THE
SCHEDULE
Three days, packed with events.
Capital Expo Festival runs Thursday through Saturday, June 4-6, 2026 at Lakeview Park in Frankfort. Free admission all three days, every event.
WED
CARNIVAL NIGHT
JUN 3
Carnival + wristband night kickoff
THU
OPENING NIGHT
JUN 4
Expo Idol Finals headline the night
FRI
CARS & MUSIC
JUN 5
Live music plus Classic Car Show
SAT
FESTIVAL DAY
JUN 6
Race · Kids · Music · Cornhole · Fireworks
Carnival opening — preview night.
5:00 PM
Carnival Opens — Wednesday Preview Night
The carnival lights up Lakeview Park for an opening preview night. Rides only — main festival activities begin Thursday. Great chance to beat the weekend crowds and ride everything multiple times.
5:00–8:00 PM
Wednesday Only All-You-Can-Ride Wristbands on Sale
Get unlimited carnival rides for the night with an all-access wristband. Wristbands available at the gate during these hours only. Cash and card accepted.
Opening night, big stage energy.
3:00 PM
Festival Opens
Gates open at Lakeview Park. Wander the grounds, scope out the vendor booths, and grab dinner before the evening kicks off.
7:30 PM
Opening Ceremony
Official kickoff of the 2026 Capital Expo Festival. Welcome remarks from the board, sponsor recognition, and a community moment before Expo Idol takes the stage.
8:00 PM
Expo Idol Finals
The main event of opening night — central Kentucky’s best vocalists compete for the title of Expo Idol. Live performances, cash prizes, and an electric crowd.
Cars, music, & great company.
3:00 PM
Festival Opens
Day 2 begins. Festival grounds open with all vendors, concessions, and family activities running.
4:00 PM
Live Entertainment Begins
The mainstage comes alive with eight hours of live music running until midnight. Discocreep, Here For The Party w/ David Harrod, and Twist of Fate headline the Friday lineup.
5:00 PM
Classic Car Cruise-In
Three hours of chrome, hot rods, restorations, and muscle cars. Bring your show car or just wander the rows and admire the builds. Runs until 8 PM.
The big festival day.
9:00 AM
Funnel Cake 3K Race
Frankfort’s sweetest 3K. Run, walk, or jog 1.86 miles and earn a funnel cake at the finish. Race benefits We Wanna Play, Inc., supporting local student athletes.
10:00 AM
Children's Festival
Four hours of free, family-focused activities. Meet first responders, climb in a fire truck, make art, and pet a friendly dog. Runs until 2 PM.
12:00 PM
Festival Opens
All festival activities, vendors, food trucks, and carnival rides running for the full afternoon and evening. Free admission, all ages welcome.
12:00 PM
Live Entertainment Begins
Twelve hours of mainstage music. Stormin’ Rockwell opens, Hicktown Romeo and Bill May All-Stars headline the evening, and music runs until midnight with a post-fireworks set.
4:00 PM
Cornhole Tournament
2nd Annual Capital Expo Cornhole Tournament. $50 per team, bring your own partner, 3-game round robin into double-elim bracket. Benefits ACCESS Soup Kitchen.
10:00 PM
Fireworks Grand Finale
The big closing moment of Capital Expo weekend. Find a spot in the park, look up, and enjoy. Music continues afterward for the festival’s last hours.
Park information & tips.
Everything you need to plan your visit to Lakeview Park during Capital Expo weekend.
Parking
Free parking throughout Lakeview Park. Arrive early on Saturday for the best spots.
Accessibility
Paved paths, accessible restrooms, and stroller-friendly routes throughout the park.
Weather Policy
Most events run rain or shine. Severe weather updates posted to our Facebook page.
Frequently asked questions.
Yes — admission to Capital Expo Festival is free for all three days. Individual events like the Funnel Cake 3K (race registration) and Cornhole Tournament (team entry) have their own fees, but the festival itself is free to attend.
Free parking is available throughout Lakeview Park. The lots fill up quickly on Saturday — we recommend arriving 30+ minutes before the events you most want to see. Overflow parking is available in nearby fields when needed.
Most events continue rain or shine. Hancock Pavilion and other covered areas keep activities going during light weather. For severe weather, check our Facebook page the morning of the event for any schedule changes or cancellations.
Yes — multiple food vendors, carnival concessions, and beverage stands operate throughout the festival weekend. Look for funnel cakes, BBQ, fair food classics, ice cream, and more.
Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome at Lakeview Park during the festival. Pawsibility Unleashed brings friendly dogs to the Children’s Festival on Saturday. Please clean up after your pet.
Fireworks begin at 10:00 PM on Saturday June 6. Find a spot in the park around 9:30 PM. The show is the grand finale of Capital Expo weekend, so plan to stick around afterward for the last hours of the festival.
Yes — lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers are all welcome. Many attendees set up a spot near the pavilion for the day. You’re welcome to bring drinks for the family, though beverages are also available for purchase from vendors.
Visit our Sponsors page for sponsorship details, or email capitalexpoky@gmail.com to inquire about volunteering. We can always use helping hands at the Children’s Festival, the gate, parking, and various festival activities.