Paducah's signature celebrations bring the community together throughout the year, offering memorable ways to connect with family and friends! Spring welcomes quilting enthusiasts from around the world to AQS QuiltWeek, while the Lower Town Arts & Music Festival kicks off summer with live performances and local artistry. Come fall, Barbecue on the River invites food lovers to savor the season's flavors along the riverfront, and winter brings holiday magic with Christmas in the Park.

Whatever draws you to Paducah, plan your way with our guide to annual events. Find a full lineup of things to do with our Calendar of Events and make your visit unforgettable.
 

Spring Events

AQS QuiltWeek
April 22-25, 2026

Gather with fabric artists from around the world at AQS QuiltWeek each spring! The Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center hosts breathtaking contest quilts, special exhibits, and dozens of classes and workshops led by expert quilters. Beyond the show, local merchants offer unique exhibits, creative activities, and pop-up events, while special programming at the National Quilt Museum and throughout the community fills your visit with creative inspiration.
 

Paducah's Dogwood Trail
Mid-April

Experience the beauty of spring along Paducah's city-wide Dogwood Trail. Whether you drive, walk, run, or bike, you'll enjoy spectacular blooms and beautifully landscaped gardens along a clearly marked route.
 

^{Photo Credit: J.T. Crawford}

Summer Events

Lower Town Arts & Music Festival
May 8-9, 2026

Lower Town Arts & Music Festival celebrates community creativity at its best. Discover visual art ranging from pottery to paintings, offering the perfect opportunity to find a piece by a local artist for your home or a meaningful gift. Enjoy live music from regional artists spanning folk, country, and beyond, while browsing local merchants, savoring delicious bites, and sampling craft beer from area breweries. It's the ideal way to kick off your summer.
 

Cinema Systers Film Festival
May 21-24, 2026

Held in historic Downtown Paducah, Cinema Systers Film Festival is the only all-lesbian film festival in the United States. The festival features independent film screenings and panels that highlight lesbian voices and creativity across diverse genres and cultures. With events throughout the weekend, it's a one-of-a-kind celebration of storytelling and community.
 

Paducah Pride United Together
June 6, 2026

Join us in celebrating love and community at Paducah Pride each June! Through live performances, local vendors, and inspirational speakers, Pride honors LGBTQ+ culture while creating a welcoming space where everyone can gather authentically.
 

McCracken County Fair
June 20-25, 2026

Bring the whole family to Carson Park for the McCracken County Fair! This week-long summer tradition features carnival rides, classic fair treats, wiener dog races, prizes, and more. Purchase a wristband for unlimited rides, or try your hand at games and browse vendors for the perfect souvenir. It has everything you love about a classic county fair!

Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 2026

Bring your lawn chair and blanket to historic Downtown Paducah's riverfront for our annual Independence Day Celebration! Enjoy food vendors, live music, and a spectacular 20-minute fireworks display over the Ohio River. It's a night of entertainment the whole family will love.
 

Eighth of August Emancipation Celebration
Week of August 8, 2026

Celebrate history, culture, and community at the annual Eighth of August Emancipation Celebration. Featuring multiple days of events, including an annual Emancipation Breakfast and parade, the Eighth of August has been a day of celebration and homecoming in Western Kentucky for well over a century. The week features a parade, worship services, open houses, food vendors, educational programming, and more.

Fall Events

River Discovery Center's Dragon Boat Festival
August 29, 2026

Dust off your paddles for River Discovery Center's annual Dragon Boat Festival! Teams, vendors, and the community gather at Paducah's riverfront for a day of friendly competition and entertainment that makes this a great outing for all ages (so you can bring the whole family)! Spectators can enjoy various vendor treats with a front-row seat to the action on the water. By supporting this event, attendees are supporting educational programming at River Discovery Center, connecting students and visitors to the history, science, and culture of America's Inland Waterways. 

Barbecue on the River
September 24-26, 2026

Mark your calendar for one of Paducah's most beloved traditions! For over 30 years, Barbecue on the River has brought together pitmasters and vendors from across the country to compete in multiple categories (everything from chicken to desserts!) in the heart of Downtown Paducah. This beloved community fundraiser supports local charities and nonprofits while serving up mouth-watering barbecue and Southern hospitality. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy world-class barbecue while supporting small businesses and celebrating everything that makes our community special.
 

Maiden Alley Cinema's Oktoberfest
October 17, 2026

Maiden Alley Cinema brings authentic German traditions to Downtown Paducah each fall with its annual Oktoberfest. Savor German-inspired cuisine, sample craft brews from local favorites like Paducah Beer Werks and Dry Ground Brewing Company, and take in live music from area musicians. It's a perfect blend of tradition and local flavor!

Winter Events

Christmas in the Park
December 2026

Grab your coziest PJs, put your hot chocolate in a to-go mug, and warm up the car for Paducah's Christmas in the Park! Over half a million lights add holiday magic to Bob Noble Park, making the event a tradition you'll want to start if you haven't already. Tune your radio to 89.5 FM for Christmas music to really set the scene for the season. Bring canned goods to donate to local charities, like Paducah Cooperative Ministry, Family Service Society, and more. Make holiday memories that last with Paducah's holiday events!

Plan Your Way!

Use our easy trip planning tools and inspiration guides to make the most of your Paducah visit.