How much do picnic tickets cost and what do they buy?

Admission and parking are FREE however, all food, beverages, rides, and activities at the 170th St. Joe’s Picnic For the Kids on August 9th and 10th require current year Picnic tickets. 1 ticket = $1.

How do I get my tickets for Picnic?

You may purchase your tickets at the Ticket Booths throughout the grounds during Picnic weekend OR purchase them ahead of time online! Pre-sale tickets are available now until noon on Thursday, August 8^th. Get your tickets mailed directly to you by purchasing them online before July 31st. Tickets are also available for pick up via will call at St. Joe’s front desk, M-F, 9a-5p, from now until noon on Thursday, August 8th. Will call during Picnic weekend will be available at the Information Booth from 5p-11p on August 9th and noon-midnight on August 10th. No tickets will be sold at the front desk. Only pre-sale tickets can be picked up there.

Can the raffle tickets be mailed to me before Picnic?

Yes! Raffle ticket packets will be mailed in early June. Email info@sjkids.org or call (502)-893-0241 to be added to the mailing list.

When will raffle winners be announced?

Winning raffle tickets will be drawn in the Bingo Tent at Midnight of Picnic Day. Winners who are not present at that time will be notified on Monday following the Picnic and winners’ names (first name and last initial only) will be listed on the St. Joe’s website a few days following Picnic.

How do I know what booths and activities are open on what days?

For a full list of picnic booths, activities, and food vendors available to the public on Friday versus Saturday of Picnic weekend, please visit www.sjkids.org/picnic/booths/. Booth maps will also be available for viewing throughout the grounds throughout Picnic weekend.

Can we cash a check?

Yes, check cashing will be offered at the Information Booth with 2 forms of ID and a note on the memo line “For Cash only.”

Will there be ATM’s for debit card and credit card use?

Yes, ATM’s will be located conveniently throughout the Picnic area.

How late can children and teens stay?

After 9pm anyone under the age of 18 MUST BE accompanied by a parent or guardian while on Picnic grounds. If a child or teen is left unaccompanied after 9pm, Picnic security will escort them to the picnic entrance and help them contact their parent or guardian.

Can I bring my dog?

For the safety of your pet and our Picnic guests, pets are NOT allowed on the Picnic grounds. Only service animals allowed.

How late are chicken dinners served on Saturday?

Chicken dinners are served on Saturday only and are available for purchase until the kitchen runs out of chicken. On a good day we have ran out as early as 7:00PM. To see what food vendors are available Picnic weekend, please visit the St. Joe’s Picnic Booth page.

How do I donate a cake for the Cake Booth?

The Cake Booth is traditionally one of the biggest fundraising booths at the Picnic each year. Every cake donated to the booth brings in approximately $13 in proceeds for the kids. You can help by ordering a cake via the online cake donation page. For corporate donations, click here. That’s all you have to do! Cakes will be delivered directly to the Cake Booth for Picnic weekend.

Are there volunteer opportunities for children and families?

Yes! Build new memories with your family and friends by volunteering at one of the most fun events of the summer! Sign up today!

How do I get to Picnic and where should I park?

St. Joe’s Picnic For the Kids is located at 2823 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville KY, 40206. On-site and handicapped parking are available via the Brownsboro Road entrance. Off-site parking is available on Saturday only at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Carpooling, biking, and riding the TARC are highly encouraged. For information on parking and shuttles, please visit the St. Joe’s Picnic Parking page.

Can I buy a Picnic T‐shirt?

A limited number of Picnic t‐shirts will be available for purchase at the Info Booth during Picnic weekend and cost is $10/shirt. If you wish to buy a shirt before Picnic weekend, email info@sjkids.org or call (502)-893-0241.

Can I take a tour of the landmark building?

Due to security reasons, no tours of the landmark building are offered during Picnic weekend. However, the Advancement team cordially invites you to attend an Eat & Greet event which are held throughout the year for anyone who is interested in seeing what it is like to live at St. Joseph Children’s Home today as well as eat lunch with the children. If available to attend, please RSVP to info@sjkids.org or contact the Advancement team to schedule a visit at (502)-893-0241.

Why does St. Joe’s have a picnic?

When St. Joe’s was first established as an orphanage in 1849, the Ursuline nuns responsible for taking care of the residents came up with the idea to host an annual fundraiser. Originally named, “St. Joseph Catholic Orphans Picnic,” this event was created with a mission to raise needed funding for the day-to-day operating expenses of the orphanage. After 170 years, the mission of Picnic remains the same as the revenue generated provides direct support to the nearly 350 children served each year by St. Joe’s three core programs: residential treatment, foster care and adoption, and the child development center. Today, St. Joseph Children’s Home is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) agency and the Picnic has given support to over 75,000 boys and girls since its inception. Every dime you lay down on a number at a game booth, every raffle ticket you purchase, and every meal you buy goes directly to help child survivors of abuse and neglect heal from their traumas as well as find new forever families. Thanks for supporting SJ Kids!

Have more questions? Please email info@sjkids.org or call (502)-893-0241 for further information.