2026 has arrived and it’s chock-full of fun, exciting events in ShelbyKY that you can’t miss. From perennial favorites to marquee sporting events coming through the county, there’s plenty to look forward to. As you plan out the year ahead, consider saving these dates to your calendar.
January 30 - February 8: John Lennon & Me
The Shelby County Community Theatre kicks off the new year with a heartfelt youth-performed production on the weekends of January 30-February 1 and February 6-8. The next generation of stage talent will be on display here to get the year at the theatre started on a high note. Tickets can be bought here starting on January 9. Following this event, performances of Peter Pan (March), Uncle Vanya (April), and The Man Who Came to Dinner (May) are on the SCCT schedule. More will be announced in the coming weeks!
March 7: The Shelbyville Spring Festival
From 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, artisans will be in Floral Hall at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. They will boast some of the most beautiful crafts you can find in the region. When you aren’t admiring the art, enjoy some delicious food and drinks from one of the many food trucks that will be on-site.
April 18: Dogwood Artisan Showcase
This is a free event to attend at the Shelby County Fairgrounds that will take place from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Live music will be performed for locally-renowned artists on two different stages. Visit over 100 artisans showcasing their passion for the local arts and flavors and bring your kids along to be entertained by a bevy of games and activities.
June 8-13: Shelby County Fair
One of the state’s most-visited county fairs will return to the Shelby County Fairgrounds for a week of action in June. It’s rides, games, food and events galore at this showcase that sees thousands of attendees each year.
June 16-18: Kentucky Men’s Amateur Golf Championship
The most historic golf tournament in the state of Kentucky will take place in Simpsonville at University of Louisville Golf Club. This will be the 112th playing of this competition and the third time it takes place at this renowned venue. Attendance for spectators will be free as they can see some of the state’s best golfers up close. Locals hoping to participate can register for a qualifier starting in March.
July 4: America’s 250th Birthday Celebration at The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass
You’re invited to our country’s birthday party! Celebrate this milestone year in American history at the state’s only designer outlet mall. There will be a massive fireworks show among many more activities that will be announced later this month.
July 29 - August 1: Shelby Summer Classic Horse Show
Four days of fun competition take place at the Shelby County Fairgrounds for riders of all skill levels. Whether your sights are set on earning a ribbon or you simply want to showcase your equestrian talents, there’s something for all participants here. It’s just as much fun to spectate, too, as this event truly exemplifies why ShelbyKY is the American Saddlebred Capital of the World™.
September 25-26: KITPA Championship Pull
The Kentucky Indiana Track Pullers Association has a signature event at the Shelby County Fairgrounds late in September. Championship titles will be on the line for truck and tractor pullers, producing high-adrenaline excitement for attendees. This event will be staged under the lights and should be an excellent way to cap the summer before transitioning to fall.
November 14: Celebration of Lights
In 2025, nearly 8,000 people made sure to attend this landmark event on the historic Main Street of Shelbyville. They had great reason thanks to dozens of food trucks, artisans lining the street, a children’s choir singing Christmas classics, and the highlight of the night - the lighting of the tree in downtown Shelbyville. Come check it out this year to launch the holiday season and see why people rave about this event.
Here’s the best part: there will be a lot more to see beyond these great events! Be sure to regularly check out our Event Calendar to see what’s happening in ShelbyKY. If you or your organization is putting on an event, you can list it by clicking here.
Ready to plan your trip to ShelbyKY? A great place to start is with our visitor guide. It's free and contains wonderful information about the many things to do in the American Saddlebred Capital of the World™ and Your Bourbon Destination®. Click here to request a visitor guide or download a digital copy.
