Madison County, Kentucky, is where small-town charm meets big-time celebration. From quirky contests to cultural showcases, this place knows how to throw a party. Let’s dive into the must-attend events that make Madison County the heart of the Bluegrass State.
🌞 SummerFest in Berea
- Date: May 17, 2025
- Location: Forestry Outreach Center, Berea, KY
- Description: Kick off your summer at Berea’s inaugural SummerFest! Experience e-bike adventures, outdoor games, and a community picnic amidst the scenic beauty of the Forestry Outreach Center. It’s the perfect blend of fun and nature.
🍺 Kentucky Lager Fest
- Date: May 24, 2025
- Location: Richmond, KY
- Description: Celebrate Kentucky’s rich brewing heritage at the Kentucky Lager Fest. Enjoy a variety of local lagers, live music, and delicious food in a festive atmosphere.
🛍️ US 25 Yard Sale
- Date: June 6–7, 2025
- Location: Along U.S. Route 25 from Walton to Williamsburg, including Madison County
- Description: Join the 14th Annual US 25 Yard Sale, a 200-mile treasure hunt stretching from Walton to Williamsburg. Explore hundreds of yard sales along U.S. Route 25, including stops in Richmond and Berea. It’s a bargain hunter’s paradise!
- Kick-Off Sale—Grant County only June 5, 2025
🌞 Summer Solstice Festival
- Date: June 7, 2025
- Location: Log House Craft Gallery, 200 Estill St, Berea, KY
- Description: Welcome the summer season with the Summer Solstice Festival. This event features local artisans, craft demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.
🎨 Berea Craft Festival
- Date: July 11–13, 2025
- Location: Indian Fort Theater, 2047 Big Hill Road, Berea, KY
- Description: Immerse yourself in a weekend of artistry at the Berea Craft Festival. Featuring over 100 artists and craftsmen from the region and beyond, this event offers live demonstrations, local food vendors, and a vibrant lineup of entertainers. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Indian Fort Theater, it’s a celebration of creativity and community you won’t want to miss.
🎶 Berea Celtic Festival
- Date: August 14–17, 2025
- Location: Various venues in Berea, KY
- Description: Experience the rich traditions of Celtic music and culture at the Berea Celtic Festival. Enjoy performances by local and international artists, workshops, and community gatherings.
🎡 Madison County Fair & Horse Show
- Date: July 25 – August 2, 2025
- Location: Madison County Fairgrounds, 3237 Old Irvine Rd, Richmond, KY
- Description: Saddle up for the Madison County Fair & Horse Show in Richmond! This isn’t your average county fair—think livestock competitions, thrilling rides, and the legendary Mr. Mullet contest. It’s a week-long celebration of Kentucky’s rich agricultural heritage and community spirit.
🎸 Kentucky Bourbon Jam Music Festival
- Date: August 23, 2025
- Location: Richmond, KY
- Description: Get ready for a day filled with live music, local bourbon tastings, and community spirit at the Kentucky Bourbon Jam Music Festival. This annual event not only showcases talented musicians but also supports local first responders, making it a celebration with a cause.
🥄 Spoonbread Festival
- Date: September 19–21, 2025
- Location: Berea Memorial Park, W. Jefferson St, Berea, KY
- Description: Celebrate Berea’s culinary heritage at the Spoonbread Festival. Indulge in the traditional cornmeal dish served with a wooden spoon, enjoy live music, and explore arts and crafts from local artisans. It’s a feast for all senses.
🎉 Millstone Festival
- Date: October 4, 2025
- Location: Main Street, Downtown Richmond, KY
- Description: Experience the charm of downtown Richmond at the Millstone Festival. This family-friendly event features live music, craft vendors, delicious food, and activities for all ages. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the fall season and connect with the local community.
🍂 Swap Days
- Date: August 14 – 17, 2025
- Location: Madison County Fairgrounds, Richmond, KY
- Description: Join the community in Richmond for Swap Days, a gathering of vendors, craftspeople, and enthusiasts swapping stories, goods, and traditions. It’s a celebration of fall and the spirit of sharing.
🎶 Celebration of Traditional Music
- Date: Mid-October 2025
- Location: Berea College, Berea, KY
- Description: Immerse yourself in the rich musical traditions of Appalachia at Berea College’s Celebration of Traditional Music. This festival showcases folk, bluegrass, and old-time music, preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
🏃♂️ Officer Daniel Ellis Memorial 5K
- Date: November 1, 2025
- Location: Richmond, KY
- Description: Honor the legacy of Officer Daniel Ellis by participating in this memorial 5K run in Richmond. It’s a heartfelt event that brings the community together to remember and support local heroes.
🎄 Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom
- Date: December 2025 (Exact dates TBA)
- Location: Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville, KY
- Description: Experience the magic of the holiday season at Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland with over one million Christmas lights, themed areas, live performances, and festive attractions for the whole family.
✨ Local Love Note
From bluegrass beats to hot air balloon glows, handmade crafts to heritage parades—Madison County knows how to throw a party, y’all. 🎉 Whether you’re making memories with family, finding new favorite artists, or just vibin’ with the community, there’s something magical about showing up for the moments that make this place feel like home. So go ahead, screenshot that calendar 📲, grab your crew, and get out there—because the best of Madison County is waiting for you to show up and soak it in. 💫
Note: Event dates and locations are based on the most recent information available. It’s recommended to check the official event websites or local listings for any updates or changes.