Good morning, Owensboro.

The Owensboro Convention Center will host Independence Day celebration 4th Fest on Saturday, July 4, beginning at 5 p.m. Ticketed guests can enjoy inflatables and rides (6-9 p.m.) while free activities for kids and fireworks (from 9:15 p.m.) add to the fun event.

Nothing Bundt Cakes will host grand opening events at its new Owensboro bakery in Gateway Commons from June 2 to June 6 — offering Community Appreciation Days, a Habitat for Humanity benefit on June 5, and a free Bundtlets giveaway on Saturday.

Friday After 5 returned last night along the Ohio River, featuring Sterling Elza, KG & The Bad Habits on the Main Stage and The Jay McElwain Band on the Overlook Stage in downtown Owensboro; the free summer series runs through Aug.

7.

At 2:00 p.m. on June 6, the Daviess County Public Library will host Owensboro native Sonya Lea (author of American Bloodlines: Reckoning with Lynch Culture) as she discusses her family’s role in the Rainey Bethea case.

The event will feature a Q&A session organized by Owensboro Community Remembrance Project.

On June 2 the Know & Glow Firefly Festival returns to the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden from 5:30 to 9 p.m., as families enjoy guided tours, lightning bug safaris, nature crafts, and talks by entomologist Jonathan Larson hosted by the Green River Area Extension Master Gardeners.

Six local ladies from Muhlenburg and Daviess County have launched a Taylor Swift listening club, where they review one album each month in 2026.

They meet at a host's home — decorated to match the album's theme — to share creative ideas and themed snacks while discussing lyrics.

Visitors paying the transient room tax help fund the new Fieldhouse and Convention Center and support local museums and arts (4% for the city and 6% for the county), officials say the tax shifts costs from residents and reinvests tourism dollars for growth.

Daviess County overdose deaths fell from 30 in 2022 to 2 in early 2026, officials crediting Narcan access, education programs, treatment resources, and law enforcement for the decline — they urge continued vigilance to support those facing addiction.

WBKR and The Mobile RN wrapped up National Nurses Month by honoring the final group of nurse nominees and naming Sandy Vanover from Beaver Dam Nursing Home as the final winner — she received a self-care package with a floral arrangement, Fusion Spa gift certificate, and dinner at Cavanaugh’s.

Gov. Andy Beshear said his administration doubled mental health providers and added services like the 988 Lifeline after Mental Health Awareness Month in Kentucky.

New laws and $40 million in school grants support a yearlong effort to improve care for Kentuckians.

The Apollo E-Gals won their first 3rd Region Championship since 2018 with a 2-1 upset over Daviess County, fueled by Mollie Julian’s strong pitching and Tyler Hall’s solo homer.

The team now awaits tonight’s State Tournament opener at 6:00 p.m. (Game details continue to build excitement.)

Johnson Dance Studio 50th Anniversary Recital

2:45-5:45 p.m. — RiverPark Center — Admission details not provided — Celebrate five decades of dance excellence with a memorable recital.

OMG!con 2026

Various times — Owensboro Convention Center — Check event site for details — Explore a dynamic blend of anime, gaming, and pop culture at this exciting convention.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

June 16-18 — Owensboro Convention Center — $97 for observing coaches — Enhance your basketball skills and build confidence at this youth camp for grades 3-8.

R.O.M.P. Festival 2026

12:00–9:59 p.m. — Yellow Creek Park — Ticket info available — Experience the sounds of Mason Via and more at this annual music festival in Owensboro.