Bald Eagle Statue at Audubon State Park (Henderson, Ky)
Although these events have expired, there is always something to see and do in Kentucky. Visit our Kentucky Events page for up to the minute happenings and be sure to check out our Things to Do in Kentucky page. Keep an eye on Genuine Kentucky for information on this year’s Fourth of July celebrations at Kentucky State Parks!
What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than by spending time at a Kentucky State Park – especially since it’ll be a 2 for 1 celebration, celebrating our Nation’s birthday AND the 90th anniversary of the Parks.
Events include fireworks displays, picnics, entertainment and a lot more.
Some parks are having weekend events, while others are hosting events earlier in the week. See the list below for event dates and descriptions (All times are local). Kentucky State Parks have lodges, cottages, restaurants, campgrounds, historic sites, marinas, golf courses, hiking trails, fishing and many more recreational activities.
To make lodging or camping reservations or to learn more about Kentucky State Parks and events, be sure to visit www.parks.ky.gov
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
Fireworks and More July 2-4
It’s a blast at Barren River Lake State Resort Park’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration sponsored by The Friends of Barren River Lake and Park. Enjoy plenty of patriotic, fun crafts and games all weekend. On Wednesday, July 2, the park will offer a guided canoe trip for $25 per person. Call the interpretive staff for details on this trip. On July 4, there will be the annual Float Your Boat contest, tie-dyed T-shirts, and live entertainment at 6 p.m. followed by the fireworks display at dark. There is a fee for the T-shirt event. For more information call 1-800-325-0057.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park, Mount Olivet
Battlefield Walk July 3, 5
Learn more about the fascinating history of Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. This one-hour walk is at an easy, leisurely pace and is incredibly informative. The narrator of this tour will share information about the Battle of Blue Licks and the Revolutionary War. The Battlefield Walk begins promptly at 1 p.m. and is free. The walk begins and ends at the Pioneer Museum. There is a nominal fee to tour the museum, which houses Revolutionary War memorabilia as well as fossils, mastodon bones, Native American and pioneer artifacts, and more. Call 859-289-5507.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
Fireworks and Music, July 3
Start your holiday weekend with a bang at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park on Thursday, July 3. Michael Dwayne will play music from the beach area, 5-9 p.m., and the annual fireworks show will begin at dark. A buffet with barbecued ribs, fried catfish, roast beef, salad bar, vegetables, and a dessert bar will be offered July 3 from 5-9 p.m. Adults can eat for $13.99 (plus beverage, tax and gratuity). Children 5 and under eat free. The celebration continues throughout the weekend with games, horseshoes, music and special meals. Most of the activities are free. Call 606-398-7510.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Fourth of July Celebration at the Falls, July 4
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park will present games and activities throughout the day, such as a dunking booth, a bouncy castle, carnival-type games as well as a cornhole tournament from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 4. Craft vendors will be set up on Friday and Saturday. Call 1-800-325-0063.
Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond
Fourth of July Fest, July 2-6
Come celebrate our nation’s birthday with a week of patriotic activities at Fort Boonesborough State Park’s campground. Events include a camper decoration contest, crafts, free tours, hayrides, a parade, and lots more. This event is for registered campers only. For more information, call 859-527-3454.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton
July 4th Celebration, July 4-6
Come celebrate with the city of Carrollton and General Butler State Resort Park, July 4-6. Fireworks will be booming July 4 over the Ohio River at Carrollton’s Point Park. Highlighting this all-day celebration will include scenic views of the Kentucky and Ohio rivers, shopping in downtown Carrollton, along with fun, food, and music. July 5-6, General Butler State Resort Park will host special entertainment, an outdoor movie, and plenty of activities for all to enjoy! Make your reservations and enjoy the park’s partnership with Carrollton. Call 502-732-4384.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg
Patriotic Weekend, July 4-6
Join Jenny Wiley State Resort Park for a fun-filled weekend of patriotic programs and events. There will be crafts, Huck Finn Raft Races, Stars & Stripes bicycle parade, an Independence Day In Kentucky living history program and square, folk, and country line dancing. Also, at 2 p.m. July 4, enjoy the annual Boat Parade. Visit the park Fridays After 5 on July 4 for live entertainment and great food. Call 606-889-1790.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Weekend Celebration, July 5-6
John James Audubon State Park will celebrate the holiday with several weekend events.
Guests of all ages can make a clay pot with Albert Bauman at 10 a.m. July 5 at the campground shelter. Joey D. and Cheryl will offer a magic show at the campground shelter at 6 p.m. On July 6, there will be a red, white and blue campground parade at 3 p.m. with bicycles, wagons and floats. Call 270-826-4424.
Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora
Reptile Show, July 3
Scott Shupe will present a free reptile show at Kenlake on Thursday, July 3, at 7 p.m. at the park lodge. Shupe presents his live reptile show at parks and schools across the country. He is a naturalist, photographer and author of two books on reptiles. Call the park at 800-325-0143.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
Free Live Band and Fireworks, July 4
The Kentucky Dam Marina will sponsor a fireworks display at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park on July 4. Fireworks begin at dusk and can be viewed at numerous locations around the park. A free concert by the band Classic Wax will play from 7 p.m. until the fireworks begin at the Old Beach. Call 1-800-325-0146 for information.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
Fireworks on the Fourth, July 4
Lake Barkley State Resort Park will present a free fireworks show on July 4 at the beach, sponsored by the Friends of Lake Barkley. Donations will be accepted. Vendors will also be selling food at this event. For information, call 270-924-1131.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown
Picnic and Fireworks, July 5
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park will feature magician Dave Cottrell in the campground amphitheater at 8 p.m. with a free show July 5. From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be a cookout ($9.95 a person) on the outdoor patio with hamburgers, hotdogs and bratwurst, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, with cookies and fried apple pie for dessert. Lake Cumberland State Dock is sponsoring a fireworks show at dusk. Call 270-343-3111.
Levi Jackson State Park, London
July Fourth Celebration, July 4-5
This event is the annual July Fourth celebration for campers! Recreation activities and performances are planned, including a campers-only pool party. Camping reservations are recommended (minimum three-night stay). Call 606-330-2130.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown
The Stephen Foster Story and Fireworks, July 4
My Old Kentucky Home State Park will feature games and activities at the amphitheater at 7 p.m., followed by the performance of The Stephen Foster Story at 8 p.m. on July 4. Admission includes cupcakes at intermission and a musical fireworks display following the performance. See www.stephenfoster.com or call 800-626-1563 for more information.
Old Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg
Picnic in the Park, July 4
Visit Old Fort Harrod for its Picnic in the Park on July 4 at noon. There will be entertainment. The Ragged Edge Community Theater’s production of James Harrod: The Battle for Kentucky, will start at 8:30 p.m. Call (859) 734-3314.
Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site, Tompkinsville
Celebration of Quilts and Quilting, July 3-6
The Old Mulkey Meetinghouse will host this colorful event held in honor of Monroe County native Lucille Page. Lucille knew quilts were more than something to provide warmth. They were art, teaching tools and records of family history. Neither the loss of her eyesight nor crippling arthritis could stop this determined woman from creating quilts. View her amazing quilts during this unique exhibit in the Meetinghouse. For additional fun, the park will feature quilt challenges, tacking races, treadle sewing and more! Activities vary daily, July 3-6. This event is being held in conjunction with the Monroe County Tourism Commission’s Drive-by Quilt Hanging. Visit the park website at www.parks.ky.gov for a complete schedule of activities. Contact Sheila Rush at 270-487-8481 for more information.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs
Beach Party, July 4
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will host a family beach party starting at 10 a.m. July 4 with a sidewalk chalk art contest, music, tie-dyed T-shirts, sand sculpture and beach volleyball. Hot dogs, popcorn, and snow cones will be available for purchase. The program is co-sponsored by the Friends of Pennyrile. Call 800-325-1711.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville
Stars, Stripes, Stories and Snakes on July 5
Scott Shupe will present a reptile show at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at the Laurel Cove Amphitheater. John Tierney will present campfire songs and stories at 5 p.m. Face painting, hot dogs and marshmallows will be featured at 6 p.m. Admission is $6 a person; children 3 and under are free. Call 606-337-3066.
Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough
Rumble on the Rough, July 4-5
Join Rough River Dam State Resort Park for the holiday weekend. Scott Shupe will present a free reptile show July 4 at 2 p.m. A free concert in the park will feature Over the Edge on the patio from 6-9 p.m., also July 4. The park will feature a fireworks display at dusk on July 5. The park, along with the Friends of Rough River, Rough River Business and Tourism and local businesses, will offer events and activities all weekend long to keep the family entertained. Call 270-257-2311.
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