As August begins to wind down, there is still plenty of summer fun waiting for us across South Central Kentucky and beyond. This week offers everything from trivia and winery gatherings to local talent, live bands, and acoustic performances. It is the perfect time to enjoy one more warm-weather evening with friends, good food, a refreshing cocktail, and live local music.
This week’s calendar arrives during a sad moment for music lovers everywhere. Country music legend Dolly Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80. Her remarkable songwriting, unforgettable voice, generosity, warmth, and love of her Tennessee roots influenced generations of performers and fans. The music industry—and all of us who believe life is better with music—will miss her tremendously. Her songs and generous spirit will continue to inspire us for generations.
This week is also personally special because my husband, Timmy Gilpin, and I are celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary. I want to thank Timmy for encouraging me to start Musicwanderlust.com and for always being my biggest supporter. His encouragement helped me turn my love of music, travel, and our local communities into something I am proud to share each week. Happy anniversary, Timmy!
Small Town Big Heart Idol Takes the Spotlight
One of this week’s featured events is Small Town Big Heart Idol at Old Stables Sports Bar at Mammy’s Kitchen on Thursday evening. Local talent competitions are a wonderful way to discover new voices, cheer on performers, and celebrate the musical talent found right here in our communities. Head to Bardstown, support the contestants, and enjoy an evening filled with music and hometown spirit.
Wednesday, August 26
Brain Blast Trivia
Old Stables Sports Bar at Mammy’s Kitchen
116 W Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Gather your smartest friends and put your knowledge to the test during Brain Blast Trivia at Old Stables Sports Bar at Mammy’s Kitchen.
Bike & Jeep Night
McIntyre & Family Winery
585 McIntyre Lane, Bardstown, KY 40004
5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Enjoy a laid-back evening at McIntyre & Family Winery during Bike & Jeep Night. It is a great opportunity to admire the rides, visit with friends, and enjoy the winery atmosphere.
Thursday, August 27
Small Town Big Heart Idol
Old Stables Sports Bar at Mammy’s Kitchen
116 W Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Come out and support local talent during Small Town Big Heart Idol at Old Stables Sports Bar at Mammy’s Kitchen.
Ryan Raikes
King Jugg Brewing Company
11110 Lantern Road, Fishers, IN 46038
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ryan Raikes takes the music beyond Kentucky on Thursday evening with a performance at King Jugg Brewing Company in Fishers, Indiana.
Dylan West
Boondocks Bar & Grill
3850 Beachgrove Road, Shepherdsville, KY 40165
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Dylan West brings live music to Boondocks Bar & Grill in Shepherdsville for a four-hour Thursday-night performance.
Friday, August 28
Carl Stuck
Old Stables Sports Bar at Mammy’s Kitchen
116 W Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Start your Friday night with Carl Stuck at Old Stables Sports Bar at Mammy’s Kitchen in Bardstown.
Dylan West
3rd Street Tap House
112 N. Third Street, Bardstown, KY 40004
8:30 pm – 12:30 am
Dylan West keeps the music going late Friday night at 3rd Street Tap House in downtown Bardstown.
Ryan Raikes
Old Talbott Tavern
107 W Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Enjoy a Friday evening performance by Ryan Raikes inside one of Bardstown’s most historic venues, the Old Talbott Tavern.
Manic Sunday
Froggie’s Bar & Grill
115 Fairfield Hill Road, Bloomfield, KY 40008
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Manic Sunday brings Friday-night live music to Froggie’s Bar & Grill in Bloomfield.
Saturday, August 29
502 Bourbon Crew
Ernie’s Tavern
106 Taylorsville Road, Bloomfield, KY 40008
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Spend Saturday night with the 502 Bourbon Crew at Ernie’s Tavern in Bloomfield.
Dylan West
Mad Paddle Brewstillery
301 West Street, Madison, IN 47250
8:00 pm
Dylan West closes out this week’s calendar with a Saturday-night performance at Mad Paddle Brewstillery in Madison, Indiana.
Support Live Local Music
Every time you attend a performance, order dinner or a drink, tip a musician, and share an artist’s event, you help strengthen our local music community. These musicians and venues give us places to gather, celebrate, and create memories—and they deserve our support.
Please like and share Musicwanderlust.com posts, follow along on Facebook and Instagram, and visit the website regularly for more live music throughout South Central Kentucky and beyond.
Artists and venues that would like to be included on the Musicwanderlust.com Calendar of Events and featured in social media posts are encouraged to contact me. Current promotion is a labor of love for music and is offered at no cost to artists or venues.
