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Show off your state pride and celebrate National Kentucky Day with activities, recipes, and events that highlight the best of The Bluegrass State!
It's time to show your love and appreciation for the great state of Kentucky on National Kentucky Day, October 19! Ever since the founding of this beautiful state in 1792, it has been a source of national pride. From its rich history and culture to its never-ending scenic beauty, there is so much to celebrate about what makes Kentucky special. Join us as we honor this wonderful day and pay homage to all that our beloved state has given us.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1792</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Kentucky Statehood</div><div class='timeline-text'>On June 1, 1792, Kentucky became the 15th state to join the Union.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1818</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of Mammoth Cave</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1818, Mammoth Cave was officially discovered and later became a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1875</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Kentucky Derby</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Kentucky Derby horse race took place in 1875 at the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1935</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Basketball Game</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1935, basketball was first played in Kentucky, the University of Kentucky has since become one of the top college basketball programs in the country.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Bluegrass Music</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 1950s saw the birth and development of Bluegrass music, a genre deeply rooted in the culture of Kentucky.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Kentucky Day Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 2017, the first National Kentucky Day was celebrated on October 19, to honor Kentucky's illustrious history and culture.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a Kentucky landmark</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to Kentucky and explore the state's many landmarks including Mammoth Cave National Park, the Kentucky Derby Museum, and the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Eat Kentucky cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Enjoy Kentucky’s delicious food by trying out the local delicacies like burgoo, Benedictine spread, and the famous hot brown sandwich.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Play some Kentucky bluegrass</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take out your instrument of choice and learn to play some traditional Kentucky bluegrass music.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a horse race</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Make sure to catch one of the many exciting horse races that take place in Kentucky throughout the year, such as the Kentucky Derby or the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on a bourbon trail tour</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Discover the history of the state’s official spirit by visiting one of the many bourbon distilleries located throughout the state and learning about their processes.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Honors Kentucky's history and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Kentucky Day is a day to appreciate the diverse and vibrant culture that exists in this great state. It celebrates everything from its horse racing traditions to its rural landscape and picturesque views, showcasing how truly unique and special it is.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates Kentucky's impact on US</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only has Kentucky had a huge influence on American culture, but it has also made some very important contributions to the country throughout history. From inventors, politicians and musicians to artists, athletes and entrepreneurs — Kentuckians have made their mark all across the nation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Supports local businesses & communities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By celebrating National Kentucky Day, we are giving recognition to the hardworking folks who support our economy and help make our communities thrive. By appreciating the amazing people and places that make up this beautiful state, we can help show our support for them to succeed!</p></div></div>
National Kentucky Day is celebrated on October 19 every year. In 2024 National Kentucky Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Oct 19
Thursday
2024
Oct 19
Saturday
2025
Oct 19
Sunday
2026
Oct 19
Monday
2027
Oct 19
Tuesday
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