Events

Started in 1973, Capital Expo is a festival for the entire family, with three days of continuous fun and free entertainment in Lakeview Park, Frankfort, KY.

Whether just looking or buying, you don't want to miss one of Capital Expo Festival's oldest traditions, our Artisans. Featuring primitive woodcrafts, wearable art, mosaics, handmade sterling silver and gemstone jewelry, paintings, pottery, hand turned wooden bowls, Kentucky Crafted and Kentucky Proud items and woodworking to name a few.

Come hungry to the Capital Expo Festival, you will find a large variety of food and beverages to satisfy any palate. Capital Expo has something for everyone, Carnival rides, Cornhole Tournament, Funnel Cake 3K Race, a Classic Car Show, continuous live entertainment, and a Children's Festival.

Celebrate the Commonwealth in style as Kentucky turns 234! Join us for a full day of music, living history, performances, and hands-on experiences that showcase the people, traditions, and stories that make Kentucky truly one of a kind. As we look ahead to the nation’s 250th anniversary, this special event highlights Kentucky’s role in America’s story—bringing together tourism, arts, heritage, and history in one unforgettable celebration. Come explore, learn, and experience the rich cultural blend that defines the Bluegrass State.
OLD STATE CAPITOL GROUNDS

10:00 am–5:00 pm - Enjoy demonstrations, kids’ activities, interpreters, artisans, and booths that highlight the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.

Tour the Old State Capitol (1830-1910) and see the space where lively political debates occurred as lawmakers grappled with issues of the day such as slavery and war. Today, it is undergoing needed preservation work in order to be a place of civic education for the future generations.

Broadway Stage

9:50 am - Opening remarks  

10:00 am-10:45 am - Brass Band: 202nd Army Band of the Kentucky Army National Guard

11:15 am-12:00 pm - Louisville Dulcimer Society

12:30 pm-1:30 pm - YAPA, Latin Bluegrass   

2:00 pm-3:00 pm - Aseye, West African Drums

3:30 pm-4:30 pm - The Price Sisters, Old Time Music

5:00 pm - Closing remarks

Old State Capitol Stage  

10:45 am-11:15 am - American Indian Flute Performance  

12:00 pm-12:30 pm - Chautauqua Performance of Daniel Boone   

1:30 pm-2:00 pm - McTeggart Irish Dancers

3:00 pm-3:30 pm - Chautauqua Performance of Jean Ritchie

4:30 pm-5:00 pm - Sons of the American Revolution Fife and Drum

Join us for a fun-filled day for kids and families featuring hands-on activities, demonstrations, and community partners!
🚓 Sheriff’s Department
🚒 City & County Fire Departments
🚔 City Police Department
🐕 Pawsibility Unleashed
🎨 YES Arts
🚓 State Police
🏦 Expree Credit Union
📺 Kentucky Educational Television (KET)
Bring the kids and explore emergency vehicles, crafts, educational programs, and exciting activities from local organizations!

Join us for the 8th Barn Raisin’: Conservation, Culture & Cuisine at Josephine Sculpture Park on Sunday, June 7.
CONSERVATION: Bid on distinctive Kentucky arts and cultural experiences that support conservation and community
CULTURE: Vibe to live music by Latin Andean Folk Fusion band, Yapa!
CUISINE: Enjoy intimate family-style dining from True North Catering and a complimentary bar
Tickets and sponsorships are available now. Visit our website for details: josephinesculpturepark.org/barnraisin

Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of Frankfort! Join us for a weeklong celebration of bourbon heritage, historic downtown charm, and unforgettable experiences.

Here’s what’s happening:

Throughout the week, we’ll be highlighting a variety of bourbon-related experiences and products that showcase the best of what our area has to offer:
🥃 Bourbon Tours & Experiences

Explore the heart of bourbon country!
Take part in special tours and activities that dive into Frankfort’s rich bourbon history and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the bourbon world, there’s something for everyone.
🛍️ Bourbon-Inspired Products

Shop local, sip local!
Discover a variety of bourbon-themed products from talented local artisans and vendors — from handcrafted goods to unique souvenirs you can only find here.
🥃 Exclusive Bourbon Tasting Event: Hosted by House of Commons in collaboration with Buffalo Trace Distillery and Capital City Museum
Frankfort Bourbon Week Exclusive Bourbon Tasting – Limited to 40 people. Hosted by HOC: A Bourbon Library and Capital City Museum & Historic Sites
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating Kentucky’s most iconic spirit — bourbon.
🗓 Date: Friday, June 19th
⏰ Time: 5PM – 7PM
📍 Location: Capital City Museum: 325 Ann Street
Enjoy an exclusive tasting featuring rare and premium bourbons, appearances from notable bourbon personalities, and a display of historic bourbon artifacts — all in the heart of downtown Frankfort.
This event is proudly .
🎟 Tickets: TBA
Includes all tastings and full event access.
🔞 Ages 21+ only. Valid ID required at entry.
All proceeds benefit the Capital City Museum and Downtown Frankfort Inc.

🍸 Signature Cocktail Celebration: “The Frankfort”

Last year, we officially crowned The Frankfort as our city’s signature cocktail — a twist on the iconic Manhattan!
This year, celebrate with us during a Signature Cocktail Stroll, tasting unique versions of The Frankfort at downtown bars and restaurants. Cheers to creativity, community, and great bourbon!
🎶 Bourbon Week Kickoff Concert

Friday, June 12, 6:30PM | Downtown Frankfort Summer Concert Series
We’re kicking things off early!
Join us for an electric evening with son of Hank Williams Jr., Sam Williams, bourbon tastings, and a downtown celebration like no other.

Come sip, shop, and stroll your way through Downtown Frankfort Bourbon Week — where bourbon, history, and hospitality come together in the heart of Kentucky!
June 12th, 6:30PM
Bourbon Celebration Concert
Featuring: Sam Williams (Son of Hank Williams Jr.

Downtown Frankfort is the place to be this summer! The 2026 Summer Concert Series features an exciting lineup that will rock your socks off with incredible live music all season long. Enjoy evenings filled with great bands, delicious food, cold drinks, and the vibrant atmosphere that makes downtown Frankfort such a special place to gather. Bring a chair, bring your friends, and experience the sound of summer on the riverfront.

The Garden Club of Frankfort and the Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist and Convention Commission proudly welcome you to the 17th Annual Living in History Home & Garden Tour. We would like to extend a special thanks to the owners for allowing us to showcase their lovely homes and gardens.

Cost: $25 Non-Members, $15 Members  

Sip and stroll your way across Historic Downtown Frankfort as we regale you with local tales of drunkenness and debauchery, corruption, and criminal activity – stories not safe for the history textbooks! Learn about the inspiration for Edgar Allan Poe’s only written play, stories of the mafia in Kentucky, and connections to the legendary E.H Taylor. Taste the history with special historic drinks available for purchase when we stop in at the local pubs in The Mix District. Come have some fun with history!   

Must be 21 to participate.  Alcohol is optional (of course), and if you prefer to sip as you walk, the local pubs participate in Frankfort’s MIX District. The cost does not include drinks, which can be purchased at the local establishments on the tour.

Meet outside the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Tours require a minimum registration to take place. If that number is not met, an alternate tour date will be offered, or a full refund will be given. For groups of 10 or more, book a private experience here: Tours | Visit | Kentucky Historical Society.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

SATURDAY, JULY 18

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

Join us for Music in the Garden! Our summer series continues with our second session featuring dynamic duo, River & Rail. Bring a blanket or a chair for an fun evening with Grace and Alex Fincher of Nashville-based Indie Folk/Americana duo, "River & Rail." Sponsored by The City of Frankfort.

Downtown Frankfort is the place to be this summer! The 2026 Summer Concert Series features an exciting lineup that will rock your socks off with incredible live music all season long. Enjoy evenings filled with great bands, delicious food, cold drinks, and the vibrant atmosphere that makes downtown Frankfort such a special place to gather. Bring a chair, bring your friends, and experience the sound of summer on the riverfront.