Black Patch Festival

09/14/2026

And just like that, the Black Patch Festival has come to an end! 🖤

What a weekend! From Friday evening’s parade to a full day of food, shopping, entertainment and family fun on Saturday, it was wonderful seeing downtown Princeton filled with so many familiar faces.

A huge thank you to every sponsor, volunteer, vendor, entertainer, parade participant and community member who helped make it all possible. This festival takes a lot of people working behind the scenes, and we are truly grateful for each one of you!

Here are just a few of our favorite memories from the weekend. We hope you had as much fun as we did!

Now, let the countdown begin only 362 days until we do it all again! Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 11, 2027! 🖤🎉

09/12/2026

09/11/2026

Come see us at the Princeton Optimist Club booth and grab your official Black Patch Festival shirt! 🖤💚

Shirts are $10 and available in sizes XS–5XL. Your purchase helps support next year’s Black Patch Festival and the Optimist Club’s work in our community throughout the year.

We’d love to see you! 🎉

09/11/2026

The Black Patch Grand Marshals are live this morning on the WPKY Coffee Talk. They are excited about the Parade this afternoon at 5:00 pm in downtown Princeton.

09/10/2026

🖤 BLACK PATCH WEEKEND IS ALMOST HERE! 🖤

Join us in downtown Princeton for a weekend full of community, tradition and fun!

🎉 Black Patch Parade
Friday at 5:00 PM

🎉 Black Patch Festival
Saturday from 9:00 AM–9:00 PM

Don’t forget to grab your Black Patch shirt while you’re here!

👕 Sizes XS–5XL
🖤 $10 at Friday’s parade
🖤 $12 at Saturday’s festival

Check out the map below for Saturday’s schedule, activity locations and parking areas. Come help us celebrate, we can’t wait to see you this weekend! 🎉

09/09/2026

Black Patch is about more than a festival, it’s about community, tradition and the people who make Caldwell County such a special place to call home. 🖤

This year, we are proud to honor Julie Poole and Vic and Paulette Gray as our 2026 Black Patch Grand Marshals. Take a few minutes to read their stories and learn more about the years of service, volunteerism and love they have given our community.

Help us celebrate them at the Black Patch Parade this Friday, September 11, at 5:00 PM in downtown Princeton! 🎉

09/08/2026

They are HERE!!

Grab your official Black Patch Festival shirt for just $10 at the parade Friday at 5:00 PM or $12 during the festival Saturday!

Shirts are available while supplies last, so be sure to stop by the Optimist booth, get yours and support the Princeton Optimist Club! 🎉

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we are especially thankful for the hardworking volunteers, local businesses, vendors and community partners who help make Black Patch possible! 🖤

Black Patch weekend is almost here! 🎉

🖤 Parade — Friday at 5:00 PM
🖤 Festival — Saturday from 9:00 AM–9:00 PM

Make your plans and join us in downtown Princeton!

09/05/2026

We are officially ONE WEEK away from the Annual Black Patch Festival! 🎉🖤

From the parade and pancake breakfast to shopping, food, live music and family fun, there is something for everyone!

Black Patch papers have been placed around town, so be sure to pick one up for the full schedule and festival details. Make your plans and join us in downtown Princeton next weekend!

09/04/2026

The first of our Black Patch merch is here! 🎉 Stop by the George C**n Public Library and grab your bag for just $5. You’ll be supporting the Friends of the Library, too! 👀 More Black Patch merch is coming next week!!