School’s out, the sunscreen is flowing, and Owensboro families are officially in summer mode. From splash pads and storytimes to fireworks, festivals, camps, concerts, and road trips, this guide is packed with ways to make the most of every sunny day.
Whether your family loves live music, outdoor adventures, creative camps, or low-cost fun close to home, consider this your go-to roadmap for summer 2026.
The BIG Summer Events
ROMP Festival
Where: Yellow Creek Park
When: June 24-27
This June, ROMP Festival will return to Owensboro for its 23rd year of music and memorable fun! Held at Yellow Creek Park, the festival is nestled in the rolling hills of the 150 acre spacious grounds. Most notable to the park are the serene surroundings, complete with a small lake for fishing, beautiful nature trails, and a rustic pioneer village.
Aside from the very best in bluegrass music ROMP offers a plethora of other activities for the whole family. Families can enjoy free events daily throughout the duration of the festival. Unique interactive musical workshops, local food trucks, craft vendors, and Kentucky Proud products highlight the three day long event.
ROMP offers free admission to kids 12 and under and is a family-friendly festival, so there is much to see and explore. The park’s splash pad is always a hit during the warm summer temps, and kids can also investigate the inclusive “ROMP Kids Zone.”
The “Kid Zone” is equipped with daily entertainment and fun for children of all ages! This year the area will feature a live banjo demo and workshop where children are invited to “build their own” afterwards. Children’s yoga is set to fully engage youngsters in movement and fun! There will also be harmonica and kazoo lessons available from Art the Dude complete with a free instrument. This year a children’s songwriting workshop will also be offered, led by Rebecca Samples David, from “The Children’s Melody Garden.”
Kids Zone will be cleverly disguised as “Hoot Owl Holler,” celebrating the culture and pride of Kentucky, providing crafts like “My Old Kentucky Home, Mosaics” and “Groovy Paper” lanterns. In addition to these fun activities festival friends can also paint, create, and listen to an interactive story about the father of bluegrass Bill Monore, receiving a free train whistle to make a high lonesome sound!
ROMP is the perfect time to camp with your family since the festival offers family-friendly campsites with quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Kids Zone is open Thursday – Saturday 8 a.m to 2 p.m.
Daviess County Lions Club Fair
Where: Daviess County Fairgrounds
When: July 15-18
Cost: Ages 5-12 $10, Adults $15,
Under 5 Free; Parking $5
The Daviess County Lions Club Fair is back and bigger than ever, continuing a summer tradition that has been bringing families together for more than 50 years. This year’s fair features live music, exciting carnival rides, delicious fair food and food trucks, a huge petting zoo, pony rides, and crowd favorites like TNT Truck & Tractor Pulls, Full Throttle Monster Trucks, motocross, Garden & Mini Tractor Pulls, and Kids & Adults Pedal Tractor Pulls.
Families can also enjoy laser tag, craft vendors, agricultural exhibits, 4-H and FFA displays, livestock shows, and plenty of classic fair fun throughout the week.
Bring the whole family and experience one of the area’s most beloved summer traditions.
PorchFest OBKY
Where: Griffith Avenue
When: June 13 • Cost: Free
This unique neighborhood music festival transforms front porches into concert stages, creating an all-day summer block party atmosphere. Families can stroll Griffith Avenue, discover local musicians, enjoy food trucks, dance in the street, and soak in one of Owensboro’s most community-centered events.
Lavender Fest
Where: Trunnell’s Farm Market
When: Select Dates June 12-28
Cost: Admission starts at $17.99 online.
Families can stroll through blooming lavender fields while enjoying baby animals, gem mining, bunny encounters, parakeets, and optional u-pick lavender experiences.
Rubber Duck Days
Where: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
Santa Claus, Indiana
When: June 8-21
Waddle on over for some silly summer fun during Rubber Duck Days at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. This family-friendly festival features the World’s Largest Rubber Duck towering more than 60 feet above Splashin’ Safari — plus her adorable 10-foot-tall sidekick, Timmy.
Families can snap photos, enjoy themed activities, and experience all the rides, water attractions, and summer fun Holiday World is known for while celebrating the park’s quacky side. You won’t BILLieve your eyes!
Dust Bowl
Where: Kendall-Perkins Park
When: July 17-25 • Cost: Free
More than just a basketball tournament, the Dust Bowl has become a summertime tradition and gathering place for the community. Nightly games, music, vendors, concessions, and a festival-like atmosphere make it a favorite event for families, teens, and longtime Owensboro residents alike.
Firefly Festival: Know & Glow
Where: Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
When: June 2 • Cost: Free
Explore the gardens after dark while learning about fireflies through glowing activities and educational experiences perfect for nature-loving families.
Dazzling Daylilies Festival
Where: Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
When: June 20
Cost: All Garden Members and all kids under 18 are free, All other adults are $5 each
Celebrate colorful summer blooms with family-friendly garden activities and seasonal beauty.
Juneteenth on the Ohio River
Where: English Park • When: June 20
Cost: Free
Celebrate culture, music, food, and community with live entertainment, vendors, exhibits, and family activities along the riverfront.
Vette Lovers Car Show
Where: Yellow Creek Park
When: July 18 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Families can check out classic and modern vehicles while enjoying food vendors, giveaways, and awards throughout the day.
Gala Day
Hosted by: Dugan Best Neighborhood Alliance
Where: Dugan Best Park
When: July 11 • Cost: Free
A neighborhood celebration featuring music, free food, inflatables, giveaways, bike prizes, and family activities.
Longest Day of Play
Hosted by: Audubon Bon Harbor Neighborhood Alliance
Where: Thompson Berry Park
When: June 20 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Cost: Free
Families can enjoy inflatables, mini golf, balloon artists, games, food, and community booths during this fun-filled afternoon celebration.
All-American Fourth of July Celebration
Where: Downtown Owensboro Riverfront
When: July 3-4 • Cost: Free
Owensboro’s biggest Independence Day celebration features live music, inflatables, games, food vendors, a downtown drone show, and one of the region’s largest fireworks displays. Families can spend the entire evening along the riverfront enjoying entertainment and patriotic fun.
Don’t miss 4th Fest at the Owensboro Convention Center, offering inflatables, games, and other family-friendly attractions with free admission.
Fireworks will launch from multiple locations across Owensboro, including Downtown Riverfront, Southern Little League Fields, Owensboro Sportscenter/Moreland Park, Owensboro Warehouse Leasing (former GE plant).
German American 250 Fireworks Festival
Where: Yellow Creek Park
When: July 3 from 5-9 p.m. • Cost: Free
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with live music, foam parties, food trucks, family activities, and fireworks. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of summer fun under the stars.
Owensboro Multicultural Festival
Where: First Presbyterian Church Lawn
When: August 15 • Cost: Free
Celebrate the cultures that make Owensboro unique through international food, music, art, performances, and community connection.
Take a Kid Fishing
Where: Panther Creek Park
When: June 6 • Cost: Free
Kids can fish during Kentucky’s Free Fishing Weekend while enjoying lunch, prizes, and outdoor fun. Limited fishing supplies are available.
Take a Kid Outdoors
Where: Mattingly Target Shooting Range
When: August 22 • Cost: Free
Young outdoor enthusiasts can safely explore archery, BB guns, shotgun stations, wildlife education, and outdoor skills with trained supervision.
Monarch Day
Where: Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
When: August 29 • Cost: Free
Celebrate the beauty and importance of monarch butterflies during this family-friendly day at the garden. Families can enjoy educational activities, nature exploration, butterfly-themed crafts, and interactive experiences focused on pollinators and the monarch migration journey.
Weekly family Fun
DCPL Tales Around Town Storytime
When: Fridays at 10:30 a.m. • Cost: Free
The Daviess County Public Library takes storytime on the road this summer, giving families a chance to enjoy stories and explore local attractions for free.
Schedule Includes:
May 29 — Owensboro Fire Department Training Center
June 5 — Reid’s Orchard
June 12 — Panther Creek Park
June 26 — Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
July 10 — Cecil Farms
July 17 — Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
July 24 — Owensboro Museum of Science & History
July 31 — Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Families attending the official library program also receive complimentary admission to participating attractions.
Midweek at the Malco Family Films
Where: Owensboro Cinema Grill
When: Wednesdays June 3-July 29 at 10 a.m.
Families can enjoy classic animated favorites and newer family hits all summer long for just $3 per ticket plus tax.
2026 Movie Schedule:
June 3 — Boss Baby
June 10 — Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
June 17 — Dog Man
June 24 — Over the Hedge
July 1 — Trolls: World Tour
July 8 — The Bad Guys
July 15 — Kung Fu Panda
July 22 — The Bad Guys 2
July 29 — The Croods
Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market
Where: 1205 Triplett St, Owensboro
When: Tuesdays & Saturdays from 8 a.m.-Noon; Thursdays from 4-7 p.m.
Looking for a fun and easy family outing this summer? Add the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market to your family’s summer road map. More than just a place to shop for fresh produce, the market has become a weekly gathering spot where families can enjoy live music, hands-on kids activities, local food, and community events all summer long.
Children can participate in POP Club activities, 4-H experiences, library storytimes, gardening workshops, and seasonal celebrations while parents browse fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, flowers, meats, jams, and handmade local products.
Food Truck Festival
Where: Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market • 1205 Triplett St.
When: June 20 from 5-7 p.m.
One of the market’s biggest summer events, the Food Truck Festival features local food trucks, live music from Gavin Vollman, and a fun evening atmosphere perfect for families looking to kick off Father’s Day weekend together. It’s the perfect summer “pit stop” for families looking to slow down, support local businesses, and spend time together in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
4-H & Extension Fun
Where: Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market • 1205 Triplett St.
Families can add hands-on learning and farm fun to their summer visits at the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market thanks to special programming from the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service, 4-H, and the Green River Area Extension Master Gardener Association.
4-H at the Market
Select Saturdays at the Kids’ Activity Center
Kids can explore agriculture, food, and science through fun themed activities throughout the season.
Featured Summer Activities:
June 13 — National Dairy Month: Make Butter
June 27 — National Dairy Month: Where Does My Milk Come From?
July 18 — National Corn Month: Corn Pit
August 1 — Parts of a Sunflower with Trail Mix
August 15 — Bugs in the Stream
September 19 — Erupting Pumpkins
POP Club: Power of Produce
Tuesdays & Thursdays in June and July
The POP Club encourages healthy eating and local agriculture through weekly hands-on activities and food samples related to seasonal produce. Participants ages 3 and up receive $5 in market bucks to spend on fresh produce, meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and more after participating.
Families can sign up at the POP Club cart during the first week of June or July.
Master Gardener Youth Projects
Select Saturdays
Kids can also participate in creative nature-themed projects hosted by the Green River Area Extension Master Gardener Association.
Featured Activities:
June 27 — Nature Suncatchers
July 25 — Potato Butterfly Printing
August 29 — Leaf Rubbings
LIVE on the Banks
Where: Smothers Park Riverfront
When: Saturdays from 7-9 p.m. • Cost: Free
This free concert series transforms the riverfront into a lively summer hangout with local bands, bluegrass, rock, jazz, and community favorites performing all season long.
Sunday Family Fun Day at The Lot
Where: The Lot Food Truck Park
900 E. 4th St.
When: Sundays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; food purchases optional.
Families can spend the afternoon enjoying food trucks, crafts, cornhole, board games, video games, TVs, and kid-friendly activities in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Games on the River
Where: Smothers Park Riverfront
When: Sundays through August 30
from Noon-8 p.m. • Cost: Free
Looking for an easy, low-key family outing? Games on the River turns the lawn beside the Shelton Memorial at Smothers Park into a giant outdoor game room every Sunday throughout the summer. Families can challenge each other to oversized versions of favorite games like Connect Four, Jenga, checkers, cornhole, and more while enjoying the riverfront atmosphere. It’s the perfect addition to a downtown afternoon — pair it with lunch, spray park time, or an evening concert for a full day of family fun.
Splash into Summer
Combest & Cravens Pools
Owensboro’s city pools are a summer staple for families looking to cool off and enjoy themed activities all season long. From discounted admission days to special celebrations and family swim events, there’s something happening at the pools throughout the summer.
Paddle & Play: Open Swim
Where: Cravens Pool
When: June 9-July 30; Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $8 admission includes one parent and up to two children. Additional children are $3 each.
Little swimmers ages 0-6 can enjoy the pool alongside a parent or guardian during this special morning swim time designed just for young children. It’s a fun and relaxed way for families to cool off, build water confidence, and enjoy summer mornings together.
Water Safety Day
Where: Combest Pool
When: June 15 from 9-11 a.m. Cost: Free
Families can enjoy free swim lessons, water safety demonstrations, giveaways, information booths, and supervised swim time while learning important water safety skills from city lifeguards and the Marlins Swim Team.
National Flip Flop Day
Where: Combest & Cravens Pools
When: June 19 • Cost: $4 admission.
Wear flip flops to the pool and receive discounted admission.
Let’s Flamingle: Paddle & Play
Where: Cravens Pool
When: June 11 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $8 admission includes one parent and up to two children. Additional children are $3 each.
A flamingo-themed morning featuring games, prizes, pink lemonade, themed treats, and water play for younger children and caregivers.
Under the Sea Adventure Paddle & Play
Where: Cravens Pool • When: July 9 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $8 includes one parent and up to two children.
Families can enjoy ocean-themed scavenger hunts, decorations, and special sea-themed treats during this preschool-friendly swim event.
Way-Back Wednesday
Where: Combest Pool • When: July 8 & 22
Cost: $2.50 admission
Travel back in time with 2010-style admission pricing.
Buy-One-Get-One Mondays
Where: Combest Pool • When: July 6, 13, 20 & 27
Families can take advantage of special BOGO admission deals throughout July.
National Ice Cream Day
Where: Combest & Cravens Pools • When: July 19
Celebrate summer with special buy-one-get-one ice cream treats during swim sessions.
Pirate Treasure Quest Paddle & Play
Where: Cravens Pool
When: July 23 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $8 admission includes one parent and up to two children. Additional children are $3 each.
Kids can search for hidden gold coins, play pirate-themed games, and receive inflatable pirate sword giveaways while supplies last.
National Parents Day
Where: Combest & Cravens Pools
When: July 26 • Cost: Free for parents
Parents receive free admission in appreciation for all they do.
Creative Kids
Arts Teach Kids Summer Camps
Where: RiverPark Center
These hands-on arts camps help kids build confidence, creativity, and friendships through theater, music, dance, storytelling, and performance experiences.
Rising Stars Camp
When: June 8-12 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: $165 (snacks and lunch included)
Young performers ages 6-9
explore acting, music, dance, theater crafts, and games inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Summer Theatre Academy
When: June 15-26 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $340 (snacks and lunch included)
Students ages 10-18 dive into acting, music, dance, stage combat, and production design while preparing a performance of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.
Imagination Camp
When: July 27-31 from 9 a.m.-Noon
Cost: $80
Children ages 7-10 explore books and character themes through storytelling, crafts, props, and costume-making activities.
Owensboro Museum of Fine Art Summer Art Camp
Where: Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
When: June 8-12 • Cost: Free
This free summer camp introduces children ages 6-15 to Kentucky history and culture through hands-on art projects taught by professional artists and educators. Daily themes include pop art-inspired flag art, Creative map making, Kentucky watercolor projects, quilt square storytelling, and mixed media artwork. Sessions are offered from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Johnson’s Dance Studio Summer Programs
Where: Johnson’s Dance Studio
Summer dance programming includes classes, workshops, and themed camps for dancers of all ages and experience levels.
Training the Stars of Tomorrow
When: June 15-July 15 • Cost: $155
Students explore ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and creative movement during a five-week summer session.
Intensive Workshops with Contemporary Techniques
When: June 15-July 15
Cost: $125 weekly or $450 for all five weeks
Intermediate and advanced dancers can train with professional instructors from across the country.
Aerial Dance Camp
When: June 29-July 2 • Cost: $100
Kids learn aerial dance skills using suspended fabrics.
Ages 6-9: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages 10 & up: 1:30-3 p.m.
Dancing Through Oz: Wiggle, Giggle & Pretend
When: June 22-26 and July 6-10 from 9 a.m.-Noon
Cost: $125
A Wicked-inspired camp featuring dance, dress-up, creative play, snacks, and performances.
K-Pop Stars Rhythm & Groove Camp
When: July 13-15 from 1:30-3 p.m.
Cost: $75
A high-energy camp featuring choreography, rhythm games, and dance combinations.
In My Sparkle Era Dance & Nutrition Camp
When: July 14 from 10 a.m.-Noon • Cost: $25
A Swiftie-inspired camp combining dance, healthy snacks, and themed activities.
Joy’s Cooking Classes Summer Little Chef Camp
Where: 3811 Highway 54 Unit 102
Kids can build kitchen confidence while learning to prepare homemade meals and desserts in this interactive cooking camp.
June Camp
When: June 23-25 at 5:30 p.m.
Menu highlights include boneless wings, tacos, queso, homemade pasta, and crème brûlée.
July Camp
When: July 21-23 at 5:30 p.m.
Campers will make chicken tenders, pork chops, homemade pasta, and ice cream sundaes.
Theatre Workshop of Owensboro
Disney’s High School Musical
Where: The Empress Theater
When: June 25-28
Cost: Adults $21 | Ages 18 & under $11. Theatre Workshop of Owensboro brings the Disney Channel favorite to life with singing, dancing, and upbeat family entertainment.
For Little Explorers
Little Explorers’ Play Cafe
Where: 410 Southtown Blvd.
Little Explorers’ Play Cafe is an indoor play space designed especially for younger children, offering imaginative play areas, climbing spaces, sensory activities, and parent-friendly seating. Throughout the summer, the cafe hosts themed family events and daily activities that encourage creativity, social play, and hands-on learning.
Weekly Summer Activities
Make-It Mondays — Free craft projects
Wacky Wednesdays — Interactive kids activities
Throwback Thursdays — Discounted admission days
Freeze Pop Fridays — Free freeze pops for children
Kids in the Kitchen Storytime Events
Cost: $15 and includes all-day play.
Children enjoy a themed storytime before creating a snack inspired by the featured book.
A House for Hermit Crab
June 24 | 9 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Pete the Cat Screams for Ice Cream
July 13 | 9 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Owensboro Museum of Science & History Family Programs
Where: 122 E. 2nd St.
The Owensboro Museum of Science & History offers weekly educational programs and special camps designed to make science, movement, and sensory play fun for younger learners.
Sensory Mornings
When: First Tuesday of every month from 9-10 a.m.
Cost: Free with museum admission.
Families who prefer quieter environments can enjoy early museum access with reduced stimulation, sensory activity stations, and a calmer atmosphere.
Wonder Wednesday
When: Every Wednesday
Sessions at 11 a.m. & Noon
Cost: Free with museum admission.
Each session includes themed stories, crafts, hands-on activities, and interactive science experiments that encourage curiosity and exploration.
Tiny Tusks Yoga
When: Every Friday at 10 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free with museum admission.
This beginner-friendly yoga program introduces children to movement, mindfulness, and calming activities in a relaxed environment.
Beautiful Bugs Camp
When: June 16 from 10 a.m.-Noon
Cost: $10, $7.50 for museum members.
Children ages 5-11 can explore insects and discover how bugs move, eat, build, and help the environment through close-up science investigations and activities.
Wonderful Water Camp
When: June 18 from 10 a.m.-Noon
Cost: $10, $7.50 for museum members.
Designed for ages 11-14, this interactive science camp explores how water shapes the world through experiments and hands-on learning activities in partnership with Project WET and Kentucky Discoveries of Water.
Columbo’s 60th Birthday Party
When: July 11 from 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $7.50 per child; $5 for members.
Celebrate the museum’s beloved mammoth mascot with cupcakes, dancing, party favors, disco fun, and family photo opportunities.
DCPL Summer Reading Program: A Galaxy of Stories
Where: Daviess County Public Library
When: Through July 31
The Daviess County Public Library’s summer reading program encourages kids and families to keep reading all summer long through prizes, activities, performances, crafts, and themed learning experiences. Children earn entries into weekly and grand prize drawings by logging reading hours and attending library programs. Registration prizes are available for all children who sign up, and readers who complete milestone goals receive additional rewards. Families can register through the Beanstack app or online.
Featured DCPL Summer Events
Cost: All DCPL programs are free
Hole in Fun with Holes2Go
When: June 3 from 2-5 p.m.
Families can enjoy miniature golf, bubbles, and chalk activities in the library garden.
Balloon Stamping Solar System
When: June 10 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. or 4 p.m.
Children create galaxy-inspired artwork using balloons and paint.
Disney Karaoke Party
When: June 17 from 2-4 p.m.
Sing favorite Disney songs, complete crafts, and meet special character guests.
Edible Earth
When: June 24 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. or 4 p.m.
Kids create edible models of Earth while learning about the planet’s layers.
Adopt an Alien
When: July 1 at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m.
Create a mini alien pet in a jar complete with a passport and themed accessories.
Light Up the Night Campout
When: July 8 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. or 4 p.m.
Enjoy campfire songs, camping-themed stories, and flashlight projector crafts.
Toy Story Party
When: July 15 from 2-4 p.m.
Families can make Forky crafts, create potato heads, and meet Toy Story characters.
Alien Bath Bombs
When: July 22 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. or 4 p.m.
Children create bath bombs with
surprise alien toys hidden inside.
Unearth a Planet with Mr. Bond & the Science Guys
When: July 29 from 2 or 4 p.m.
Interactive science demonstrations help families explore Earth, space, and volcanic eruptions.
End of Summer Foam Party
When: July 31 from 2-4 p.m.
Celebrate the end of summer reading with Daniel’s Foam Party and prize pickups.
Stay Active this Summer
Owensboro Parks & Recreation Summer Programs
Owensboro Parks & Recreation offers a variety of summer programs that help kids stay active, build confidence, and learn new skills all season long. From ice skating and hockey to swim lessons and golf camps, these programs give children opportunities to stay engaged while having fun.
Ice Skating Classes
Where: The Edge Ice Center
The Edge Ice Center’s skating lesson program follows Ice Skating Industry (ISI) guidelines and offers instruction for all experience levels, from beginners to advanced skaters. Programs include recreational skating, figure skating, hockey, synchro, and ice dance. Skate rental and instruction are included in registration fees.
Session Dates:
June Session: June 1-23
July Session: July 6-28
Featured Programs & Costs:
Tots 1-2, Tots 3-4 & Pre-Alpha — $49
Alpha, Beta, Gamma & Delta — $47
Freestyle 1+ — $56
Synchro — $29
Ice Dance — $29
Learn to Play Hockey — $55
Learn-to-Swim Classes
Where: Combest Pool
Cost: $70
These American Red Cross-guided swim lessons are designed for beginners through experienced swimmers ages 5 and older. Classes include instruction, free swim time, two Edge Ice Center passes, and free Saturday swimming at Combest Pool. Semi-private lessons are also available.
Session Dates:
June 8-12, June 22-26, July 6-10
Times:
5 p.m. or 6 p.m. sessions available
Pre-School Aquatics
Where: Cravens Pool • Cost: $70
Designed for children ages 3-4, this playful water program helps young swimmers build confidence and basic water skills in a fun environment. Morning sessions include free admission to Thursday Paddle & Play Open Swim events, while evening classes include access to night swim sessions.
Session Dates:
June 1, 8, 15 & 22, July 6, 13, 20 & 27
Times:
Morning Session: 9:30 a.m.
Evening Session: 5 p.m.
Junior Golf Programs
Ben Hawes Golf Course
Young golfers can sharpen their skills this summer through instructional camps and Operation 36 Golf classes designed for ages 4-18. Programs focus on golf fundamentals, confidence-building, and on-course learning experiences.
Operation 36 Golf Instruction
When: June 24-August 12 • Cost: $225
A seven-week instructional series with small class sizes and scholarship opportunities available.
Junior Golf Camp
When: June 8-12 • Cost: $65 per child.
Ages 6-8: 8:30-9:45 a.m.
Ages 9 & Up: 10:15-11:30 a.m.
Parks & Rec FREE Day
When: July 17
Celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month with a full day of free family fun around Owensboro.
Free Activities Include:
›› Free public ice skating at The Edge Ice Center from 7-9:30 p.m.
›› Free public swim admission at Combest Pool & Cravens Pool from Noon-4:30 p.m.
›› Free greens fees at Ben Hawes Par-3 Golf Course
Traveling the world without Leaving OBKY
Who says you need a plane ticket to explore the world? Families can experience international cultures, foods, art, music, and traditions right here in Owensboro through local restaurants, museums, businesses, and attractions. Create your own “passport adventure” this summer by visiting these destinations around town and discovering a little piece of the world without ever leaving OBKY.
Japan
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
Families can stroll through the Takahashi Japanese Memorial Garden, a peaceful Japanese-inspired space featuring traditional design elements and serene landscaping tucked inside the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden.
Germany
Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
The museum’s stunning stained glass gallery features 16 late-19th century German stained glass windows created by internationally recognized German artist Emil Frei. Originally installed in St. Joseph Catholic Church, the windows are now displayed in towering light installations inside the museum.
Jamaica
Jamaican Yard Vibes
Experience the flavors of Jamaica through authentic Caribbean dishes served from both their restaurant and food truck. Families can enjoy jerk chicken, rice dishes, island flavors, and vibrant Jamaican culture throughout the summer.
Mexico
Real Hacienda, Taqueria La Bendición De Dios, Oscar’s, Papa Grande, El Camino Real
Owensboro’s Mexican restaurants offer families opportunities to experience authentic flavors, traditions, and dishes inspired by regions throughout Mexico. From tacos and street corn to handmade specialties, there are plenty of ways to explore Mexican culture locally.
West Africa
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Did you know the banjo traces its roots back to West Africa? Families visiting the Bluegrass Museum can learn how African musical traditions helped shape bluegrass music and American culture.
Vietnam
I Love Pho
Introduce kids to Vietnamese cuisine with comforting bowls of pho, spring rolls, noodle dishes, and flavorful traditional recipes.
Russia
Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market
One of the market’s beloved flower vendors shares her Russian heritage each week through beautiful floral displays and conversations with market visitors.
Italy
Magnolia Mercantile
Cool off with authentic gelato and Italian-inspired treats while enjoying one of downtown Owensboro’s sweetest summer stops.
Poland
Willow & Pine Market
Browse one of the area’s largest selections of colorful Polish pottery and learn about the handcrafted ceramic traditions that originated in Poland.
Philippines
Mangkok Cuisine
Families can explore Filipino comfort food through flavorful dishes that blend sweet, savory, and traditional island-inspired recipes.
International
Jolie Carre –
World Café
Jolie Carre brings globally inspired comfort food flavors together in one place, creating a menu influenced by cultures and cuisines from around the world.
Thailand
Thai Food Owensboro
Enjoy flavorful curries, noodle dishes, stir fry, and Thai-inspired favorites while introducing kids to new spices and international flavors.
India
Flavors of India
Food Truck
Families can explore Indian cuisine through dishes filled with bold spices, curries, naan bread, and flavorful street-food favorites.
Greece & the Mediterranean
Famous Bistro
Experience Mediterranean flavors through gyros, hummus, pita, rice bowls, and traditional Greek-inspired dishes.
Mongolia
Yummy Bowl
Families can build custom stir-fry bowls inspired by Mongolian barbecue traditions while choosing their own meats, vegetables, sauces, and noodles.
Europe
Niko’s Bakery
This beloved bakery offers European-inspired pastries, desserts, breads, and sweet treats perfect for a summer family outing.
Don’t Miss: Owensboro Multicultural Festival
August 15
Take your “passport adventure” even further at the Owensboro Multicultural Festival, where families can experience food, music, performances, art, and traditions from cultures around the world all in one place.