A close up of J.D. Shelburne's hand strumming his guitar

Music

Home of Bluegrass
(and so much more)

The shimmer of an Appalachian dulcimer. The woody lilt of a fiddle. Even the burble of a mountain creek or the rhythmic clip-clop of a horse's hooves. Music knows no bounds in Kentucky. As the birthplace of bluegrass, Kentucky's impact on American music is profound, and our musical roots extend all around the Commonwealth – from Owensboro, home of “Father of Bluegrass” Bill Monroe, to the Country Music Highway, a tuneful stretch of Eastern Kentucky where more than a dozen country legends got their start. If you want to get to the soul of Kentucky, all you've got to do is open your ears.

Get the ultimate Kentucky music experience. Enjoy Kentucky's music by checking out our Spotify playlist, or explore the best of Kentucky’s music attractions below and start planning your trip today! 
 

Explore Kentucky Music Styles

Live Music in Kentucky

Music reverberates around Kentucky, from world-class theaters to front porch pickin’ sessions. The Kentucky Opry at the Mountain Arts Center, WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour at Lexington’s Lyric Theatre, and barnstorming performances at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center are musts for fans of classic country, bluegrass and Americana music. You’ll find plenty of rock, alternative and hip-hop at venues and clubs in cities like Louisville, Lexington and Newport. And Kentucky is home to some of the most renowned music festivals in the country, from Forecastle to the Festival of the Bluegrass

Explore Kentucky

Music Experiences

A large crowd in a darkened room watches a performer on stage at Headliners Music Hall in Louisville, Kentucky

Live Music

From national headliners to impromptu jam sessions, there's always live music in the air in Kentucky. See what's on stage during your visit.

An exterior shot of the glassy Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

This immersive museum is a can't-miss for music lovers, with one-of-a-kind exhibits, instrument demos and live concerts and events throughout the year.

An aerial shot of 4th Street Live district in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, lit up at night

Nightlife

Looking to head out on the town? Get your kicks at these great Kentucky night spots.

Kentucky's One-of-a-Kind Virtual Attractions
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