The District

Welcome to The District!

The District is a portion of downtown Owensboro that allows alcoholic beverages on public property during weekends and certain permitted special events. The District allows patrons at participating businesses to leave the premise with an alcoholic beverage in a specially marked 16 oz. cup.

Basic Rules

  1. Alcoholic beverages are only allowed on public property the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. every Friday, and 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday, and during designated special events.

    District cups are never permitted inside:

    • Lazy Dayz Playground
    • Shelton Memorial in Smothers Park
    • Any church property

  2. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a participating business inside the boundaries of The District and will be placed in specially marked cups.
  3. Patrons cannot carry cups into another business location.
  4. Cups must stay within the boundaries of The District (look for signs that indicate the boundaries of The District)

Upcoming Events

The District Map

FAQ’s

  1. Where can I have alcoholic beverages in downtown Owensboro?

    Alcoholic beverages purchased from a business in The District must be consumed within the boundaries of The District. The boundaries of The District are roughly JR Miller on the east side, 5th St. on the south side, Poplar or Elm St. on the west side. Refer to map above.

  2. When are alcoholic beverages allowed in The District?

    Alcoholic beverages are only allowed on public property during the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. every Friday, and 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday, and during designated special events.

  3. Can I take my District cup anywhere within The District?

    Only on public property. You cannot take your District cup into another business. You will be asked by that business to dispose your cup before entering their property.

  4. What types of alcoholic beverage am I allowed to have in The District cup?

    Any alcoholic beverage purchased from a participating business in The District is permitted in the cup.

  5. Can I purchase a District cup and put my own drink in it to walk around downtown Owensboro during a special event?

    No, only drinks purchased from a participating business in The District are allowed by state law. No cans, glass bottles, or outside drinks are permitted with the boundaries. Anyone with alcohol on public property not purchased from a participating business during The District hours or during a designated special event can be cited and/or arrested.

  6. Can I bring my District cup back to another event?

    No. District cups are only permitted for a single use when leaving a downtown business to walk to another location within the District. If you return to that same business or visit another business the same evening, you must dispose of your District cup prior to entering that business.

Note: All State of Kentucky and City of Owensboro laws regarding public intoxication, impaired driving, and open containers apply to areas both inside and outside of The District boundaries. Please drink responsibly.

For more information on the Entertainment Destination Center license allowing alcoholic beverages in downtown Owensboro, please refer to City of Owensboro Ordinance 21 – 2018.