Downtown Development Division

Fountain Square Park

*Photo care of Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Downtown BGKY is the heart of the city and a cultural destination as Corvette’s historic hometown and hub of Kentucky’s Cave Country. This thriving Downtown’s foundations are its vibrant food and drink scene, big small town charm, arts and entertainment community, growing residential opportunities, and international influence.

The Downtown Development Division’s goal is to be an economic development driver by building the best Downtown BGKY destination experience for locals and visitors. Growing connections with more opportunities internally, assistant coordinating events, and growing communication between Downtown and all of Bowling Green will elevate the Downtown BGKY brand and destination presence. Opportunities can be found from scenic Mitch McConnell Park to Western Kentucky University’s campus.

Goals include building a Downtown database for development opportunities and improved communications, an event calendar to share any happenings within Downtown or citywide event that may impact Downtown (and provide marketing strategy planning for Downtown businesses), establishing the digital and social Downtown BGKY destination brand, launching an Entertainment Destination Center with iconic BG branding, and ultimately growing existing Downtown assets appealing to young professionals, growing families, and anyone seeking a vibrant Downtown experience.

Fountain Row: Entertainment Destination Center

Duncan Hines Days

Downtown Parking Leases

Downtown BGKY - Destination Site

News & Announcements

City Commission approves $21,500 in Downtown Improvement Grants matching funds for seven projects

City Commission approves $21,500 in Downtown Improvement Grants matching funds for seven projects

Oct 21, 2026

This new matching funds program supports local businesses, historic preservation, beautification, and continued investment in Downtown Bowling Green.

City of BG announces 2nd Downtown BGKY Ambassador Academy cohort

City of BG announces 2nd Downtown BGKY Ambassador Academy cohort

Sep 22, 2026

This free program connects WKU students with leadership initiatives, community service, and professional development opportunities in Downtown.

Stormwater Sewer Maintenance coming to Fountain Square later this month

Stormwater Sewer Maintenance coming to Fountain Square later this month

Sep 17, 2026

Fountain Square is getting much needed stormwater sewer maintenance upgrades along Park Row and East Main. The job will be completed in two weekday phases, and Downtown businesses remain open and accessible.

Downtown Food Truck/Mobile Push Cart Policies

Downtown BGKY is open for Food Truck and Mobile Push Cart business! We welcome these entrepreneurs with open arms! A permit is needed to sell on Fountain Square and on the adjacent Downtown side streets (as defined in the ordinance). Specific rules for operating these businesses in these public rights-of-way also apply.

Downtown Food Truck FAQs

Click the button below for a full PDF containing the permit application, ordinance, and code compliance guidelines.

Information & Application

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