Central Kentucky's largest Oktoberfest Celebration

After much deliberation by the Board of Directors, Harrodsburg First Board Chairman Allen Goldie regrets to announce that Harrodsburg’s Oktoberfest has been cancelled for 2020 due to the Governor’s current restrictions and the uncertainty of future edicts pertaining to COVID-19.

Officials made the decision to shut the festival down for this year after weighing the CDC’s guidance for COVID-19 , the mask requirements and limitations on gatherings established by Governor Andy Beshear.  Discussions with health department officials led the Board to the conclusion that there is no economically feasible way to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus at what has become one of Central Kentucky’s largest street festivals - held in Historic Downtown Harrodsburg.

“We observed other local events that were approved, only to be told after a surge that they should not occur and determined that there is too much planning and financial outlay in an event of this magnitude to take the risk” said Goldie.  “We realize this action will only increase the loss of revenue experienced by our local businesses, but we simply cannot envision a scenario where our community could enjoy the festival atmosphere, while, at the same time adhere to social distancing and mask requirements at an event that features live music, good food and popular drinks.”  Oktoberfest draws tens of thousands of people to Harrodsburg every year for the free, three-day event. 

Goldie concludes, “Given the unprecedented global health crisis, we are confident that we are making the best decision to protect the public and all involved.  We look forward to celebrating Oktoberfest on Main Street in downtown Harrodsburg on October 8 – 10, 2021.  In the meantime, please take every opportunity to support our local businesses through this challenging time.”