A Frankfort Tradition.
— since 1973, three days of free family fun under the Kentucky sun
Half a century of community.
The Capital Expo Festival has been bringing Frankfort together every June for over fifty years. What started in 1973 as a celebration of local artisans and downtown spirit has grown into one of Kentucky’s most beloved free festivals — three days packed with carnival rides, live music, hand-crafted goods, classic cars, hometown food, and the kind of small-town magic you can only find under the Kentucky sun.
Fifty years in the making.
The milestones that built this festival.
The first Capital Expo
Capital Expo opens its doors in downtown Frankfort, celebrating local artisans, food, and music. A festival made by the community, for the community — free to attend, then and now.
A summer tradition takes shape
Capital Expo grows into a fixture of Frankfort summers. The artisan tradition deepens, new entertainment is added each year, and generations of families start marking their calendars for the first weekend of June.
The festival expands
Crowd favorites like the Funnel Cake 3K Race, the Classic Car Show, and the Children’s Festival become permanent traditions. Cornhole and Expo Idol add even more reasons to come out all weekend long.
Hiatus & homecoming
The demolition of the Capital Plaza and the global pandemic put the festival on pause for several years — the longest break in its history. The community waited, and the planning never really stopped.
50th anniversary return
Capital Expo returns to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a new home at Lakeview Park and a renewed sense of purpose. The crowd shows up. The tradition is alive and well.
Three full days at Lakeview Park
Today’s Capital Expo runs three full days — bigger entertainment lineups, more food, more vendors, and a children’s festival built for the next generation of Frankfort kids. Free admission. Always.
Snapshots from the years.
Great Vendors!
Live music on the mainstage
Children's Festival Fun
The Best Festival Food Around
Fun For The Whole Family
Unique Arts & Crafts!
What you'll find here.
A little bit of everything — and a whole lot for everyone.
Artisans & Crafters
Primitive woodcrafts, pottery, jewelry, paintings, Kentucky Proud goods, and more.
Carnival Rides
Spinning, climbing, racing, lighting up the night — all weekend long.
Live Entertainment
Continuous music on the Lakeview Park mainstage from Thursday through Saturday.
Festival Food
Funnel cakes, BBQ, lemonade, kettle corn — every craving covered.
Funnel Cake 3K
Saturday morning's signature race — calories earned, calories returned.
Classic Car Show
Chrome, paint, horsepower, and stories — Friday evening at the park.
Children's Festival
Saturday morning fun built for the youngest Expo fans and their families.
Saturday Fireworks
The grand finale — bring a blanket, look up, and stay for the encore.
Join the
tradition.
The 2026 Capital Expo Festival runs June 3–6 at Lakeview Park. Free admission, free entertainment, and three days of memories waiting to be made.