for an after party! On September 16, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for an Air Show After Party on the outdoor stage. Just bring a chair or blanket…

Groovin’ On The Green Bringing Jazz, Blues, Funk Music to Owensboro

Anyone who appreciates good blues and rhythm music is going to wanna hear about this upcoming outdoor concert. And even more, this show is free!The Groovin’ On The Green music fest will kick off the fall season on September 30 at Moneta Sleet, Jr. Park. This event will feature three different musical groups spanning a variety of music genres, including jazz, blues, funk and rhythm and blues.Some much-beloved artists will headline this year’s event! We’ve got the Sheryl Rouse Band; Monte Skeleton; and Higher Ground set to perform from 4-10 p.m. all day long. These are some super talented musicians hailing from all across our tri-state area, and we can’t wait to hear them play.Bring your chairs and blankets so you can sit comfortably for this show. And come hungry because there will be some delicious food trucks and vendors at the park!Brought to you by Owensboro’s Northwest Neighborhood Alliance, this event is all about community spirit and positive vibes, so come on down and have a blast!

Go Ahead and Makes Plans for a Magical Autumn in Owensboro

Summer, you had a good run. But on September 21, we’re trading in our frozen lemonades for pumpkin-spiced coffee, because it is officially fall, y’all!We know it’s just the beginning of the season, but fall is a pretty big deal around here. We’ve got amazing weather, beautiful orchards, the best local coffee shops and breathtaking fall foliage. Now, we’ve got a while before the leaves change colors but, still, we’re gonna go ahead and break down a list of some fall activities and events that you can check out right here in Owensboro!Girl’s Day OutThis shopping event brings a variety of great vendors to Owensboro. Grab your friends and family and head to the Owensboro Convention Center on October 28 for Girl’s Day Out. You can win door prizes and eat a fantastic lunch at the onsite café while spending the day at our world-class convention center in downtown Owensboro.Fall Farm MarketThe 5th Annual Fall Farm Market at Hayden Farms is the perfect way to celebrate all things fall. There will be tons of vendors available to shop from and you can enjoy a delicious lunch while you’re there too! Stock up on fall décor, enjoy yard games with your family…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: September 22-24

Jurassic Quest       The world’s largest, most popular dinosaur event is coming to Owensboro! Walk alongside this larger-than-life dinosaur herd at Jurassic Quest, where you can observe these life-sized animatronic for a unique experience you can enjoy with your entire family. See adorable baby dinos, excavate a fossil or even train a raptor! This event earns high praise all across the country, and it’s a great learning experience for kiddos and adults alike. Jurassic Quest will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center September 22-24 and you can buy tickets right here!Taylor Swift Silent Disco We’re celebrating all the eras at this party, so if you’re a Taylor Swift fan, this is the place to be! The Brew Bridge is hosting a Taylor Swift Silent Disco on September 23, where you’ll get to hear hits from all 10 albums as you dance the night away. Whether it’s Reputation, 1989 or Taylor’s debut album that stole your heart, come dressed in your favorite T-Swift era for this party! Western Kentucky Silent Disco is providing the music, and Brew Bridge will play videos on the big screen. Headphones are only $5 at the door, and the event kicks off at 9 p.m.A…

Head to Owensboro for these Oktoberfest Celebrations!

It’s beginning to feel more like fall as of late, which means it’s time to get your party pants on and head over to Owensboro for some Oktoberfest celebrations!For those who don’t know, Oktoberfest began as a wedding celebration  over 200 years ago and is now the world’s largest Volksfest, featuring a beer festival, live music and a travelling carnival. It’s held annually in Munich, Germany and brings in more than six million people each year.Start the celebration at Oktoberfest at The Pub On Second on September 30 from 4 to 11 pm.It’s the most wonderful time FOR A BEER!! Yes, it’s time to celebrate Oktoberfest and we’re kicking it off the right way… by releasing “Ziggy Zaggy Oy Oy Oy” our FIRST Festbier! We’re going to start the season off in style with traditional Oktoberfest music, brats, and, of course, BEER!You won’t have to travel to Germany for this one, though! Brew Bridge will be celebrating Oktoberfest all day and night on October 7, and they’re going all out for it! You can score some delicious pretzels with house-made beer cheese and sip on a lineup of specially crafted beers that includes their Klein German Lager, Marden and Smoked Marzen.The…

Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Kentucky this October

Fall in Kentucky is simply magical. Once October comes around the leaves change from green to orange, red and yellow. The sunflowers, zinnias and mums are in full bloom, and the weather is *chef’s kiss* perfection. Honestly, there’s no better place to be than Kentucky.And while you’re planning out your trips for the fall season, we wanted to make a list of upcoming outdoor events held here in October. From corn mazes to apple picking to cider sipping, Owensboro has it all!Reid’s OrchardYou can spend the entire day at Reid’s Orchard and get a wonderful fall experience in the great outdoors. You can pick your own apples, eat some apple dumplings and treat yourself to some warm (or cold) apple cider. Hit up the pumpkin patch and buy some gorgeous mums while you’re at it! And the kiddos will have a blast at the Reidland Play Area, which includes tons of fun activities and three different farm mazes.Wine Your Way OutTrunnell’s Farm Market is holding its annual Wine Your Way Out festival on October 6. This event is all about celebrating the beauty of fall and sippin’ a little wine while you’re at it. There will be wine, beer and…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: September 29-October 1

Groovin’ On The Green       This outdoor music fest is bringing all the blues, jazz, funk and rhythm and blues to Owensboro! Groovin’ On The Green will be held at Moneta Sleet, Jr. Park on September 30, and this event will feature the Sheryl Rouse Band, Monte Skelton on the saxophone and Higher Ground from 4-10 p.m. You’ll wanna bring your chairs and blankets to this one so you can sit comfortably, and come hungry because there will be plenty of food trucks onsite! Even better, this concert is FREE to the public!Drag Racing World Finals The 26th Annual dB Drag Racing World Finals will be rockin’ Owensboro this weekend! Held September 30 and October 1 at the Owensboro Convention Center, this aftermarket car audio competition will feature some of the loudest stereo systems on the planet. Spectators can win free prizes throughout the weekend and enjoy a car show and vendor expo on top of it. Show hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sept. 30 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on October 1. Admission is $10 per person.Fall Market at Hayden FarmsIf you love all things fall, we’ve got the perfect festival for you this weekend! Hayden Farms is throwing its…

Experience Bull Riding + Halloween at Bulls & Ghouls

Halloween + Bull Riding? Well, it may not be a classic combo, but it’s certainly an exciting one! And it’s about to go down on October 14 as the Owensboro Sportscenter brings you Bulls & Ghouls!So what is bulls and ghouls? It’s a Halloween-themed bull-riding event, of course! The PBR Challenger Series is heatin things up with a night of seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers taking on some of the most famous bucking bulls in the country!Whether it’s a girl’s night out or a family of four, this event is for everybody. This show will be the last stop on the Challenger Series before the Finals and will be aired on live television, so this will be a great rodeo experience for first timers!Even better, the proceeds from Bulls & Ghouls will go directly back to the community to buy shoes for kids in need and help local veterans.Tickets for Bulls & Ghouls start at $20 for general admission, but you can buy reserved chairback seats for $30-$50. The show starts at 7 p.m. 

Check Out Owensboro’s Famous Racing Professionals

Did you know Owensboro is famous for being home to a ton of famous athletes? It’s really astounding how many professional motorsports athletes hail from right here in Owensboro!Whether it’s NASCAR or MotoGP, we’re a city who takes our racing seriously, and we just wanted to highlight some of Owensboro’s many accomplished competitors in the world of motorsports.Nicky HaydenKnown to the world as “The Kentucky Kid,” Hayden was a professional motorcycle racer and the 2006 MotoGP World Champion. He was declared AMA’s Athlete of the year in 1999. Sadly, the racer who sported the No. 69 jersey died in 2017, but there are tons of local events and even a monument dedicated to Hayden’s legacy.David GreenThe oldest of the Green Brothers (as they’re known in the racing world), David Green won the 1994 NASCAR Busch Series Gran National Division title. Green qualified in the Top 10 four times in 16 starts during the 1998 season.Mark GreenThe middle Green Brother finished second in the NASCAR Busch Grand National Division point standings in 1999. And from 1999-2001, Green dominated the Busch Series with 72 Top 10s, 56 Top 5s and 13 wins.Jeff GreenThe youngest Green Brother competed in the Busch Series and…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: October 6-8

Voices of Elmwood       Spooky season is here, which means it’s time for a trip to the cemetery. Voices of Elmwood is the perfect mix of creepy and historic as this event celebrates our region’s heritage and the lives of the many people buried at Owensboro’s Elmwood Cemetery. Founded by the Owensboro Museum of Science and History and in collaboration with the Daviess County Public Library, local actors in period costumes present the stories of the people they’re portraying while wagon rides take you through the cemetery to each presentation. You can see the show October 5-7 and tickets are available right here.Bronze Buffalo Fest We’re celebrating history in another way this weekend with the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art’s 17th Annual Bronze Buffalo Paintout. This event features thematic cuisine and entertainment presented by Bluegrass band King’s Highway. This festival brings in artists from all over to compete in the Bronze Buffalo Paintout, an en plein even that will be presented October 5-7 at OMFA. The buffalo theme was inspired by the two heroic-sized bronze sculptures installed on Frederica Street. Admission is $50 per person and reservations can be made by calling 270-685-3181 or emailing info@omfa.us.Comic & Toy ConventionOwensboro’s brand…

Kick Off Fall at Pumpkin & Pickle Fest

If you’re one of the people who lives for pickles, this event MUST be on your radar! The Cottage Farm Stand is holding its annual Pumpkin and Pickle Festival on October 21 and 22, so you’ll have two whole days to stock up on all the pickle- and pumpkin-flavored treats you could dream of!But that’s not all. If you’re wanting to stock up on fall décor, cute gifts and tons of handmade items, The Cottage will have more than EIGHTY vendors onsite, so this is the perfect opportunity to shop ‘til you drop and enjoy the great outdoors while doing it.And if you need some Halloween pumpkins to carve and decorate with, check out The Cottage’s pick-your-own pumpkin patch. This is great for adults and kids! And don’t forget about your mums because The Cottage will have plenty of them too.Oh, and did we mention the food? Aside from all the pickle- and pumpkin-flavored goodies, there will be more than 10 different food trucks parked at The Cottage, so you’ll definitely wanna come hungry!The Pumpkin and Pickle Fest is great for adults and kids of all ages. There will be entertainment all day long, activities and crafts for all the…

Check Out Hammer & Stain For The Coolest DIY Workshop

There’s no better time for a Do-It-Yourself project than right before the holiday season, and we’ve got the CUTEST new place in Owensboro for a DIY adventure!Hammer & Stain hosts public DIY workshops that require no crafting experience, so this is a place for beginners and veterans alike. And we must say, these crafts turn out so incredible they look professionally made!You can grab your family and friends or go solo at Hammer & Stain—whichever way’s your preference! With Halloween right around the corner, check out their Ladies Night Out workshops where you “think pink with Halloween and drinks.” Get your girls, grab a bottle of wine and enjoy a night crafting and sipping on complimentary Sangria Pink Punch and snacks. Or reserve your space to make a chunky knit pumpkin, where each person gets to make a set of three pumpkins (small, medium and large). These crafts look like they could be sold in stores and give ALL the fall vibes.And as we head into winter, check out Hammer & Stain’s ever evolving list of DIY workshops related to the Christmas season. These range from painting ceramic vintage Christmas trees and trucks to liquid glass 10-inch round holiday signs….

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: October 13-15

Tales & Trails at Joe Ford Nature Center       If you’re in the market for something spooky and naturistic, you can enjoy stories of the supernatural, ghostly phenomena, tragedy (and a little humor) all rolled into one at the Joe Ford Nature Center! The 2nd Annual Tales & Trails event will be held October 12, 13, 19 and 20. These tales will center on the people and places of our area, so it’s a great way to get to know all the creepy history surrounding Owensboro-Daviess County! Tickets are $15 and shows run each day at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sierra Hull This singer-songwriter has achieved so much success in such a short time, it’s kinda hard to list it all! After making her Grand Ole Opry debut at only 10 years old, Sierra Hull has gone on to release four albums, win Mandolin Player of the Year at the IBMAs five times (2016-2018; 2021; and 2022), tour with icons such as Garth Brooks and Indigo Girls, and launch her newest album—25 Trips—this year. And the best part is, you can hear her play live at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 13! Tickets…

Shop Holiday Decor and More at Kraftucky 2023

The biggest crafting convention of the year is upon us, folks! Kraftucky 2023 will embellish the Owensboro Convention Center on November 10-12 with everything sewn, handcrafted, painted and decorated.And while Kraftucky always brings in tons of vendors, this year’s event is gonna be bigger than ever. More than 200 talented artisans and crafters will be onsite to shop from! And they’ll sell EVERYTHING you can imagine. There will be items spanning all four seasons and several holidays too.Some of the items you’ll find at Kraftucky include woodcrafts, holiday décor, home décor, quilts, candles, paintings, floral arrangements, custom foods, pottery and embroidery. Find something cool for yourself or get a jumpstart on that holiday shopping!The first 100 shoppers each day will get a FREE Kraftucky tote bag, so getting there early is a plus! There’s also a great opportunity to take a DIY craft workshop with local business Hammer & Stain, which gets you free entry to Kraftucky.Kraftucky will be held Friday, Nov. 10 from 2-7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 12 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $3 per adult or $5 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and under get in free. Tickets…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: October 20-22

Take A Kid Camping      If you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly adventure, you’ve come to the right place! The Kids Outdoor Adventures series is continuing this weekend with “Take A Kid Camping at Panther Creek Park” on Friday, October 20. Campsites will be available around the lake for the overnight stay, and activities will include bingo (with prizes), s’mores and one community campfire for all to enjoy. Just bring your own camping supplies and register ahead of time by calling the Daviess County Conservation District at 270-685-1707, Ext. 3. This event is free!Pumpkin and Pickle FestThe Cottage will be holding its Pumpkin and Pickle Festival this weekend, so if you’re a fan of pumpkins, pickles, shopping and all things fall, this is the perfect event! Held October 21 and 22, you can stock up on fall décor, cute gifts and tons of homemade items and treats from over 80 different vendors. If you need some Halloween pumpkins, check out The Cottage’s Pick-Your-Own pumpkin patch. There will be more than 10 different food trucks onsite, so come hungry! The Pumpkin and Pickle Fest will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.BlocktoberfestYou don’t have to travel to Germany to celebrate…

Make Plans For New Jerry Garcia Exhibit at Bluegrass Hall of Fame

If you’re a fan of the Grateful Dead, we’ve got a new bucket list item coming for you this coming spring!The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum will officially be opening its newest exhibition focusing on Jerry Garcia’s bluegrass roots and musical career with a two-day celebration March 29 and 30. This is must-attend exhibit for all the longtime Deadheads and fans of the iconic Jerry Garcia.You’ll learn all about Garcia’s bluegrass background and even get to see several of his legendary instruments on display. An accomplished banjo player, Garcia’s display will include some of his banjos, an acoustic guitar, pedal steel and tons of other artifacts that tell his bluegrass story.“Jerry Garcia: A Bluegrass Journey” will also include interview content from those who played with Garcia and interactive content for the 2,000 square foot exhibit.Even after founding the Grateful Dead in 1965, Garcia’s bluegrass roots remained a part of his legacy. He was part of the group Old & In The Way, who went on to sell the second best-selling bluegrass album of all time.At this event, you can enjoy live music from acclaimed jamgrass legends Leftover Salmon for both nights. Special guests will join the band to…

Head to Owensboro For The Best Fall Foliage Experience

Owensboro is one of the best places in the state to experience fall in all its natural beauty. With more than 25 parks spread across the city and county, you’ve got tons of options for leaf-peeping. Or you can take a drive through some of these areas and explore the varieties of trees bursting with shades of yellow, orange, red and even purple leaves.  Experts say the best time to view fall foliage in western Kentucky starts in mid-to-late October and lasts through the beginning of November, so there’s plenty of time to plan a trip to see why Owensboro is one of the most beautiful places in the country.  World’s Largest Sassafras TreeFirst off, you’ve got to start your fall foliage journey by checking out the largest known sassafras tree in the world! Located at 2100 Frederica Street, this tree measures over 100 feet tall and 21 feet in circumference. The average sassafras is only 30 to 50 feet tall, if that gives you an idea as to how big this tree is. Even better, sassafras trees boast some amazing colors during fall, with leaves turning bright yellow, orange, red and even pink. Smothers ParkYou not only get gorgeous waterfront views…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: October 27-29

Rocky Horror Picture Show       It’s officially spooky season, which means it’s time to head over to RiverPark Center for the annual viewing of Rocky Horror Picture Show! This cult classic musical-comedy tells the story of Brad and Janet, who find themselves seeking refuge from a storm in a mysterious castle owned by the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The film has a unique participatory nature where viewers often attend midnight screenings dressed as characters, shouting callbacks and interacting with the movie in a fun manner, transforming the film into a cultural phenomenon. You can experience it for yourself on October 28! Call the RPC Box Office for tickets at 270-687-2770.Pigtails and Cowlicks  This annual sale is designed to stretch your budget! Pigtails and Cowlicks will feature more than 500 families selling new or gently used children’s items at amazing prices! You can find clothing, toys, furniture, books, baby gear, shoes, hair bows, boutique items and more. And this consignment sale is for kids of ALL ages—from babies to teenagers! There is no admission to shop and cash and credit/debit cards are accepted. Pigtails and Cowlicks will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center on October 27 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.John Lanham…

See One of The Best Christmas Parades in Owensboro!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!Well, it’s not Christmas quite yet, but it IS time to make your plans to see the Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade! And from the look and sound of things, this year’s parade is gonna be one to remember.One of the largest Christmas parades in the state, the Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, November 18 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The route for the parade runs along 2nd Street in downtown Owensboro from Pearl to Locust Streets. You can bring your chairs or stand for this parade and line up along 2nd Street between the aforementioned streets.This parade is the greatest way to kick off the holiday season and get those warm, fuzzy feels that remind you of fond memories with your family and loved ones. There will be music from middle and high school bands, dozens of floats decorated with lights, tinsel and characters in costume. There will be elves, cool firetrucks and police cars, a visit from Miss Kentucky, and, to cap things off, a grand finale from Santa Claus himself!According to the Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade, Santa is very excited to be invited back to this year’s parade. In fact, he’s…

Taste Something New at Pamir Afghan in Owensboro

For anyone looking to try something delicious and a little bit different than the standard American fare, one of Owensboro’s newest restaurants is receiving rave reviews for its authentic Afghan cuisine!Pamir Afghan Cuisine is located right in the center of Owensboro at 630 Emory Drive, and this is the perfect place to sample a variety of different dishes from a place halfway across the world.Described by some reviewers as a cross between Greek and Indian food, some of Afghan’s most well-known dishes can be found on the menu at Pamir Afghan. Rice dishes, hearty dishes made of beef and chicken, plant-based dishes and traditional appetizers and desserts are all part of the menu.But if you wanna try a little bit of everything, you can order tasting plates made up of your choice of one, three or five main dishes that come in smaller portions. According to reviews, this is what many guests opt for so they can get a bigger picture of everything Afghanistan has to offer when it comes to food.And aside from the food being delicious, the service at Pamir Afghan Cuisine is top notch, with reviewers complimenting the staff and cooks for their friendliness and helpfulness!Whether it’s…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: November 3-5

Crowder at RPC        This multi Grammy-nominated artist has sold over 3 million records and will be playing at RiverPark Center on November 2! Crowder was named the 2014 iTunes Christian Album of the Year and has had multiple singles land on the Top 200 Billboard Chart. David Crowder started his solo career 2012 and has gone to achieve great success in the music industry ever since. You can buy tickets to see Crowder for $29.99 and the show starts at 7 p.m.Kolok Wood & Stone Sculpture 7th Annual Open StudioGet the chance to talk with Kolok, himself, about abstract sculpture and gain insight into his creative process. The event is Nov. 3-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tour at Green River Distilling Co.  Make the most out of your trip to Kentucky with a tour at Green River Distilling Company! The westernmost point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Green River’s tours have ranked in the Top 5 Bourbon Tours in Kentucky and are a blast for groups of all sizes. Explore 28 acres of bourbon whiskey production, barrel storage and the amazing history behind this famous distillery. Finish the tour by tasting a few of Green River’s products! Tours…

Hometown Christmas Preview: Dates, Times and What to Expect

It’s time to get those Christmas sweaters out of the closet because Owensboro is about to light up the streets and turn the holiday music on! The return of the City of Owensboro’s Hometown Christmas is chock full of family-friendly activities you can enjoy all the through the upcoming holiday season.To kick things off, the inaugural Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at Smothers Park in downtown Owensboro on November 17 at 5 p.m. This magical experience will include CDancing Lightshristmas carols sung by the Kentucky Youth Chorale.This event will also kick off the  spectacle, where holiday lights will transform the center portion of Smothers Park into an interactive light show. Every 15 minutes, the lights will dance to a different classic Christmas song. Even better, you can enjoy the Dancing Lights in downtown Owensboro from November 17-December 31 from 5-9 p.m. each night. How cool is that?A new riverfront holiday decoration is hitting the pavement this year too! You can check out a Bourbon Barrel Christmas Tree that will light up McConnell Plaza, courtesy of Green River Distilling Co.The holiday spirit will continue into the next day with the famous Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade on November 18! The theme…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: November 10-12

Kraftucky        Shop all the homemade crafts you can imagine at Kraftucky 2023! Guests can shop from over 200 booths featuring amazing works of art. Whether it’s woodcrafts, home décor, quilts, candles, holiday decorations, custom foods, paintings, pottery, embroidery, floral arrangements or jewelry, Kraftucky has it all. The first 100 shoppers each day will receive a FREE Kraftucky tote bag! Show hours are November 10 from 2-7 p.m., November 11 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and November 12 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $3 per day for adults or $5 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and under get in free.Chainsaw CarvingThe Bluegrass Chainsaw Showdown is coming to Owensboro! Come out and watch the sawdust fly as contestants display their best carving skills to create striking works of art. This show features 11 of the most masterful chainsaw carvers from different states across the US. The carvers must interpret an 8-foot-log into something amazing, and they only have a limited time to do it! The Showdown will be held at the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront on November 10 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with an auction to sell the items kicking off at 6 p.m. The Showdown continues November 11…

Enjoy a Weekend of REAL Southern Gospel, BBQ and More

We’ve got a very cool weekend coming up in December for all our southern gospel music fans!On December 1 and 2, Visit Owensboro is teaming up with the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum and REAL Southern Gospel to bring you a weekend of authentic southern gospel music from at five of the biggest bands on the market.The two-day lineup will feature performances from The Hoppers and The Williamsons on Dec. 1 and Deliverance, New Ground and Dixie Echoes Quartet on Dec. 2.Even cooler, these shows will be broadcast live on the REAL Southern Gospel Radio Network!Visit Owensboro is offering a weekend package for this experience that includes a two-night stay in one of our downtown hotels, a Southern Gospel gift bag, dinner catered by Moonlite Bar-B-Q both nights, special sessions with Les Butler and other Southern Gospel storytellers, and special seating in Woodward Theatre. You can also buy tickets to individual shows for $35.This is a great chance to spend a weekend in our beautiful city and see everything Owensboro has to offer. You won’t wanna miss it! 

Take Your Kiddos to These Incredible Museums in Owensboro

As the weather starts to turn a little cooler, it’s the perfect chance to find fun, educational activities to do with your kiddos. Right here in Owensboro, we have three amazing museums to explore, learn from and be amazed by! Even better, they’re all located just a few blocks away from each other. Fresh off some amazing upgrades made just for kids, you could spend the entire day at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History. In fact, you can check out a brand new traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on MainStreet program called Spark! Places of Innovation now through November 25. This exhibition dives into the innovation and inventions happening across rural America and features stories from over 30 rural communities that reveal the dynamic relationship between place and creativity, and how a great idea can change the life of many. This is a limited time exhibit, so make sure you check it out while you’re in town! The multi-story OMSH also has a ton of other exhibits for kids to enjoy. These include the interactive Origins Cave, a WW1 exhibit, the Hall of Mammals & Birds, the Yellow Banks Gallery, a Mammoth Lobby (where you can meet…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: November 17-19

Tree Lighting Ceremony     We’ve got an exciting weekend coming for you all, and you can kick things off with some holiday fun at the inaugural Tree Lighting Ceremony at Smother’s Park. On Friday, November 17, head to the downtown riverfront to hear Christmas carols from the Kentucky Youth Chorale. After that, the giant Christmas Tree will be lit along with the Dancing Lights strewn all across Smother’s Park! This is a great family-friendly event that is free to attend! The Tree Lighting ceremony starts at 5 p.m.Christmas Parade The 85th Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade will be held this weekend, so be sure to grab your favorite foldable chairs and bring them to Second Street in downtown Owensboro! Our Christmas Parade is considered one of the best in the country, and you’ll be thrown right into the fun holiday feels with live performances from high school bands, dozens of parade floats covered in dazzling lights and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus himself! The Christmas Parade begins at 4:30 and runs from Pearl to Locust Streets.Fleetwood Mac Cover Band  Fleetwood Mac fans, unite! One of the best cover bands in the world is coming to Owensboro to perform a tribute concert to…

Check Out this Large-Scale Futsal Tourney in Owensboro!

One of the state’s biggest futsal tournaments of the year is being held right here in Owensboro this winter! And you’ll have the chance to see what this unique game is all about at the Bluegrass Futsal Cup, held at the Owensboro Convention Center December 15-17.So what is futsal, exactly? Let’s talk about it. Futsal is kind of a cross between football and soccer that’s played on a hardcourt surface. It’s played mainly indoors and has similarities to five-a-side football and indoor football. The smaller court size ensures the game is fast-paced and more intense, with more opportunities for goal scoring. Games are made up of five players on each time, one of whom serves as goalkeeper.With its fast pace and smaller court size, futsal is incredibly exciting to watch, so you won’t wanna miss this large-scale tournament being played by some of the best young athletes in the area!This tournament will be held on the first floor of the Owensboro Convention Center across three courts. Between games, you can grab breakfast and lunch at the Kentucky Legend Café onsite and explore the rest of our world-class facility, located right on the Ohio River.And if you have a kiddo interested…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 1-3

The Nutcracker     If you want all the holiday feels and a great performance to go with it, head to the RiverPark Center this weekend to see The German American Bank Nutcracker. Children and adults of all ages will discover the joy of Christmas through the beauty of music and dance at this production put on by Owensboro Dance Theatre. You will be awe-inspired through moving digital backdrops as you enter into Marie’s dream along with her, discovering a timeless tale of adventure of wonder. Shows will be held December 2 at 7 p.m. and December 3 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $17. REAL Southern Gospel  This is your chance to experience a night of southern gospel with a performance from The Hoppers and The Williamsons! On December 1, head over to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum for a double performance from two of the biggest bands in the Southern Gospel music genre. This concert is part of the REAL Southern Gospel weekend, hosted by Les Butler. These award-winning bands have topped the charts and continued singing for more than 100 years combined! Tickets to see this REAL Southern Gospel performance are $35 and the concert starts at…

Capture the Perfect Holiday Photo in Owensboro

Everybody needs a good place to take holiday photos with their family and friends. But you can’t go just anywhere for that perfect shot—you need a place that screams Christmas!Whether you want to travel out to the county or stay in city limits, we’ve got you covered with a handful of places that we think make the best spot for that frame-worthy holiday photo.Panther Creek ParkWhether it’s daytime or nighttime, Panther Creek Park is perfect for photos as they decorate much of the park in Christmas décor and thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, you can bring your family to one of the many locations throughout the park and get tons of good shots.Christmas Tree at Smothers ParkTake your family downtown for a photo in front of the giant Christmas tree! In the daytime, the tree is covered in beautiful red ribbons while, at night, it lights up the entire area.Downtown Smothers ParkAside from the tree, there’s a ton of other places downtown that would make a great holiday photo! The Dancing Lights could provide some fun, colorful backdrops as your family stands amongst the many decorations. Or, find a place with the Ohio River and our…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 8-10

Becky Buller & Fairfield Four      We’ve got a weekend FULL of music coming your way! Kicking things off on December 7 is the Fairfield Four & Becky Buller Band bringing you “The Perfect Gift Christmas Tour” to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Fairfield Four have been around for a century and are best known for their appearance at the end of the O Brother Where Art Thou film, while Buller has written music for three Grammy-winning albums and artists such as Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent and Doyle Lawson, to name a few. Buller has won countless IBMA awards, including the 2016 Fiddler and Female Vocalist of the year categories. You won’t wanna miss this iconic show, and you can get tickets right here for $40.50.Owensboro Symphony Christmas Concert  It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And that’s why you need to make plans for this amazing holiday concert! Our absolutely superb Owensboro Symphony is performing “Home for the Holidays” on December 9 at the RiverPark Center. Troy Quinn will be conducting, while Tevin Vincent will be featured and Jenny Beth Willis will make a special guest appearance. You’ll hear music from holiday classics, such as…

Warm Yourself Up at Owensboro’s Hot Chocolate Hop

It’s already starting to feel like winter out there, and there’s no better way to warm things up than with a cup of delicious hot chocolate!If you’re anything like us, there’s nothing that screams “Christmas” like a warm cup of cocoa, and we’ve got an event coming up that caters specifically to this holiday staple. For two days, on December 8 and 9, you can head to downtown Owensboro to partake in the annual Hot Chocolate Hop!Over a dozen local businesses will be serving their own version of a specialty hot chocolate for this event. From caramel drizzled to whipped cream and sprinkles, you’ll find every variety of the drink you can possibly think of at the Hot Chocolate Hop, even a frozen slushie option! And for the adults, you can even have your cocoa served with a little something extra at several of these locations.There’s no rules when it comes to the Hop, so you can come and go throughout the day as you please and taste as many varieties as possible. And trust us when we say, there are too many delicious variants on this list to pick just one!Participating businesses are located between Veterans Boulevard on the…

Holiday Events for the Whole Family

It is officially December, folks! And that means it’s time to break down a list of all our favorite holiday-themed activities that are taking place in Owensboro this season. All of these are family-friendly and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. So if you’ve been searching for a magical place to experience Christmas, look no further, because we’ve got it all!The City of Owensboro’s Hometown Christmas experience lasts the entire month of December. Head downtown to see the Dancing Lights transform Smothers Park into an interactive holiday lightshow! Every 15 minutes, the lights will dance to a different Christmas song. And you can also see our huge Christmas Tree downtown, as well as our new Bourbon Barrel Tree! The Dancing Lights can be seen from 5-9 p.m. each night.For the kiddos, take them to Symphony Storytime at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History on December 19. This event features a reading of The Nutcracker with musical interludes from Tchaikovsky’s famous work, so it’s fun and educational! Children can ask questions about the symphony and spend the day getting all the warm, holiday feels. This event is designed for kids five and under, and admission is only $5….

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 15-17

Breakfast with Santa     This is your chance to meet the big guy himself—Santa Claus! The 6th Annual Breakfast with Santa event will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center on December 16. Kiddos will get to meet and take free photos with Santa, and you can even write your own letters to him! Breakfast will include fluffy pancakes with your choice of toppings, sausage and juice. Tickets are $12 at the door and a family of four can get tickets for $32 in advance. Children two and under get in free. Breakfast with Santa runs from 7:30-10 a.m.Bluegrass Futsal Cup   The coolest new sport on the market is gonna be on display this weekend! The Owensboro United Soccer Club is hosting the Bluegrass Futsal Cup for three days (December 15-17) at the Owensboro Convention Center, where you can see how this game is played up close. A cross between football and soccer, futsal has been growing in popularity over the last few years, and this tournament is going to bring some of the best teams in the state to Owensboro for this large-scale tournament. Admission to the Bluegrass Futsal Cup is $10 for a weekend wristband or $5 per day….

Celebrate the Magic of Disney with Owensboro Symphony

Alan Menken was the man behind some of Disney’s most iconic scores and songs. And guess what? The Owensboro Symphony is putting on an entire concert dedicated to Menken’s work with “Magical Memories: A Tribute to Disney Legend Alan Menken” in January. If you grew up watching movies like A Little Mermaid, Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast, then you’ve heard Menken’s work. You’ve probably hummed his tunes around the house or jammed out to “A Whole New World” in the comfort and safety of your own car. Even decades after Menken composed these songs, we’ve remembered and cherished them. Some of Menken’s most notable works come from movies such as The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), Pocahontas (1995), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Hercules (1997), Enchanted (2007) and Tangled (2010). As if that weren’t impressive enough, his accolades include winning eight Academy Awards, a Tony Award, eleven Grammys, seven Golden Globe awards and a Daytime Emmy Award. His most well-known songs he composed for Disney include “Under the Sea,” “Be Our Guest,” “Belle,” “A Whole New World,” “Friend Like Me,” “Part of Your World,” “I See the Light,” “Colors of the Wind” and…

See these Amazing Holiday Lights in Owensboro

If you’re anything like us, you love a good holiday light display! And Owensboro is home to TONS of creative, grandiose and sparkly Christmas light exhibits that make for wonderful family outings.From gigantic Christmas trees strewn in multi-colored lights to a house that would give Clark Griswold a run for his money, here’s a list of some of the best places to see Christmas Lights in Owensboro.–Owensboro Christmas Lights at StonegateHop in the car and head to the Stonegate neighborhood to see one of the most decorated houses in the state of Kentucky! While the biggest display is located at 4567 Indian Creek Loop, you’ll find dozens of other houses showing their holiday spirit throughout the neighborhood as well. The cost to see these lights is free, but they do take donations at the entrance. You can get out of the car and walk through the display or simply drive through it. These lights can be viewed through December 26.–Christmas at Panther CreekWith more than 700,000 lights and 50 displays, Christmas at Panther Creek is the gift the keeps on giving year after year. You and your family can drive through this 1.15-mile long holiday display that keeps you awe-inspired…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 22-24

Try A New Beer at Brew Bridge     One of our city’s coolest hangout spots, Brew Bridge is constantly working and innovating to keep its brewpub and restaurant a top-notch beer destination for all our visitors. While they continually rotate its taps to drop new beers all the time, the brewery just did a double drop this month that sound perfect for the holiday season! First up is a delicious double chocolate oatmeal stout that was brewed with maple syrup and coffee (courtesy of Stave Coffee Company). You can also try a brand new coconut milkshake IPA brewed with pale malt, fluffy oats and vanilla. You can score both of these either on tap or in a four-pack of cans!Stock Up on Christmas Cookies    Christmas is the time of year when everyone gets to enjoy sweets without counting calories, and Owensboro has a ton of amazing bakeries that produce some of the cutest and tastiest holiday cookies! Over at the Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Co., you can find snowflake-shaped sugar cookies, oreo balls drizzled in icing and sprinkled with red and green sprinkles, and everything from oatmeal raisin to chocolate chip that can be purchased individually or on a…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 29-31

New Year’s Eve Parties     If you’ve been searching for a party to kick off 2024, look no further! You can head to DJ Shay’s New Year’s Eve Party at the Owensboro Convention Center on December 31. Enjoy music, drinks, a 360 photo booth and great vibes to start your year the right way. Tickets are $20 in advance, and the party starts at 9 p.m. You can also celebrate NYE at Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville, where VIP tickets include live music, a meal and a champagne toast! And at Brew Bridge, they’re takin’ it back a few decades with a Back to the Future-inspired 80s New Year’s Eve Party! Dress in your best 80s attire and enjoy drinks, 80s movies, a retro arcade room at Escape Today and classic music from that memorable time. Things will kick off at 8 p.m. and this event is free to attend!Celebrate NYE at Science Museum    Say goodbye to 2023 and ring in the New Year at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration! This family-friendly event will be held on December 30 and includes their annual balloon drop, music provided by DJ Professor G and costumed characters you can hang…

Check Out Initial ROMP Lineup Right Here!

Alrighty, friends–we’ve got our first look at next year’s ROMP lineup and we are ready to talk about it! Bringing thousands of visitors to Owensboro-Daviess County, ROMP is a four-day music festival featuring some of the best Bluegrass artists in the world. And, as per usual, Chris Joslin and his team at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum have put together an amazing initial lineup, with more artists to be announced over the coming months. Starting with the 2024 ROMP headliner, we’ve got country music legend and 14-time Grammy nominee Dierks Bentley making the trip to Yellow Creek Park to showcase an impressive catalog of #1 hits. Some of his most popular songs include “What Was I Thinkin’”, “Come A Little Closer”, “Settle for a Slowdown” and “Every Mile a Memory,” but there are more than a dozen others that make the list! In recent years, Bentley has been adding more Bluegrass to his music, with his newest album, Gravel and Gold, being released this year. An album he calls “my best,” Bentley’s newest music has that same country commercial feel that’s worked for him for so many years, while also leaning into the organic bluegrass roots that…

Stop By Owensboro for Kentucky’s Best Homemade Candy

It’s so rare to find a city with a local candy store these days, and that’s why Andria’s Candies—serving the customers of Owensboro since 1959—is such a treasure.Known for delicious, homemade candy sold all year round, Andria’s gets especially busy once the holiday season starts rolling around. Locally owned and operated, this candy shop has been a staple of downtown Owensboro for decades, with an old-school aesthetic that’s charming, unique and quaint.During the winter season, the two most popular candies sold at Andria’s are their bourbon balls and nut brittle. As explained in an article by Owensboro Living, the store’s new Kentucky-themed packaging makes it a great souvenir gift for visitors.The bourbon balls are made of decadent chocolate, butter, cream and, of course, good ole’ Kentucky bourbon. They’re a best seller each and every year.So while you’re here visiting Owensboro and miss the days of smelling melted chocolate as you walk into a local candy store, you’ve gotta give Andria’s a call.The best way to place an order or see the menu at Andria’s is to call or visit from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. It might seem old-fashioned, but the only way to place an order is to show up…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: January 5-7

ACO Cornhole Tournament      One of the biggest cornhole tournaments in the country is coming back to Owensboro this weekend! The ACO Owensboro Major & Pro Series is being held at the Owensboro Convention Center January 4-6, bringing some of the most talented cornhole players together for three days of competition and big prizes. There’s multiple division purses and payouts, along with a $500 Singles and Doubles Bonus on the table, and hundreds of players are going to be tossing for those top spots! Click here for more info on the tournament, including dates and times.Moneta Sleet, Jr. Festival     One of Owensboro’s greatest hometown celebrities is being honored on January 5. “Through Sleet’s Eyes” is a festival celebrating Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Moneta Sleet, Jr., and Owensboro native who became world famous for his amazing photography—notably, the photos he took at Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral. The event will run from 2-9 p.m., featuring a photography exhibit open to the public, a free documentary showing, guided exhibit tours and, for $20, you can witness an amazing live jazz experience that includes “the soundtrack of Civil Rights.” Head to the RiverPark Center or call the box office to reserve a…

Bluegrass Winter Warmer Series Provides Cozy, Intimate Vibes with Musicians

Hear us out. It’s January, it’s cold, it’s even kinda gloomy outside. Which is why the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum has created its very own lineup of wintertime bluegrass concerts to get you through the next (cold) few weeks!The Winter Warmer concert series is featuring three different artists throughout the months of January and February. Kicking things off on January 25 will be The Local Honeys, followed by Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band on February 8 and Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle on February 29.As an FYI, these concerts are designed to be cozy and intimate, so only 150 people will get into each show. This gives attendees the chance to see some amazing artists perform up close and personal, so what a treat!If you haven’t been listening to The Local Honeys, this is your sign to start. Though many artists are defined by place, only a handful of artists have come to define the places they’re from. And for The Local Honeys, that place is Kentucky.For almost a decade, the duo of Montana Hobbs and Linda Jean Stanley have been garnered countless accolades for their authentic Kentucky sound. They’ve also toured with some of the…

Festivals to Look Forward to in 2024

As we make our way into the new year, we wanted to bring your attention to some of the big events our visitors have to look forward to in 2024! Owensboro is a festival city, and we have an awesome lineup of festivals coming your way. From music to barbecue to bourbon and bluegrass, we’ve got something for everybody to celebrate. We’re gonna kick off our list with a brand new festival happening this year! Rock the Boro is a rock music fest being held in Owensboro August 23 and 24. Hosted by LS Music Productions, this festival will feature a mix of national, regional and local musicians. More than 100 bands have applied to perform, and the event will be held at the Daviess County Lions Club Fairgrounds. For more info, head over to www.rocktheborofest.com. We’re also bringing the Jeeps and Jamz Expo back this year for two days of Jeeps, live music and off-roading experiences. This year’s Jeeps and Jamz will be held June 7 and 8 at the Owensboro Convention Center. There’ll be a huge kickoff party, an expo with Jeep vendors, a Jeep obstacle course, Jeep convoy, a trail ride and more! Of course we’re bringing back…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: January 12-14

Kentucky 2A Basketball Championship     The Kentucky 2A State Championships for boys’ and girls’ basketball will be held at the Owensboro Sportscenter this weekend. This tournament is bringing the best 2A teams from across the entire state to our city for three days of competitive play. This is a great chance to see teams from outside our region play, so head on over to the Sportscenter if you’re a fan of high school basketball! The Kentucky 2A Championships run January 12-14 and tickets go on sale January 8. Owensboro Lip Sync Battle     Owensboro’s favorite event of the year is goin’ down at the Owensboro Convention Center this weekend! The Owensboro Lip Sync Battle is a fundraiser for Puzzle Pieces, and it brings hundreds of people out to support an amazing cause. You’ll get to see who will be crowned the winner, and there will even be an after-party! After the battles wrap and the trophies are awarded, Blue Line Entertainment will be bringing the music. You can watch the Owensboro Lip Sync Battle on January 13. Tickets for general admission are $30.Best Soups in Owensboro It’s time to talk about soup, friends! Winter means it’s soup season, and we’ve got a…

Owensboro Hosting Two Major Volleyball Tournaments

Tons of teams are preparing for one of the biggest volleyball tournaments held in Owensboro to date! The 2024 Presidents’ Day Volleyball Tournament will feature players aged 11-15 for two days of competitive action.  Not only will this brand new tournament serve as a huge economic boost to our community, but it’s being hosted by Fernando Morales–owner of the Evansville United Volleyball Club and Head Coach at the University of Evansville Volleyball Team. Morales is a talented volleyball player himself, serving as the national team captain in Puerto Rico and earning pro-league championship honors three times. He also earned a silver medal in the 2008 Olympic qualifiers and played in the 2007 World Cup.  Morales said he’s expecting between 60 and 72 teams to participate in this tournament being held at the Owensboro Convention Center, meaning this is gonna be a large-scale competition featuring athletes from around five different states.  But that’s not all! Another big volleyball tournament will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center this year. The Big O Volleyball tournament is bringing more than 50 teams to Owensboro March 22-24. This tournament will be hosted by JPO Sports.

See Aaron Lewis Live at The Sportscenter!

Aaron Lewis is making his way back to Owensboro for another amazing live show!  Lewis, a founding member of Staind, has been traveling the country as a solo artist over the last few years as an outlier country artist with a traditional twist. He’s recorded with some of the greats, including George Jones, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Alison Krauss and Vince Gill. Now, his “The American Patriot 2024 Acoustic Tour” is garnering worldwide recognition.  Lewis had a stellar lineup of shows in 2023, so he’s following up that success with another nationwide tour that’s coming after creating five country music albums, including his latest, “Frayed At Both Ends.”  Lewis’ success story has continued after years of rocking out stadiums with Staind and returning to his country music roots. In fact, his most recent album features his first country song to hit No. 1 on the charts – “Am I The Only One.”  Not only that, but Lewis actually reunited with Staind this year to release their first album in over a decade. It takes a special artist to be able to juggle two different genres of music all while touring across the country.  You can buy tickets to see Aaron Lewis on his “The American…

Warm Up Your Winter at the Owensboro Convention Center

With it being winter and all, we wanted to take some time to focus on all the exciting indoor events our visitors can enjoy at the Owensboro Convention Center! This award-winning riverfront facility is the perfect venue for so many things–everything from athletics to meetings and banquets to trade and consumer shows to, of course, conventions are held here. So let’s break down a list of some of the upcoming events that’ll keep you warm, entertained and well fed during this winter season. On January 18, the Bluegrass Open is bringing tons of amazing archers to Owensboro for four days of competitive fun. If you’re looking for a large-scale indoor archery tournament, this is the place! The Bluegrass Open is presented by Midwest Open Indoor Archery and will be held January 18-21. On January 26, the Micro Wrestling Federation is putting on a show you’ll never forget! The MWF is a full-scale WWE event supporting an entire cast of wrestlers under five feet tall. You’ll get all the body slams, headlocks and punches to the face that you love seeing in a professional wrestling match. This show is for people of all ages, and tickets start at $23.99. The show starts at 8…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: January 26-28

Micro Wrestling    If you’ve never been to a Micro Wrestling event, this is your sign to change that! The Micro Wrestling Federation is a full-scale, WWE-type event supported by an entire cast who are all under five feet tall. And it’s going to be pure pandemonium as these wrestlers body slam, headlock and face punch their way through an evening of nonstop action. You’ll get to see two single matches, a Micro Brawl and a Micro Rumble, where the Micro Superstars enter the ring and compete for the championship belt. Only one Micro Wrestler will be the winner, and you won’t wanna miss it! This event will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center on January 26 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $23.99 and this show is appropriate for all ages. Disney Tribute at the Owensboro Symphony     If you’re a fan of an amazing Disney soundtrack (and honestly, who isn’t?) we’ve got the perfect concert for you this weekend! Magical Memories: Tribute to Disney Legend Alan Menken will take place at the RiverPark Center on January 27. The fabulous Owensboro Symphony is paying tribute to Menken’s outstanding career as a songwriter and composer. Some of the best Disney songs…

Preview for Upcoming Jerry Garcia Exhibit

It’s getting closer and closer to the opening weekend of one of the most anticipated exhibits to ever grace the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Jerry Garcia: A Bluegrass Journey is launching in March with a weekend-long celebration honoring the life and legacy of Garcia and his Bluegrass music roots.  Held March 28-30, this exhibition will launch with an immersive experience of exhibition tours, live music, historic panel discussions and more to celebrate the bluegrass career of this music icon.  The exhibition itself explores Garcia’s early years as a banjo player, his deep connection to bluegrass and the influence it had on his massive career. The Jerry Garcia exhibit will last two years, but this opening weekend celebration is where true, blue Garcia fans will get the most out of this experience.  You’ll get all the live music you could dream of at this opening weekend. Three days of concerts–including the Sam Grisman Project and Leftover Salmon–can be enjoyed, along with special appearances by Peter Rowan, David Nelson, Jim Lauderdale, Ronnie McCoury, Eric Thompson, Pete Wernick and Kyle Tuttle.  You’ll also get to view some amazing documentary screenings, such as Grateful Dawg, Long Strange Trip and Festival Express.  And if you were hoping…

Get To Know Owensboro With These Fun Facts

–Owensboro is the fourth-largest city in the state of Kentucky, and it is the second-largest city in the Tri-State region of Illinois, Indiana and western Kentucky. Owensboro has a great position, geographically, as it is located only two hours away from Nashville, two hours from Louisville, three hours from St. Louis, and 3.5 hours from Cincinnati.  –Owensboro has an incredible riverfront that provides a majestic backdrop to our revitalized downtown! You can catch spectacular views of the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro. Some of our amazing entertainment venues and hotels provide waterfront views. These include the Owensboro Convention Center, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the RiverPark Center, the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Owensboro/Waterfront and the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront.  The Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered at what is today known as Owensboro–but then, it was known as Yellow Banks. Lewis and Clark stayed in Owensboro prior to departing on their famous expedition. The city changed its name in 1817.  The cultural and entertainment hub of western Kentucky, Owensboro is home to one of the best symphonies in the country (Owensboro Symphony) and has been declared the Bluegrass Capital of the World. Owensboro is also home to one of the…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: February 2-4

Little Women on Broadway    If you’re a fan of the best-selling book and movie, then you’ve gotta check out Little Women on Broadway! You can see this timeless, captivating story on stage at the RiverPark Center on February 3. Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March, each determined to live life on their own terms. This adaptation of the classic story is leaving audiences filled with a sense of adventure, joy, heartache and hope. A powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, making this a play for viewers across all generations. You can buy tickets to see Little Women right here for $35. Rivertown Pickleball Tournament      The second annual Rivertown Pickleball Tournament is hitting the courts this weekend at Merchant Centre Court. Held February 2-4, this tournament is expected to bring hundreds of pickleball players from all over the country to Owensboro for three days of competitive play. There will be men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles across multiple skill levels at play, and gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded for all brackets. You can click here for more information! See A Movie At The Theater Owensboro has one of the…

Your Guide to Owensboro Burger Week 2024

It’s time to get excited because Owensboro Burger Week is returning with a bang this year, friends! And this time, it’s gonna be even bigger and better than ever before! Burger Week 2024 is expanding its timeline this year to give customers NINE days of burger-eating joy. Held March 1-9, you’ll have plenty of time to taste all the beefy goodness Owensboro has to offer.  This event is meant to be enjoyed by anyone and everyone, and you’ll taste some of the most creative burgers you can imagine during Owensboro Burger Week. From Mexican food-style burgers to barbecue-slathered burgers to breakfast burgers, you’ll get the chance to try a little bit of everything.  One of the best things about Owensboro Burger Week is the price! All of these burgers are only $7. All you have to do is show up to one of the restaurants on the list and ask for their Burger Week burger.  And, as always, Visit Owensboro will be holding its annual Burger Week contest, where a distinguished panel of self-proclaimed burger experts will do a blind taste test to determine the Burger Week Champion.  Since Burger Week 2024 is expected to make things a little busier for restaurants, please remember to…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: February 9-11

Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band    The Winter Warmer Series is continuing at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum this week with Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band! This is gonna be an amazing show as CUBB is recognized as one of the most exciting young bands in acoustic music right now. They play a unique mix of bluegrass, DAWG (David Grisman music), jazz and modern. The band includes the 2023 National Flat Pick Guitar Champion Ian Ly, and CUBB was the recipient of the 2023 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year. The group has played all over the world, and you can hear them yourself at a cozy, intimate venue on the Hall of Fame’s second floor. You can see the band play on February 8. Tickets are $20 and the show starts at 7 p.m. Zydeco Experience at RPC     We’ve got a very cool experience for you this weekend at the RiverPark Center as Terrance Simien brings The Zydeco Experience to the stage. Simien is a two-time Grammy winning artist and 8th generation Louisiana Creole who’s been shattering the myths and misinformation about what traditional Zydeco roots music is. This is American roots music born of the Black and mixed…

50 Days Until Spring–What To Look Forward To!

It’s been a little gray and gloomy out there, which is why it’s always great to have something to look forward to. And with less than 50 days ‘til Spring, we wanted to break down some of the warmer weather events happening in Owensboro this upcoming season!  Owensboro Burger Week is taking over the city March 1-9 this year! This event will give you an amazing excuse to get out of the house and try as many delicious burgers as possible from Owensboro’s best restaurants. Each burger is only $7, and you’ll get to try everything from barbecue-slathered to bourbon-infused to breakfast burgers. Check out The Great American Bluegrass Jam March 15-17 for a weekend of authentic bluegrass fun. This event features the Kentucky Fried Pickin’ Hotel Jam, the Kentucky State Fiddle Championship, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky THunder at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, excursions to Green River Distilling Company and the Bill Monroe Homeplace in Rosine, and much more in collaboration with downtown businesses. The artist hand picked by Elton John himself, The Rocket Man Show recreates the magic and live persona of a young Elton like no other. You can see the show at the RiverPark Center on…

BBQ and Barrels Fest Returning Bigger and Better than Before

It’s time to get excited about two of our city’s greatest staples because BBQ & Barrels is making a return to downtown Owensboro this spring!A celebration of our legendary barbecue and some of the best bourbon in the state of Kentucky, BBQ and Barrels is a two-day festival that’ll be held on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 2024.For those who grew up going to the International Bar-B-Q Festival, BBQ and Barrels is a rebirth of that classic celebration combined with innovation and new ideas that make this world-famous event bigger and better than ever.You’ll see some new features at this year’s event, including more BBQ vendors, five church cooking teams, extra art vendors, a larger Baird Private Wealth Management Bourbon Experience at the Owensboro Convention Center, the KY Champions Motorcar Invitational and concerts on the front lawn of the Convention Center. Headliners will be announced on February 5!You’ll get to taste all the burgoo, mutton, pork and chicken from, not only our famous church cooking teams, but from our local barbecue establishments like Moonlite, Old Hickory, Ole South, Lure Smoke Shack and Brew Bridge as well. On top of that, you can enjoy food, lemonade, ice cream, burgers…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: February 16-18

Presidents’ Day Volleyball Tournament   We’ve got a huge volleyball tournament coming up this weekend at the Owensboro Convention Center! The Presidents’ Day Volleyball Tournament will be held February 17 and 18 for two days of competitive action. This tournament is being hosted by Fernando Morales, owner of the Evansville United Volleyball Club and silver medalist at the 2008 Olympic Qualifiers for volleyball. We’re expecting to see more than 70 teams from five different states compete at this tournament, so be sure to check it out if you’re in the area! Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville      Head to downtown Owensboro for some live music and drinks this week at Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville. Brasher’s is hosting a Valentine’s Day event on February 14, where you’ll get three special Valentine’s Day performances from Mitchell Douglas, Tony Henning and Andy Brasher, who will take turns singing and sharing stories on stage. Charcuterie boards will be available for purchase as well! You can also enjoy an Open Mic Night on Thursday, February 15 from 6-9 p.m., followed by karaoke at 9 p.m. Tour at Green River Distilling Co.   Voted one of the best bourbon tours in the state of Kentucky, a Green River Distilling Company distillery tour is…

Owensboro to host major national indoor archery tournament!

One of the biggest national archery tournaments of the year is being held in Owensboro!  The Eastern S3DA Indoor National Championship will bring some of the best young archers in the country to the Owensboro Convention Center March 1-3 for three days of competitive play.  This tournament gives students the opportunity to compete against S3DA members for the title of “National Indoor Champion” in their respective division.  This competition will be NFAA Five Spot Style, which includes two rounds of 30 arrows contested over a two-day period. If you’ve never seen an Indoor Archery competition, this is a great place to start, as the Owensboro Convention Center has plenty of space for spectators to watch this super cool event. This is also the 3rd year Owensboro has hosted this large-scale tournament!  The Scholastic 3-D Archery Program is a great organization that works to foster, educate and guide youth in the areas of indoor target, 3D and outdoor target archery as well as safe, ethical bowhunting practices. Because of organizations like S3DA, archery has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world!  Those hoping to check out this tournament can find more information from the Owensboro Convention Center right here.

Get A Jumpstart on Spring at Owensboro’s Plant Shops

Anytime someone mentions a plant store in town, our ears immediately perk up. Indoor plants have become the new household staple, and there is nothing like finding the perfect spot in your home for your newest plant to grow and thrive.  So that’s why we got excited when Ivy Trellis Floral & Gift announced they were now selling indoor plants at their flower shop! Ivy Trellis already made beautiful bouquets, but now you can stop in their store and find the newest addition to your indoor plant family.  If you’re new to the plant life, no worries! The team at Ivy Trellis is well-versed on all these different plants and are more than happy to help you find the right plant for you and your lifestyle. These indoor plants are well cared for by the staff upon buying and look absolutely gorgeous and healthy.  Plants from Welborn’s Floral Company make long-lasting and affordable gifts for any occasion! Welborn’s offers a wide variety of gorgeous indoor plants. You can find Peace Lilies, Cat Palms and Emerald Greens. They can even deliver your house plant right to you!  Another amazing place to get your next house plant is Integrity Nursery & Outdoor Living! This store not…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: February 23-25

Aaron Lewis In Concert   This rocker-turned-country artist is heading to Owensboro for a live show you won’t wanna miss! Aaron Lewis, founding member of multi-platinum band Staind, is bringing The American Patriot tour to the Owensboro Sportscenter on Thursday, February 22. This acoustic tour follows Lewis’ recent musical collaborations with some of the greats, including George Jones, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Alison Krauss and Vince Gill–and it shows the country star at his most personal, intimate and unplugged. Tickets to see Aaron Lewis can be purchased right here for $25 and the show starts at 7 p.m.The Johnny Cash Experience      You’ll hear songs and stories from the “Man in Black” in a way that audiences haven’t seen nor heard before at Johnny Cash–The Official Concert Experience. With videos of Cash from episodes of The Johnny Cash Show projected on a screen above the stage, a live band and singers will accompany him in perfect sync. This show highlights Cash’s iconic performances, including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire” and “I Walk the Line.” The music never stops at this incredible event, and you can see the show yourself at the RiverPark Center on February 22. Tickets are $35 and…

The Great American Bluegrass Jam: Everything You Need to Know

Did somebody say they needed three days of bluegrass? Because we’ve got the perfect event for you comin’ up in March!  The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum is bringing together some of the best in the business to create a weekend experience for any and all bluegrass fans. The Great American Bluegrass Jam is taking over downtown Owensboro March 15-17! There will be bluegrass-themed events, legendary concerts, historic sightseeing trips and even a little bourbon packed into this weekend adventure.  The Kentucky Fried Pickin’ Hotel Jam will be set up at the Holiday Inn Riverfront in downtown Owensboro, bringing hundreds of strummers and pickers together. Guests will get the chance to pick with others from across the country and open jam sessions will be held around the clock.  The hotel is completely sold out but you can still get a room just a few steps away at the Hampton Inn & Suites Waterfront  Just down the street at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the Kentucky State Fiddle Championship will be held March 16 and 17. With multiple categories and prizes, this will bring out some of the best fiddlers in the country. Spectators can get tickets at $10 apiece…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: March 1-3

Owensboro Burger Week   The burgers are back, y’all! Burger Week 2024 kicks off this weekend on Friday, March 1, meaning you’ll have nine days to eat all the burgers you possibly can from roughly 40 different restaurants. From barbecue-slathered to breakfast style, this is where you’ll find the most diverse lineup of burgers you’ve ever tasted! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #owensboroburgerweek for your social media posts for the chance to win some cool prizes and, most important of all, have fun! Burger Week runs March 1-9. Arabian Nights: Owensboro Symphony       Our wonderful Owensboro Symphony has an amazing show for you this weekend! Troy Quinn and the Owensboro Symphony will transform the stage into a sultry Arabian night with cinematic music from Lawrence of Arabia, Exodus and Aladdin. Prepare to be entranced with the musical stories that take you to far-off times and places. See Arabian Nights at the RiverPark Center on March 2 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45. Tickets for Bourbon Tasting at BBQ and Barrels    Tickets go on sale this week for the bourbon-tasting portion of BBQ and Barrels, so be sure to have your phone and wallet ready on February 29! This event sold out…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: March 8-10

Burger Week   This week is all about the burgers as Owensboro Burger Week runs through Saturday, March 9! This means you’ll have plenty of days to try as many delicious burgers as you can from as many restaurants as possible! The burgers on this list are insane, and you’ll find everything from crispy bacon-covered patties to smoked sausage-topped to funnel cake buns on the menu. Each of the burgers cost only $7 this week, and you can win some awesome prizes by using the hashtag #owensboroburgerweek on your social media posts. Who will win Best Burger this year? We have a panel of burger enthusiasts doing a blind tasting. And this year, the customers will get to vote on a People’s Choice Award for top burger as well! Lanham Brothers Jamboree      You can head over to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum for the Lanham Brothers Jamboree this weekend! Hosted by brothers Barry and Randy Lanham and recorded for broadcast on KET, this show is family friendly with music, comedy skits, dance and crowd interaction. Guests for this year’s show include Paul Mosley, Jeff “Wildman” Hardesty, Hayley Payne, The Bluegrass Brothers and The Footstompin’ Express Cloggers. This is…

Owensboro’s Indoor Sports Facility to Open December 2025

In some super exciting news for our sports tourism industry, Owensboro is getting a brand new indoor sports complex! And we’ve got all the details for you right here.  This 80,000 square foot sports facility will be perfect for large-scale tournaments and a variety of indoor sports. Located at Third and Cedar Streets, the facility will boast seven basketball courts that will be adaptable for other sports such as tennis, volleyball, archery, cheerleading, futsal and pickleball.  According to Assistant City Manager Lelan Hancock, this indoors sports facility will create a huge economic impact for the City of Owensboro by bringing in more competitions and tournaments.  “We’re pretty excited,” Hancock said. “This will be a new state-of-the-art sports tournament facility for Owensboro, and our goal is to host and draw in those tournaments for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, archery and dance.”  The facility will open up to a large lobby featuring a mural on the wall that’ll be painted by a local artist. There will be areas designated for coaches and officials, a full-service concession area with tons of tables and chairs, complete with a ground-level viewing area of the courts. There will also be a mezzanine area on the second floor with tables and chairs,…

Enjoy REAL Southern Gospel in Owensboro

REAL Southern Gospel Music is alive and well in Owensboro, and that’s about to be proven this spring as the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosts REAL Southern Gospel Weekend on April 12 and 13.  This event was hugely successful last year, and the guys and gals running it are prepared for a huge turnout for the 2024 showcase. According to Bluegrass Hall of Fame Executive Director Chris Joslin, Southern Gospel music is “baked into the DNA of bluegrass.” “Bluegrass has always had a strong gospel music influence and for good reason,” Goslin said. “It’s part of the cultural roots of bluegrass, and I can think of no better way to make a joyful noise at the Hall of Fame than with two full days packed with great Southern Gospel music.” You’ll get to see some amazing artists perform, including Mark Trammell Quartet & Greater Vision–two of the best known groups in the genre–on April 12. That’ll be followed up with performances from two more legendary groups on April 13–Chuck Wagon Gang and Goodman Revival. REAL Southern Gospel Weekend will be hosted by Les Butler himself. You can purchase tickets for individual shows right here, or you can buy them at a…

Shop Vintage and More at These Amazing Thrift Stores in Owensboro

Thrift stores have been around for a long time, but there’s definitely been an uptick in thrift store shopping over the last couple years. As vintage clothing and old-school aesthetics continue to soar in popularity, we get more and more excited about all the amazing vintage shops Owensboro has to offer!  If you’re looking for furniture, Owensboro Trading Post is one of the best places in the tri-state area for finding all things vintage. You can also find a huge variety of antiques, collectibles, tools, knick knacks and “projects” that you can give a little love and refurbish. This store has some really cool signs, clocks, kitchenware and old paintings too!  New Life Thrift has a little bit of everything, but this is one of the best places to find vintage clothing. If you’re into the 70s aesthetic, they’ve usually got a velvet couch, floral lamps and embroidered pillows. But you can also find everything from shoes to guitars to home decor here. This shop is so cute, and they have so many amazing deals. Plus, the revenue generated by New Life Thrift is invested back into the local community.  Old paintings and prints, home decor and so, so, so many clothing items…

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Owensboro for Spring Break

As we near the end of winter, it’s time to look forward to springtime in Kentucky! And if you’re looking for a city with all the bells and whistles but with a friendly, small town vibe, Owensboro is the perfect place to travel for your upcoming Spring Break.  First off, spring in Owensboro is absolutely GORGEOUS. We have an entire season and area dedicated to the thousands of pink and white dogwood trees and vibrant azaleas that bloom throughout the month of April. You could literally spend an entire weekend exploring the dogwoods and azaleas that bloom throughout the city and county.  And speaking of flowers, Western Kentucky Botanical Garden is THE place to be this spring as the 12-acre facility blooms into a luscious garden filled with plants and flowers that represent all the colors of the rainbow, and then some. You can enjoy walking paths throughout the humongous garden, sit on a bench and watch the butterflies and admire all things naturistic and nurturing. Even better, WKBG offers free admission on the first Saturday of each month!  On April 8, head over to the Owensboro Museum of Science and History for their Total Solar Eclipse Experience! Thanks to a partnership between…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: March 22-24

50 Years at Cecil Farms  Cecil Farms is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a bang this year! And this event is gonna highlight all of the things that Owensboro’s known for with a little bourbon, barbecue and bluegrass music. White Chateau at Cecil Farms is hosting a Seasonal Dinner Series farm-to-table style by collaborating with Chef Matt Weafer for a sunset dinner experience on the rolling hills of western Kentucky. Dinners will include a salad, main course, desserts and beverages. Whether it’s a date night or dinner with friends, you can hang out and enjoy live music as you take in the beautiful landscape around you. Tickets are $55 per person and the event will be held on March 21 from 6-8 p.m. Comedy Crawl       A Comedy Crawl is coming to downtown Owensboro this weekend, where you can see a lineup of comedians from Theatre Workshop of Owensboro perform at different spots across the city. Shows will be held at Lure Seafood and Grille, SIP Owensboro, Goodwood, Brasher’s Little Nashville, The Pub on Second and Brew Bridge. The Comedy Crawl will be held on March 23 from noon-4:45 p.m.Wendell Foster Half Marathon   The Wendell Foster Half Marathon and 5K will…

Owensboro Hosting One of America’s Biggest Catfish Tournaments

Owensboro is hosting one of the biggest catfish tournaments in the nation in just a couple months, and we’ve got everything you need to know about it!  The King Kat Tournament Trail is all about fishing, hunting, archery and more, and their catfishing tournament is known for having the largest payout with a low entry fee for all teams. This is a huge deal for those in the catfishing community. Roughly 100 teams from all across the country are expected to compete in this year’s competition.  The three-day event will be held May 2-4, and all fishing will take place on the Ohio River, with weigh-ins at the Owensboro Convention Center.  Officials said they expect well over 200 pounds of catfish to be caught during this tournament. Entry fees will be $300 per team. A payout has not yet been announced, but it’s expected to be big! Even more, there will be an Outdoor Expo held at the Owensboro Convention Center, which will include vendors, activities and a keynote speaker for those who love fishing, hunting, hiking and archery. This event alone will bring hundreds of visitors to Owensboro to shop, learn and experience this one-of-a-kind convention. The expo will also be free to…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: March 29-31

Easter Egg Hunt at Yellow Creek Park    A brand new Easter Egg Hunt is happening at Owensboro’s gorgeous Yellow Creek Park, and we’ve got all the info about it right here! This is gonna be a HUGE Easter Egg Hunt, with more than 8,000 eggs stuffed with candy and prizes. And, yep, there will be a few golden eggs in there as well. You can enjoy a photo booth with the Easter Bunny at no cost, crafts and games for the entire family, vendors, food trucks and inflatables at this incredible event. So head over to the Jim Lambert Pioneer Village at Yellow Creek Park on March 30 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Age divisions for the Egg Hunt are as follows: 11:45 a.m. – Ages 1 to 5. 12:30 p.m. – Ages 6 to 9. 1:15 p.m. – Ages 10 to 12. Jerry Garcia Exhibit: Opening Weekend     The moment we’ve all been waiting for is taking place this weekend! The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum is celebrating its brand new Jerry Garcia exhibit all weekend long with live music from Leftover Salmon, Sam Grisman Project and a ton of special appearances from some of the top artists in…

BBQ and Barrels: All The Juicy Details For The Barbecue Portion

Friends, it’s time to talk barbecue.  We’ve got an event coming up that’s for all the barbecue lovers out there and, this year, it’s coming back bigger and better than EVER before! That’s right–BBQ and Barrels is hittin’ the pavement of downtown Owensboro May 10 and 11, and we’ve got all the info you need to prepare for this legendary celebration of one of our city’s greatest staples.  Owensboro’s a barbecue city, period. We’ve got some of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the world in our town, tons of amazing church cooking teams, and one of the most unique and delicious styles of barbecue you’ll ever try. And all of this will be on display at BBQ and Barrels.  Starting off, if you’ve never tried Owensboro barbecue, this is where you need to be. Famous for our barbecue-slathered chopped mutton and chopped pork, you’ll find both of these items (and so much more) on the menu from our famous establishments–Moonlite Bar-B-Q, Old Hickory and Ole South.  But those will be far from the only food trucks on the street! Dozens of vendors will take over 2nd Street featuring the best barbecue in the region.  Even more, you can experience classic Owensboro barbecue from our…

Your Guide to a Great Summer in Owensboro

It might seem a little early to start talking summer, but we’re only a couple months away from those long days, sunny skies and warm breezes! And if you’re anything like us, you try to plan ahead for summer as much as you possibly can. Which is why we created a Summer Guide for Owensboro in 2024, where you can check out this list of upcoming events being held June-August.  Starting off strong, Owensboro’s free, award-winning summer-long music festival is returning to downtown Owensboro May 17 and will feature different bands and musicians every Friday all summer long! Be sure to follow Friday After 5 on Facebook for more info about dates, times and lineups.  We’re bringing the Jeeps and Jamz Expo back to the Owensboro Convention Center June 7 and 8 this year! Enjoy an awesome kickoff party, an expo full of Jeep vendors, a Jeep obstacle course, Jeep convoy, a trail ride and more at this exciting weekend event.  Porch Fest 2024 is returning as well this year, bringing dozens of amazing artists to Griffith Avenue to perform from the front porches of some of the most beautiful homes in Owensboro. You’ll hear all kinds of musical genres at this event–everything…

Enjoy Music & More at Live On Second!

This is where music meets the heart of downtown Owensboro!  Live on Second is a two-day festival celebrating our local businesses and talented musicians that bring so much energy to our exciting downtown area. You’ll hear live music all along our fantastic Second Street corridor–both inside the participating venues and outside on the sidewalks!  As for the music, you’ll get to hear from plenty of genres, including rock, country, blues, pop, bluegrass and classical. There will be something for everyone to enjoy here!  This is a chance to get out of the house and kick off Spring the right way. Whether you’re with friends, family or venturing out solo, this is an event for everyone who loves live music.  Downtown businesses participating in Live on Second include Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville (21-and-older); Kingdom Cords; Don Mario Mexican; Willow & Pine; The Creme; The Pub on Second (21-and-older) and more to be announced.  This Block Party is only a stone’s throw away from our amazing riverfront, so you can get a full picture of everything downtown Owensboro has to offer at this weekend-long festival.  Live on Second will be held April 19 and 20 from 6-10 p.m. both nights.

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: April 5-7

Solar Eclipse Experience    You can experience the upcoming solar eclipse in the coolest way this week! On April 8, head over to the Owensboro Museum of Science and History for their Total Solar Eclipse Experience. Thanks to a partnership between our museum and the Evansville Museum of Art, History and Science, you can see the path of totality as you’re provided a 30-minute bus ride from Owensboro to Evansville to see the complete eclipse. Bring a chair or a blanket and leave the rest to us as you’ll get a meal, snacks and shades–plus, you won’t have to worry about parking. You can get tickets for $99 if you’re a member of the museum, or for $125 if you’re not a member. This event will be held on April 8. Yellow Banks Volleyball Invitational     The Owensboro Convention Center is hosting another amazing volleyball tournament this weekend, and we’ve got all the info right here! The 2024 Yellow Banks Invite will be held April 6 and 7. Hosted by Fernando Morales, head coach of the University of Evansville volleyball team, this is guaranteed to bring some of the best female players aged 12-18 to the courts for two days of competitive…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: April 12-14

Fear Expo    This is for all the horror, Halloween and haunted aficionados out there! The Owensboro Convention Center will be hosting Fear Expo Live April 12-14, where you can check out the best haunters and vendors in the country! This is the newest National Haunted Attraction Industry that’s dedicated to giving haunted house owners and Halloween-themed parties and venues the latest products and services from the industry’s leading vendors early in the year. There will also be live music, hauntingly fun events and great networking opportunities at this event. You can get tickets right here. REAL Southern Gospel Weekend      Gospel Music is alive and well in Kentucky, and we’re here to prove it April 12 and 13 as Real Southern Gospel brings a weekend of live music and entertainment to downtown Owensboro. Held at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, you’ll get amazing performances from some of the industry’s greatest musicians, including Mark Trammell Quartet, Greater Vision, Chuck Wagon Gang and Goodman Revival. Tickets can be purchased at a bundled discount rate if you email REALSouthernGospel@bluegrassmuseum.org or call 270-925-8453.Farmers’ Market Kickoff Party     The Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market is opening its 2024 season on April 13, and this…

Shop Tons of Plants at Western KY Botanical Garden

It’s that time of year again! The annual Plant Sale at Western Kentucky Botanical Garden is coming back bigger and better than ever this year, and this is the perfect event for all the plant parents out there.  You can visit the gorgeous WKBG and shop for your native and non-native plants and flowers at this all-day festivity. They’ve got it all at this plant sale–perennials, herbs, tomato plants, daylilies, shrubs, and tons of others are being added daily.  Many of these plants are the type that come back year after year, so it’s the perfect way to spruce up your yard and garden with the gift that keeps on givin’.  Even more, WKBG is making a festival out of their Plant Sale! You’ll find all kinds of vendors featuring awesome garden materials and decor, artwork and jewelry. And you can grab a delicious coffee from The Spot Coffee Truck and some mouth-watering food from Basil’s Food Truck. And for those who need a refresh on their gardening tools, Snippy Jim is returning for all your tool-sharpening needs.   Western Kentucky Botanical Garden’s Annual Plant Sale will be held April 27 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Be sure to check out the amazing WeatherBerry House for…

Friday After 5 Expanding Across Downtown Owensboro

Our city’s award-winning music series, Friday After 5, is returning to downtown Owensboro in May! This year, the team at FA5 is going back to their roots in a big way, and you can learn all about it right here.  First off, FA5 is a summer-long, free, family-friendly concert and street fair festival held on most Friday evenings during the summer months. FA5 will be expanding its venue this year to include the RiverPark Center Waterfront Patio, the Owensboro Convention Center and The Holiday Inn Riverfront. That means you’ll get even more space to roam and more music to hear!  Featuring all these different venues of entertainment, food trucks and a kid-friendly street fair, FA5 has become THE place to be each Friday of the summer. Music fills the air on the Owensboro Riverfront, all along Veterans Boulevard, through Smothers Park, the Overlook and McConnell Plaza, up St. Elizabeth and Locust Streets, all the way to the Owensboro Convention Center and Holiday Inn.  You’ll find entertainment on numerous stages at FA5. All you have to do is park (or walk, if you’re staying at one of our downtown hotels!) and follow the sound of music to find the various shows playing. Music will…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: April 19-21

Live on Second   Head to downtown Owensboro this weekend to experience Live on 2nd–a brand new event hosted by Owensboro Music Business Expo that brings together live musicians and local businesses for two days of entertainment, food and fun! Held on April 19 and 20, you can enjoy free live music as we kick off the Spring season at Willow & Pine; Kingdom Cords; Don Mario’s; Brasher’s Lil’ Nashville; Pub on 2nd; Mellow Mushroom; The Creme; and The Crown. Bring the family! Bring your friends! Grab a bite to eat and spend the weekend at our amazing downtown riverfront. Live on 2nd will be held from 6-10 p.m. both nights. Touch-A-Truck     This is a free event for children of all ages! Touch-A-Truck is all about learning the ins and outs of trucks, equipment and vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Held at Panther Creek Park on Saturday, April 20, kids will be allowed to climb aboard, take pictures and ask questions in a safe environment as they explore a variety of vehicles and heavy equipment. They’ll also get to meet the people who protect and serve our community! The event will also have free inflatables, food vendors, a petting zoo…

Check Out Our Breakdown of BBQ and Barrels 2024

Barbecue and bourbon–what more could you ask for?! You can get both Owensboro staples at the same place at BBQ and Barrels, a two-day festival featuring all the juicy barbecue and Kentucky bourbon you can imagine.  Located in downtown Owensboro, BBQ and Barrels will be held May 10 and 11. The barbecue portion will run along Second Street while the bourbon portion take place at the Owensboro Convention Center. You’ll need tickets for the bourbon-tasting and VIP events, while the barbecue portion is free to the public.  Famous for our barbecue-slathered chopped mutton, pork and burgoo, you’ll find all that and more from more than 20 barbecue vendors featuring a variety of delicious items. Owensboro’s famous church cooking teams will also be onsite selling barbecued chicken, pork, ribs and burgoo. Food Sales will take place both days–beginning at noon on Friday, May 10.  Even more, the Backyard Cook-Off is an event for backyard barbecue chefs to fire up their grills and smokers to compete among the best of the best for a number of prizes and, of course, bragging rights. More than 40 teams compete for prizes in each category and for the overall championship title, and they’re guaranteed to cook up some…

All The Parks Where You Can Fish & Play in Owensboro

Owensboro is home to so many beautiful parks, we just had to write a feature on them! With more than 25 parks spread out across our city and county, there’s no end to the number of places you can spend in the great outdoors.  Today, we’re breaking down a list of parks where you can fish and find a playground! Some of these parks will be on both lists.  Fishing You can fish on the Ohio River with a license and some pretty steep regulations.  Panther Creek Park is part of the FINS (Fishing in the Neighborhoods) program. There is a lake onsite for fishing and is regularly stocked with catfish and rainbow trout, while largemouth bass and sunfish are regularly stocked and sampled. This six-acre lake is located at 5160 Wayne Bridge Road.  Yellow Creek Park is another great site for fishing. Located at 5710 KY-144, this three-acre lake is also stocked with catfish and rainbow trout. For both lakes, there are daily catch limits in place through the FINS program. You can catch up to five rainbow trout, four catfish, one largemouth bass and 15 bluegill or sunfish per day. To keep the trout, you need a trout permit.  Diamond Lake Resort offers a…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: April 26-28

Annual Plant Sale    One of the best days of Spring is headed our way as Western Kentucky Botanical Garden holds its annual Plant Sale! This is where you’ll find all the native and non-native plants your heart desires, including tons of daylilies, for which WKBG is famous for. This is a festival for the whole family to enjoy, as you can shop from some super fun and eclectic vendors, get your gardening tools sharpened, enjoy fresh coffee from The Spot Coffee Truck and delicious snacks from Basil’s Food Truck. Be sure to check out the garden while you’re there and the gift shop inside the famous WeatherBerry House as well! The WKBG Plant Sale will be held April 27 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Gatlin Brothers at Bluegrass Hall of Fame   On April 27, you can head over to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum for an amazing concert from The Gatlin Brothers! The trio of Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin has entertained audiences for more than 67 years, y’all. They’ve performed on some of the biggest stages in the world–from the Grand Ole Opry to the Grammys to the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson to Carnegie Hall. These guys…

Seeing Owensboro’s Riverfront Should Be On Your Bucket List

With the weather warmed up and the sunshine lighting up the sky, it’s time to feature all the beautiful outdoor spaces we have right here in Owensboro! We just posted a blog highlighting all the different parks in our area with playgrounds and fishing ponds, so today we’re focusing in on the #1 Most Frequented Place our out-of-town visitors come to see while they’re here. And that place is our downtown riverfront.  Just a few fun facts about Smothers Park and the Owensboro Riverfront as a whole:  –Owensboro’s downtown riverfront was constructed with the idea of bringing people downtown to enjoy our absolutely stunning views of the Ohio River, promote economic development, and to create a walkable, open environment for people of all walks of life to enjoy.  –The waterfront district includes iconic entryways, traffic calming roadways, two parks (Smothers Park and English Park), a scenic overlook, open air pavilions used for relaxing or holding events, a world-renown playground that’s been ranked as one of the best on Earth, a cascading waterfall, swinging metal benches, clean restrooms, free WiFi and three enormous fountains that steal the hearts of everyone who sees them.  –The waterfront project also brought with it several new entertainment venues and…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: May 3-5

King Kat Catfish Tournament     One of the biggest catfishing tournaments in the nation is coming to Owensboro this weekend! The King Kat Tournament Trail will bring in over 100 different teams from all over the country to compete. The three-day event will be held May 2-4 at the Owensboro Convention Center, while all fishing will take place on the Ohio River. Even more, there will be an Outdoor Expo at the Owensboro Convention Center May 3 and 4 featuring vendors, activities and a keynote speaker for those who love fishing, hunting, hiking and archery. This expo is free to attend! Grab A Green Cup in Downtown Owensboro    Get the most out of your trip to Owensboro by utilizing The District while you’re here! This District is a city-led project that allows patrons to purchase a drink at select establishments and carry it openly outside. There are rules and regulations, of course. You can’t take your drinks to Lazy Dayz Playground, for example, or outside the streets designated for The District. But it’s a great opportunity to stroll downtown Owensboro and relax as you take in the amazing views of the Ohio River. To learn more, click here! Junior Golf Tournament    The…

River City Bike Expo Bringing Hundreds of Bikers to Owensboro

You’ll get an entire weekend of revving engines, live music and some of the best bikes in the country at the River City Bike Expo. Held May 31-June 2 at the Owensboro Convention Center, we’ve got all the details about this large-scale event right here!  First off, sponsor Evansville Harley-Davidson is bringing a lineup of custom bagger motorcycles, a complete motorcycle show and an audio competition. And it’s going to get loud! The Sound Warz Competition is creating big sounds from custom bagger motorcycles, so come ready to turn it up and blast that bass!  For those interested, you can register for the 2024 Bike Show on Thursday, May 30 or Friday, May 31 before 2 p.m. CST. There will be tons of amazing bikes on display here.  Other events include:  –Rolling Thunder will present the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall and perform a Missing Man Ceremony.  –Live stunt shows with Busted Knuckles Stunt Tour will be scheduled each day.  –A Tattoo Showcase will have more than 25 artists offering custom tattoos.  –The Christian Motorcycle Association will conduct a Sunday morning church service at the Owensboro Convention Center.  The River City Bike Expo will be surrounded on Friday evening with live music on multiple stages across the scenic Ohio…

Summer Events NOT To Miss In June

We are ready for summer over here!! And to kick things off the right way, we’re gonna focus on the first month of summer and all the exciting things we have going on here in Owensboro during the month of June!  June is kinda perfect in Kentucky, really. Not too hot, not too humid. The sun is shinin’, the grass is green and the daylilies are in full bloom. It’s one of the best times to check out Owensboro and all it has to offer!  First up, if you’re the proud owner of a Jeep, you need to schedule the Jeeps and Jamz Expo into your Google calendar right now. This event will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center June 7 and 8. You’ll be treated to an awesome kickoff party at Friday After 5, an expo full of Jeep vendors, a Jeep obstacle course, a Jeep Trail Ride, after parties, citywide discounts and deals, and the Blessing of the Jeep Church. You can find more info right here.  One of the biggest music fests of the year will be held June 8 as Owensboro Porch Fest brings some of the best musicians around to gather for a day of live music….

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: May 10-12

BBQ And Barrels     Barbecue season is upon us, folks!! And you can get ALL the barbecue (and then some) this weekend at BBQ and Barrels. This is a huge festival held along Second Street in downtown Owensboro on May 10 and 11. We’ll have five church cooking teams serving up their delicious pork, chicken and mutton, and there will be more than 20 different barbecue vendors and food trucks set up along the street as well. A Backyard Cook-Off will be held on Saturday, and you’ll also be treated to the Kentucky Champions Motorcar Invitational Car Show on May 11 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., arts and crafts vendors, and a carnival filled with rides, games and concessions, just east of the Blue Bridge. Food Sales begin at noon on Friday, May 10. Chris Janson At BBQ and Barrels     This is arguably the best bourbon for your buck festival, and here’s why! For a $65 ticket, they’ll have 35 tasting stations featuring over 100 whiskeys. You’ll find an incredible range of distilleries there too–everything from Four Roses to Makers Mark to Green River Distilling Co., along with some smaller establishments too. And you’ll even get a FREE concert from country…

All The Details For PorchFest 2024!

One of the most unique live music shows of the year is coming up in June, so we wanted to break down some of the details regarding PorchFest 2024!  This all-day concert features dozens of bands and performers who take the stage to showcase their talents. The caveat is, these “stages” are actually the front porches of some of the coolest homes in Owensboro.  PorchFest gives you the chance to see tons of different artists along our famous Griffith Avenue corridor. There are multiple stages and, throughout the day, each stage will feature multiple performers. You’ll find all kinds of music genres here–everything from jazz to funk to country to rock. We’ve even had some big names play at PorchFest in recent years!  And be sure to come hungry, because there will be food trucks selling everything from Greek gyros to ice cream to buffalo chicken onsite.  You can park your car along one of the side streets surrounding Griffith Avenue, or you can get a taxi, Uber or Lyft to drop you off! Whatever your preference is for getting to and from PorchFest safely.  And since you can spend the entire day and evening enjoying this event, be sure to pack some lawn chairs…

Explore These (Easy) Hiking Trails in Owensboro

Hiking is a huge aspect of tourism and travel, and Owensboro has tons of gorgeous places to do it! And if you’re staying here for a convention, ball tournament or concert, you may not have much time for a strenuous hiking experience. And that’s why we’re highlighting some of the beautiful places in our city and county where visitors can enjoy an easy hike in a picturesque setting.  The Joe Ford Nature Park is located right in the heart of Owensboro, but you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the center of Narnia. This 15-acre woodland park has a number of hiking trails within it complete with signs and directions to make for easy navigation. The five different trails range from 0.1 miles to 0.6 miles, and there are open 365 days of the year!  While it’s 16.5 miles in length, you can stop and start anywhere on the Adkisson Greenbelt Trail for a quick, easy hike. This trail is designed to encircle the city and link neighborhoods, business districts, parks and schools. The trails that make up the Greenbelt offer a 10-foot wide asphalt surface that provides plenty of room for walkers, runners and cyclists. Click here to see where you…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: May 17-19

Dog Grooming/Training Expo    We’ve got a unique event for all our proud pet parents out there! May 17-19, the RW GroomX Grooming Competition & Expo will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center. But this is more than just a grooming contest–it’s an entire weekend filled with activities for dog lovers. The RW GroomX will include educational workshops led by industry professionals from around the world sharing their knowledge about subjects ranging from grooming to handling difficult dogs to geriatric dog care. You’ll learn about grooming tools and, if you’re the owner of a grooming company, how to build your business. There will be interactive exhibits where visitors can meet with manufacturers and vendors offering pet supplies, pet products and other additional services. You can click here to see the competition schedule, full list of events, and registration sign-up.  Cricket Tournament and Cultural Celebration    The Owensboro Cricket Association is hosting a tournament at Panther Creek Park this weekend to celebrate Indian culture! This event will feature authentic Indian cuisine, a number of amazing vendors, a kite festival, live music, games and more! The celebration begins May 17 at McConnell Plaza from 6-9 p.m. with DJ Blaze playing Indian music while attendees…

Experience Record-Breaking Jeeps and Jamz Expo in June!

You can be part of the Midwest’s biggest Jeep gathering at Owensboro’s Jeeps and Jamz Expo! If you’re the proud owner of a Jeep, this weekend-long festivity is full of exciting riding events, live music, and an amazing expo complete with vendors for decking out your Jeep.  The city is gonna be overrun with Jeeps for this event, which is hosted by our friends at Owensboro Off-Road Jeepers and The City of Owensboro. Held for two days on June 7 and Saturday, June 8, here’s everything you need to know!  The kickoff party will begin a day early on Thursday with a Hawaiian Luau Kickoff Party from 6-10 p.m. at HIS Church. On Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., you can check out a variety of vendors and Jeep displays. There will also be VIP Shopping, Hungry Hungry Jeepers Food Truck Area, an obstacle course and a Kids Zone.  On Saturday, you can enjoy more VIP Shopping, the Jeeps and Jamz Expo from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., a Show And Shine from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., an obstacle course, a Die Cast Car Drag Race, the 2nd Annual Jeep Convoy that’ll hit the road at 6 p.m., a Kids Zone, and a Closing Party from 6-10…

Get Gourmet Burgers & Waterfront Views at Burger Theory

We always like to feature our amazing restaurants when we get the chance! With warmer weather rolling in and burger season hitting its stride, it’s time to talk about Burger Theory!  To start, Burger Theory is located right on the Ohio River, so you get amazing waterfront views at this restaurant. You can even eat outside on the patio when the weather’s nice!  As for the food, THIS is the place you go to for gourmet burgers. You know, the kind of burgers that come fully garnished, loaded with high-quality ingredients and have an insanely cool presentation. That’s what you’re gonna get at Burger Theory.  Located inside the Holiday Inn Riverfront, this restaurant is open to guests of the hotel on a daily basis, but it’s ALSO open to the public. Just FYI!  You’ll find almost any kind of burger you can fathom on the menu. House Burgers include the Lonestar (cheddar cheese, bacon, onion ring, barbecue sauce); Farm Fresh (roasted red pepper, grilled onions, portobello mushrooms, lettuce, Boursin cheese, roasted garlic, mayo); Ultimate Sriracha (Swiss cheese, bacon, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, sriracha mayo); Breakfast Burger (cheddar cheese, bacon, fried egg, roasted garlic mayo); On The Border (pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, grilled…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: May 24-26

Innovate Summit     Some of the best and brightest business minds in the COUNTRY are heading to Owensboro this weekend for an amazing conference! Held May 21-23 at the Owensboro Convention Center, Innovate Summit will showcase a number of true innovators across a number of industries to open your mind and bring life-changing information to those seeking business opportunities for their creative ideas. We’ve got CMOs who’ve worked with Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama, CEOs who’ve created multi-million dollar marketing companies, and so, so many more amazing experts on the list. This is a place to explore your ideas and unlock your potential while in the beautiful city of Owensboro! Tickets for this three-day conference start at $499, and you can purchase them right here. Chicago     Enjoy an evening of musical hits by the classic rock band Chicago! Hailed as one of the most important bands in music since the dawn of rock and roll, this legendary band soared in as the highest-charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s Top 125 Artists of All Time. Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums for six consecutive decades! They’ll take the stage at the Owensboro Sportscenter on…

Taste Fresh Berries & Shop from 150 Vendors at Strawberry Fest!

If you love strawberries, shopping and live music, listen up! We’ve got the absolute perfect event for you coming up in a few weeks!  Coming back even bigger and better for its third year, the Strawberry Festival is for all the people who love summer and a good farmer’s market! Held June 8 and 9 at The Cottage Farm Stand and Baking Company, here’s everything you need to know.  First off, you’ll be treated to gorgeous views at this adorable cottage-style bakery and coffee shop, which is located about five miles outside of Owensboro city limits. Second of all, you’ll find so many strawberry-flavored items at this festival, it’s hard to name them all! Some of the treats include muffins, ice cream, smoothies, cake pops, gourmet cotton candy, milkshakes and, of course, delicious homegrown strawberries off the vine.  But that’s not all! There will be over 150 different vendors at this year’s Strawberry Festival. They’ll be selling the cutest homemade decor, trinkets, essential oils, clothing, candles, pet items, door signs and jewelry you can imagine.  New to this year’s event will be a car show! The first annual car show will be held on Saturday only, so be sure to make it out for…

From Motorcycles to Anime: A Breakdown of June Conventions in Owensboro

If you’ve ever been to Owensboro, you probably know our city has an AMAZING, world-class convention center. Located right on the Ohio River, this state-of-the-art facility boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, two floors of space, multiple areas for conventions and athletic tournaments, and, of course, some of the most beautiful waterfront views you’ll find anywhere.  And because it’s so nice, our convention center stays busy! This summer, it’s gonna be packed with a variety of conferences, conventions, tournaments, wedding receptions and concerts. Trust us when we say, there’s an event for EVERYONE at the Owensboro Convention Center  Here’s a breakdown of some of the biggest events being held in June at the Owensboro Convention Center: –If you’ve got a motorcycle you wanna show off, this one’s for you! The River City Bike Expo will be held May 31-June 2. There will be a little bit of everything here! Vendors, Tattoo Booths, Bike Shows, Stunt Shows, free live music at Friday After 5, a Sound Warz Competition on the Pier, a Pub Crawl, and an Awards Show for all the bikes.  –Speaking of decked-out vehicles, we’ve got our Jeeps and Jamz Expo coming to the Owensboro Convention Center June 7 and 8! There will be an awesome…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: May 31-June 1

River City Bike Expo      If you’ve got a motorcycle you wanna show off, or even if you’re looking for something new for your bike, this is the event for you! The River City Bike Expo will be held May 31-June 2 at the Owensboro Convention Center. There will be a little bit of everything here! Vendors, Tattoo Booths, Bike Shows, Stunt Shows, free live music at our award-winning music festival–Friday After 5, a Sound Warz Competition on the Pier, a Pub Crawl, and an Awards Show for all the bikes. Even more, you can enjoy a pizza-eating contest, the Rolling Thunder Tribute Wall and the Get Bent Moto Performance Bagger Show on the front lawn. Doors open at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 31 and at 9 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Friday After 5   This is where the weekend begins! Friday After 5 is Owensboro’s award-winning summer music festival that is FREE to the public! Stretching all along our beautiful riverfront, you’ll find different live shows at a few different venues that you can explore and enjoy throughout the evening. On May 31, FA5 will feature performances from the Boscoe France Band with Paul Reed Smith…

One Month Out From ROMP: What To Know!

Since we are officially ONE MONTH out from ROMP–one of the biggest bluegrass and roots festivals of the year–it’s time to get preppin’ and learn everything you can right here! Let’s start with the basics. The 21st Annual ROMP music fest will be held June 26-29 at our gorgeous Yellow Creek Park. You can buy single-day tickets if there’s one specific artist you want to see, or you can buy an entire weekend pass to see live music all four days. You can stay in one of our beautiful hotels and take provided transportation to and from the venue, or you can camp in tents or RVs during your stay. You can look at all the ticket price points right here!  Now, for the music. ROMP has featured some of the very best musicians in the bluegrass and country music genres for years, and this year is no different!  On Wednesday, June 26, you’ll get nighttime jams on the Jagoe Homes After Party Stage from Vickie Vaughn at 8 p.m. and Lillie Mae at 9:30 p.m. This is basically a first-class kickoff concert for the rest of the weekend! On Thursday, June 27, the main ROMP stage will start with music from Rick Faris…

From Waterfront Views to Southern Classics, Here’s Where to Brunch in Owensboro

Here at Visit Owensboro, we’re of the belief that brunch is a year-round sport. So while there may not be a specific season for brunching with your besties, there’s something about eggs benedict and mimosas on a warm summer day that has a nice ring to it.  Luckily for you, Owensboro has an awesome lineup of brunch spots. We’ve got cozy indoor spaces, outdoor patios, waterfront views, outdoor patios with waterfront views. We’ve got restaurants with specially crafted cocktails and mocktails for brunch, and even a local spot that serves up one of the best brunches you’ll find anywhere in Kentucky. So keep on readin’ if you’ve been in the market for a new place to taste some delicious food!  First up, we’ll start with a place where you’ll need to plan ahead for brunch as they only serve it once a week. Famous Bistro is indeed famous for its Saturday morning brunch, and this local restaurant is somewhat of a hidden gem for out-of-towners who aren’t familiar with the restaurant’s incredible breakfast food. You’ll find everything from steak and eggs to crab cake hollandaise to Greek omelets on the menu here. You can dine inside or order pickup, but it’s best…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: June 7-9

Jeeps and Jamz Expo       For two days, it’s gonna be all about the Jeeps as Owensboro’s annual Jeeps and Jamz Expo kicks off summer the right way at the Owensboro Convention Center. This expo is gonna have amazing Jeep vendors and decked-out Jeeps and exclusive merch you can only find right here! The weekend will also include a Jeep Obstacle Course at Windy Hollow Speedway, held by Owensboro Off-Road Jeepers, an amazing outdoor music fest on the riverfront held by Friday After 5, a Jeep convoy (last year’s won the Kentucky state record for longest Jeep convoy!), car drag racing, guided trail rides, and a huge closing party to celebrate all things Jeep! Jeeps and Jamz will be held June 7 and 8. PorchFest 2024   PorchFest 2024 is gonna bring nearly 40 musical acts on 12 different stages to our famous Griffith Avenue corridor this year! This is a free, outdoor music fest that recognizes some of the best local and regional talent in Kentucky. All you have to do is park your car along one of the side streets (or grab a Lyft or cab to drop you off), bring a lawn chair, and sit back and enjoy…

Owensboro Hosting Historic Great Race Kickoff; Largest Lineup to Ever Compete

The world’s premiere old car rally is starting its 2,300-mile trek in Owensboro this year! How cool is that?!  The Great Race is a large-scale event that features beautiful vintage cars that “race” from one starting point in America and traverse through 19 different cities and multiple states over the course of nine days. This year, Owensboro has the distinct honor of hosting the Great Race’s kickoff.  So, let’s break down the schedule of events for this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity event:  On Thursday, June 20 enjoy a free outdoor event in downtown Owensboro with live music at the backyard, outdoor stage at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum from 6-8 p.m.  There will be several food trucks and outdoor bars available onsite. Call this a bluegrass block party!  On Friday, racers get to enjoy Friday After 5 with the public, and these racers will also have their invite-only banquet at the Owensboro Convention Center. The 135 cars included in The Great Race will line up along Veterans Boulevard at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 22. Celebrate the event with free entertainment via the outdoor stage at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame! Oh, and food from your favorite food trucks! The public is invited…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: June 14-16

Ole 60 At Friday After 5        We’re taking Friday After 5 to the front lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center this weekend! On Friday, June 14, head to downtown Owensboro to see up-and-coming band Ole 60 perform an amazing live show. Ole 60 has been promoting and sharing songs that make up their debut EP, three twenty four, and describes their sound as “not your father’s country band.” This free show is part of Ole 60’s 2024 “Return to Our Roots” season, and the event has already garnered the interest of hundreds of people on social media. Oh, and did we mention that this band is made up of Hawesville natives? Pretty cool! Ole 60 will perform from 8:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. OMGcon!   This is a convention for everyone who loves gaming, anime, cosplay and general fandom! OMGcon! Is returning to the Owensboro Convention Center for a weekend of fun and excitement, bringing people together from all over the country to party, hang out and play. There will be some amazing voice actors, artists, writers, cosplay guests and content creators there, and you can find a full list of who will be attending right here! OMGcon! Will be held June…

Collect Records, Posters & All the Memorabilia at ROMP & Roll Record Show

If you love the ROMP music festival we hold every year–or, if you’re simply a fan of music and pop culture–we’ve got a brand new event that is perfect for all the collectors out there!  The inaugural ROMP & Roll Record Show will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center June 28-30. This event will be held during ROMP, so those who are traveling to Owensboro for the music festival can also score tickets to this brand new add-on!  ROMP & Roll will feature a hundred different tables FILLED with a selection of music items. Think of it like an organized, indoor yard sale consisting of all things music. This is perfect for the crate diggers and collectors out there! Here’s a list of items you’ll find displayed for purchase: –New and pre-loved LPs, 45s, CDs, vinyls and cassettes –Artist/Band memorabilia –Posters–Storage supplies  While there will be plenty of bluegrass merchandise for sale, there will also be tons of other music genres represented at ROMP & Roll. These include Americana, country, classic rock, pop, metal, punk, progressive rock, 80s, blues, jazz, R&B, soul and more.  The schedule is as follows:  –Friday, June 28: The show opens to Early Entry VIPs from noon-5 p.m.  –Saturday, June 29: Doors open to…

From 5Ks To Half Marathons: All The Races Coming Up in Owensboro

If you’re into competitive running, you KNOW you’re always on the lookout for a good road race. And part of the fun when it comes to these road races is getting to travel to new places. So if you’re a runner who’s never been to Owensboro before, keep reading!  Owensboro hosts a variety of competitive road races throughout the year. Some of them are located downtown in the city, while others take place in the county–but no matter which of these races you choose, you’re gonna be met with incredible views, friendly competitors and amazing race organizers.  Because many runners carefully plan their races in advance, we’re gonna break down the list of competitive races being held in Owensboro over the next several months. From 5Ks to half marathons, our city has a little bit of everything for runners at every level.  The Freedom 5K  This 3.1-mile race will be held on July 13, 2024. This is a fun and fast 5K course for you to achieve with your running and/or walking goals. This is a race the entire family can enjoy, as well as racers of all ages and levels of experience. You can register online until June 30 for $25/person or July…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: June 21-23

Yousuf       World-renowned artist Aaron Kizer is hosting a live art show at the Owensboro Convention Center! On June 21, you can experience Kizer’s first live painting event, “Yousuf”–his first since 2019. This show draws inspiration from acclaimed Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh. Kizer said he’s always admired Karsh’s work–most notably his portrait photographs of iconic individuals from the 20th century. Some of Karsh’s most famous portraits were taken of Audrey Hepburn, Salvador Dali, Albert Einstein and many others. Kizer’s paintings capture the pulse of contemporary culture and celebrate the people and places that his friends, family and community hold dear. Tickets to see “Yousuf” can be purchased right here. The Great Race   Owensboro is hosting a historic kickoff for the world’s premiere old car rally–The Great Race–this weekend! The Great Race is a large-scale event that features beautiful vintage cars that “race” 2,400 miles from one starting point in America to another over the course of nine days. The excitement begins Thursday, June 20 in Owensboro where you can enjoy a free concert at the outdoor stage at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame from 6-8 p.m. On Friday, racers get to enjoy Friday After 5 with the public. On Saturday,…

Visit Owensboro For The BEST 4th of July Fireworks!

The best Fourth of July fireworks shows in the state of Kentucky are coming up soon, so here’s everything you need to know!  First up, we’ve got 4th Fest at the Owensboro Convention Center on Thursday, July 4, and this Independence Day celebration’s got all the bells and whistles for a memorable night out.  This family-friendly event has fun activities for everyone, including a variety of options inside the exhibit halls on the first floor for kiddos. Younger kids will love the Bouncer Maze, Bucky’s Pirate ship and games like Duck Pond! Older kids can climb a rock wall or scale a spider climb. There will also be a Toxic Warrior Jump and Extreme Chaos Obstacle Course.  As for the fireworks, the Convention Center is where you’re gonna get the best views of the multi-colored explosions over the Ohio River. Tickets start at $10 and include early access to the inflatables and activities from 4-6 p.m. The exhibit hall will be free and open to the public from 6-9 p.m., with the fireworks show kicking off at 9:15 p.m. There will also be live music with opening acts starting at 5 p.m.  There will be delicious food and drinks onsite for all guests. There…

WKBG Offers Healing Experience for Those Affected by Cancer

One of the most beautiful places in Owensboro is, without a doubt, Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. This 12-acre facility boasts a huge variety of flowers, plants, trees, fish ponds, walking paths and places to sit and enjoy nature while you’re there.  And, thanks to the wonderful minds of those running WKBG, it’s also become a place for healing. In fact, there’s an entire pathway at the garden dedicated to it.  With many studies demonstrating the benefits to health provided by nature, “The Path Of Hope And Healing” was constructed to give patrons an amazing dose of those healing powers.  This 300-foot walking path provides a space for peace and tranquility for those who’ve been affected by cancer. Along the pathway, visitors will encounter 12 glass ribbons made by Daviess County native Brook White–each one representing a different type of cancer through its color and engraving. The 12 types of cancer represented are the most common types across the state of Kentucky.  The ribbon colors are also incorporated into the wings of a huge butterfly sculpture that represents the symbol of hope. The 21-foot tall sculpture is absolutely gorgeous and was constructed by local glass artist Scott Poynter and metal worker Chris Schartung. The largest…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: June 28-30

ROMP      This weekend is all about the music and, specifically, bluegrass music! Presenting the best in bluegrass and roots music each year, the ROMP music fest is taking over the city of Owensboro by bringing thousands of fans to Yellow Creek Park June 26-29 for four days of nonstop bluegrass. You’ll get live performances from Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway; Leftover Salmon; Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives; The Travelin’ McCourys; Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band; Dierks Bentley and many more! There will be tons of food trucks and arts and crafts vendors, lighted pathways through a beautiful forest, a Kids Zone filled with activities for children and lots of merch available onsite. You can still purchase tickets right here! ROMP & Roll Record Show    You can collect records, posters and tons of music memorabilia at Owensboro’s first-ever ROMP & Roll Record Show! Held at the Owensboro Convention Center June 28-30, those who are traveling here for ROMP can also score access to this brand new add-on. ROMP & Roll will feature a hundred different tables filled with a selection of music items. Think of it like an organized yard sale for music fans. Crate diggers will find new and pre-loved…

See ACO World Cornhole Championships in Downtown Owensboro!

One of the biggest cornhole tournaments in the WORLD is coming to Owensboro this summer!  If you’re a fan of the competitive tossing game, you need to schedule the ACO World Championships of Cornhole 19 tournament in your Google Calendar for July 23-27. This five-day event will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center.  The ACO World Championships is an event for players, spectators and the entire family. And beyond the competition, there will be tons of fun things to do! You can enter Game Challenges, shop from vendors and enjoy a player meet-and-greet while you’re there!  ACO Worlds Divisions are open to ACO Pros and any player that qualifies during the ACO season leading up to Worlds. ACO Competitive Divisions include: Singles, Doubles, Womens, Seniors, Juniors, Coed, Doubles and the Hampton Farms Big Blind Draw.  There is a $75,000 minimum guaranteed purse for the ACO Championships, meaning this competition is gonna be intense and amazing to watch.  You can click here for the full tournament schedule, but spectators can head to the Owensboro Convention Center on July 23 around 10 a.m. to see the first round of play. The final round of competitions will begin at 6 p.m.  On Wednesday, ACO Women’s Doubles starts the…

Local Gift Shops That Sell The Coolest Owensboro Merchandise

Owensboro has some of the cutest local shops you’ll find anywhere in the state. And when you visit a new city, state or country, you gotta know the right places to grab some souvenirs to remember your stay.  And that’s where we come in! We’ve put together a list of local gift shops that offer custom-made Kentucky and Owensboro memorabilia. From magnets to drinking glasses to t-shirts and more, here are some of the stores you should stop by when you visit our city!  Kentucky is famous for our college sports, so head on over to Tied With A Bow to find a huge array of Game Day essentials that represent the big name college teams in Kentucky! They sell everything from University of Kentucky headbands to Western Kentucky University mugs and more! The shop also sells a variety of other adorable items and offers seasonal decor for each holiday!  A super cool item you can gift yourself or a loved one during your visit are custom-made candles that represent different aspects of Owensboro! Sold at Julep Home and Gift, these candles are one of the top sellers in the store, and all of the scents and packaging are made and designed by…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: July 5-7

4th of July Fireworks        One of the best fireworks shows in Kentucky is being held in Owensboro to celebrate the 4th of July! You’ll get, not one, but four different fireworks displays going off at the same time all across the city. And if you want the best views (and an indoor space to cool down), the Owensboro Convention Center is hosting its 4th Fest that night, so you can see one of the fireworks performances over the Ohio River. Tickets start at $10 and include early access (4-6 p.m.) to inflatables, indoor games, and a climbing rock wall for children. There are other packages available for those who want even more perks, and you can learn more about the price points right here. If you decide to make downtown Owensboro your site for this event, enjoy live music starting at 5 p.m., family-friendly activities inside the convention center from 6-9 p.m., and fireworks all across the city will be going off at 9:15 p.m. This event will be held July 4. Independence Day Fireworks: Part 2   And you know what? We’re just gonna keep the Independence Day momentum going for a second round of fireworks and fun! On…

Try Authentic Ramen and Poke Bowls at Owensboro’s Newest Restaurants

As you all probably know by now, we love when a new restaurant comes to Owensboro! And this time, we’ve got two different Asian-inspired restaurants full of authenticity and amazing flavors.  With an almost perfect rating on Google since its opening, Fire Bowl has an incredible variety of top tier sushi and hibachi on the menu. This is a quick service restaurant with a focus on quality and taste. Fire Bowl only uses Certified Angus New York Strip and Filet Mignon in their hibachi.  And if you’ve never had a sushi bowl, you gotta check this place out. You get to pick out your own base (rice, noodles or lettuce), a protein (these range from island tuna poke to spicy salmon to tempura shrimp), five ingredients (seaweed salad, edamame, masago, avocado, green onions and cucumber are just a few of the choices), a dressing, and toppings. Or, you can pick one of the bowls hand-created for you by the restaurant staff!  Fire Bowl also serves sushi wraps and rolls–many of which are named after different parts of Owensboro! So if you’re looking for something quick and healthy while you’re in town visiting–maybe between tournament games or when you’re on the way back to…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: July 12-14

Bluey at RiverPark CenterFans of the TV show, Bluey, are gonna love this one! Bluey’s Big Play is coming to the RiverPark Center on July 11. This is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s television series, complete with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm. Bluey’s Big Play is friendly for all ages, so the entire family can enjoy this one! VIP tickets will score you a meet-and-greet and photo experience, premium seating, an exclusive Bluey VIP gift and more! General Admission tickets are $25.25. The show starts at 6 p.m.! Farmers’ Market w/ Arts & Owensboro HealthHealthy communities thrive when nutritious food is accessible and the arts flourish. And because of that, the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market is pairing up with Owensboro Health on July 13 to present Food+Art+Health! Join the fun on Saturday to learn about health and wellness while enjoying live music, performing arts, kids’ activities, a community art project and much more. Randy Lanham and Friends will play from 8-10:30 a.m., followed by Owensboro Dance Theatre from 10:30-10:45 a.m., Encore Musicals from 10:45-11:15 a.m., RPC from 11:15-11:30 a.m. and Theatre Workshop of Owensboro from 11:30 a.m.-noon. The Farmers’ Market runs from 8 a.m.-noon…

Take A Tour on An Historic War Ship, Right Here in Owensboro!

You’ll soon have one of the coolest opportunities to tour a real war ship right here in Owensboro! The LST (Landing Ship, Tank) is a memorial ship dedicated to educating the public about its relevance during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, as well as preserving the memory of these ships and the countless, heroic men who died in battle during their service to our country.  The LST will make its way to Owensboro via the Ohio River and dock for two days–August 2 from Noon to 7 pm and August 3 from 9 am to 5 pm.  This fully operational ship allows you to take self-guided tours that include the Main Deck, Troop Berthing, Tank Deck, Mess Deck, Galley, Stern of ship (guns and anchor), Wheel House, Officer’s Country, and the Captain’s Cabin. The tour includes three sets of stairs, just FYI!  These tours are roughly 45 minutes long and are full of so much incredible history. Crew members are stationed around the ship to answer questions and provide any assistance as needed. You can get some amazing photos while aboard!  The LST was launched in October 1942, and its first big trip was from NYC to Oran, Algeria in…

Get The Healthiest Summer Drinks at Gene’s Health Food

It’s officially summer, which means it’s time for us to stop gatekeeping one of the best places in Kentucky to get an organic, cold-pressed juice. And, yep, you can find it right here in Owensboro at Gene’s Health Food.  This family-owned store and restaurant sells all kinds of vitamins, supplements, crystals and fresh produce, but their restaurant in the back is where you’re gonna find the variety of fresh fruit- and veggie-based juices for that extra pick-me-up on a hot summer day!  Some of the juices and smoothies on the menu include a Tropi-Kale Smoothie, Hulk-Ade, Gene’s Green Juice, Kale Lemonade, Fiberlicious Smoothie, Pink Panther Organic Cold-Pressed, Pump Up The Beet Juice, Mad Carrot and Green Zinger. These juices are all made from the freshest fruits and vegetables and you can taste the difference with the first sip you take!  Gene’s also has several food items on their menu that make for a perfect summertime lunch or dinner. If you’re heading back to your hotel or between tournament games, you can head over to Gene’s and grab a delicious salad made of 100% organic ingredients. And if you get their famous tuna sandwich “through the garden,” you’ll get to try their famous homemade…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: July 19-21

Kidd G and The Crashers at Friday After 5       We’ve got a huge night of music comin’ your way at Friday After 5 this weekend! On July 19, you’ll get live performances from Kidd G and The Crashers for one of the most exciting FA5 events of the season! Kidd G will take the Romain Cadillac Stage on the front lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center, bringing a masterful blend of rap and country music to his audience. The Crashers are gonna bring all the good energy and vibes to to McConnell Plaza. Friday After 5 is free to attend and runs from 5-11:30 p.m. Bellamy Brothers at Bluegrass Hall of Fame  You can see this chart-topping duo perform live this weekend in downtown Owensboro! The Bellamy Brothers–Howard and David–stand as pillars of country music with their careers marked by an impressive array of accomplishments. Their music journey spans over four decades, and they have garnered one of the most loyal fanbases in the business. The Bellamy Brothers have won numerous awards and Grammy nominations over the years–a testament to their enduring relevance and unwavering passion for country music. The show will be held at the Bluegrass Music Hall of…

Where to Swim While You’re in Owensboro!

So you’re looking for a place to cool off and swim while you’re visiting Owensboro, eh? Well, look no further because we have it covered right here, y’all!  First off, Owensboro has an amazing swim club located right in the city. At Atlantis Swim Club, you don’t need a membership or any kind of pass to spend the day swimming, lounging and relaxing here. You can just show up to the front gate and pay $17 if you’re an adult, and $12 for your kiddos 12 years old and younger, which is pretty sweet!  Atlantis offers three different pools–including an amazing wave pool–a water slide and a diving board at its facility. There is a baby pool for the little ones, as well as a full-sized swimming pool you can swim laps or play around in! Lifeguards are staffed at all times at each pool aside from the baby pool.  Atlantis also offers a concession stand serving all your favorite summertime snacks at affordable prices. From delicious slushies to nachos to cheeseburgers and pizza, they’ve got it all! There are also plenty of shaded spaces, lounge chairs and umbrellas across the swim club that are open to the public.  And if you’re looking for…

Enjoy Flowers, Sunsets, Food And Music At This Orchard Fest

Is there anything more blissfully summer than picking gorgeous flowers with the sunset as a backdrop? This is why you should be at Reid’s Orchard on July 21 for their Sunset Flower Market Day! From 4-8 p.m., you can head over to beautiful Reid’s Orchard to pick fresh-cut flowers from Katie’s U-Pick Flower Fields. You can literally create your own bouquets with friends, family or by yourself!  Katie’s U-Pick Flower Garden is filled with a variety of seasonal blooms that can be bundled to form colorful, whimsical centerpieces for your home. Swing by the store first to grab what you need for cutting the stems.  And along with the flower picking, treat yourself to some live music from Mitchell Douglas from 5-8 p.m. And come hungry because Basil’s Food Truck and J’s Good Grub are gonna be onsite as well!  While you’re at Reid’s, stop inside the store to shop for freshly picked homegrown peaches, tomatoes, yellow sweet corn, nectarines, green beans, apples, blueberries, blackberries, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, cabbage, watermelon and cantaloupe! Cool off with one of their famous, frozen apple slushies.

Massive Car Show, Tons of Vendors Coming to Owensboro in August

We know everyone out there loves a good car show! And we’ve got one of the biggest ones of the year coming to Owensboro in August! The Bluegrass Legends Experience is a massive car show taking place for three days–August 16, 17 and 18. Held at Owensboro Sportscenter and Moreland Park, here’s everything you need to know ahead of time! This car show will feature cars, trucks, rat rods AND motorcycles. This isn’t just about vehicles, however, as there will be more than 25 food trucks, a beer garden, vendors and quality family entertainment keeping your engine revving during this three-day fest. Even cooler, this event raises money for the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Oh, and did we mention it’s FREE to all spectators?!  Bluegrass Legends Experience will kick off on Friday, August 16 at 5 p.m. CST with a cruise-in atmosphere. Inside the Owensboro Sportscenter will be a Evel Knievel display along with event merch, select vendors and some key vehicle displays. Outside is where you can enjoy food trucks and vendors from 5-9 p.m., along with live music at Moreland Park. You can also head to windy Hollow Dragway for a street vehicle Tech & Tune opportunity where you…

Take a Weekend Road Trip to Owensboro for BBQ, Bourbon & Bluegrass

One of the best things about a weekend road trip is getting to check out a place you’ve never been before! And if you’re looking for a fun city with good food, vibes and music, you’ve gotta put Owensboro, Kentucky on your list.  If you’re only here for two days, then there are two things Owensboro is famous for that you absolutely need to experience: Our world-famous barbecue and our world-class bourbon!  You can kick the first day off with one of the best brunch buffets in the state at Ole South Barbecue. Not only will you get to try tons of delicious breakfast items, but you can also taste the restaurant’s famous barbecue. And don’t forget to make yourself a bowl of burgoo while you’re there!  Next up, head to downtown Owensboro for a tour of Green River Distilling Company. Kentucky is famous for its bourbon production, and you can take one of the top-ranked tours in the entire state at Green River! Tours are roughly an hour long, and this gorgeous distillery, coupled with its fascinating history, is one of the coolest things you’ll ever do in the Bluegrass State. You’ll even get to taste three different bourbons at the end!  While…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: August 1-3

Brit Taylor at Friday After 5        We’ve got a heck of a night for you at Friday After 5 this weekend, so here’s everything you need to know about this Friday’s free outdoor music fest! An amazing musician, Brit Taylor is taking the Jagoe Homes RiverPark Center Stage for a night of authentic country and bluegrass music. Born and raised in eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains, Taylor embraces the traits of her home–faith, family and community–through her music, while expressing her independence with a sense of beauty and humor. This is an artist making music that matters, and her newest album, Kentucky Bluegrassed, was just released in February, so you’ll be lucky enough to get an up-close-and-personal seat to some of her newest sounds. The performance will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Dancing With Our Stars    Head over to Owensboro for an incredible night of philanthropy and fun at the 12th Annual Dancing With Our Stars: Owensboro Style event on August 3. This dance competition brings out the best of Owensboro and is entertaining for the whole family, and the proceeds support Boulware Mission, an organization created to empower individuals with life skills they need to become self-sufficient and successful….

State’s Sport Shooting Championships Coming to Owensboro!

You’ll get the chance to see one of the coolest sport shooting competitions in the country right here in Owensboro! Yep–the 2024 Kentucky State Sporting Clays Championship is gonna be held for three days at the Mattingly Target Shooting Range in Daviess County, Kentucky. Held August 23-25, this tournament will feature competitive shooting along with a variety of live entertainment and family-friendly activities to do as well. The competition includes Sub Gauge, Super Sporting, FITASC and the “Walker 100.” Sub Gauge, Super Sporting and FITASC will be shot all three days of the event, and pre-registration and deposits are required for FITASC. Walk-ins are welcome for the other events, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged! Saturday, August 24 will feature the first 100 of the 200 target main events, followed by an amazing dinner at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Owensboro. On Sunday, the competition will conclude with the remaining 100 targets of the main event. For ties, money is split and the trophies go to the in-state winner. As for the shoot rules, all events will be governed by official NSCA rules. Sporting clays targets will be registered for existing NSCA members only. Juniors can shoot for $79; Sub-Juniors…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: August 9-11

Lanham Brothers Jamboree        One of the most fun bluegrass festivals of the year is coming up, and here are all the details! The Lanham Brothers Jamboree–hosted by brothers Barry and Randy–is taking the stage at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum on August 10. The duo will perform and be recorded for broadcast on KET. The Lanham Bros. are bringing several guest stars to the stage with them this year–Joe Christian, Jade Hagan, Elijah & Ansley Christian, Erica Roberts, Jeff Hardesty, and The Footstompin’ Express Cloggers. This show is family-friendly with music, dances, comedy skits and crowd interaction! The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $37. Peach Bliss   Head out to beautiful Reid’s Orchard for a day of peaches, vendors and delicious food! Peach Bliss will be held on August 11 from 4-8 p.m. You can bring friends, family or spend a solo day exploring the gorgeous landscape that Reid’s Orchard offers, while also shopping from the cutest vendors onsite and tasting all kinds of food from a variety of food trucks. These peaches are perfectly ripe and ready for the eating, and this event is free to the public! Tour At Western KY Botanical Garden  It’s…

Enjoy A FREE Symphony Concert in Owensboro!

Pack a picnic and grab your lawn chairs for this amazing opportunity to hear amazing symphony music in the great outdoors. Oh, and this one is absolutely FREE! Concert On The Lawn is brought to you by Kentucky Wesleyan College, U.S. Bank and the Owensboro Symphony and, this year, you’ll be getting an array of music from your favorite classic TV shows! You’ll hear songs from “The Simpsons,” “Magnum P.I.,” “Dallas,” “Star Trek,” game shows and more.  This is an event that’s fun for the whole family, of course, as there will be games for the kiddos that’ll start at 5:30 p.m. And once things get rolling, there will be plenty of space to relax under the stars as the Symphony takes you on a journey through television’s greatest musical hits.  Taking place on the vast front lawn of Kentucky Wesleyan College, general admission to show is free, but you can reserve tables and dinner for eight for $400, or $200 for tables and chairs sans dinner. Reservations can be made by calling 270-684-0661.  Dinner will be served by our tourism partners from the world-famous Moonlite Bar-B-Q. While guests are encouraged to pack some food for the night, you can purchase individual meals (no…

Holiday World: One of The BEST Theme Parks in America

So you wanna experience the magic of an amazing amusement park, but you don’t quite have the budget for a trip to Orlando? Well, we’re here to stop gatekeeping one of the BEST theme parks in the country and, even better, it’s located only 20 minutes away from Owensboro.  Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is a holiday-themed amusement park and water park that’s perfect for families and has all the bells and whistles of some of the most notoriously expensive parks in the United States.  Jumping right into the roller coaster side of things, Holiday World has several of them, including three award-winning wooden coasters: The Raven, The Legend, and The Voyage. Just as cool, the theme park has the world’s ONLY launched wing roller coaster–The Thunderbird!  New to Holiday World is Good Gravy! This roller coaster is the theme park’s first family coaster, measuring in at 1,500 feet and with an agenda to save Thanksgiving dinner! You’ll travel forward up to a seven-stories tall spike, then backward to make more gravy, then complete the ride by saving the Thanksgiving dinner.  Holiday World is also packed with tons of holiday-themed games and other rides, including the HallowSwings, bumper cars, Frightful Falls, the Howler, spinning…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: August 16-18

Bluegrass Legends Experience       Owensboro is hosting a MASSIVE car show complete with tons of entertainment August 16-18, and here’s everything you need to know! The Bluegrass Legends Experience will be held at Moreland Park and the Owensboro Sportscenter for three days, bringing a huge variety of cars, trucks, rat rods and motorcycles. This isn’t just about the vehicles, however, as there will be more than 25 food trucks, a beer garden, quality family entertainment and vendors packing this weekend-long event. It’s free to all spectators, and the Bluegrass Legends Experience raises money for the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Bluegrass Legends will kick off on Friday, August 16 at 5 p.m. with a cruise-in atmosphere at Moreland Park. Inside the Sportscenter, an amazing Evel Knievel display will blow your mind! There is onsite truck/trailer/RV parking with 24-hour security and there is a $25 entry free to register your vehicle for the show and prizes. Owensboro Multicultural Fest   One of the coolest events of the year, the Owensboro Multicultural Festival celebrates the food, music, art and people from all across our incredibly diverse planet. Held at First Presbyterian Church on August 17, this free event is for the…

Score A Full Weekend of Bluegrass Music in Owensboro!

Alrighty, Bluegrass music fans–it’s your time to shine!  That’s because the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum is hosting its Hall of Fame Homecoming Weekend on August 30 and 31, bringing you two incredible nights of live music from some of the best in the business.  On Friday, August 30, you’ll get a night of gospel classics from Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Doyle Lawson and Paul Williams. This is such a treat for fans of the genre as you’ll get hear from three different artists at the price of one!  And the fun continues into Saturday as you’ll be presented with a lineup of Bluegrass Favorites from Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. This band is amazing, and they were named Entertainers of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2019!  A little background for those who may not know–Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers have delivered chart-topping hits and energetic performances for 15 years. Since 2013, they’ve become regulars on the historic Grand Ole Opry stage. In fact, their last album, For The Record, was a Top 4 Billboard hit and remained on the charts for 13 months, producing several Top 10 singles.  Even more, Joe Mullins & The…

J’s Good Grub Opens NEW Restaurant at Windridge!

We LOVE when new restaurants open up in town and, this time, we’re extra excited because one of the most popular food trucks in Owensboro is taking things to the next level with a brand new brick and mortar location, and a second food truck!   That’s right–J’s Good Grub has expanded its business to include a new spot at Windridge Country Club. Important to know–you do NOT need a membership of any kind to eat here! Open to the public, J’s offer a dine-in experience for fans of southern comfort and soul food. This is a casual restaurant with a chill atmosphere, so you can come as you are when dining here.   Aside from famous fried chicken, shrimp, burgers and french fries doused in cajun seasoning, ranch and buffalo sauce, J’s also offers barbecue, fried fish, deviled egg potato salad, cheese grits, mac and cheese, collard greens, seafood alfredo, Louisiana Seafood Po’ Boys, crawfish, oysters, catfish, tacos and more at this new spot!   J’s is open Wednesday-Friday from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. at Windridge. Not only will you get an incredible meal, but J’s includes fun, themed events to make the experience even more exciting! Follow J’s…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: August 23-25

Bluegrass Century       An amazing event for cyclists is coming to Owensboro this weekend! Bluegrass Century is a charity event hosted by Bicycle Owensboro that benefits YoungLife of Owensboro, Kentucky. This event brings in cyclists from all over to race for a good cause. There are three different course lengths: A 67-mile; a 100-mile and a 32-mile race will be held concurrently but will deviate to different courses along the way. All riders will roll out at 7 a.m. CST start, and riders will be welcomed with fully stocked rest stops along the route. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to riders and there will even be live entertainment periodically throughout the afternoon for you to enjoy! Bluegrass Century will take place on August 26 at Crosspointe Baptist Church. You can register right here. Concert On The Lawn    You’ll get to enjoy a FREE symphony concert here in Owensboro, so pack a picnic and grab your lawn chairs for an amazing night of music in the great outdoors. Concert On The Lawn will be held at Kentucky Wesleyan College on August 24. The Owensboro Symphony is presenting a variety of songs from your favorite classic TV shows, including “The…

Your Preview for the 2024 Owensboro Air Show!

It’s time to buckle up for one of the coolest events of the year! That’s right–the Owensboro Air Show is right around the corner, and we’ve got everything you need to know right here!  Held September 13-15, the Owensboro Air Show brings thousands of visitors to our beautiful city each year to experience the thrill of watching performers zip, flip and soar through the skies.  The Air Show showcases vintage warbirds, aerobatic demonstrations and military jets. This year, we’ve got the amazing U.S. Navy Blue Angels returning for one of the most jaw-dropping experiences you’ll ever see in the sky.  The Owensboro Air Show is mostly held in downtown Owensboro, and it is FREE to the public! But the Air Show offers a variety of other activities so, while you’re here, head over to the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport to get up close and personal with a wide range of aircraft on September 13. You can meet some of the pilots and experience a taste of the Owensboro Air Show as some performers will take to the sky as the sun begins to set. Admission is $5/person and kids 12 and under get in free. The event will be held from 4:30-8 p.m. Even…

Enjoy All The Movie Magic At Holiday Drive-In; An Historic Experience

We’ve still got plenty of summer left and, right here in the Owensboro area, we have one of the coolest hidden gems that’ll transport you back in time in the very best way.  How long has it been since you’ve packed up the car and taken a trip to a drive-in movie theater? Right across the bridge in Reo, Indiana is Holiday Drive-In, one of the longest-running drive-ins in the country! Originally opened in 1955, Holiday Drive-In has grown from one single screen to six different screens over the decades.  These six different screens feature 12 different movies, so you and your group can enjoy two different films at the price of one ticket! And one of the coolest things about Holiday Drive-In is that they always offer brand new releases, whereas many outdoor drive-ins only feature films from the past.  Holiday Drive-In is such a cute and family-friendly venue, maybe this is an unforgettable outdoor experience. They’ve got old-school concession stands beaming with white and red lights, the smell of popcorn floating through the air, and plenty of space for you to park your car, open the hatch and spread out on blankets or lawn chairs.  Right now, Holiday-Drive In is showing some…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: August 30-September 1

Emergency Services Gala: Masquerade      We’re celebrating our hometown heroes this weekend with the 9th Annual Emergency Services Gala at the Owensboro Convention Center. Held on August 31, this event honors the men and women who work in first response and emergency services, keeping our city and county safe and protected. This year’s theme is “Masquerade,” so bring your masks and come dressed to impress! The doors open at 6 p.m. and last call will be at midnight. There will also be plenty of dancing, dining and door prizes! Hall of Fame Weekend    Experience a full weekend of amazing bluegrass music at the Bluegrass Museum’s Hall of Fame Homecoming Weekend! Held for two days on August 30 and 31, you’ll get two nights of music from some legendary artists. On Friday, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Doyle Lawson and Paul Williams will treat you to a night of gospel. And the fun continues into Saturday with performances from Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers–an IBMA Album of the Year winner. Tickets to this event can be purchased individually or bundled using the code HOFBUNDLE at checkout. Sunflower Experience at Trunnell’s Get all the sunflowers you could dream of and MORE at Trunnell’s…

Enjoy Margaritas and Mariachi Bands at a WKBG Fiesta

We’ve got the perfect reason for you to visit one of the prettiest places in Kentucky. So if you haven’t been to Western Kentucky Botanical Garden yet, listen up!  You can enjoy the beauty and splendor of nature while ALSO taking a night off to let your hair down and party at WKBG’s Mariachi Night–a fiesta filled with all the wonderful things that make a themed event memorable and fun!  Escape to Mexico with a night of margaritas, tacos, pinatas and food trucks at this one-of-a-kind event. The garden will provide a gorgeous backdrop for a Mexican fiesta and the weather at this time of year is PERFECT for a night out.  Kids are welcome to enjoy the festivities too! Children 12 and under get in free, and adults get in at only $10/person. Bring your lawn chairs and stay awhile! There will be a cash bar available onsite and Mexican food trucks will serve all your favorite dishes, including tacos, nachos, burritos, arroz con pollo and more.  WKBG is going all out with this themed fiesta, and there will be a pinata, a cascarones smash, a live mariachi band and authentic Mexican dancers to keep you entertained!  Mariachi Night will be held on Thursday,…

Check Out These Disc Golf Courses in Owensboro!

Today, we’re gonna talk a little disc golf, and where you can find places to play all across Owensboro/Daviess County.  If you didn’t already know, Owensboro is actually ranked in the Top 5 places for disc golf in the state of Kentucky. A huge reason for that is quality, because our city and county has AMAZING parks and recreation centers. But the other reason is quantity, as Owensboro has four different places to play!  Just an FYI, among the four courses, three of them have 18 holes or more.  So where can you play? First up is Yellow Creek Park. This 18-hole course is located on the east side of town and has concrete tees, plenty of sun and shade, and ChainStar targets. This course is widely recognized for being well-maintained and providing gorgeous, scenic views. There are even some pond and creek shots!  Next up, we have a fun urban course located right in the heart of the city! The course at Kentucky Wesleyan College runs through the entire campus. This is a course of mostly short, open holes with a few longer ones sprinkled in. This is a great spot for new players and quicker rounds. This course has 18 holes, mix…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: September 6-8

Universal Clown Summit      The clowns are comin’ to town, y’all! That’s right–the Universal Clown Summit & Reunion is making its way to Owensboro for four days of fun and friendship at the Owensboro Convention Center. This is a gathering of clowns–and potential clowns!–dedicated to learning, growing and evolving in their respective industry. The event kicks off Wednesday and will continue into Thursday with a complete day of touring Owensboro’s greatest venues and museums. A two-day convention filled with balloon-making classes, joke writing rooms, advanced magic and theater workshops and full meals will take place Friday and Saturday. The Universal Clown Summit will be held September 4-7. So if you see a clown on the street, give them a wave! Special Olympics: Softball State Tournament Owensboro is proud to host the Kentucky Special Olympics for a weekend of exciting competitive play! Held September 6-8, the State Softball Tournament will take place at Jack C. Fisher Park for the first time since 2007! You’ll get to see 36 teams (separated into nine divisions) compete at the state tournament this year. This will also be the first time that the Team Skills Competition–comprised of teams that didn’t qualify for the state tournament–is held in…

See Dogs Perform Tricks at Pups In The Park

Owensboro is bringing the first event of its kind to our county parks, and this one is for all the dog lovers!!  Pups In The Park will be held at Panther Creek Park for two days, September 21 and 22, where you’ll find all kinds of pups showing off their best aquatic skills.  Yep, this world premiere event is a canine aquatics competition that features a dock diving competition and other American Kennel Club (AKC) sanctioned events. These include Fast CAT (Coursing Ability Test) Temperament Test and AKC Fetch, which will be super fun to watch!  But that’s not all. Pups In The Park goes beyond the competitions by hosting exciting events for kiddos, local rescue organizations, vendors, food trucks and more. For the first time ever, the spray park at Panther Creek Park will be open to all pups!  Shop for pet-specific items, and eat from a wide variety of food vendors that will be selling everything from barbecue to sweet treats to ice cream and snow cones.  The Big Air aquatics competition is basically the long jump of canine water sports. Taking place on a 36-foot dock and pool, the competing dog will run and jump into the water after a toy is…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: September 13-15

2024 Owensboro Air Show       This weekend is all about the Owensboro Air Show, so here’s everything you need to know ahead of time! The Air Show will be held for three days, September 13-15, beginning with a unique static display on Friday at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport. This is your chance to meet some of the pilots and see the aircraft up close and in person. This event will be held from 4-9 p.m. on Sept. 13 and admission is $5 per person (kids 12 and under get in free). And on Saturday and Sunday, all eyes will be on the sky over the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro as performers showcase vintage warbirds, aerobatic demonstrations and military jets, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The Air Show is free to the public and will start at 1 p.m. both days. You can also get reserved seating at the Owensboro Convention Center. Planes On The Plaza   Grab tickets now to enjoy special seating on the Truist Plaza at the RiverPark Center to see the Owensboro Air Show! You’ll bring your own chairs to Planes On The Plaza and have access to bars, concessions and restrooms, and you’ll also…

Enjoy Multiple Performers And All The Fall Things at Orchard Music Fest

We’re bringing the best of both worlds together with an event celebrating live music and our wonderful agricultural scene on the outskirts of the city!  The Orchard Music Fest is a collaboration between Reid’s Orchard and the creators of PorchFest Owensboro–one of the biggest live music events held in the city every year. This year’s Orchard Music Fest will take place at Reid’s Orchard on Saturday, September 28. And here’s what you need to know ahead of time!  With a gorgeous landscape in the background, this festival will include live music on a variety of stages set up across the grounds, much like PorchFest, but minus the porches. Six stages will feature a range of local, regional and even nationally-recognized artists from all over!  Headliners for this festival include Sonia Leigh, Old Hickory and Jerret Forrester. Other artists performing include Lowland Ramblers, Cam Thompson & Mitchell Douglas, Billy Shew Band, Honey Vines, Emma Grace Brown, Riley Station, Cory & CJ Jones, Miles Gee, Lucy Jagoe & Emmie Kate, and Larry Brey.  Aside from the music, you’ll be entertained with farm-related activities that both children and adults can enjoy. Several different food trucks will be onsite, along with a 21-and-older beer garden for the adults….

Owensboro Opens New Rock N Roll Sushi Restaurant!

Owensboro’s got a brand new restaurant with an incredible atmosphere, so it’s time to break it all down for our visitors!  Located at 3750 Frederica Street, Rock N Roll Sushi just opened their doors a couple weeks ago, and things are already looking amazing for this new hot spot. For those who aren’t familiar with the restaurant, Rock N Roll Sushi is the original, American-style sushi experience founded on three things: Great food, true love, and rock ‘n roll.  Inside, you’re gonna be transported to a rock ‘n roll paradise with power ballads and electric guitars floating from the speakers, along with an aesthetic dedicated to the classic music genre.  But let’s get into the food! Rock N Roll Sushi offers a variety of hibachi dinners, appetizers, bar drinks, desserts, kids’ items and, of course, an amazing lineup of sushi.  Some of the classic rolls you’ll find here include the Spicy Shrimp roll, Japanese Bagel roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, a Veggie roll, and even a Spicy Crawfish roll.  But then there’s the headliners. These sushi rolls include a VIP roll (fried or baked with shrimp, crab and cajun-seasoned crawfish); the Axl roll; the British Invasion roll; the Crowd Surfer roll; the Groupie roll; the Jam…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: September 20-22

Mariachi Night at WKBG       It’s all about the margaritas and mariachi this weekend at Western Kentucky Botanical Garden! You can head over to one of the prettiest place in Kentucky on Thursday, September 19 for WKBG’s Mariachi Night, a fiesta filled with tacos, pinatas, food trucks, dancers and a live mariachi band to give you an authentic, Mexican-themed fiesta. Kids 12 and under get in free and are welcome to join their parents for this event, which costs $10/adult. Bring your lawn chairs and stay awhile as there will be a cash bar onsite and Mexican food trucks serving all your favorite dishes. Mariachi Night will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m.Groovin’ On The Green    You can take the night off and kick back to some amazing live music this weekend at Groovin’ On The Green, held at the Owensboro Convention Center on September 21. This outdoor event will feature live performances from three different artists–The Michael Gough Group; Unlimited Show Band; and Maestro J & Friends. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to this FREE concert, and come hungry because there will be food trucks and vendors available onsite! Kids can enjoy arts and crafts as well. Groovin’…

Huge Roller Derby Competition Coming to Owensboro!

Owensboro is hosting a huge roller derby event in late September! So if you’ve never been to one of these exciting, fast-paced events, here’s all the info you’ll need ahead of time! The Vette City Roller Derby is coming to the Owensboro Convention Center on September 28, hosted by the Bowling Green-based women’s flat track roller derby league. This “Almost Home” Roller Derby will be their first time hosting this quadruple-header competition since 2020.  The all-day event will include two bouts of junior roller derby at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Those will be followed by two adult rounds that evening at 5:30 and 7 p.m.  Vette City Roller Derby and Vette City Junior Roller Derby compete in competitions all across the United States. This year, they’ve competed in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Muncie, Tuscaloosa, Evansville and, now, Owensboro will be their next stop of the season.  For those who don’t know, roller derby is a roller skating contact sport played on an oval track by two teams of five skates. It’s played by roughly 1,250 amateur leagues worldwide, but is most popular here in the US.  Those attending will see that the 60-minute roller derby games–or bouts–are a series of two-minute timed jams. The game uses…

Check Out All These Fun, Fall Events in Owensboro!

We are officially in the season of hayrides, pumpkin spice and all things fall! And with the season change comes a lot of exciting, fall-themed events. So we’re here to break down a list of some of the amazing fall fun you and your entire family can enjoy in the upcoming month! Reid’s Orchard and the team that puts on Porch Fest are coming together to bring you the Orchard Music Fest on September 28. This festival will include multiple performers across different stages, food truck and shopping vendors, fun activities for kids and more! Head over to the orchard from 2-10 p.m.  The 2024 Fall Market at Hayden Farms is coming back this year with all the food and shopping vendors you could ask for! Pick out some pumpkins and grab some sweets while you’re there! The Fall Market will be held on September 22 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.  Pumpkins AND pickles?! Sign us up! Celebrate all things harvest and, of course, pickle-flavored at the Pumpkin & Pickle Festival at The Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Co. on October 19 and 20. There will be tons of food, shopping vendors, pumpkins to pick and pickle-flavored everything! The event will be held from…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: September 27-29

Roller Derby        A huge roller derby competition is coming to Owensboro this weekend! The Vette City Roller Derby–hosted by the Bowling Green-based women’s flat track roller derby league–is hosting its “Almost Home” competition for a quadruple-header that’s gonna be super exciting! The all-day event will take place on September 28 and will include two bouts of junior roller derby at 1 and 3p.m., followed by two adult bouts at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. This is a great chance to get out and see a really cool sport you may have never watched before! General admission tickets are $12 and kids 10 and under get in free. The roller derby will be held at the Owensboro Convention Center. Orchard Music Festival   This collaboration between Reid’s Orchard and those who put on the successful Porch Fest event is sure to give you all the fun, fall vibes to kick off the season! On Saturday, September 28, head over to Reid’s Orchard to experience a day of live music with a gorgeous landscape in the background. There will be multiple performers across different stages featuring a variety of local, regional and even nationally-recognized artists. You can also enjoy some farm-related activities while…

Anime, Actors, Cosplay & More at Owensboro Comic Con!

Two days of comic books, collector’s toys, anime, video games and cosplay?! If that sounds like your kinda weekend, we’ve got the perfect event for you coming up in October!  The Owensboro Comic & Toy Convention is a full-scale comic con coming to the Owensboro Convention Center October 5 and 6. Not only will you find tons of iconic comics and collector’s items at this event, you’ll also get to meet tons of famous actors and comic creators!  Some of the well-known voice actors who will be available for meet-and-greets and photo opps include Billy West (Scooby Doo’s Shaggy, Ren & Stimpy, Space Jam’s Bugs Bunny, Nickelodeon’s Doug, Futurama, Elmer Fudd, Popeye, Woody Woodpecker); Josh Keaton (Takashi “Shiro” Shirogane in Voltron, Spider-Man, Hercules and various other media); Kyle Hebert (Gohan, Ryu in Street Fighter, Kiba in Naruto, Sosuke Aizen in Bleach); and Greg Baldwin (Frank Fontaine in BioShock, Uncle Iroh in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Kung Fu Panda and The Legend of Korra).  Other big names who will be at the convention include a lineup of actors, wrestlers and comic creators. Actor Jason Mewes (Jay of Jay and Silent Bob, Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy); actor Brian O’Halloran (Clerks, Clerks II, Clerks III, Mallrats,…

Enjoy a Bluegrass-Themed Oktoberfest at ROMPtober!

A bluegrass-themed Oktoberfest complete with craft beer, live bands, craft vendors and delicious food trucks? Say less.  For those who love Owensboro’s annual ROMP music fest, we’ve got the perfect fall event to hold you over until next year’s show in June. ROMPtober Weekend is gonna be FILLED to the brim (pun intended) with craft beer, bourbon and bluegrass music.  This two-day festival will be held October 11 and 12. Friday’s events will take place inside the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, while Saturday’s event will be held on the outdoor stage overlooking the riverfront in downtown Owensboro.  So let’s break it down. On Friday, you can check in at 3 p.m. and head to a craft beer tasting in the Hall of Fame lobby. Those with Friday and Weekend tickets will get to taste four different beers. This will be followed by a craft beer documentary inside Woodward Theatre, where you can really learn the ins and outs of the types of beer that make Oktoberfest so unique.  You’ll get to hear live music from Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass inside Woodward Theatre at 7 p.m., and Full Cord will take the stage at 8 p.m.  On Saturday, gates to…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: October 4-6

Owensboro Comic & Toy Con You can score two days of comic books, collector’s toys, anime, video games, cosplay and celebrity meet-and-greets and Owensboro’s Comic & Toy Convention! Held for two days on October 5 and 6 at the Owensboro Convention Center, you’ll find tons of vendors to shop from and plenty of actors, voice actors, wrestlers and comic creators to grab photos with and meet face to face! Tickets to the Owensboro Comic & Toy Convention start at $30 for a single-day ticket. But you can buy a weekend pass for $45 and a VIP weekend pass for $60. Don’t forget to dress up as your favorite character and have a blast at this family-friendly event. Green River Distilling Tour Explore 28 acres of bourbon whiskey production, barrel storage and AMAZING history by booking a tour at Green River Distilling Co. Named one of the top five bourbon tours in the state of Kentucky, this hour-long experience will teach you the ins and outs of the bourbon industry and take you on a journey through Green River’s intense and fascinating history as one of the longest-running distilleries in America. You can even taste some of the bourbon produced at…

Where to Pick Your Pumpkins in Owensboro!

This might be biased of us here at Visit Owensboro, but there are few things in life as wonderful as going pumpkin picking during fall. There are sooo many cute places in Owensboro/Daviess County to find your perfect pumpkin(s) that we decided we had to make our visitors a list of all the best places!  You will find the BEST assortment of pumpkins at Reid’s Orchard. Whether you’re looking to carve a jack-o-lantern or just want to decorate your front porch with multiple shapes and sizes, you’ll find it all at Reid’s! From tiny to gigantic, from Cinderella-style to warty. Reid’s also has tons of mums for sale, and you can take a hayride to the pumpkin patch yourself!  Over at Trunnell’s Farm Market, you can choose your very own pumpkins from a U-Pick Pumpkin Patch! Even cooler, Trunnell’s offers a nighttime fall experience with their “Pumpkin Glow” attraction, where different pumpkins are carved and lit from within. Trunnell’s also sells pumpkins that have already been plucked from the patch for you, so you can shop from the store onsite.  On weekends, you gotta head over to the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market for the best selection of pumpkins from local farmers! Each Saturday…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: October 11-13

ROMPtober        Enjoy a bluegrass-themed Oktoberfest complete with craft beer, live bands, vendors and delicious food trucks at ROMPtober! This inaugural event is for those who love Owensboro’s annual ROMP music fest and want the perfect fall event to hold them over until next June. This two-day fest will be held October 11 and 12. On Friday, head to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame at 3 p.m. for craft beer tasting, a craft beer documentary and live music from Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass at 7 p.m., followed by Full Cord at 8 p.m. On Saturday, this fest will be held outside on the outdoor stage overlooking the riverfront. A jamming workshop will kick things off, followed by the Sullivan Sisters at 1:30 p.m., a craft beer workshop at 3 and Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle at 3:30. Enjoy an infused bourbon workshop and music from Damn Tall Buildings to close out the day. Tickets are $20 (Friday) or $29 (Saturday) or $39 for a weekend pass. Tattoo Expo    One hundred different tattoo artists are heading to Owensboro for one of the coolest events of the year! The Owensboro Tattoo Expo will feature artists from…

Shiloh’s Lounge Offering New Menu Items with Smoked Meats

One of Owensboro’s favorite locally-owned restaurants is expanding its menu and offering something exciting and new for its customers in the form of smoked meats. So when we caught wind of this new business venture, we had to reach out to the owner of Shiloh’s Lounge for more info!  Starting about a month ago, the team at Shiloh’s Lounge–a fun restaurant and bar that’s become a hotspot for both college-aged kids and older adults–began smoking meats as they begin to enter their fifth year in operation. And according to owner Justin Davidson, this has been a major win for his establishment.  Davidson said he’d been learning the process of smoking meats for a while before taking the leap to add new items to his menu. Davidson uses a variety of wood to stir up different flavors, including hickory, cherry and pecan wood.  “We’re smoking brisket, boston butt, crab legs–and nobody else is smoking those. We’re going to start smoking ribs soon too. Right now, our number one best-selling item is probably brisket, but customers are loving our whole smoked wings too.”  Davidson said the meat on the smoked wings falls off the bone, and that customers are loving the fact that the whole wings…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: October 18-20

Pumpkin & Pickle Fest       Two days of pumpkins and pickles!? Say less. This weekend’s Pumpkin & Pickle Festival will be held October 19 and 20 at The Cottage Farm Stand where you can celebrate all things harvest and, of course, tons of pickle-flavored treats as well (including beer!). You’ll also find delicious Mac-n-cheese boats, Italian Ice, lots of sweet treats, tons of shopping vendors and live music from some super talented artists from all over the midwest and south! There will also be plenty of fall, farm activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a corn maze and pumpkin patch. The Pumpkin & Pickle Fest will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. The Issacs in Concert at Bluegrass Hall of Fame   A very cool experience is coming to Owensboro as The Isaacs take the stage at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum on October 17. The Isaacs: A Tribute to The Grand Ole Opry celebrates this group’s origin story, which goes back decades. In fact, The Isaacs first began playing on the Grand Ole Opry stage 30 years ago. To this day, they are frequent guests on the weekly show. This award-winning group has…

Where to Trick-or-Treat in Owensboro!

In case you didn’t know, Owensboro is one of the best places in the state of Kentucky for trick-or-treating! There are always a ton of family-friendly events happening throughout the month of October. So from trunk-or-treating to Halloween in the park events, we wanted to break down a list of all the places you can dress up, grab some candy, and celebrate the beautiful fall season with your loved ones!  The City of Owensboro is hosting its annual Trail of Treats this year on Thursday, October 24 from 5:30-8 p.m. This event features over 60 booths sponsored by local businesses and organizations, where kids and families can trick-or-treat downtown while enjoying music and other fun festivities. This free event will run along West 2nd Street and Veterans Blvd. from Daviess to Frederica Streets.  On October 25, head over to Yellow Creek Park for their first-ever Halloween Hullaballoo! This event will feature a pumpkin patch, movie in the park, food vendors, games and crafts, wagon rides and, of course, trick-or-treating! There will also be a costume contest, so come all decked out for this one! This free event will run from 5-8 p.m.  Another fun event for all the ghosts and goblins out there…

Haunted Places to Visit in Owensboro (If You Dare…)

It’s not really Halloween if you don’t explore a haunted place (or more), right? Well, here in Owensboro, we’ve got an amazing lineup of haunted schools, auditoriums, battlefields, coffee shops…even a graveyard. These sights range from light-hearted fun to fairly scary, so if you want the more light-hearted experience, we’d recommend not venturing into any cemeteries at night. From stories of a ghost that pushes people down the basement stairs to the mysterious “Lady in White” that haunts the RiverPark Center, there are a lot of fun places with storied pasts to explore if you’re into the supernatural or paranormal realm of things. Haunts of Owensboro Walking ToursOwner David Wolfe II has been sharing the city’s local hauntings since 2007. You’ll hit a handful of the haunted places on this list by taking Wolfe’s walking tour. During this 1.5-hour tour, Wolfe engages his audience with not only stories, but enthusiasm. One of his creepiest stories involved a couple that lived above The Crème Coffee House on the second floor.“That second floor is so haunted, literally, they could put it on a movie or a documentary itself,” he’s said.That building first opened in the 1800s. Originally a music store, the current coffee shop has…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: October 25-27

Witchy Weekend at The Lot        Get ready for a day full of magic and mysticism as The Lot Food Truck Park hosts its Witchy Weekend event this Saturday and Sunday! Held on October 26 and 27, The Lot has prepared two days full of Halloween fun for people of all ages. There will be a witch and wizard costume contest, a witchy movie marathon, a kids craft corner, witchy vendors and activities, themed food and beverages, games and prizes, and even trick-or-treating for your pets! This event will run from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. both days, and you can come solo or bring your whole family to participate! Owensboro Symphony Halloween Spooktacular     Troy Quinn and the amazing Owensboro Symphony are kicking off their 59th season with an epic symphonic spectacular that’ll be filled with Halloween music! This enchanting lineup includes Mussorgsky’s eerie Night On Bald Mountain; Paul Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice; and the mysterious shrieking strings in Herrmann’s Psycho Suite. This is an event for people of all ages. You can arrive early for a Behind the Music prologue at 6:15 p.m., or show up at 7 p.m. for the official concert to start! Tickets to see the Symphony…

Kraftucky Bringing 3 Days of Holiday Shopping to Owensboro!

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping and, friends, we’ve got one of the coolest shopping experiences for you to check out ahead of the winter season! The 11th annual Kraftucky Arts & Crafts Expo has brought in thousands of people in past years to come together for a weekend of nonstop holiday fun, featuring the handmade work of some amazing vendors.  In fact, you’ll find over 200 booths to shop from at this huge expo! This is the place to find holiday decor (both indoor and outdoor), such as wreaths, garland, handmade signs, dish towels, nativity scenes, Santa decor, snowmen, snow globes, nutcrackers, Christmas tree toppers and so, so much more.  Aside from buying your own holiday decor, Kraftucky is also the place to buy gifts for your loved ones! You’ll find sooo many homemade candles, jewelry, beautifully crafted ornaments, the cutest holiday t-shirts and sweatshirts and outfits for people of all ages, paintings, embroidery, floral arrangements, decorative throw pillows, quilts, drinking glasses and mugs, and even some homemade snacks and treats along the way! Basically, this is a one stop shop for all things related to the upcoming holiday season. Kraftucky will be held at the Owensboro Sportscenter November 8-10. Show hours are…

Prettiest Fall Leaves in Kentucky? Head to Owensboro

Kentucky is, without a doubt, one of the best places in the COUNTRY to see amazing fall foliage in all its glory. And here at Visit Owensboro, we believe our city and surrounding county is the top notch place to travel to experience this once-a-year masterpiece from nature. From winding country roads to the 25-plus gorgeous parks to the waterfront views speckled with trees bursting with yellow, orange, red and purple leaves, Owensboro has so many places to get the best fall foliage experience of the season. According to experts, the best time to view fall foliage in northwestern Kentucky starts in mid-to-late October and lasts through the beginning of November. So there’s still plenty of time to plan a trip to see why Owensboro is one of the most beautiful places in the country, especially during fall. Below is a list of some of our favorite places to get started on your fall foliage experience in Owensboro-Daviess County: World’s Largest Sassafras Tree First off, you’ve got to start your fall foliage journey by checking out the largest known sassafras tree in the world! Located at 2100 Frederica Street, this tree measures over 100 feet tall and 21 feet in…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: November 1-3

Terror In The Corn Maze         This weekend is all about celebrating Halloween in all its spooky, scary glory, and what better way to do that than with an old-school haunted corn maze?! Are you brave enough to take this frightful adventure that will include live actors, terrifying props and audio/visual effects to ensure a genuinely scary experience? Held at The Cottage Farm Stand, this maze lasts about 20-25 minutes and will be held for three days: October 26, October 27 and October 31. You can get tickets ahead of time right here! All proceeds from this haunted attraction will benefit Lighthouse Recovery Services.East Nash Grass at Bluegrass Hall of Fame      Celebrate Halloween with a bluegrass twist as East Nash Grass hosts a Halloween Party! Held on November 1 at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum, show up dressed in your best costumes to see live performances from two amazing bluegrass bands. The evening starts at 6:45 p.m. with The Lowland Ramblers taking the stage, followed by East Nash Grass at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased right here for $22, while preferred seating costs $30/person. You can also get a discounted bundle by booking…

Everything to Know About Upcoming Jerry Garcia Weekend!

What if we told you we’ve got an entire weekend celebrating the ICONIC Jerry Garcia coming up? Filled with live music, exhibit tours, documentary screenings and some super cool music workshops? Because that’s exactly what’s happening!  So fans of the legendary musician, listen up, because we’ve got all the details about Jerry Garcia: A Bluegrass Journey Weekend right here for ya. This two-day event will be held at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum November 22 and 23, honoring the late artists’ contributions to bluegrass music over his incredible music career.  The Bluegrass Hall of Fame has a heck of a music lineup coming together to celebrate Garcia’s bluegrass music roots. You’ll hear from Kitchen Dwellers (with special guest Lindsay Lou); Sam Grisman Project; Andy Falco & Travis Book playing Jerry Garcia music (both nights); and Fireside Collective presenting Fireside on the Mountain with special guest Travis Book (both nights).  Not only that, but there will be food trucks on hand throughout the weekend, along with a pre-concert lounge every afternoon and evening before concerts kick off.  Tickets cover live music both nights, exhibit tours, documentary film screenings and special workshops with artists.  Below you can find a brief schedule of events for…

Best Places to Grab Some Wings and Watch Football in Owensboro

As we enter peak football season, there’s never been a better time for us to make a list of local places to watch the big game!  Owensboro has a number of local restaurants and bars that are perfect for watching college and NFL games on the big screen. You want wings with your game? Check. Beer? Check. Appetizers, nachos, burgers and other deliciously fried foods that are pretty much a necessity when it comes to football season? Check, check, check and check. These places have it all!  Let’s kick things off with one of our local sports bars–Banky’s Sports Bar & Grill, located at 1108 West 9th Street. This Black-owned, family-owned bar and restaurant serves delicious drinks and food (you gotta try their wings), and has a perfect setup for watching football on their big screens. You’ll get great service, a nice selection of food and drinks, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere.  Also downtown is Goodwood Owensboro, located right on the Ohio River with gorgeous waterfront views. This bar and brewery serves craft beers and barrel-finished spirits along with an absolutely outstanding food menu with all items made from scratch. You can sit indoors or outdoors at Goodwood, but you’d probably wanna sit…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: November 8-10

Kraftucky         It’s already that time of year! Yep, holiday shopping is upon us, and there’s no better way to kick off the season than to head over to the Owensboro Convention Center for the Kraftucky Arts & Crafts Expo. This shopping extravaganza is gonna give you all the fun holiday feels while also featuring a HUGE range of the cutest handmade items to shop from! Around 140 artists and crafters will be selling woodcrafts, holiday decorations, jewelry, candles, quilts, paintings, pottery, embroidery, specialty foods and so much more. You’ll have more than 200 booths to explore, so you can spend the whole day here! Show hours for Kraftucky are Friday, November 8 from 2 p.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, November 9 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, November 10 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults/day or $5 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and under get in free, and tickets will be admitted at the door.  Gold Star Hockey Tournament     Owensboro has an amazing athletic event going on this weekend that celebrates both our booming hockey league and one of our city’s fallen heroes. Specialist Brandon Mullins was a Specialist in the United States Military who…

Owensboro’s Famous Christmas Parade is Going Vintage!

We know, we know. It’s not quite Christmas Time yet! However, it is time to start preparing for one of the BEST Christmas Parades in the midwest as the 2024 Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade makes its way to downtown Owensboro!  The annual Christmas Parade is one of our city’s longest-held traditions to kick off the upcoming holiday season. This year’s parade will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 4:30 p.m.  This year’s parade also has an amazing theme that’s guaranteed to remind you of childhood Christmases of the past as a “A Vintage Christmas” brings out all the (literal) bells and whistles that take you back to a time of wonder and whimsy.  There will be dozens of parade floats to see during the parade, and we’re betting this year’s theme brings out ALL the lights, tinsel, glitter and shiny wrapping paper.  Oh, and the team at the Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade has already been in contact with Santa, just FYI. They say he is very excited to be invited back to Owensboro this year, and that he can’t wait to see all those smiling faces in the crowd! He’s been a part of this parade since 1936, so he’s super pumped about…

Owensboro Restaurants Offering Full Thanksgiving Meals!

This may be a hot take, but did you know that you actually don’t have to cook Thanksgiving dinner for your entire family? Okay, just hear us out for a second.  It’s not that we’re frowning on the concept of cooking your own Thanksgiving dinner. We’re just saying that Owensboro has options. In fact, there are three places in our city that offer the entire home cooked package, saving you a day of slaving away in the kitchen and easing the burden that comes with creating such a multifaceted meal.  Over at Moonlite Bar-B-Q, you can literally order your entire Thanksgiving meal ahead of time. The team at Moonlite does all the prep work, all the cooking, all the baking, and hands it to you packaged and organized upon pickup.  Moonlite offers two Thanksgiving Family Packs–one for families up to four people, and one for families up to six or eight people. You get your choice of meat (ham, turkey, bbq sliced or chopped pork), three sides of your choice, a bundle of cornbread or rolls, and an entire pie (pumpkin, pecan or lemon)! It’s enough to feed the entire family, and it’s also priced at a heck of a deal.  You can order…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: November 15-17

Andrew Marlin String Band If you’re in the market for some new music, head over to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum on November 16 to hear the Andrew Marlin String Band! Marlin–a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist out of North Carolina–has played mandolin for some huge artists, including Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Plains and Dead Tongues. His latest solo record, Phthalo Blue, has been freshly released, so he’s got a lot of new songs to play for his audiences! All together, Marlin has produced six albums of original works of American roots and Bluegrass music. He’ll be joined by Rachel Baiman opening the show, with her 2023 LP, Common Nation of Sorrow, being declared one of the “Best Albums of the Year” by the Boston Globe and American Songwriter. The show will take place on November 26 at 7 p.m. and tickets are $36.  RYR Endurance Race This is gonna be an amazing weekend for runners as Owensboro hosts the RYR Endurance Race Weekend! This multi-race event will host a series of races that include a competitive marathon, a casual marathon with a generous time limit of nine hours, a half marathon, a 10K and a 5K. This is…

Celebrate Christmas with ‘Queen of Bluegrass’ Rhonda Vincent

‘Tis the season for lighting front porches, sippin’ hot cocoa, and taking in some amazing bluegrass music to kick off the holidays!  If you’re a fan of all things Christmas, we’ve got the perfect show for you coming to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum in December. Rhonda Vincent is taking the stage for a Christmas Show that’ll be filled with joy, beautiful music and holiday fun.  This family-friendly event brings the Queen of Bluegrass to Owensboro for a night of holiday classics that’ll be performed by the legend herself. Vincent and her band are one of the hottest names in the entire music industry right now, so you won’t wanna miss this! Held on December 5, this concert is the perfect way to get a jumpstart on Christmas and celebrate time with your family and loved ones. So wear your Santa hats and Christmas sweaters for this one because Vincent and her team will be going all out for the holidays! Vincent is a multi-award winner with a 2017 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album; 2001 Entertainer of the Year; 2004 Song of the Year; and SEVEN IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year awards under her belt. She’s also a member of…

Owensboro Convention Center Packed with Winter Events!

As we begin to head into the winter season, it’s time to start getting prepared for all the exciting events coming up over the next couple of months! And as temps begin to drop, more event will move indoors, meaning our convention center will be absolutely packed with exciting activity.  The Owensboro Convention Center is an award-winning venue with amazing waterfront views as it is located on the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro. Here are some upcoming trade shows, conventions, athletic tournaments and banquets to look forward to in November and December.  On November 22, Beverly’s Hearty Slice will host its 2024 Thanksgiving Event that is open to the general public. The nonprofit will be giving away hams and providing take-home meals for the holiday. This event will be held from 5:30-7 p.m.  On November 24, the Apex Tour of Champions cheerleading competition will bring tons of cheerleading teams to the convention center. This large-scale competition will take place all day and is open to the public to attend! Beginning November 30, you can experience a magical winter wonderland at Energy On Ice! Go ice-skating on a synthetic ice rink behind the Owensboro Convention Center on the Kentucky Legend Pier. Admission is $5 and…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: November 22-24

Jerry Garcia Weekend          Fans of the iconic Jerry Garcia, listen up, because we’ve got a weekend packed with amazing events for you! Jerry Garcia: A Bluegrass Journey Weekend Celebration will be held November 22 and 23 with several top-tier bluegrass bands paying homage to the late Grateful Dead musician. This event will include performances from Kitchen Dwellers with special guest Linday Lou, Sam Grisman Project, Andy Falco & Travis Book playing two nights of Garcia classics and Fireside Collective presenting Fireside on the Mountain with Travis Book. Aside from these live performances, you’ll also be treated to exhibit tours, documentary film screenings and bluegrass instrument workshops! An After Party will be held from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. both nights with The Tennessee Warblers. Tickets are $99 for the whole weekend. Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade      One of the best Christmas Parades in the midwest is hitting the streets of downtown Owensboro this weekend! The 2024 Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade will be held on November 23 at 4:30 p.m., bringing you tons of beautifully-decorated floats, hot chocolate sold on the sidewalk and, best of all, an appearance from Santa Claus himself! Bring your own chairs to Second Street in downtown…

Tony-Nominated Singer Joining Owensboro Symphony for Christmas Show

If you’re looking for a super festive way to get into the holiday spirit, music is always the answer. And we just so happen to have a concert dedicated to all things Christmas for you to get excited about!  Performing on a stage decked out in Christmas trees, poinsettias and lights, the Owensboro Symphony is presenting its Home for the Holidays concert on December 14. This magical show transports its audience to the heart of the holiday season through a journey of all your favorite Christmas songs you grew up listening to, and then some!  This family-friendly event can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and you’ll create lasting memories with your loved ones as world-renown conductor Troy Quinn and the Owensboro Symphony light up the stage with fun and festivity that’ll stick with you all the way to Christmas Day.  Even better, Quinn and the Owensboro Symphony will be joined by Tony-nominated singer Liz Callaway this year! Callaway’s illustrious career includes voice acting as Anastasia in the Anastasia film; Jasmine in the Aladdin sequels Return of Jafar and Aladdin and the King of Thieves, adult Kiara in Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, and even a dancing napkin ring in Beauty and…

Support Local Businesses & Get Amazing Discounts at Shop Owensboro!

Black Friday? Never heard of her. Here in Owensboro, we’ve got an entire WEEK dedicated to holiday shopping and supporting local businesses.  Yup, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Independence Bank to bring you an entire week of shopping deals for the dozens of small businesses that make Owensboro such a fun place to shop. This year’s Shop Owensboro will kick off on November 30–also known as Small Business Saturday–and run through December 7.  Owensboro has some of the cutest local shops in the state! You’ll find a huge variety of businesses participating in this event, and they sell everything from clothing, sports equipment and home decor to jewelry, candles and crystals. There are also lots of great spa and salon deals! And here’s the kicker. You can grab one of the coveted Shop Owensboro bags from Independence Bank on November 30 starting at 9 a.m. What do these bags contain? Oh, just some amazing deals and discounts for the local businesses you’ll be shopping at. AND some $25 gift certificates placed at random throughout the 500 bags available!  Just FYI, these bags go QUICKLY as this is one of the most popular shopping events in western Kentucky. So make…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: November 29-December 1

Shop Owensboro It’s time to get those shopping bags ready because the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Shop Owensboro event this weekend! Shop Owensboro is centered on supporting local and small businesses throughout the Greater Owensboro area for an entire week! The kickoff will be held on November 30 at Independence Bank, where you can grab a Shop Owensboro green bag full of coupons, discounts, and some lucky shoppers will even score some $25 gift cards! There are only 500 bags available, and they go fast, so be sure to arrive by 9 a.m. ready to go. Shop Owensboro will run through December 7 and there are a huge variety of boutiques, salons, sports equipment stores, restaurants, coffee shops and other amazing stores participating. See A Movie at Malco Owensboro ‘Tis the season for popcorn and movie watching, and Owensboro has one of the best movie theaters in the state of Kentucky! Malco Owensboro Cinema Grill & MXT offers 14 auditoriums and an MXT “Extreme Theatre,” so there’s always a huge variety of movies playing at any given time. Leather recliners, a full bar onsite and a grill that serves everything from chicken tenders to burgers…

Get an Amazing Christmas Experience in Downtown Owensboro

If you want to see a Hallmark Christmas movie brought to real life, it’s time to schedule a trip to Owensboro, Kentucky! Downtown Owensboro has become famous for its spectacular holiday displays that will be lighting up Smothers Park all through the Christmas season. And these aren’t your regular Christmas lights either!  Owensboro’s “Dancing Lights” have transformed Smothers Park into an interactive holiday lightshow. Every 15 minutes, the light displays will “dance” to a different classic Christmas song, giving you an extra dose of that holiday joy.  Part of the Dancing Lights includes the Smothers Park Christmas Tree–a tall, gorgeous centerpiece covered in ribbons, ornaments and, of course, tons of beautiful lights.  The Holiday Lights in downtown Owensboro can be enjoyed from November 22-December 31 from 5-9 p.m. And if you want a little something extra to get you in the holiday spirit, you can experience our city’s Holiday Stroll on December 7. This laid-back Christmas event includes a gnome scavenger hunt, a cocktail crawl, and the chance to get to shop from all the amazing local shops in downtown Owensboro!  Moreover, you can enjoy the lights AND some delicious hot cocoa if you schedule your trip for December 13 and 14, where downtown Owensboro’s…

Find the Coolest Gift Shop at Windy Hollow Biscuit House!

Okay, friends, we’ve been gatekeeping one of the coolest gift shops in Owensboro for a while now, but we think it’s finally time to shine a much-deserved spotlight on this unique gem in the heart of the city.  When you think of a restaurant called Windy Hollow Biscuit House, the last thing you’re probably expecting is it to be filled with tons of amazing gifts and quirky finds. However, you would be wrong because this restaurant has so many cool things to offer (aside from its objectively delicious food).  Inside the restaurant, you’ll walk straight into the gift shop, so it’s super easy to find! If you’re a visitor from out of town or out of state, this is gonna be one of your go-to places for local merch as well.  Honestly, there’s a gift for everyone on your Christmas list here. If you’re on the search for things like customized coffee mugs and kitchen supplies, they’ve got a ton of them. Is there a crystal girly you’re shopping for? Windy Hollow has an amazing array of crystals and geodes in all shapes and sizes. Scented candles? They have an entire section of them in every scent imaginable.  And if you want to support…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 6-8

Rhonda Vincent Christmas Show The best way to do the holidays in Kentucky is to kick off Christmas with a bluegrass twist! This weekend, the Rhonda Vincent Christmas Show is coming to town, and here’s everything you need to know. On December 5, multi-award winner Rhonda Vincent will be taking the stage at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum for a night of holiday classics performed by one of the biggest names in the music industry. So bring your Santa hats and get festive for this one! Vincent is a powerhouse vocalist who’s won a 2017 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, a 2001 Entertainer of the Year from the IBMA and an unprecedented SEVEN consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year awards from 2000-2006, with an eighth win in 2015. Tickets to see the Rhonda Vincent Christmas Show are $38 and the show starts at 7 p.m.  Live Reindeers at the Science Museum Have you ever seen a real reindeer?? One of the coolest events of the season is coming to the Owensboro Museum of Science and History this weekend as their annual Live Reindeer Experience is being held! Visitors will have the opportunity to have pictures made with…

Get Prehistoric with Realistic, Life-Sized Dinos at Dinosaur Adventure!

We’ve got the coolest event for kiddos (and, honestly, adults too) coming up toward the end of December, so if you’re looking for something fun, educational and super unique to spend the day doing, we’ve got all the details!  Dinosaur Adventure is coming to the Owensboro Convention Center on December 21 and 22, and it is seriously so cool that the team at Visit Owensboro always recommends this event to anyone who has children.  So, what exactly is it? Dinosaur Adventure allows you to step into the world of prehistoric GIANTS at this incredibly unique exhibit. This exhibit features life-sized, realistic dinosaurs that move and roar just like the real ones did! It’s not everyday you get to see something like that! Kids can also dive into a variety of fun-filled activities at Dinosaur Adventure. They have Jurassic scooters, themed obstacle courses, dinosaur rides, and bouncy houses! They even have a mining area and face-painting station, and tickets for those activities can be purchased separately at the gift shop.  Dinosaur Adventure will be held from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on December 21 and from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on December 22. Tickets are $22 and include full access to all exhibits, life-sized dinosaurs and interactive displays.  

Find Delicious Holiday-Themed Coffees in Owensboro!

If you’re on the hunt for a cute, local coffee shop serving up specialty, holiday-themed drinks, we’ve got you! In fact, we’ve got a listing of several different spots in Owensboro that have the sweetest, tastiest holiday coffees you’ve ever tried, so let’s break them all down, shall we?  If you’re staying in the downtown Owensboro area, we’ve got THREE different coffee shops in your area that you need to swing by for some of the best holiday-themed drinks in town.  Only a couple blocks away from our downtown riverfront hotels is The Creme, a locally-owned coffee and pastry shop. And they have an entire Christmas drink menu that includes both coffee and non-coffee specialty drinks. Try a Jack Frost (almond and vanilla latte), the Candy Cane (white chocolate and peppermint latte) or a Christmas Morning cup of joe complete with white chocolate and maple spice (add blueberry for the extra yum factor!) If you’re not feeling a coffee, try a Snow Creme white chocolate and vanilla frozen drink or a Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate, among many other creative drinks!  And just a couple blocks away, the pastries and coffees at Gramps Coffee and Donuts are hard to beat. Order a Winter Wonderland donut…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 9-11

Home for the Holidays       Get swept away into a Christmas dreamscape at Owensboro Symphony’s “Home for the Holidays” concert! This is an event for the entire family as Troy Quinn and his musicians take the stage to perform all your favorite holiday songs amidst beautiful Christmas decorations, giving you the perfect Christmas kickoff to start the season right. The Owensboro Symphony will be joined by Tony-nominated singer Liz Callaway, along with the Owensboro Symphony Chorus and the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra. This show will be held at RiverPark Center on December 14 at 7 p.m. and tickets are $48. Lanham Bros. Christmas Jamboree      Head into the holidays with a bluegrass twist this weekend at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum! The Lanham Brothers Christmas Jamboree will be hosted by brothers Randy and Barry Lanham and recorded for broadcast on KET. Guests for this show include Kaleb Lee, Erin Rouse, The Blue Bridge Boys, and The Footstompin’ Express Cloggers! This show also serves as a fundraiser for Volunteer Owensboro, making it doubly special! The concert will be held on December 14 and tickets start at $20.  Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway   Described as “one of the most…

See Beautiful Christmas Lights All Across Owensboro!

It’s important to note that, aside from our gorgeous downtown Christmas displays, there are multiple Christmas-light-embellished winter wonderlands across the greater Owensboro area. And even better, they should all be on your list to visit this holiday season!  Christmas at Panther Creek  On the west end of town, Christmas at Panther Creek Park features more than 700,000 lights and 50 lighted displays that bring all the merry magic to you and your family. You don’t even have to get out of the car for this one as the endeavor includes a 1.25-mile drive-thru journey through the lighted park. The cost is only $5/vehicle, and the proceeds go toward a philanthropic cause each year. Christmas at Panther Creek will run nightly from 6-9 p.m. until January 1. Panther Creek Park is located at 5160 Wayne Bridge Road.  Holiday in the Park–Legion Park In the heart of the city, head to Legion Park for its annual Holiday in the Park light display! You can park your car and stretch your legs for this one, as the lighted displays are set up all around a large walking path that encircles the park. There is no cost to see these lights, and they will be available to the…

The Ultimate Sledding Spots in Owensboro!

We’ve already gotten our first snow of the season here in Owensboro, so it’s time to start talking about the best places to sled!  If your idea of Owensboro’s geography was that it’s flat, think again, because Owensboro is covered in rolling hills that make it a perfect place for sledding!  If you wanna stay in the city, head to Chautauqua Park for a hill of the perfect height and width for multiple families to use at once. Located at 900 Baseline Road, “Chautauqua Hill” has been hosting sledders for decades, and it’s wide enough to let several people sled, and steep enough that you get some pretty impressive speed on the way down!  And if you want a little more wiggle room, you can venture out to Ben Hawes Park on the west end of town for some incredible sledding hills! Ben Hawes has a variety of rolling hills that are perfect for a sledding adventure. And with slopes of all sizes, this is a great place for the entire family to enjoy.  And on the east end of town, Yellow Creek Park has a great hill for sledding that’s located a couple miles past the entryway. So once you drive in, just…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 20-22

Voices of Andersons      If you wanna spend the day full of holiday cheer and historic fun, head to the Owensboro Museum of Science and History on December 20! Voices of Andersons: A Christmas Bazaar will take place, bringing you a night of magic and whimsy as regional and local actors perform alongside a variety of artisans and vendors selling delicious baked goods, jewelry, pottery and so much more! There will be drawings and prizes offered throughout the evening, gift wrapping and free warm, spiced cider. This event serves as a fundraiser for Owensboro’s science museum, and admission is $5 per person. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.Dinosaur Adventure    Parents, if you need the perfect event for your kiddos to expel some energy and learn something new, head to Dinosaur Adventure this weekend! For two days on December 21 and 22, the Owensboro Convention Center will be transformed into a scene straight out of Jurassic Park as this event features life-size, animatronic dinosaurs, interactive exhibits and super fun activities. These dinos move and roar like the real thing, so this is a really cool experience for kids of all ages! There will be Jurassic scooters, fossil digs, face painting, gemstone mining,…

Hear Beethoven and More at Owensboro Symphony Concert

We’ve got an incredible show coming up for fans of classical music, so here’s what you need to know!  The Owensboro Symphony is paying homage to some of the greatest classical musicians of our time as they present “Beethoven. Brahms. Haydn. Hooten.” on January 25.  This will be an unforgettable evening for fans of the famous genre as the show kicks off with Beethoven’s powerful Egmont Overture, which chronicles the 16th century story of Count Egmont of the Netherlands fighting for human freedom against Spanish Oppression. The song speaks to Beethoven’s commitment to democracy, freedom and the battle against tyranny.  The show will then continue with one of the world’s most renowned classical trumpet players, Thomas Hooten, performing Joseph Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto. Hooten is a rockstar on the trumpet, and is currently the Principal Trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic!  The Owensboro Symphony will then perform Haydn’s captivating Symphony No. 88, followed by Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn.  This is going to be an absolutely amazing show at the RiverPark Center, and the Owensboro Symphony is one of the best in the country! Tickets to see “Beethoven. Brahms. Haydn. Hooten.” are $48 and the show begins at 7 p.m. 

Visit these Unique Owensboro Stores for Last-Minute Holiday Shopping!

Whew, friends, it’s almost Christmas! This year has flown by, and we know things can get a little crazy during the holiday season, so if you’re anything like us and need a few “last minute places to shop” ideas, we’ve got ya covered.  Here in Owensboro, we pride ourselves on our variety of local boutiques, gift stores and stores, so here’s a quick list of some places you can shop at up until December 23.  Crazy Me Gifts & Apparel is a great place to find teachers’ gifts and stocking stuffers, but they also have wide selection of gifts and clothing items that make for unique and adorable Christmas presents for people of all ages! Crazy Me is open Monday-Thursday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.); Friday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m.-3 p.m.).  Confetti Boutique is a super cute store that has bright, cheerful clothes and, according to Google reviews, is described as the “happiest place on Earth.” You’ll find dresses, sweaters, jewelry, plus-size clothing, shirts and tops and even more inside! Confetti Boutique is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  And literally right behind Confetti Boutique is Hyacinth House, one of Owensboro’s coolest thrift shops. They sell a ton of vintage art, jewelry and…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: December 27-29

Live Music at Shiloh’s Lounge          You know what you need this weekend? You need some live music to keep the holiday spirit going! And you can do that very thing at Shiloh’s Lounge as LJ Echols & Live Band take the stage for a night of good vibes and full-hearted fun. Held on December 27, you’ll enjoy a night of southern soul and blues from LJ Echols. You can also eat some delicious smoked brisket and wings, play some indoor cornhole and try your hand at an indoor golf simulator while you’re there! This hour-long show is for people 25 and older, and you can buy tickets right here! The show runs from 9 p.m.-midnight. New Year’s at the Science Museum      Celebrate the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 the right way at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History! Their Noon Year’s Eve celebration will be held on December 31, and this one-of-a-kind celebration includes an amazing balloon drop and some really fun activities for adults and kids. All festivities–such as music, crafts and a magic show–are included in the $5 admission price, and it’s free for OMSH members! Noon Year’s Eve will be…

Owensboro Hosting High School State Basketball Championships in January!

Owensboro is about to host one of the biggest high school basketball tournaments in the state, y’all! And if you’re anything like the 99% of Kentuckians whose love for basketball runs in their veins, you’re gonna want to hear about this! Held at the Owensboro Sportscenter January 22-26, the Kentucky A Classic Tournament is bringing the state’s top tier boys’ and girls’ small school basketball teams to Owensboro for four days of competitive play.  In fact, thirty-two teams will be facing off at the Kentucky All A Classic, so you’ll see players from every corner of the state lighting up the court.  This tournament will pack a huge economic punch as an expected 32,000 fans will fill the Owensboro Sportscenter to see their teams fight for that state championship title. These travelers will produce an estimated $2 million economic impact, which is amazing for–not only our sports tourism industry–but for the local restaurants and businesses that will benefit from the large influx of visitors.  The Owensboro Sportscenter is a 5,000-seat venue that’s home to Kentucky Wesleyan College’s and Owensboro Catholic’s basketball teams. There have been countless A-list musicians and performers who have also played at the historic Owensboro Sportscenter over the years.  This tournament will…

Kick Off the New Year with Healthy Options in Owensboro!

Whether or not you’re a believer in New Year’s resolutions, it’s always a good idea to start a new year off on a healthy foot, right?  If you’re anything like us, you just finished up a holiday season coated in processed foods and too much sugar. Hey, and we’re not judging! But just in case you’re looking for some fresher, healthier alternatives as we enter 2025, we thought we’d break down a list of local places with healthy options.  We gotta start the list with Gene’s Health Food. Without a doubt, this is gonna be your go-to for all things natural, organic and cleansing. You’ll find a huge variety of vegetable and fruit juices, organic produce and delicious sandwiches, tacos and soups that contain superfoods, micro greens and all the vitamins. You can also find all the herbs and supplements you need to jumpstart your new year.  Next up, Great Harvest Bread Co. has you covered for breakfast and lunch with a menu that uses local produce and only the freshest ingredients. This bakery and restaurant has used healthy whole grains to create one-of-a-kind breads for 30 years, and they freshly mill their 100% whole grain flour every day! Their sandwiches are layered…

Top 3 Things to Do in Owensboro This Weekend: January 3-5

ACO Corn Hole Tournament      You can see one of the biggest corn hole tournaments in the country this weekend at the Owensboro Convention Center! The ACO Owensboro Super Major & Pro Series is bringing hundreds of players to our city for three days of competitive play. This tournament will be held January 2-4 and will feature women, juniors, seniors, doubles, Pro Series, singles, coed doubles and adaptive doubles, so you’ll get to see a ton of different players perform! You can click here for more information regarding schedules and times for each event. Owensboro Museum of Fine Art     Right now is the perfect time to visit the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art! This absolutely gorgeous museum is still decked out for the holidays as their Holiday Forest Festival of Trees has the entire venue lit by the glow of tons of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each one showcasing its own artistic style. And you can visit the gallery for free through the holiday season, in honor of the OMFA’s late director, Mary Bryan Hood’s, recent passing. The OMFA is open Tuesday-Friday from noon-5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.  Elite Air     Listen, these kiddos need to burn…

Top 3 Things to do in Owensboro This Weekend: July 18-20

Daviess County Fair The Daviess County Lions Club has been putting on the Lions Club Fair for over 50 years! This year is going to be the best one yet! You can expect a full schedule of things to do from July 15 – 19! There will be an FFA Feeder Calf Show, a Monster Truck Show, a Carnival, a Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Inflatables, Vendors, Food booths, Music, and so much more! Admission is $15 for adults, and ages 5-12 will be $10! The fair is located at 6191 KY-54, Philpot, known as Daviess County Fairgrounds! Yellow Creek Car Show Hosted by Corvette Lovers Vette Club, the Yellow Creek Park Car Show is coming to town! This event is open to all cars and trucks on Saturday, July 19. The car show registration opens at 8:00 AM, and awards will be given out at 2:00 PM! There are so many trophies to be earned, you will find custom award plaques as well! Door prizes and giveaways will also be there, and food will be catered by Ole South! Holiday WorldHoliday World is exactly what it sounds like! A festive theme park that celebrates holidays all year long!Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is a family-friendly theme…

The Ultimate Owensboro Family Day Guide

Owensboro offers the perfect blend of educational experiences, outdoor adventures, and active play, topped off with delicious local eats and lively festivals. Whether you’re exploring museums, splashing around at Smothers Park, or grabbing a bite by the riverfront, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy. Owensboro is the kind of place where memories are made and fun comes easily.  Morning: Start your family day with a downtown adventure! Owensboro Museum of Science & History (located at 122 E 2nd St)This museum’s mission is centered on “edu-tainment,” combining education and entertainment to create a fun, hands-on experience where visitors can learn about science, history, and the world around them. You can expect a PlayZeum(Indoor playground), SpeedZeum(motorsport history), and an Encounter (hands-on things like magnets, airflows, shadows, and more). Owensboro Museum of Science & History is $5 a person and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday, they are open 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.  Lunch: Recharge with a delicious lunch located downtown so you can continue your adventure! Fetta Pizza (located at 118 St Ann St)Pizza on the riverfront is perfect for you and the kiddos! Stop by Fetta Pizza and try some unique pizza like mashed…

Fall Fun at the Cottage Corn Maze!

Fall is here, and so are the activities that come along with it! From October 11 to November 1, you can explore The Cottage’s Corn Maze for just $5! The Corn Maze will be open from 6:30 AM to 3:30 PM Tuesday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, and 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday. Explore over 3 acres of twists and turns within the corn stalks. You can also look forward to a hidden game within the maze itself; there are 10 hidden mailboxes throughout! Pick up an answer sheet, fill it in as you go, and turn it in at the end for a prize, your choice of a seed packet or a free mini muffin! 

Best Places to Trick Or Treat in Owensboro! 

Get your costumes ready and explore all the fun trick-or-treat spots around Owensboro! From local colleges to community parks, there are plenty of places to fill your candy bags and make spooky memories. Check out some awesome locations to get the most candy! KWC Trunk or Treat On October 21, head over to the Hahn Science Center parking lot for a night full of Halloween fun! From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, KWC students will show off their creativity by decorating their trunks and handing out tons of candy to trick-or-treaters. Don’t miss this family-friendly event full of festive fun and sweet treats! Halloween HullaballooOn October 21 at Yellow Creek Park, you can look forward to a family-friendly Halloween festival from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM! You can look forward to free pumpkins, decorating contests, bounce houses, a petting zoo, food vendors, and local nonprofit games.Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market Trick-or-TreatOn October 25, head on down to the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market! Shop all local and enjoy delicious treats from vendors! Starting at 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Treats on the TarmacOn October 28, head to the Owensboro Airport for a different experience surrounding trick or treating! Running from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, grab…

Where to catch the lighting of lights in town!

Christmas is right around the corner, and Owensboro is lighting up for the season! From the riverfront to festive neighborhoods, here are some of the best places to enjoy beautiful holiday light displays across the city. Smothers Park ( 199 W Veterans Blvd, Owensboro, KY 42303 ) Missed the Smothers Park tree lighting? No worries! You can still catch the Dancing Lights show every 15 minutes, nightly from November 21 to December 31, between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This is perfect for families or couples looking to have a walk-around experience downtown! Hit all of the local restaurants and stores without having a single worry about parking!  Panther Creek Park ( 5160 Wayne Bridge Rd, Owensboro, KY 42301) 700,000 lights in a 1.25-mile route through the beautiful Panther Creek Park! This drive-through experience is perfect for individuals who can’t brave the cold but love the beauty of Christmas lights! This drive-through display runs nightly from November 28 to January 1, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and costs just $5 per vehicle. Stonegate Neighborhood ( 4567 Indian Creek Loop, Stonegate subdivision, Owensboro ) This neighborhood is filled with festive homes, but one shines brighter than the rest: the Lashbrook family display! It’s free to enjoy,…

The Local 3 in Owensboro This Week: March 16 – March 22

EvilleCon  Looking for the perfect place to transform into your favorite character for the weekend?  On March 20 – 22, at the Owensboro Convention Center, EvilleCon transforms downtown into a place for all things anime and pop culture. Attendees can explore a vibrant vendor hall packed with unique merchandise and collectibles, meet special guests and voice actors, attend engaging panels, and enjoy interactive experiences like gaming rooms, karaoke, and tabletop games. To buy tickets or for more information on EvilleCon, CLICK HERE! Wizard Of Oz… Reimagined We aren’t in Kansas, Toto!  On March 21, experience the world of OZ at the RiverPark Center. Starting at 7:00 PM, the evening begins with Owensboro Dance Theatre’s (ODT’s) company dancers performing dynamic works created by professional guest choreographers, alongside original choreography by ODT’s graduating seniors, highlighting their creativity and growth as artists. Over 150 community dancers take to the stage to reimagine Dorothy’s journey through a vibrant mix of dance genres and visual storytelling. Make sure to get your tickets while you can!  Spring Market Days  Looking for the perfect spring items to add to your collection?  On March 21 – 22, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, experience over 100 vendors throughout…

The Local 3 in Owensboro This Week: May 11 – May 17

Touch-A-Truck Trucks, Tractors, and Tools, oh my! On May 16, at Panther Creek Park from 11 AM – 2 PM, experience Touch a Truck. Give your kids the chance to climb inside their favorite big rigs, explore public safety vehicles, and get hands-on with the heavy equipment they see all the time! The best part is that the event is FREE for everyone! Friday After 5 opening Night Summer officially starts THIS FRIDAY! Join us for City of Owensboro Night on Friday After 5, May 15! – Juice Box Heroes are taking over the Main Stage for a massive party! – The Green Lights kick things off at the Overlook Stage at 6 PM. Food trucks, vendors, and the 30th Anniversary celebration begin at 5 PM. Admission is FREE, don’t miss the biggest party on the river! National Catfish Expo Something big is biting in Owensboro! North America’s premier catfish expo is coming to the Owensboro riverfront! Join the legends of the sport for a weekend packed with high-stakes tournaments, the latest gear, and the newest catfishing boats on the market. Whether you’re here for the competition, the delicious food, or the family fun, this is the ultimate gathering for…

The Local 3 in Owensboro This Week: June 1 – June 7

Summer Salute: Dancing in the Street  Looking for a night of unforgettable Motown music? Join Troy Quinn and the Owensboro Symphony on June 6 at 7:00 PM at McConnell Plaza for a FREE, family-friendly celebration featuring Grammy-winning vocalists Terron Brooks, Tamika Lawrence, and Jesse Nager! Sing along to the timeless Motown hits you know and love as these incredible performers bring the music to life under the summer sky. Want the best seat in the house? Click HERE to reserve premier seating!  Take A Kid Fishing Cast away boredom and reel in some family fun! On June 6, bring the kiddos to Panther Creek Park for a morning of fishing and outdoor adventure! From 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, kids can enjoy a fully stocked pond, door prizes, and lunch all in one fun-filled event. Just bring your fishing poles and bait, and get ready for a reel-y good time! Register your kids today by clicking HERE!  Know & Glow Firefly Festival  You would not believe your eyes!  The Know & Glow Firefly Festival returns June 2 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM for an evening full of family-friendly fun and firefly magic! Learn all about these fascinating insects during…

The Local 3 in Owensboro This Week: June 8 – June 14

OMG!Con If you’re looking for a way to spend your weekend, OMG!Con is the perfect event! OMG!Con has become one of the region’s premier celebrations of anime, gaming, cosplay, and pop culture, transforming the Owensboro Convention Center into a three-day festival of fandom, from June 12-14! Featuring voice actors, artists, gamers, creators, vendors, and tons of fan-led panels and activities, OMG!Con offers something for everyone, from lifelong enthusiasts to curious first-time attendees. Whether you’re looking to show off your cosplay, discover unique artwork, compete in gaming tournaments, or simply connect with fellow fans, here’s why OMG!Con is a must-attend event on the Owensboro calendar. Get your ticket HERE! ACO Kentucky State Tournament Think you have what it takes to land the perfect toss?  Join the American Cornhole Organization for the Kentucky State Tournament on June 12-13! The Owensboro Sportscenter will play host to two days of high-level competition and friendly rivalry. The tournament features singles, doubles, coed, junior, senior, and world-division events, giving all competitors the opportunity to showcase their skills and strategy. Grab a seat courtside or step up to the boards, the ACO Kentucky State Championship is set to be one of Owensboro’s most exciting summer sporting events!…

Elite Air Extreme Fun Center 10 a.m.

You’re about to make your kid’s day taking them to Elite Air Extreme Fun Center where you’ll find a trampoline park, two ninja warrior courses and a small climbing wall.

Pizza Time 1 p.m.

Have lunch at one our downtown pizza shops at Fetta Pizza or Mellow Mushroom.

Hotels 3 p.m.

Check in at the Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Owensboro/Waterfront or the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront. Both have indoor swimming pools.

Smothers Park 4 p.m.

There’s no greater downtown riverfront park than Smothers Park. Complete with one of the highest rated playgrounds in the world, it’s the perfect place to burn off some energy.

Family Dinner 6 p.m.

Grab dinner at Bar Louie or Moonlite BBQ buffet.

Fun Activity 8 p.m.

Time to head to VR Skills challenge, an indoor virtual reality mecca, or head to the Owensboro Escape Room and try some ax throwing.