How to Enter the Kentucky Festival of the Horse in Georgetown KY

The Best of the Bluegrass Festival of the Horse 2026

The Best of the Bluegrass Festival of the Horse in Georgetown, KY, is three days of family fun, live music, craft vendors, food, beer, and a celebration of Bluegrass heritage. Oh, and did I mention there are horses?!

Set in Georgetown, KY, only about 15 minutes north of Lexington, it's right in the heart of horse country.

Both equestrians and those who just really love horses will be treated to tons of beautiful breeds at The Grand Parade of Horses. There are even horse-themed events for those who don't have a horse to bring to the festival, including a Colt and Filly Kids Parade, so get your stick horses ready, and a pet parade. So many parades!

You can also enjoy live music from regional bands. The organizers really try to focus on Bluegrass since it's such a Kentucky staple, but there are also lots of other genres planned.

Plus, there's a carnival with rides. Yes, there's a carousel if you just really want to get on a horse that weekend!

Date: September 11-13, 2026!
Address: 100 East Main St. Georgetown, KY

Colt and Filly Parade

Friday, September 11, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

Focusing solely on children, there are some really creative floats. Awards are based on creativity, originality and interpretation of the theme.

Awards include:

Best Theme Entry
Best Float Entry

The Grand Parade of Horses

Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 5 p.m.

This all-horse parade features horses of all breeds, showcasing the wide range of horse types and their importance to our community.

There are five parade categories:

Individual Best Costume, ages 16+
Individual Best Costume, ages under 16
Best Group Costume
Silver Stirrup Award
Best Non-Costume Group

Horses from all over are welcome, but you must have an up-to-date Coggins, sign a waiver and have your application turned in by September 9 to attend.

Pet Parade and Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Blessing of the Animals

1:30 p.m.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
209 S Broadway St.
Georgetown, KY 40324

Pet Parade

2 p.m., immediately following the Blessing of the Animals

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church to Main Street to S. Mulberry Street

Immediately following the Blessing of the Animals, the Pet Parade hosted by Scott County Humane Society will take place at 2 p.m. Cats, dogs and other pet friends are welcome and encouraged to join!

Send an email to schscenter@yahoo.com to confirm your spot.

Things to Do in Georgetown and Lexington

While you are in Georgetown, be sure to visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, ride some horses at a local stable, visit a brewery or cider mill and, of course, make your way to the Kentucky Horse Park.

You won't be disappointed!

See Inside the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY

This summer, we visited the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, and we had an absolute blast. The world's only "Equine Theme Park" you can enjoy a horse-drawn trolley ride, meet world-champion horses, see horses "dance," and learn about all the ways horses have enriched the human experience throughout time. Here's a sneak peek in the park. Visit kyhorsepark.com for more info!

Gallery Credit: ASHLEY SOLLARS

Source: You Don’t Have to Own an Equine to Love The Kentucky Festival of the Horse