Kentucky Venues to Host Top Events in Louisville

Kentucky Venues has long been known for hosting some of the nation’s most influential public events, expositions, and sporting championships. Louisville Tourism recently released its annual list of the “Top 16 Events” by estimated economic impact, and we’re proud to share that 14 of these major events will take place at one of our facilities. From the world’s largest trade shows to premier agricultural events, these gatherings underscore how pivotal Kentucky Venues is to the city’s booming tourism industry.

A Year of Major Events 

The Top 14 standout events ranked by economic impact coming to Kentucky Venues include:

TFN Run 4 Roses Classic & Championship: The country’s largest girls’ basketball exposure event continues to choose Louisville—and specifically our facilities—to host thousands of young athletes, their families, coaches, and recruiters at KEC & KICC.

Mid-America Trucking Show: Recognized as the largest and longest-running annual heavy-duty trucking event in the world, MATS continues to call the Kentucky Exposition Center home. Its consistent success—both in attendance and economic impact—speaks to the unmatched scale and versatility KEC provides.

National Farm Machinery Show and Championship Tractor Pull sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America: The largest indoor farm show in the country, proudly produced by Kentucky Venues, brings the latest in ag equipment, services, and technology together. Filling up 1.2 million square feet alongside the longest-running indoor tractor pull, which invites nearly 200 of the nation's top drivers to compete on Kentucky Crider soil.

Equip Exposition: Already the biggest outdoor hardscape and landscape show in the country, Equip Exposition broke records last year with more than 27,000 attendees. In 2025, they’ll once again utilize both indoor and outdoor space at KEC to accommodate even more exhibits and demonstrations.

Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life: Two of the nation’s most celebrated back-to-back music festivals come together, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans over two consecutive weekends. Bourbon & Beyond showcases Kentucky’s signature spirit with world-class culinary offerings, while Louder Than Life rocks the city with top-tier metal and hard rock headliners. Together, they deliver an unforgettable cultural experience and underscore Kentucky's reputation as a premier festival destination.

The Utility Expo: Following a record-breaking event in 2023, which brought in over 21,000 attendees, The Utility Expo returns to KEC’s vast exhibit spaces in 2025. Recently honored as the #3 trade show in the Top 100 by Trade Show Executive, it’s a testament to Louisville’s capacity for hosting world-class gatherings.

Other Top 14 events by economic impact at our properties include: NASP Eastern National Tournament, Kentucky State Fair & World's Championship Horse Show, North American International Livestock Exposition & Championship Rodeo, JVA World Challenge, TFN The Splash/National Championship, KIVA Adiddas Bluegrass Tournament, 56th Annual Street Rods Nationals. While not included in our listing, the 151st Kentucky Derby and Oaks utilize the Kentucky Exposition Center as its primary parking for derby-goers.

In addition to these top shows, the city will welcome hundreds of events and millions of guests.

Our Role in Louisville's Tourism Economy

According to the latest figures, Louisville accounts for 30% of Kentucky’s $13.8 billion tourism industry, and hospitality and tourism supports nearly 70,000 jobs in Jefferson County. As a major contributor to this thriving sector, Kentucky Venues is committed to delivering the space, services, and resources that keep local tourism growing.

By hosting these headline-grabbing events, the Kentucky Exposition Center and Kentucky International Convention Center not only bring significant revenue to the state but also spotlight Louisville as a must-visit destination. This visibility paves the way for future conventions, business gatherings, and sporting events that benefit the Commonwealth. 

Over $460 Million in Expansion & Renovation Projects on the Horizon

To ensure our facilities continue to exceed the expectations of visitors and event organizers, Kentucky Venues has committed to several expansion & renovation projects over the next several years. These projects, estimated to be over $460 million, will further modernize the Kentucky Exposition Center, offering improved attendee experiences, cutting-edge technology, and expanded flexibility for large-scale events. Read more about how $393 million of this $460 million expansion & renovation will be utilized within our Annual Report. These appropriations from the Kentucky General Assembly underscore the Commonwealth's commitment to maintaining Kentucky Venues’ world-class facilities.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for a year that will generate unparalleled excitement and economic momentum, Kentucky Venues is committed to doing what we do best: providing exceptional facilities, memorable experiences, and a hospitality-driven culture that leaves every attendee eager to return.

Stay tuned for more news on our upcoming renovations and for additional updates on the 2025 calendar. We can’t wait to welcome you to Kentucky Venues—and to another historic year for Louisville. 

For more information about our properties and agency, please visit:

Kentucky Venues | Kentucky Exposition Center | Kentucky International Convention Center