Events, concerts and other programs are making a strong return in Owensboro-Daviess County, and there are already plenty of things on the schedule in 2022. Here’s a list (it’s not all-encompassing, but a good start) of what to look forward to.
Concerts in Owensboro (throughout year)
The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum has several other concerts lined up to kick off the new year. Rodney Dillard starts things off in January; East Nash Grass, The Kody Norris Show, and Brennen Leigh headline a trio of February concerts; and We Banjo 3 and Rhonda Vincent will be here in March.
The RiverPark Center also has a handful of concerts lined up, including Lonestar in January, Aaron Lewis in February, the Red Hot Chili Pipers at RPC in March, Trace Adkins in April, One Fein Night featuring Michael Feinstein in May. Meanwhile, Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker will be at the Owensboro Sportscenter in March.
Broadway shows (throughout year)
For those looking for a theatre production, the RiverPark Center is expected to bring a few major Broadway shows to Owensboro: Hairspray on March 10, Waitress on April 11 and Jersey Boys on April 24.
Hops on the Ohio (March)
The RiverPark Center’s annual Hops on the Ohio is expected to return March 12. The event hosts local breweries and distilleries to offer a “4-hour tour” of local Kentucky brands.
Friday After 5 (Starting in May)
Under the direction of Fran Marseille, the 25th season of FA5 was a big success. From kicking off the season with the Baha Men to bringing in members of popular boy bands from the 1990s and 200s, last season was full of surprises. Expect more this year.
International Bar-B-Q Festival (May)
What’s going to happen to the traditional version of the International Bar-B-Q Festival? That’s the big question for this year. This year featured a scaled-down, one-day “Bar-B-Q Block Party 2021.” Attendance was already on the decline in recent years, so the smaller version may be something that sticks around.
PorchFest (June)
The outdoor music festival along Griffith Avenue continues to grow. This year more than 30 musicians and bands performed across 11 stages. Despite the heat, lawns and sidewalks were packed as people enjoyed the various styles of music. There’s no signs of slowing down this year.
ROMP (June)
The iconic bluegrass festival hosted by the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum will return to Yellow Creek Park this year, with the dates set for June 22-25. The initial lineup for has already been announced, including headliners Punch Brothers, The Del McCoury Band, and Rhiannon Giddens. ROMP will be held June 22-25 at Yellow Creek Park.
4th of July Fireworks (July)
Combining the multi-site format used in 2020 with the traditional downtown event for the annual fireworks show — along with some lighting special effects on the bridge — the 2021 show was deemed a success. Expect city officials to continue finding ways to make the riverfront celebration something the entire city can enjoy.
Daviess County Lions Club Fair (July)
Will it return? The fair was cancelled for the second straight year in 2021. Event organizers are hoping to return in 2022 for a “full-blown” fair.
Dust Bowl (July)
The Dust Bowl was cancelled in 2020, then altered to a shortened format in 2021. The response was largely positive to the changes. Officials said at the time it may be a permanent change, and could help boost participation for the annual event that brings people from all walks of life together for some high-octane basketball.
Apple Festival (October)
The 2021 festival was quite a success after having to take a one-year hiatus. Within a couple hours of the gates opening, the line of cars packed with families eager to return stretched for nearly a mile. Once inside, familiar sights and smells greeted an estimated 25,000 attendees.
Christmas Parade (November/December)
This year’s parade was altered then cancelled by the group that usually puts it on. Then the community stepped in to throw their own parade. Considering it was last-minute and loosely organized, the end result was impressive. It will be interesting to see how the parade planning unfolds this year.
