Every fall, the charming streets of Georgetown come alive with one of Kentucky’s most beloved traditions—the Festival of the Horse (now also known as Best of the Bluegrass).
Set in the heart of Horse Country, this three-day celebration is a perfect mix of community spirit, Southern charm, and a deep-rooted love for horses.
For more fun Georgetown Kentucky events, be sure to visit my article on a Complete Travel Guide to Visiting Georgetown, Kentucky.
During my last visit to Georgetown, KY, Kayla and I had the privilege of attending the Festival of the Horse. Now, if you have never been before, it is a must-see event that only happens in downtown Georgetown.
Every September, the folks of this bustling small town come together to put on an amazing event celebrating all breeds and the history of the horse. The Festival of the Horse has been a lively tradition in downtown Georgetown since the 1980s.
While this event has already happened this year, you can make plans to attend in 2020! The dates have been set for September 9-11.
If you really want to see the fun, be sure to check out my Georgetown, Kentucky highlight on Instagram, where you can see the entire thing in action.
The Festival of the Horse offers
- Arts & Craft Exhibits
- Live Entertainment
- Local Food & Drinks
- Multiple Parades
- Horse Show
- Horse Games
- Carnival Rides by Fox Creek Amusement
Shop Til You Drop At The Festival of the Horse
One of my favorite parts of checking out the Festival of the Horse was shopping all the vendor booths. We bought candles, shirts, decor, jewelry, and more.
Of course, since it is on Main Street, we shopped all the shops that were open as well and found some super cute things for the house.
The shops in Georgetown are some of my favorites because they are unique and have that perfect boutique feel.
Eat All the Foods While You are There
Another thing I love about festivals like this is the food. I ate so much food — all of my favorites.
We started with coffee from one of the local shops.
Then from there, we had the best-loaded nachos ever.
I had to stop by the Spotz Gelato truck and get some freshly-made gelato. Spotz Gelato is some of the best I have ever eaten in my life.
To top the evening off, we had a delicious corn dog and Parmesan Cheese fries.
The food trucks that come to these festivals are worth fighting the crowds for.
The Parade of Horses
The best part about The Festival of the Horse is the Parade of Horses at the end of the day. There are so many beautiful horses to see — some decked out in shining stars, those that are the smallest of horses, and then… those that are a little questionable in my book!
From sleek Thoroughbreds to colorful show horses, each one represents the rich equestrian traditions of the region.
Kids wave, families snap photos, and for a moment, the entire town feels united in celebration.
Beyond the horses, the festival is packed with everything you’d expect from a lively Southern celebration:
- Local food vendors serving everything from funnel cakes to barbecue
- Live music filling the streets all weekend
- Arts and crafts booths featuring handmade goods
- Family-friendly activities like carnival rides and games
- Community events like chili cook-offs and cornhole tournaments
It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours just wandering—snacking, shopping, and soaking in the atmosphere.
A Festival Rooted in Community
One of the most special parts of attending the Festival of the Horse is the sense of connection. This isn’t just an event—it’s a tradition. Families return year after year, and visitors are welcomed like locals.
The festival has grown over decades into a major community staple, with thousands gathering annually to celebrate together.
As one attendee put it, it’s simply “a good time to come out and celebrate the town and the community.”
Tips for Attending
If you’re planning a trip, here are a few quick tips to make the most of it:
- Arrive early for the parade to get a good viewing spot
- Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking a lot
- Bring cash for vendors and food booths
- Stay nearby if possible—parking fills up quickly
- Check the schedule so you don’t miss key events
Why You Should Go
Attending the Festival of the Horse isn’t just about watching horses—it’s about experiencing Kentucky at its best. It’s where history, hospitality, and hometown pride come together in one unforgettable weekend.
Whether you’re a horse lover, a foodie, or just someone who loves a good festival, this Georgetown tradition is absolutely worth adding to your fall travel list.