Festivals & Annual Events
Paducah is a Mecca for quilters and quilt enthusiasts each spring during the American Quilter's Society Annual Quilt Show & Contest. Home to The National Quilt Museum of the United States, more than 35,000 visitors from around the globe make their annual trek to Paducah to view exhibits of the finest quilts being made today, visit more than 400 vendor booths and attend a series of exciting quilting workshops and lectures.
A myriad of annual events create opportunities for families to enjoy the treasures of our heritage. Visit the heart of the arts district, where the LowerTown Art & Music Festival features artisans, musicians, balcony theatre, crafts & creative hands-on experiences for all ages. Gather with local Kentuckians in the fall and feast on mouthwatering hickory smoked meats at the Barbecue on the River and Old Market Days. Catch a fabulous flick at the River"s Edge Film Festival or compete with a team and create your own in just 2 days during the 48 Hour Film Project.
Click the blue links below or visit the Calendar of Events for more details on these and other events as they occur.
 | Dogwood Trail Celebration (Late march - Mid-April) Enjoy the spectacular beauty of Western Kentucky in the springtime. 800.PADUCAH |
 | American Quilter's Society 28th Annual Quilt Show & Contest (April 25-28, 2012) The AQS International Show & Contest is a mecca for quilting enthusiasts with more than 450 hand-crafted & machine-crafted quilts, merchant mall, fashion show and workshops. 270.898.7903 • www.americanquilter.com |
 | Live on Broadway (Saturday evenings, May 26-August 18, 2012) Paducah's Saturday night tradition features outdoor entertainment, horsedrawn carriage rides, dancing and vintage car shows. Evenings, 7-10 PM. 270.444.8649 • www.paducahalliance.org |
 | LowerTown Art & Music Festival (May 18-20, 2012 • May 17-19, 2013) Outdoor Festival in the heart of the Paducah Arts District featuring regional artists, open studios and galleries, live music, regional food specialties and ongoing theater from balconies and sidewalks. 270.908.7532 • www.lowertownamf.com |
 | Street Rods in the Park (June 1-3, 2012 • May 31-June 2, 2013) More than 600 street rods (1948 & older modified antique cars) on display. 270.554.2975 |
 | Live Harness Racing at Bluegrass Downs (June 15-July 15, 2012) Live harness racing on site Friday thru Sunday; simulcast thoroughbred from other tracks year round. 270.444.7117 |
 | McCracken County Fair (June 25-30 2012 • June 24-28, 2013) Children's activities, beauty contest, livestock shows, talent contest, races, rides & entertainment. 270.488.3363 |
 | Independence Day Celebration (July 4, 2012 • July 4, 2013) Arts & crafts, games, vendors, and concert and fireworks on the riverfront. 270.444.8508 |
| | 8th of August Emancipation Celebration (August 3-8, 2012) African Americans pay tribute to their heritage with memorial service, homecoming picnic, salute to Black Music, golf tournament and fashion show. 270.444.6583 |
 | Paducah 48 Hour Film Project (August 10-12, 2012) Teams write, shoot, edit and score movies in just 48 hours. 270.442.7723 • www.48hourfilm.com/paducah |
 | Labor Day Celebration (September 3, 2012 • September 2, 2013) Parade, political speakers, picnic and live entertainment. 270.559.5959 |
 | Antique Gas & Steam Engine Show (September 21-23, 2012 • September 20-22, 2013) Antique engines, tractor pulls, flea market, barbecue, parade, music and more. 270.564.0227 |
 | Barbecue on the River & Old Market Days (September 27-29, 2012 • September 26-28, 2013) Tournament & Pig Out in downtown Paducah with concerts, arts & crafts, and children's events. Visit the website for the entertainment lineup. 270.559-7330 • www.bbqontheriver.org |
 | Rivers' Edge International Film Festival (November 1-4, 2012) Quality independent film screenings, filmmakers party, pub crawl, Sunday matinee, open forum, and discussion and awards ceremony finale. 270.441.7007 • www.riversedgefilmfestival.com |
 | Christmas in Paducah (Late November - December) Noble Park Holiday Light Display, ice skating rink, Holiday parade, Paducah Symphony annual Holiday POPS concert, holiday musicals, Historic Downtown Church Advent Walk, special Downtown/LowerTown Open House shopping events and lighting ceremonies. 800.PADUCAH |
