The Kentucky Expo Center serves Louisville for a variety of events: state fair, school graduations, amusement parks, flea markets, concerts, car shows, industry and career events, horse shows, and much much more. Each wing has its own vibe and look, and each can hold several tables and attendees. The South Wing, while having been around for a long time, was built most recently. The last year we've continued to see construction at the Expo as their team builds what works for its clients. Parking has increased - $15 for the day, no reentry. If you have a Kentucky Kingdom pass it is included and always free. Always buy your state fair tickets in advance to avoid that cost as well. When visiting - make sure to take your picture at the fountain. If teaching a kid to drive, this is a great spot. My dad had me drive the circle many times, merging lanes and parking. Several hotels and restaurants can be found nearby if you're visiting from outside of Louisville. The Expo has several entrances; however, they may be selectively open depending on the schedule. read more

Kentucky Exposition Center - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

I enjoy going here for the events they hold, but parking is always $15 regardless of what it says online even if the event is free and the way they have it blocked off sometimes with the plant holders is confusing as to what lanes are one ways!! It's a bit overwhelming in my opinion! I had gone there recently for their flea market expo, and bought quite a few things! Unfortunately, there were in fact a lot of resellers and racist antique items, but I take it in as a museum and just walked around & observed. In the middle of it there were bins you can dig through like a little rat of Amazon returns & I got some craft items! animals were allowed in, but unfortunately there were a mess of foods on the floor from the bins, sampler stations such as fudge so be weary that your dog could possibly eat chocolate!!! The expo center is massive and I didn't try the food they were serving because I heard it was mid and didn't want to spend money on bland food, so maybe they could improve in that department! Overall, would still go for the excellent events held here and have enjoyed my time all the times I've gone. read more

I attended the Run 4 Roses Girls AAU Basketball tournament weekend in Louisville. Navigating my way to the Expo Center was easy. Once you're on the property, things become chaotic. The best entrance to use is Gate 1 which brings you to Freedom Way. Parking should not be so costly if we're paying almost $100 for weekend admission. Tag on $45 for a parking pass. The parking lot was a disaster. There was no one hired to direct traffic. I Thank God to have survived the weekend without a car accident. The parking lot is shared with Kentucky Kingdom to add to the chaos ! The venue itself was sufficient for this kind of massive sporting event. The bathrooms were clean, there were plenty of food vendors and the air conditioning kept us comfortable. I wish the center would consider hiring parking lot attendants and providing appropriate signage from the main roads. Do better. read more

See all

Visited for the home and garden show held January 9 to 11 and appreciated one-stop booths to gather info. Parking was a major pain and had narrow aisles, but frankly not sure how it could even be improved. read more

See all

If you're going to hold an event, Truck Show, don't take ALL the handicapped parking to park your items in that area. Seriously poor planning.... Even the person taking my $15 for parking laughed when I asked where the handicapped parking was. I'll never, ever, whichever is longer, return. read more

This complex is HUGE. It holds expo halls, an amusement park and an airport! I have never seen anything like. We attended a Flea Market that was great. They also had two graduations on the same day. Parking and in and out was challenging but wow. read more

We come up here every year for the Kentucky State Fair. This year I was able to bring my daughter up! This place is huge so even with the hustle and bustle of everything we were able to find some quiet spaces to decompress. There were plenty of parking spaces, bathrooms and water bottle refill areas which was great. I love that we can make this a tradition with her. read more

Kentucky Exposition Center - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This Expo center was massive they had so many vendors, there were tons of volleyball options not to mention great food. The parking was also reasonably priced at $12 a day only downfall was $15 for in and out. This place is a great place to have an event. read more

See all

The Kentucky exposition center is a large assembly hall located in what locals have called the fairgrounds for years. Located on the side of historic freedom hall and just across from Kentucky kingdom. It also connects to another historic arena called broad bent arena. Originally built in 1956 this impressive and continually renovated facility is the 6th largest facility type in the us with over 1.3 million inside square feet. It hosts many events for the area including most famously the yearly state fair. Lots of space for vendors, competitions, flea markets and whatever else you can think off. It's truly a sight to see how much they get in this building during the state fair. Dude to that I have very fond and fun memories here. I've also been to other vents here such as showcases for companies, the normal flea market and most recently my daughters cheer competition the Us finals. Overall it's a Great state of the art facility for the state of Kentucky and the city of Louisville. They have done a great job over the years of renovating and keeping the place modern and sleek looking. read more

See all

Great venue for sporting events, state fairs, and home shows. Ample bathrooms, parking and friendly staff make this a wise venue location. read more

Kentucky Exposition Center - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

We attended the 4-day Louder Than Life music festival. This was our first time so we were unsure of the layout/setup. As we were pulling up to the gate on day 1 we weren't exactly sure which entrance to use for festival parking. There was a bowling alley parking lot right next to the entrance offering parking for $25/day (the music fest had parking for $20/day) so we decided to parking at the bowling alley. The main reason was because they were allowed anyone in their lot to use the bathrooms inside as well as the bar/restaurant. Since we were tailgating for 3-4 hours each day, the bathrooms were an added bonus and well worth the additional $5/day! The walk from the parking lots to the fairgrounds was a bit of a hike so just be aware of that. The layout of the music fest was great. There were TONS of food vendors, lots of various tents to get out of the sun, and the stage setup was great. Day 1 of the concert was messy because of the torrential rains the days leading up to the festival. It was muddy and messy. But they spread gravel and hay overnight so day 2 was MUCH better. Kudos to the venue/promoters for that! The portable bathrooms were plentiful and there was never a wait. And they were cleaned each evening so I never experienced the dreaded "disgusting" bathroom. Overall it was a great experience! read more

See all

I typically do not like to leave a negative review, but I'm pretty upset. I purchased a one day parking pass for $12 to attend my sons tournament, of course paying $25 inside the door. That's fine. He asked if I could get him, subway, I said as long as I can go in and out no problem. I drove to the exit and saw ZERO signs about re-entry. When I was waiting in the parking line (which I will not was longer than when I got there a few hours earlier), I noticed a VERY SMALL electric sign that was also changing every few seconds w different information that did say $12 standard one day $15 in and out, I asked the attendant if I could pay the difference of 3$ and be able to go in and out (so $15 total). NOPE. Checked w "the office" - NOPE. I am so disappointed that the signage wasn't more clear, it wasn't made clear when I made the initial purchase and that they could not allow u to pay the difference. Had to pay an additional $12 for another pass or $15 for an in and out. AWFUL CUSTOMER POLICY. It's not like I was trying to avoid paying. It's not like I was asking for a special favor since it wasn't clear. I was asking to change my pass (and pay) for the in and out and was told no "because of everything going on." Whatever that means. What? People are stealing? Illegally parking!? I am a rule follower and will pay the necessary fee but there needs to be better signs. Overall so expensive, food choices overpriced and not great, bathrooms not clean. What in the world are the doing will all that $$$$ they take in??? read more

Just went to get my early vote in. We was in and out. People was practicing safe distancing. Booth was being wiped after every use. They had hand sanitation and masks was mandatory. Make sure to flip the ballot over. There's questions on the back. read more

See all

The big issue here is the price gouge for parking. But I have to imagine that is the way the venue makes their money. This is a huge facility, with loads of room for all sorts of different kinds of events. read more

Not a bad facility for events, but be forewarned, they charge for internet. Cell service inside isn't bad, but you're not getting 5G deep inside. read more

Nice place that holds many events for fun and family events. I have been her numerous times for conferences and events. It is large and clean with many rooms for different events. My family and I went today for an event for Jurassic quest dinosaur adventures. We had a great time and the exposition center is a good place for it. Parking is not fun because it's 10 bucks but it is what it is read more

See all

Attended my first event during the Boat Show. I was impressed with how the event was run and the facility. I have been to event venues all over the country and this one has the traffic flow figured out. The venue was clean and well-staffed. I enjoyed the venue. read more

Logistically a great space with great visibility, easy access in, and well-marked so you know where you're going and where you parked. The inside spaces were updated and clean and didn't smell old or musty, which you might expect by the looks of the exterior. The bad part was, we were there for over three hours and there was NO food or drink to be had. We were so hungry when we left. The other bad part was getting out of the parking lot! We literally didn't budge for 25 minutes. After that, we only budged when my driving got super aggressive! There HAS to be more than one way out of this place! If there's not, create one. And add more people to direct traffic read more

We enjoy going to The Kentucky Flea Market events by Stewart Promotions at this venue. The Christmas Gift and Decor show is something we wait for all year. We have returned for the New Years and Labor Day flea markets as well. Nice large space and very organized allowing easy mobility/accesibility. We appreciate the ample places to sit as well. We also really enjoy bringing along our small dogs in their stroller and appreciate this is an option. read more

See all

Another basketball tournament that is focused on GREED!! Crappy service for food crappy selection only one or two spots open parking is ridiculous and over the top. They want to charge you if you try to leave... 75 $50 to park and then they don't even treat you well by providing you with good service spending all this money and they can't even have more than one concession stand open. It's been 80 minutes waiting in line for a goddamn soft pretzel. read more

I really enjoyed the annual state fair at Kentucky Exposition Center. They had music concerts, games, various kind of food stalls, horse shows and many more. They also had animal shows and those were fantastic. It was crowded and everyone was having so much fun there. The facility is very large and spacious. read more

See all

We come here for work things two or three times a year, and I come here sometimes on personal business. I am always a little unclear about where I am supposed to go while I'm here but the people who work here are really nice about giving you directions. Loads of cool and interesting things happen here so it's a place to keep your eye on. Compared to other Expo Centers I've been to this one is clean but not well organized. You don't really have a choice but to come here for the events they feature but if I were planning an exposition or needed an event space I wouldn't AUTOMATICALLY pick this place. read more

Vending machines ripped me off. The sodas are $4 a bottle and it charged my card 4 times wouldn't let me cancel and didn't work so I didn't get any soda and I got charged $24. read more

Huge facility but they're not rideshare friendly. If you need to get an Uber or Lyft, they make you walk a mile from any of the expo entrances to the pickup area over by the amusement park. read more

Walking with the Dinosaurs came to town last weekend. I swore that I wasn't going to spend any money for a month.My future paleontologist deserved to see the best current artistry had to offer.We were not disappointed. The actor playing the paleontologist could have done a better job but the stars were the dinosaurs.The mechanical ones driven and the actors dressed as smaller creatures were effective.Mister was fascinated by the way they produced the colorful flora of the era. The dinosaurs are the true stars of the show!The35' tall Brachiosaurus was mesmerizing momma T-Rex frightening, and baby T-Rex humorous. The show costs as much as a theatrical production,but for your child's entertainment and education, it is money well spent.Mister enjoyed it and I'm sure a certain Messiah would like it as well. read more

See all

I like the Expo Center. I usually only come here if there is an event going on, like the Kentucky State Fair or the Flea Market. Yes, it is huuuuuugge and very easy to get lost in. Usually we just wander around until we find where we need to be. But since it is so big there is quite a lot you can do here during events, including seeing animals, going through hundreds of vendors, and even seeing some contests going on. read more

I wish this facility was in Detroit! A great layout, a nice facility overall. I enjoy my annual visit for the Mid America Truck Show. It has plenty of parking, the staffing is always superb. The food and beverage vendors charge a bit too much, but then I have come to expect that at any stadium - coliseum location I visit. $8 bucks for parking is right in line with other locations with the same offerings. Overall, a great place to visit. read more

The Kentucky Exposition Center is without a doubt one of the best and biggest entertainment facilities around, it's also one of the most aggravating and confused places to visit. I've been going there for over 50 years and every time I go something is new. Let's start with the old Freedom Hall, which is used occasionally for anything from a tractor pull to the first class horse show during the fair. The facility is old and needs a lot of attention from the seats to the concessions it's obvious there is no game plan. If you are going to use the place at least keep it clean, upon entering the seating area we passed several very large cockroaches trying to get inside as well? Should I even consider buying popcorn? But the sentimental attachment still remains. I saw the many great basketball games played in that building, I watched our first professional basketball team play there. Then the old Cardinal Stadium still stands there with windows broken and stuff piled everywhere, what a shame! I watched the first triple A baseball team start in that facility, now it's used for free concerts during the fair, sad. And parking? It's a nightmare every time I visit. The only thing constant is the price to park, it constantly gets more expensive, and you have to walk forever to get to where you want to go? Then we add Kentucky Kingdom and the place is a madhouse. You are probably wandering why I gave it five stars, because it has withstood everything that is bad and is still a great attraction. Just be patient when arriving and don't get upset when you have to wait thirty minutes to park and walk. Maybe if they would focus on the bad we could all see just how good this facility really is. Right now it's a three ring circus just trying to survive! read more

Of all the convention and meeting facilities in the Kentuckiana area - perhaps even the nation - this place is the biggest dump and uncared-for of them all. It's dirty, disorganized and the staff could careless about reversing this trend. No wonder the leadership at this facility has been a virtual ferris wheel for the past several years. And who actually suffers for this? The city and nearby businesses in the area. Lost tax revenue and a plummeting reputation that is pretty well known by now. Hey Governor, isn't it time to clean house here and get a real staff who will turn this property around? read more

See all

This place is old and needs a complete renovation. What a disappointment. The bleachers are falling apart and there isn't enough seating for spectators. read more

A great exposition facility that can accommodate nearly any type of convention, performance, rodeo, flea market... the list goes on and on. The facility's original focus was the state fair. Though the state fair is still probably the biggest event, especially for those 11 days in August, the focus has shifted to the convention and exposition business. For the state fair, is provides more indoor, air-conditioned square footage than any other state fair in the country (as of this writing). It's a huge place providing a lot of Class A expo space (bright lights, high ceilings, and few columns). There also a lot of older spaces at the facility which provides areas where an expo can get a little dirty if it needs to. There are three stadiums here as well. This place can handle it all. The places was built in the 50s with major renovations and expansions in nearly each decade. It has kept up with the times, but navigating can be a little convoluted as the layout was obviously not a single vision when originally designed. They have done a decent job, though. THE BAD: I have removed a 5th star because of the issue of... parking. If you live in Louisville... you already know. Different traffic flows and patterns have been used over the years. None have really worked that well. If you are going to an all-day event, it won't be horrible. If you are going to an event that starts at a certain time (show, concert, etc.)... go early! It is quick common for traffic to back up onto interstate ramps and move less than a snail's pace. Getting out can be almost as bad, though maybe a little faster. Parking lots are scattered all over. Most of the time, I usually end up in a lot that is nowhere near the part of the facility where I want to go. Sometimes, I have shelled our the parking fee and ended up in a muddy, grassy, auxiliary lot... never happy about that. The parking is not always this bad, but be warned... it can easily be! Other than the parking, I consider this place to be a world class exposition facility. read more

See all

I've visited the Kentucky Expo Center numerous times for several different occasions, such as comedy shows, concerts, flea markets and of course the Kentucky State Fair, and I'm just really not impressed by this facility. The parking is $8.00 and much steeper for R.V.s and large trucks, and the representatives at the gate offer very little assistance with directions or parking instructions, so needless to say its not a very warm welcome. The facility is fairly clean, if not outdated and a little rundown, with harsh fluorescent lights that are somehow still very dim. The Kentucky Expo Center hosts a variety of excellent shows, concerts, equine/livestock events (those are always fun!), comedy shows, etc, and those are always pretty well put together, but again, the staff is not always helpful, but its hard to blame them considering that there are so few. With all that being said I'd like to focus on the two events I come here most often for: flea market and the Kentucky State Fair. The Kentucky State Fair is expensive, from the parking, the admission, the food, rides and events and to any knick-knacks that you may end up purchasing, you'll break the bank here. Its very crowded and always held on the hottest days of the year. With those exceptions, its actually quite fun, there are plenty of concerts, carnie games, small rides, and of course any food that you can imagine. I really enjoy the livestock shows and the cooking competitions that are usually held each year. My advice: wear sunscreen, come early. The Flea Market is just the worst. There is so much junk crammed into a space with up to 2500 vendors that the smell of old smoke and rotten fish or cheese is so strong that I immediately want to leave. Here you'll find 50 cent packs of Jello and $2 VHS tapes and I can promise you that any purchase comes with a free side of bed bugs. Less old junk, more homemade soaps/spray/bath bombs, more homemade pickled/jarred/preserved goodies, more jerkies/homemade or designed clothing/discounted handbags/luggage and WAAAY less boxes of exploded makeup, old bottles of shampoo, ceramic mermaids, VHS tapes, old pornos and kids on leashes. I felt like I needed to take an immediate shower when I left today. This isn't a flea market, its a peddler's mall, peddling wares from grandmas that are long deceased. Overall: Sure, see a concert or comedy show here, enjoy the cool equine shows and just make sure you come early for the Kentucky State Fair but please, do yourself a favor and catch the much more condensed and worthwhile Flea Off Market in NULU. Good location, close to hotels and the airport, easy to get to and from through expressways. read more

Went this weekend for Hot Rod Show and had a blast. I swear I was born in the wrong era for sure. So many nice cars to look at. The place was packed. We noticed the show on Saturday on our way to Kentucky Kingdom. Naturally we slowed down to see what was going on and why there were no hotel vacancies. We went on Sunday, as it was supposed to rain all day anyway. Show had indoor and outdoor space. There were so many cars to look at. Parking was on the outside for an additional fee. we got to bring our dog and walk around for a couple hours. Paid $15 each to get in. Lots of vendors and food set up. We walked around for about 3 hours and probably didn't see all the cars that were there. Lots of cars for sale. Inside they had a bunch of boutiques and random vendors set up, I assume for the wives while their husbands looked around outside. Lots to do, would love to go back next year. read more

Good place. Host many events a year. Like the Kentucky State fair amount others. Food options are limited inside like most fair or stadium food. Kinda expensive but u expect it. But it's clean, bath rooms are nice. Plus carry Coke o cola. They can have 3-4 differnt event going on at onse. But it's worth trying. Parking is $10 as well read more

Huge venue that can hold a lot of people. That's the only good thing! Was there for WSF cheerleading competition 12/4 &12/5/2021. Terrible! $5 new to park if you want to be able to leave and come back. Bathrooms were absolutely disgusting and I doubt that was from hundreds of girls! Floors were gross, toilets & sinks. I doubt they had been cleaned in weeks. The cafeteria had several vendors. No where as many as on past competitions. And the entire area smelled like a farm. Again, disgusting. Online it stated mandatory masks, yet it wasn't enforced. Everything was beyond expensive. I think Varsity Spirt should choose another venue in the future! read more

Time for the flea market. Really like this facility & all the different shows, but $8.00 to park is high. read more

This is a mixed review. I do NOT like paying the $8.00 to park knowing security is sparse. On top of the parking there is huge costs for food, example $3.00 for a small, plain hot dog. However, I do REALLY enjoy seeing the Kentucky Stickhorses. This is fun, reasonably priced entertainment for the whole family. Season passes are priced exceptionally well, but don't fret, because if you didn't purchase passes the owner runs specials for each game. The last 2 games of the season, I was able to purchase the special for a ticket for each game and get a t-shirt all for $20. They also ran a special on their clothing items, which was BOGO. Heck of a deal! I would definitely suggest for people to bring the family out, but remember the cost for parking too, or park at the bowling alley. Hopefully there will be a new venue next season. read more

I attended a robotics competition at this site for several years. The floor area is huge for events like a trade show or in this case a robotic event. The Freedom Hall is mid size space for shows and presentations. Uber and Lyft drop off and pick up is fairly well defined. read more

All I can say is this place need to staff the place to support the amount of attendees that they have.... especially the bathrooms.... Dirty, nasty and gross are they words that come to mind. read more

Would have rated higher but west wing needs renovation badly. Parking a little high at 10 but still cheaper than other large cities venues. Newer parts of expo center very nice. read more