Mount Sterling, KY, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The historic Court Days Festival in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, will take place from October 18 to 21, attracting around 200,000 attendees and featuring over 500 vendors. The festival celebrates local culture with crafts, food, and activities, including a mullet competition and live music. Unique local businesses, such as Lighthouse Candles and Tomatoes & Flames, will participate, enhancing the community spirit. Families can enjoy free train rides during the event, making this a memorable experience for both residents and visitors.
Mt. Sterling is gearing up for its annual Court Days Festival, the oldest street festival in Kentucky, which will take place from October 18 to October 21. This event is expected to draw approximately 200,000 attendees and will feature over 500 vendors showcasing local goods, food, and crafts in downtown Mt. Sterling.
Originally established in 1794, the Court Days Festival has evolved from a simple gathering associated with the sessions of the circuit court into a vibrant marketplace for buying, selling, and trading. This rich tradition encourages community spirit and cultural exchange, positioning Mt. Sterling as a destination for both residents and visitors alike.
Among the diverse local businesses participating this year is Lighthouse Candles LLC, owned by Mechelle Romans. Less than a year in, Romans has introduced a selection of Kentucky-specific candle scents, including Kentucky butter rum, sweet tobacco, kettle corn, and Kentucky ginger ale, offered in a limited box set. Customers have the opportunity to create custom candles by selecting vessels and blending fragrances, enhancing their festival experience with a personal touch.
In addition, Tomatoes & Flames, a pizzeria run by Eric Arnold, will be part of the festival. Known for its fresh ingredients and popular margarita pizza, Arnold took over this establishment during the COVID pandemic, seizing the chance to give back to his hometown of Mt. Sterling.
Another notable local vendor is Oopsy Daisies, a children’s clothing store managed by Tracy Shrout, who will mark 20 years of business in January 2022 alongside her women’s clothing store, Riley Renee’s. The stores aim to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for festival visitors while showcasing downtown Mt. Sterling’s offerings.
The festival will also host the fifth annual mullet competition, featuring various categories for youth, teens, and adults. Scott Collard has been recognized as the winner of both the adult and overall categories this year. In addition to the competitions, festival-goers can enjoy live music performances across two stages, with a highlight being the band “Fenced In” scheduled to perform on Friday at 5:30 p.m.
For families, there will be free train rides available throughout downtown on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., making it easy for visitors to explore the festival and the local area. This combination of activities not only entertains attendees but also demonstrates the vibrant spirit and culture of Mt. Sterling.
The Court Days Festival is not just an event; it is a significant part of the community’s history and showcases the bond among residents, celebrating the lifestyle and products unique to this region of Kentucky.
FAQs
What dates does the Court Days Festival take place?
The festival will occur from October 18 to October 21.
How many vendors will be at the festival?
There will be over 500 vendors participating in the festival.
What activities are planned for children?
Children can enjoy free train rides available throughout downtown during the festival.
Is there a competition at the festival?
Yes, there is the fifth annual mullet competition with categories for youth, teens, and adults.
Key Features of the Court Days Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Dates | October 18 – October 21 |
| Expected Attendance | 200,000 |
| Number of Vendors | 500+ |
| Special Competition | Mullet Competition |
| Free Train Rides | Available October 19 & 20 |
| Live Music | Multiple artists on two stages |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
18-Year-Old Arrested for Shooting Incident in Lexington
Kentucky Judge Freezes Assets of Lexington Blue Amid Allegations
Lexington Celebrates 250 Years of Women’s Contributions
Additional Resources
- Lex 18: Spotlight on Mount Sterling
- Kentucky.com: Court Days Festival
- WBKR: Kentucky’s Oldest Festival
- Lex 18: Mt. Sterling Court Day Festival
- Wikipedia: Mt. Sterling, Kentucky
- Google Search: Court Days Festival Kentucky
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
