Downtown Bowling Green guide: Fountain Square Park, Circus Square Park, the Shake Rag Historic District, SKyPAC and The Capitol, shops, food and free parking.

Last checked Oct. 16, 2026. Facts come from the City of Bowling Green, the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s listings (270-782-0800) and each business’s own page. Hours change; check before you go.

Downtown Bowling Green is built around Fountain Square Park, the old town square. Nearby are Circus Square Park and the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) on State and College streets, and the Shake Rag Historic District at the north end of State Street.

Getting there and parking

  • Free parking: more than 1,200 free spaces, including the 700-space Stadium Park Plaza garage at 360 E. Eighth Ave. (city parking map, PDF).
  • GoBG Transit buses run weekdays; see our getting around guide.
  • Bike repair station: College Street, in front of Spencer’s Coffee.

Fountain Square Park

Fountain Square Park, 445 E. Main Ave., was dedicated in 1872 and was once the town square, the site of parades, protests and pageants, according to the visitors bureau. The fountain at its center is the downtown photo stop, and Heritage Walk plaques around the square tell the story of the buildings. In December the park is lit for the season; see our holiday lights page.

Shops on and near the square, from the visitors bureau’s listings:

  • Barbara Stewart Interiors, 444 E. Main Ave.: home accents, framing, gifts and design, in business since 1952. 270-782-1747.
  • The Pots Place Gallery and Studio, 428 E. Main Ave.: eight potters working on site, plus local Kentucky artisans and pottery classes. 270-904-0599.
  • Candle Makers on the Square, 415 Park Row: candles hand-poured on site, local gifts and area maps. 270-843-3001.
  • Capitol Books, inside The Capitol, 416 E. Main Ave.: a used bookstore run by the Friends of the Library, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Circus Square Park and SKyPAC

Circus Square Park, 621 State St., is downtown’s outdoor amphitheater: 4.5 acres of lawn with a water feature open for splashing from Memorial Day through Labor Day unless an event is on. A restored 1921 Standard Oil station on the corner holds the restrooms (listing). It is home to the summer Concerts in the Park and the Bowling Green International Festival on the last Saturday in September.

The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC), 601 College St., has an 1,800-seat auditorium for touring shows and Orchestra Kentucky (SKyPAC). 270-904-1880.

The Capitol

The Capitol, 416 E. Main Ave., is a historic theater on Fountain Square with a 750-seat auditorium, run by the Warren County Public Library. It hosts concerts, plays and free movies through the year (The Capitol). 270-904-6040.

The Shake Rag Historic District

The Shake Rag Historic District, on the north end of State Street, is significant for its importance in the lives of African Americans in Bowling Green’s early years, the visitors bureau says: churches, schools, homes and bungalows grew after the Civil War, with gas stations, a hotel and businesses for travelers added along the Dixie Highway (listing). Today it is also home to White Squirrel Brewery, 302 State St., and Shake Rag Bar and Lounge, 315 State St. More history is in our history and landmarks guide.

Eating downtown

Restaurant Where Phone
440 Main, dining room and bar overlooking Fountain Square; Tuesday to Saturday from 4 p.m. 440 E. Main Ave. 270-793-0450
Gerard’s 1907 Tavern, in the historic Gerard Building next to Fountain Square 935 College St. 270-904-8133
The Bistro, in the 1893 Fletcher House; weekend brunch 1129 College St. 270-781-9646
Hickory and Oak, Southern dining with a patio over Circus Square Park 705 State St., Unit 54 270-715-9268
Alley Pub and Pizza, in Capitol Arts Alley off Fountain Square 422 E. Main Ave., Suite D 270-904-6027
Spencer’s Coffee, breakfast, lunch and coffee daily 915 College St. 270-393-7060
Anna’s Greek Restaurant, in the restored 1905 Century Palace 1202 State St. 270-846-2662

Restaurant details are from the visitors bureau’s listings or each restaurant’s own site. Brunch picks are in our brunch guide.

Downtown through the year

  • Fountain Row Fridays: free live music on Fountain Square, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Fridays in spring and fall.
  • Concerts in the Park: Friday nights in summer at Circus Square Park.
  • Bowling Green International Festival: the last Saturday in September at Circus Square.
  • Downtown BGKY Harvest Festival: October; in 2026, Saturday, Oct. 17.
  • Light Up BGKY: the first week of December; see our Christmas parade and tree lighting page.

BG Trolley Tours run 90-minute narrated history tours that pass Fountain Square, Circus Square, Reservoir Hill and the Historic RailPark, starting from the National Corvette Museum (listing). 270-745-7317.

Frequently asked questions

Is parking free in downtown Bowling Green?

Mostly. The city’s downtown parking map shows more than 1,200 free spaces, including the 700-space Stadium Park Plaza structure at 360 E. Eighth Ave. Some lots are paid or private, so check the signs.

What is the Shake Rag Historic District?

A historic district on the north end of State Street that was central to the lives of Bowling Green’s African American residents after the Civil War, with churches, schools, homes and businesses. Today it is also home to White Squirrel Brewery and Shake Rag Bar and Lounge.

When was Fountain Square Park built?

Fountain Square Park was dedicated in 1872 and was once the town square, the site of parades, protests and pageants. Heritage Walk plaques around the square tell its history.

What events are held in downtown Bowling Green?

Free Fountain Row Friday concerts in spring and fall, Concerts in the Park on summer Friday nights at Circus Square Park, the Bowling Green International Festival on the last Saturday in September, the Harvest Festival in October and Light Up BGKY in early December.