The Top 10 Events You Won’t Want to Miss in Owensboro in 2026

It's a brand new year and 2026 is going to be an exciting here in Owensboro, Kentucky. To get you ready for it, I have compiled a list of

This list includes some popular returning favorites here in town and a couple of brand new events that mark a unique opportunity for Owensboro to bring a touch of Hollywood to town.

LIP SYNC BATTLE

It's the single most popular fundraising event in this city and 2026 marks Puzzle Pieces' 9th Annual Lip Sync Battle. This year's event, like all of its predecessors, is nearly sold out and promises to be, as always, a celebration of diversity and inclusion. That's Lip Sync Battle's calling card and the reason why it remains so popular. It appeals to and serves virtually everyone. Consequently, once again, only standing-room-only and virtual tickets remain. Mary-Katherine and I proudly return to host and open the show and we're certain that Puzzle Pieces Executive Director Amanda Owen and her entire team are going to break their fundraising record this year. Oh, yeah! The show's going to be an amazing one too.

VICKI LAWRENCE & MAMA: A TWO-WOMAN SHOW

TV royalty is coming to downtown Owensboro. Vicki Lawrence, who starred in The Carol Burnett Show and Mama's Family, is bringing a side-splitting new show to the RiverPark Center. Vicki will perform half the show as herself, then she'll morph into her most beloved character- Thelma Harper. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 20th and get your tickets now!

THE WBKR WINDOW WORLD ST. JUDE RADIOTHON

Over the last twenty years, our annual WBKR St. Jude Radiothon has become a community-wide (Tristate-wide, really) celebration of support and survival. Townsquare Media's Kurt Johnson, who serves on the Country Cares Advisory Council, calls Owensboro's event "The Radiothon heard 'round the world." In addition to your chance to become a St. Jude Partner-in-Hope for just $19 a month, a centerpiece of the two-day, 26-hour event is the annual Angels for Ashley St. Jude Cookout at Shoe Stop at Wesleyan Park Plaza. Jerry Morris, his family, and team will once again be selling racks of ribs, Boston butts, and chickens with all proceeds benefiting the patients and families of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We'll also welcome hourly special guests to the studio (including fundraising machines Emily and Mark Shelton) and we're proud to announce brand new St. Jude partnerships with Take 10/Barrel Heads and Owensboro Racing & Gaming. So, save the dates- Thursday, February 5th and Friday, February 6th. #NoChildShouldDieInTheDawnOfLife

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OWENSBORO BURGER WEEK

Literally my favorite week of the year. There are two primary reasons why. 1) The burgers are delicious and the participating restaurants get the opportunity to showcase their creativity, craft, and staffs. 2) Owensboro Burger Week has become a celebration of community. It's impossible to log onto Facebook or Instagram during those nine days without seeing someone you know shoveling a burger into his/her face. That's what Owensboro Burger Week is all about. Everyone in this community is encouraged to participate and nearly everyone I know does. Get ready! March is just around the corner.

BBQ & BARRELS

Look! If you're one of those people saying, "I think we should bring back the BBQ Festival," you need to stop. Seriously! That festival hasn't gone anywhere. It's just be rebranded and, honestly, it's bigger and better than it's ever been. Sure, there aren't as many church teams- but that's not because of the event. It's because of the struggle of finding volunteers that many of those teams are faced with. But there's still PLENTY of food. BBQ & Barrels has also added some big name entertainment to the mix. Two years ago, country music star Chris Janson headlined a FREE community concert on the front lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center. In 2025, country legend Clay Walker and newcomer Drew Baldridge got the honors.

We're expecting big things for 2026 too. I, personally, can't wait for Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th.

PORCHFEST OBKY

A few years ago, Andy and Tamarra Brasher, who own Brasher's Lil' Nashville in downtown Owensboro, decided to take the music to the streets. More exactly, they took it to Griffith Avenue and rallied a dozen or so homeowners to turn their front porches into stages for local and regional musical acts. The result? PorchFest OBKY, which is coming up again on Saturday, June 13th, 2026.

In addition to being a celebration of great live music, it's also a celebration of community. You will see every walk of life at PorchFest OBKY celebrating music- one of the bonds that truly connect us all. The other? Food. Once, again, PorchFest OBKY expects a record number of food trucks and vendors.

DRAG BINGO

I emcee lots of fundraising events in this city. I mentioned above that none is as successful and as popular as Lip Sync Battle. However, there is a clear 2nd Place and it's this. Drag Bingo, which annually raises funds for New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services, sells to capacity every single year and that's due to few reasons. 1) Like Lip Sync Battle, Drag Bingo is a celebration of diversity that welcomes and honors everyone. 2) It's impossible to walk into the event space and not feel an overwhelming sense of love and belonging. 3) It features some of the best drag talent in the entire country.

And, get this. This year's cast (which will be formally announced soon) will feature Drag Bingo's first-ever internationally acclaimed cast member. As Swan De'Leone, who works for Matthew 25 in Henderson, says- Every time I leave Drag Bingo, I think 'Wow! That was here in Owensboro?'

ROMP

There's no doubt that the River of Music Party has become one of the most popular bluegrass music festivals in the United States. Honestly, it's popularity has crossed the pond too. Each year, guests from all over the United States (and some folks who travel internationally) descend upon Yellow Creek Park for four days of music from the some of the biggest names in bluegrass and country music. Past headliners include- Wynonna, Dierks Bentley, Old Crow Medicine Show, Steve Martin, and more.

ROMP isn't just music. It's camping, artists, food, fun, and fellowship. Every time I leave the grounds of ROMP, I just shake my head in disbelief that something this cool and inclusive is happening here in our own backyard. ROMP is simply irresistible.

THE OWENSBORO AIR SHOW

After a one-year hiatus, in which Owensboro introduced Illuminate to the riverfront, The Owensboro Air Show is back. This year's headliners will be the incredible U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Yes, The Owensboro Air Show is an expensive endeavor. But, from this local citizen's perspective, it's worth every tax dollar spent. By putting death-defying, aerobatic acts in the sky, The Owensboro Air Show puts thousands of spectators on the ground. I once commented to Mayor Tom Watson, "Tom, look around. Everyone in this town is here and they're all different." The Owensboro Air Show has mass appeal and it draws folks from surrounding communities as well. Go downtown September 11th through the 13th and you'll experience the dynamic I am talking about. Stop looking up for a moment and take a moment to look around you. You'll see the unique faces, races, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses that comprise the expansive fabric of this community. For me, that's just as mesmerizing as the planes.

TBA

I can give you the date. However, that's all I can give you. But mark it down. Saturday, September 26th, Owensboro is going to host a powerful night of conversation and you're invited. Trust me on this. If you're a fan of the stage, TV, and film, save the date! Then start counting down the minutes!