Kentucky Apple Festival
October 1st-3rd, 2026
Parade
Get parade details, entry information, and application forms to be part of one of the Kentucky Apple Festival’s most celebrated traditions.
Vendors
Showcase your products at one of Eastern Kentucky’s most beloved festivals. Apply today to be a non-food vendor and reserve your space.
Pageant
Find pageant details, important dates, and application information for the Miss Apple Blossom Pageant and related events.
Sowing Smiles Since 1963
Join us in downtown Paintsville for one of Eastern Kentucky’s most beloved annual celebrations. Held the first Saturday in October, the Kentucky Apple Festival has brought together community pride, family fun, local crafts, delicious food, and unforgettable entertainment since 1963.
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF FALL IN PAINTSVILLE
There’s nothing quite like autumn in Paintsville during the Kentucky Apple Festival. Enjoy delicious local food, handcrafted goods, live music, family-friendly fun, and the warm welcome of a community that knows how to celebrate. Whether you’re visiting for the day or making a weekend of it, this beloved tradition offers something special for every age.
MISS APPLE BLOSSOM PAGEANT
One of the most beloved traditions of the Kentucky Apple Festival, the Miss Apple Blossom Pageant celebrates poise, confidence, talent, and community spirit. Held as part of the festival’s exciting lineup of events, this longstanding pageant brings together contestants from across Kentucky for an evening of elegance, celebration, and hometown pride.
From Junior Miss to the crowning of Miss Apple Blossom, this special event has become a highlight of festival week, honoring young women who represent the grace, leadership, and heart of our region. Families, friends, and visitors are invited to join us as we celebrate the next generation of festival royalty in the heart of Paintsville
Lodging & Directions
From Lexington, KY (I-75/I-64) Approx. 125 miles @ about 2.5 hours
Take I-64 East toward Ashland, KY
Turn right onto Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway (Exit 98)
Near the 40 mile marker, bear left onto Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway EAST toward Prestonsburg
Once the parkway ends continue for about five miles then turn left onto US-460 toward Paintsville
US-460 intersects with KY-321, turn right onto KY-321 SOUTH
After just a few miles you will see the festivities on the left.
From London, KY (I-75) Approx. 115 miles @ about 2 hours & 15 minutes
Turn onto Daniel Boone Parkway EAST
When Daniel Boone Parkway ends, continue on KY-80
After about 90 miles, turn left onto US-23 NORTH
After about 12 miles, bear right and take off-ramp onto KY-460
Turn right onto KY-460 toward Paintsville
When KY-460 intersects KY-321, turn right.
After just a few miles you will see the festivities on the left.
From Knoxville, TN (I-75) Approx. 215 miles @ about 4 hours
Take I-75 NORTH toward Lexington, KY
After about 100 miles, take exit number 38 and turn onto KY 192 toward London
Follow the directions for London, KY (listed above)
From Bristol, VA/TN (US-23) Approx. 150 miles @ about 3 hours
Take US-23 North toward Jenkins, KY
After about 140 miles, turn right onto KY-460 toward Paintsville
When KY-460 intersects KY-321, turn right.
After just a few miles you will see the festivities on the left.
Ramada Inn & Conference Center Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-4242
800-951-4242
Days Inn 512 South May Trail
Paintsville, KY 41240
(606) 789-3551
800-329-7466
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park 75 Theatre Court
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
(606) 886-2711
800-325-0142
Comfort Suites 51 Hal Rogers Blvd.
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
(606) 886-2555
Super 8 550 US 23 South
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
(606) 886-3355