Elizabethtown Outdoor Venue
The venue project is an exciting collaboration between the City of Elizabethtown and Elizabethtown Tourism, designed to bring more live entertainment and events to the city. This new outdoor venue will feature a wide range of performances, including live concerts, band performances, comedy shows, and more.
In addition to entertainment, the outdoor venue will serve as a prime location for various community events. It will host festivals, outdoor markets, local special events, and community celebrations, making it a vibrant hub for Elizabethtown residents and visitors alike.
We’re excited to share the concept for Elizabethtown’s upcoming outdoor venue, an innovative venue designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. As you can see, the design preserves many of the existing trees, embodying the theme of "a walk in the woods." This unique approach will set our venue apart, offering an experience unlike any other in Kentucky.
The outdoor venue will incorporate natural elements for shading and utilize the gentle slope of the land to enhance comfort and visibility for guests. As you face the stage, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of Buffalo Lake directly behind, creating a stunning backdrop for concerts and performances.
Scroll through to see proposed renderings of the design
Outdoor Venue FAQ
How is the venue being funded?
Funding for the construction will be a joint agreement by the City of Etown and Tourism. The majority of the cost will come from the local restaurant tax, which is a city tax of 2% on prepared foods. This is a current City collected tax that must be used to attract additional visitors to our community
Will the venue create a new tax?
No. The outdoor venue will not create any new taxes. the funding will come from the restaurant tax, as listed above.
What is the timeline for this project?
The estimated timeline is: design complete end of 2024, groundbreaking early 2025, opening date spring 2026
Where will it be located?
The venue will be located just south of Exit 94, adjacent to I-65, which will be along the extension of Commerce Drive, on the edge of Buffalo Lake.
How many people will the venue hold?
There will be 4,000 seats in the “bowl” area of the venue, these will be flexible seats (not permanent) to allow for other uses such as festivals for the bowl area. An additional 6,000 seats will be on the sides and back of the bowl, this will allow for a combined seating of 10,000 capacity for shows.
Will this impact Buffalo Lake Trails?
Yes, some of the trails along Buffalo Lake will be impacted. However, the venue will also serve as a resource for people who enjoy the trail as it will provide ample parking for visitors and local sporting events, public access to restrooms and clear navigational signage. For more information on all the wonderful trails in Elizabethtown please visit Greenspaceky.com.
How big is the plot of land the venue is on?
Size of plot: 55 acres, owned by City of Elizabethtown, purchased in 2024 for the purposes of this project.
What type of buildings will be located at the venue?
Buildings will include stage house, tech support, artist areas, VIP meet and greet, concession, restrooms, administration, ticket office, and security