What is the Mid-Southern Hoedown?
The Mid-Southern Hoedown — Bourbon, Blues & Boots — is a one-day Kentucky live music festival celebrating bourbon culture, country & hip-hop, and the close-knit community of Shelby County. The 2nd annual edition takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Headliner: Nappy Roots
Multi-platinum Kentucky hip-hop group Nappy Roots headlines the main stage at 10:30 PM.
Schedule highlights
- 9:00 AM — Free trail ride departs Shelby Trails Park
- 11:00 AM — Festival gates and Buckaroos KidZone open
- 1:00 PM — 4th Annual Car Show begins and runs all night
- 5:00 PM — Rodeo Show begins in the Show Ring
- 6:15 PM — Best of Show Awards
- 6:30–7:00 PM — The Roundup for guests under 21
- 10:30 PM — Nappy Roots
Tickets
Online general admission is currently $35. General admission is $50 at the gate. Early Bird VIP is $75 while available, and standard VIP is $120. Kids 5 and under enter the daytime festival free with a paying adult. The free trail ride does not include festival admission.
Trail ride
The free Kentucky Hardriders trail ride departs at 9 AM from Shelby Trails Park, 4060 Webb Road, Simpsonville, KY 40067. A current negative Coggins test and signed liability waiver are required. No side-by-sides or ATVs are allowed.
Parking & directions
Free on-site parking at Shelby County Fairgrounds, Shelbyville, KY. The venue is about 30 minutes east of downtown Louisville off I-64 (Exit 32). ADA-accessible parking is reserved near the main gate.
Things to do in Shelby County on Sept 19
Stay the weekend — tour Bulleit Distilling at Stitzel-Weller nearby, visit Claudia Sanders Dinner House, browse downtown Shelbyville antique shops, or take in the rolling Kentucky horse country before the gates open.
FAQ
- Is the event family friendly?
- Yes — kids 5 and under enter free with a paying adult.
- Are coolers allowed?
- No outside food or drinks, including coolers and Stanleys. Food trucks, bars, and tastings are available on site.