North American International Livestock Exposition Returns with More Entries and Exhibitors

The green shavings are spread, the barns are set, and the gates are open as Kentucky Venues welcomes 150,000 people for the 53rd North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) at the Kentucky Exposition Center. NAILE is the world’s largest purebred livestock exposition and Louisville’s tenth largest event in 2026 with $14.1 million in estimated economic impact.  

Exhibitors from across the country come to Kentucky to compete for a coveted purple and gold banner and cash prizes. This year’s show features more entries than 2025 at 26,500 across a variety of categories, including cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and educational contests. 

"Every year, exhibitors from across the country spend early morning and late nights preparing their livestock to be the best. After hours of hard work, they load up and head to Louisville to shine in the NAILE show rings, and we're honored to welcome them here each November," said Michael E. Berry, interim president and CEO of Kentucky Venues. “We’re proud to be the place to share memories, create new ones, and celebrate generations of farmers.” 

A New Home for Agriculture 

Visitors this year will get a look at the final stretch of Phase I of the Kentucky Exposition Center’s largest expansion and renovation project. The new building, opening in early 2027, is designed with livestock events like NAILE in mind, featuring dedicated washrooms, a milking parlor suite, and floors specifically designed with a non-slip grip for livestock. 

Phase II of the project, beginning shortly after NAILE ends, will bring new life to the West Wing, West Hall, and Pavilion, buildings that hold decades of memories for our livestock community. The rebuilt facilities will offer upgraded comfort and amenities, so exhibitors can keep making memories for generations to come. 

Rodeo, Music and Shopping 

Beyond the show rings, Freedom Hall lights up November 12-14 with the North American Championship Rodeo presented by Rural 1st®, featuring top cowboys and cowgirls competing in riding, roping, wrangling, and more. The rodeo returns as a crowd favorite and ropes in thousands of fans each year, typically selling out on Friday and Saturday. 

Before or after the rodeo, guests can enjoy live country music, drinks, and Kentucky cookin’ at the Hitching Post, open November 12-16 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with headlining performances by Chancey Williams and Alex Miller. Guests can also browse hundreds of vendors in the North American Country Store and snag deals on western wear, Kentucky-crafted items, and holiday gifts. 

NAILE admission, schedules, rodeo tickets, and visitor information are available at livestockexpo.org. 

About the North American International Livestock Exposition 

The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), held annually at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, is the world’s largest all-breed, purebred livestock exposition. Operated by Kentucky Venues, the event has showcased the nation’s best livestock for more than half a century and celebrates the exhibitors shaping the future of agriculture. Spanning 1.2 million square feet of livestock competition, NAILE also features live entertainment at the Hitching Post, The North American Championship Rodeo presented by Rural 1st, along with shopping at the North American Country Store.