2026 Big Anniversaries
- America 250 Kentucky – As the United States prepares to observe 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Kentucky invites you to be part of the commemoration. A variety of events and celebrations are planned throughout the state exploring Kentucky’s history from the nation’s founding to the present. https://history.ky.gov/participate/america250ky
- 10th Anniversary of Muhammad Ali’s passing – Muhammad Ali was a boxer, human rights activist, American icon, and Louisville native. Louisville is home to the Muhammad Ali Center, a museum and cultural center located downtown. https://alicenter.org/
- Ale-8-One turns 100 in 2026 – Winchester’s own ginger and citrus-based soft drink, was first introduced on July 13, 1926, at the Clark County Fair. It was created by George Lee Wainscott. The soda, pronounced “A Late One” is based on a 1920s slang term for “the latest thing.” https://ale8one.com/
- Stephen Foster, father of American music, 200th birthday – The song writer behind Kentucky’s official state song, “My Old Kentucky Home,” as well as hundreds of others, was born on July 4, 1826. “The Stephen Foster Story” is performed annually June through August at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre, located in My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown. https://stephenfoster.com/schedule/ https://www.visitmyoldkyhome.com/
- Airheads Candy celebrates 40 years – Invented and manufactured in Kentucky by Steve Bruner since 1985,Airheads candy is celebrating 40 years of production in 2026. More than 6.5 million Airheads are produced every day in the factory in Erlanger, Kentucky. https://www.airheads.com/
- Mammoth Cave National Park turns 85 – Kentucky is home to Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system in the world (more than 400 miles mapped). 2026 marks 85 years since the natural wonder was dedicated as a national park. https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm