See the list below for event dates and descriptions. Kentucky State Parks have lodges, cottages, restaurants, campgrounds, historic sites, marinas, golf courses, hiking trails, fishing and more recreational activities.
To make lodging or camping reservations or to learn more about Kentucky State Parks and events, visit www.parks.ky.gov
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
Fourth of July Fireworks, July 4
The Friends of Barren River Lake will host a fireworks display on Monday, July 4, at Barren River Lake State Resort Park to celebrate the Fourth of July. This event is free to the public. Patrons should bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets and make plans to spend the day. Barren River Lake State Resort Park’s recreation staff will have plenty of activities to keep kids and adults entertained. Fireworks display will begin at dusk. Call 270-646-2151 for more information.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
Independence Celebration, July 1-5
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park will celebrate the Fourth of July during Independence Weekend at the park. There will be games, music and food. The traditional firework show will take place on Monday July 4 at dark. Call 606-398-7510 for more information.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Independence Day Celebration, July 2-3
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park will celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with games and activities throughout the day, such as bouncy castles and carnival-type games. Smoky Bear will make an appearance both days, and the Frontier Band will play Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Craft vendors will be set up on Saturday and Sunday. Call 800-325-0063 if interested in setting up a craft booth. This event will take place at the falls area.
Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond
Fourth of July Fest, June 30 – July 4
Fort Boonesborough State Park will celebrate the Fourth of July with a week of patriotic activities. The park will have a camper decoration contest, crafts, free tours, hayrides, a parade, NASCAR on our satellite TV, and more. This event is for registered campers only. For more information call 859-527-3454 or email jack.winburn@ky.gov.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg
Stars and Stripes Weekend, July 1-4
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will host Stars and Stripes weekend! The park will have square, folk, and country line dancing on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening at 8 p.m. at the dance pad at the campground. Kevin Hardesty will appear as the great pioneer “Daniel Boone” at the dance pad at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 1. Hardesty, a Kentucky Chautauqua performer, will speak about the life and times of Boone. Guests can check out the popular “Friday’s After 5” show on the patio of the May Lodge. Enjoy great food and live entertainment each Friday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. The city of Prestonsburg will host a fireworks display on Monday, July 4. It can be viewed from several places downtown, just a short drive from the park. Guests can also take part in fun-filled family activities all weekend long such as patriotic t-shirts, pinewood cars, nature programs, and much more. Call 606-889-1790.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Fourth of July Campground Celebration
The celebration will start Thursday with kids’ free fishing at the park’s Recreation Lake. On Friday, Red, White & Blue Tie-Dye sets the holiday stage. Saturday will feature wind spinners, magic, watermelon and bugs. Then on Sunday, the park will host the traditional Fourth of July parade in the campground! Call 270-826-2247.
Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora
Independence Day Celebration
Kenlake State Resort Park will have a fireworks display on Saturday July 2 at the Old Beach Area. Music will be provided by the Sullivan 3 from 6-9 p.m. with a blend of country, rock, and blues. The best fireworks display in the area will be at 9 p.m. Sponsored by Kenlake Marina and local businesses. Concessions will be available No swimming at the old beach area. Call 270-474-2211.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
Fireworks and Live Band, July 4
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park will have its annual fireworks display, which will begin at dusk over Kentucky Lake and can be viewed at multiple locations around the park. This show is sponsored by the Kentucky Dam Village Marina. A free concert by the classic rock band Cantageous will play from 7 p.m. until the fireworks begin at the Old Beach. Call 800-325-0146 for more information.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
Fireworks on the Fourth
Lake Barkley State Resort Park will hold its annual fireworks show on July 4 at 9 p.m. There will be food vendors at the beach. Fireworks can be seen from the water, beach, lodge and marina. The fireworks are sponsored by donations from the public which can be given to the Friends of Lake Barkley State Resort Park. No personal fireworks or pets are allowed due to large crowd at beach. Call 270-924-1131.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown
Independence Day Celebration on Lake Cumberland, July 2
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park will celebrate the Fourth of July on July 2 with fireworks that begin after dusk. Kentucky’s favorite party band, SUPERFECTA, will provide the entertainment for the evening. Call 270-343-2525 for more information.
Levi Jackson State Park, London
July Fourth Celebration, July 1-4
Levi Jackson State Park will celebrate the Fourth of July with recreation activities and performances, including a Campers Only Pool Party. Camping reservations are recommended. Call 606-330-2130 or email danika.riggs@ky.gov for more information.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown
Stephen Foster’s Birthday Celebration, July 2
My Old Kentucky Home State Park will celebrate the Fourth of July and Stephen Foster’s birthday on Saturday, July 2, in historic Bardstown. The events will feature a host of activities and games before the show, free cupcakes at intermission, and a magical fireworks display to cap off the evening. For tickets and more information, call 800-626-1563 or visitstephenfoster.com.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade
Natural Bridge Hoedown, July 2
Natural Bridge State Resort Park will host its famous Natural Bridge Hoedowns. The event at Hoedown Island will include easy to learn Appalachian square dancing, line dancing, two-stepping, polkas, waltzes and other couple and individual dances. The warm-up dance will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the regular dance program will start at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $3/person and children ages 12 and under are free. (There is the possibility of cancellation for inclement weather.) Call 606-663-2214.
Nolin Lake State Park, Mammoth Cave
Fireworks, July 3
Nolin Lake State Park will celebrate Fourth of July weekend. The beach will be open all day long and two food vendors will be available July 3 for food and drinks at the beach. There will be a fireworks show the evening of July 3. Call 270-286-4240 for more information.
Old Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg
Picnic in the Park, July 1
Old Fort Harrod State Park will host its Picnic in the Park on July 1. Patrons are invited to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy free entertainment under our “big ol’ tree.” The picnics, a 30-year tradition, are held Fridays in June and July at noon and include performances from singers, magicians or piano player. Call 859-734-3314 for information on performances.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville
Fourth of July Weekend
Pine Mountain State Resort Park will celebrate Fourth of July weekend July 1-4 with family fun activities such as snow cones, tie dye, s’mores, pool games, and more. The schedule for the weekend, including program times, will be posted on the park Facebook page closer to the date. www.facebook.com/pinemountainstateresortpark or call 606-337-3066 for more information.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs
Beach Party, July 2 – 3
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will celebrate the Fourth of July with a beach party. Fun, family friendly activities will be held at the beach all day long. The activities include tie dye t-shirts, beach volleyball, DJ Dance Party, and much more. Schedule with times of activities will be available on the park’s Facebook page. Hot dogs and snow cones will be available for cash purchase at the beach shelter. Call 270-797-3421.
Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough
Rumble Over Rough July 2
Rough River Dam State Resort Park will host the Rumble Over Rough Fireworks on Saturday, July 2. This event is sponsored and financed by The Friends of Rough River. The fireworks will begin around dark. There will also be food and activities all day at the park and there will also be a concert by the rising band Jericho Woods starting at 8 p.m. that night. All activities are on the main hillside overlooking the beach and the lake. Call 270-257-2311.
