Elizabethtown Seasonal Events & Festivals
Elizabethtown comes alive throughout the year with seasonal events, festivals, and community celebrations that bring residents together and showcase the city's small-town spirit. From summer fairs and fall festivals to holiday parades and farmers markets, there's always something happening in E-town. For newcomers — especially military families PCSing to the area — these events are one of the best ways to connect with the community and start feeling at home.
Top Picks
E-town Fair & Expo
The annual Hardin County Fair and Expo is a summer highlight, featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, live entertainment, food vendors, and all the small-town fair tradition you could ask for. It's a quintessential Kentucky summer experience and a great family outing.
Elizabethtown Christmas Parade
The annual Christmas parade through downtown is one of the city's most beloved traditions. Floats, marching bands, local organizations, and of course Santa Claus make their way down Main Street while the community gathers to kick off the holiday season. Arrive early for the best viewing spots.
Farmers Market
The Elizabethtown Farmers Market runs through the growing season, offering locally grown produce, baked goods, crafts, and artisan products. It's a Saturday morning tradition for many residents and a great way to connect with local growers and makers. Typically held in the downtown area.
Freeman Lake Events
Freeman Lake Park hosts various events throughout the year including fishing derbies, community picnics, outdoor concerts, and seasonal celebrations. The lakeside setting makes any event more special, and the park's facilities can accommodate gatherings of all sizes.
Fourth of July Celebrations
Elizabethtown's Independence Day celebrations typically include fireworks, community gatherings, and patriotic events. With a large military community nearby, the Fourth of July carries special significance in E-town. Local parks and community spaces host festivities throughout the day.
Downtown Events
The revitalized downtown hosts a growing calendar of events including art walks, live music nights, holiday open houses, and community gatherings. The downtown merchants association and tourism bureau coordinate events that bring people to Main Street throughout the year.
Fort Knox Events
Fort Knox hosts various events open to the public throughout the year, including the Otter Creek outdoor activities, holiday events, and community programs. Military families have access to additional on-post events and MWR-sponsored activities.
Tips for Newcomers
Follow the Elizabethtown Tourism & Convention Bureau and the City of Elizabethtown on social media for the most current event calendar. Many events are free and family-friendly. The PCS season (May-August) coincides with some of E-town's best outdoor events, giving newly arriving military families immediate opportunities to explore their new community. Bring lawn chairs and blankets to outdoor events — Kentuckians know how to settle in and enjoy.
Ready to join the E-town community? Find your perfect home with Elizabethtown's top-rated real estate agency — Compass and Key Group. Call (270) 735-3897.