Hay storage barn at Shelby County Fairgrounds
Aerial view of Kentucky farmland near Shelbyville

BOURBON, BLUES & BOOTS

THE MID-SOUTHERN HOEDOWN

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Shelby County Fairgrounds, KY

Saturday

September 19th, 2026

Shelby County Fairgrounds — Shelbyville, KY

SAVE THE DATE!

TWO DAYS. ONE HOEDOWN.

Friday, September 18

FESTIVAL EVE

Joe's Palm Room · with Quality Culture · Grown Vibes Only

The official warm-up. 21+.

TICKETS COMING SOON

Saturday, September 19

THE MAIN EVENT

Shelby County Fairgrounds

1513 Midland Trail, Shelbyville, KY

An all-ages daytime festival, then a 21+ night program.

SEPTEMBER 19 IS TWO EXPERIENCES

DAYTIME

11 AM – 7 PM · ALL AGES

Buckaroos Blues & Boots, the car show, trail ride, farmers market, petting zoo, barrel racing, mechanical bull, food, and vendors. Bring the whole family. Kids 5 and under get in free.

NIGHT

7 PM – 11 PM · 21 AND OVER

The main stage takes over. Nappy Roots headlines a full night of Southern soul, bourbon, and boots.

PLEASE NOTE · 21 AND OVER AFTER 7 PM

All guests under 21 must exit the property by 7 PM. This is strictly enforced and tickets are non-refundable, so please plan your day accordingly.

2ND ANNUAL BUCKAROOS BLUES & BOOTS

Saturday, September 19 · 11 AM – 7 PM · Hosted by Kid Sensation Ms. Shirley

Families and children petting a pony at the Buckaroos Blues and Boots family day

The Hoedown's family day. A full afternoon built for kids — KidZone games and activities, rodeo fun, contests, a petting zoo, the farmers market, and the car show rolling all day long.

KIDS 5 AND UNDER ARE FREE

All ages welcome until 7 PM.

Kids playing KidZone games and inflatables at the family day festival
Nappy Roots performing live in Kentucky

Headlining

NAPPY ROOTS

Kentucky's own multi-platinum hip-hop legends take the Mid-Southern Hoedown stage for a night of bourbon, blues, and boots.

TICKETS

Prices rise as each tier sells out.

Early Bird General Admission

$20

SOLD OUT

This tier has sold out.

Early Bird General Admission

$35

AVAILABLE NOW

Full-day festival access. Daytime programming, car show, trail ride, vendors, food, barrel racing, and the mechanical bull, plus the night program for guests 21 and over. Goes to $45 when this tier sells out.

General Admission

$45

Same full-day access. This is the price once Early Bird is gone.

Early Bird VIP

$75

LIMITED QUANTITY REMAINING

Everything in General Admission, plus: Goes to $120 when this tier sells out.

  • Dedicated VIP viewing areas at every stage
  • Access to exclusive bourbon and wine tastings
  • Preferred parking
  • Access to the Rolling Leaf Mobile Cigar Lounge
  • A limited-edition VIP swag bag
  • Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and curated bites
  • A VIP photo experience with one of our on-site horses
  • Hospitality concierge

VIP

$120

All VIP benefits listed above. This is the price once Early Bird VIP is gone.

Car Show Entry

Registering a vehicle for the 4th Annual Car Show? Select the car show entry at checkout and complete your vehicle details there.

Kids 5 and Under

FREE

Free entry with a paying adult for the daytime festival, 11 AM to 7 PM.

FREE WITH A PAYING ADULT

PLEASE NOTE · 21 AND OVER AFTER 7 PM

All guests under 21 must exit the property by 7 PM. This is strictly enforced and tickets are non-refundable, so please plan your day accordingly.

All sales are final — no refunds.

THE ROAD HERE

The Hoedown didn't start on September 19. It started in August.

Line dancers at Baxter Community Center for the Line Dance-A-Thon

Line Dance-A-Thon

August 16

A packed afternoon of line dancing and community at Baxter Community Center.

Cowboy Foot Golf Classic at Woodhaven Country Club

Cowboy Foot Golf Classic

August 23

Boots on the course at Woodhaven Country Club, with Ebony Greens, benefiting 2Not1 Fatherhood.

After Work Kickback at Christy’s Garden at Paristown Hall

After Work Kickback

September 3

An easy evening at Christy’s Garden at Paristown Hall.

Five weeks. One movement. It all leads to September 19.

THE TRAIL RIDE

Saturday, September 19 · Free to ride

Hosted by Kentucky Hardriders, the official Mid-Southern Hoedown Trail Ride winds through the rolling hills of Shelby County before the festival gates open. Riders of all levels welcome.

Riders trailering in may arrive from 10 AM for horse setup. Gates open to the public at 11 AM.

Required: all horses must have a current negative Coggins test. Please bring your paperwork — it will be checked on arrival, and horses without it cannot be unloaded. All riders must sign a liability waiver before the ride.

Riding is free, but the trail ride does not include festival admission. Riders planning to stay for the day or evening will need a festival ticket.

Trailer parking is available on site, along with water and a tie line for horses staying through the day. There is no limit on the number of riders — all are welcome.

DEPARTURE TIME — COMING SOON

CAR SHOW

Classics, customs, and showstoppers roll into the fairgrounds. Register your ride or come admire the lineup all day long.

Car show photo 1Car show photo 2Car show photo 3Car show photo 4Car show photo 5Car show photo 6Car show photo 7Car show photo 8Car show photo 9Car show photo 10Car show photo 11Car show photo 12Car show photo 13Car show photo 14Car show photo 15Car show photo 16Car show photo 17Car show photo 18

SCHEDULE

  1. 9:00 AMTrail Ride departs
  2. 11:00 AMGates open · Car Show begins
  3. 12:00 PMVendor village & food trucks
  4. 3:00 PMLive music — opening acts
  5. 7:00 PMHeadliner: Nappy Roots
  6. 10:00 PMLate-night bourbon lounge

VENDORS

Local makers, food trucks, bourbon distillers, and small-business owners — apply for a booth at the 2026 Mid-Southern Hoedown.

OUR SPONSORS

We couldn't do this without them.

A heartfelt thank you to the partners who have come alongside us to help bring Bourbon, Blues & Boots to life. Your support isn't just financial — it's a show of belief in the power of community, culture, and connection. Because of you, this event is more than a celebration — it's a catalyst for something bigger. A special thank you to Adversity Skills, our 501(c)(3) charitable partner, whose mission to uplift and empower young men through purpose-driven mentorship is woven into the heart of this event.

Together, we're creating impact — one ride, one rhythm, one memory at a time.

Kentucky Hardriders — Straight Steppin'
Rivulet
The Palm Room
633 Digital — Seek Excellence First

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Partner with us →

Bourbon Blues and Boots logo

OUR WHY

The Mid-Southern Hoedown isn't just about the music, the boots, or the bourbon. It was born from a love of culture, community, and connection. Here at Prestigious Entertainment Group, we believe in the power of gathering — not just to party, but to pour into one another.

When you support Prestigious, you're not just buying a ticket — you're investing in a space where our people can feel seen, celebrated, and together.

…And if you're reading this, you're already part of it.

— Prestigious Entertainment Group

FAQ

Where is the Mid-Southern Hoedown held?
Shelby County Fairgrounds in Shelbyville, Kentucky — about 30 minutes east of Louisville.
Are kids welcome?
Yes — the daytime festival from 11 AM to 7 PM is all ages, and Buckaroos Blues & Boots is built just for them. Kids 5 and under are free with a paying adult.
Is there an age limit at night?
Yes. The evening program beginning at 7 PM is 21 and over. All guests under 21 must exit the property by 7 PM. This is strictly enforced and tickets are non-refundable, so please plan accordingly.
Is there bull riding?
We have a mechanical bull running all day, plus live barrel racing. Come test yourself.
What time do gates open?
Gates open at 11 AM. Riders trailering in may arrive from 10 AM for horse setup.
What if it rains?
The Hoedown happens rain or shine.
What can I bring?
Chairs are welcome. No coolers and no canopies, please.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
No outside alcohol is permitted. Bourbon, wine, and beverages are available on site. Valid ID is required for anyone purchasing or consuming alcohol.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash and card are both accepted for tickets, food, and vendors.
Is there accessible parking?
Yes. ADA parking is available with a valid handicap placard or plate, reserved near the main gate.
Can I bring my pet?
No pets, please. Trained service animals are welcome.
How do I reach you?
Email info@kyhoedown.com or call 502-926-9925.

PLEASE NOTE · 21 AND OVER AFTER 7 PM

All guests under 21 must exit the property by 7 PM. This is strictly enforced and tickets are non-refundable, so please plan your day accordingly.

In partnership with Roots 101 African American Museum.