Louisville, Kentucky – For more than half a century, the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) has stood as a landmark tradition in the heart of Kentucky. Now in its 52nd year, this legendary event returns to Louisville, once again taking its place as the world’s largest all-breed, purebred livestock show. From November 6th through November 20th, the Kentucky Exposition Center will come alive with the sights, sounds, and spirit of the agricultural world. It’s a gathering unlike any other – where the finest livestock are judged, the proudest traditions are celebrated, and visitors from across the globe come together to witness excellence in every ring.
North American International Livestock Exposition
November 6th – 20th, 2025
Kentucky Exposition Center
937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY
A Showcase of Champions
The North American International Livestock Exposition is not just an event; it’s a stage where the best of the best compete. This year’s show will feature eight distinct species:
- Alpacas/Llamas
- Beef Cattle
- Dairy Cattle
- Dairy Goats
- Equine
- Market Goats
- Sheep
- Swine
Each entry represents generations of hard work, dedication, and vision from breeders, farmers, and ranchers. Expert judges will evaluate the animals with precision and care, awarding honors that can define careers and shape the future of livestock breeding. Every competition builds upon NAILE’s long-standing mission: to foster excellence in agriculture and livestock while inspiring future generations through world-class competition and community involvement.
General Admission & Passes
Visitors can experience all the action with affordable ticket options designed for both single-day attendees and those who want to immerse themselves in the full exposition. Event passes provide the ultimate convenience, combining parking and admission with unlimited access throughout the duration of the pass. If not pre-purchased, admission will be charged upon each entry at the gates.
- Gate Admission (Adults): $8.00
- Children (5 & under): Free
- Parking: $15 per vehicle
- Bus/RV Parking: $20
- Full Event Pass: $60.00 – Covers admission and parking for the entire exposition, with unlimited entry.
- Event Pass 1: $35.00 – Valid November 1–9, 2025
- Event Pass 2: $35.00 – Valid November 9–20, 2025
Finding Your Way
The Kentucky Exposition Center is one of the most accessible venues in the region. Located at 937 Phillips Lane at the junction of I-65 and I-264, the facility is easy to reach from any direction. Clear signage marked “Fair/Expo Center” along both interstates ensures that visitors can find the main entrance with ease. For those traveling by air, convenience could not be greater: the Exposition Center sits directly across from Louisville International Airport, welcoming livestock exhibitors and fans from across the United States and beyond.
Where to Stay
Hospitality is part of Louisville’s charm. Surrounding the Exposition Center are dozens of hotels in every style and budget, with several within walking distance of the grounds. Whether visitors are seeking family-friendly comfort, luxury accommodations, or easy on-the-go access, there are plenty of options to ensure a convenient and enjoyable stay during the two-week-long event.
The Story Behind the Green Shavings
One of the most recognizable traditions at the North American International Livestock Exposition is the bright green shavings that blanket the show rings. This tradition began in 1973, when NAILE General Manager Harold Workman traveled to the American Royal in Kansas City and noticed green-tinted wood chips being used in their arenas. Inspired, he reached out to Roy Gibson of Feeders Supply Company back in Kentucky to recreate the look. The result was the first set of green-tinted shavings for NAILE’s inaugural year. What began as a simple touch of color quickly became an enduring trademark. Today, the green shavings symbolize the prestige and history of the Exposition, representing decades of excellence and competition on the path to purple banners. Other livestock shows have since adopted the idea, but the tradition will always belong to Louisville.
Excellence Unveiled
This November, the North American International Livestock Exposition invites you to be part of the legacy – and to see for yourself why Louisville’s green shavings have become a symbol of excellence around the world. Want to explore more about the origins of this iconic event? Visit: livestockexpo.org/about/history.
Beyond the Show Rings
NAILE is more than a livestock exposition – it’s a celebration of western heritage, community, and entertainment. Between competitions, visitors can explore a wide array of attractions that add to the energy and excitement of the event.
The Country Store
Located in the North Wing of the Exposition Center, the Country Store offers a chance to shop for western boots, fashion, and authentic livestock-inspired gear. It’s a must-stop destination for those wanting to bring home a piece of the NAILE spirit.
North American Championship Rodeo
One of the highlights of NAILE each year is the North American Championship Rodeo, presented by Rural 1st. Held November 13–15, 2025, in Freedom Hall, this event packs in three nights of nonstop excitement and high-energy competition. Tickets start at just $12 per person and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
The rodeo includes a full lineup of classic events:
- Bareback Riding
- Saddle Bronc Riding
- Bull Riding
- Steer Wrestling
- Team Roping
- Tie-Down Roping
- Women’s Barrel Racing
- Rodeo Clowns and Trick Roping
Comedy, Music, & Action
Year after year, rodeo fans are treated to the thrilling commentary of announcer Roger Mooney, who is famously known for calling the action from horseback. His wife, Ashley, brings the music that sets the tone, while rodeo clown and trick roper John Harrison keeps the crowd roaring with laughter and awe. Harrison, a three-time PRCA Comedy Act of the Year winner, has been a fixture at NAILE since 1999, delivering energy and entertainment unmatched in the rodeo world. In addition to the competition, the rodeo also embraces a meaningful cause. On Friday, November 14, fans and contestants are encouraged to wear pink to show support for Horses and Hope, a Kentucky Cancer Program partnership. A portion of the proceeds from that evening’s event will benefit breast cancer awareness and outreach.
Photo credit: AV Imagery
Be Part of the Legacy
The North American International Livestock Exposition is the crown jewel of livestock shows in the United States. Each November, it welcomes livestock exhibitors, families, breeders, and fans from across the world to the green shavings of Louisville to compete for purple banners and share in the heritage of agriculture. But NAILE is more than a competition- it is a tradition that connects generations. It is a place where exhibitors showcase their passion, where visitors discover the pride of rural America, and where everyone can be part of a story that has been building since 1971.
Competition, Culture, & Thrills
Join us November 6th – 20th, 2025, for a one-of-a-kind experience filled with competition, shopping, entertainment, and history. Feel the excitement of the show rings, explore the western culture of the Country Store, cheer at the rodeo, and witness the spirit of agriculture come alive.
Last Updated on 10/12/2025 by Olivia Clements
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