Upcoming Events
Halloween & Dia de los
Muertos Gathering
October 25 - November 8, 2026
Bring your family to Firefly Hills for two unforgettable weeks filled with fun, learning, and connection!
Together we'll honor Día de los Muertos with face painting, a community altar, and a festive parade — and dive into Halloween fun with trick-or-treating, a hayride, and a dance party!
There’s something for everyone: kids, tweens, teens, and parents can enjoy activities like hikes at Red River Gorge, kayaking, fishing, helping on the farm, a Murder Mystery Dinner, pickleball tournament, and even special nights just for moms and dads.
Come make memories, celebrate traditions, and experience adventure together!
Richmond Pride Celebration
The Richmond Pride Festival is an annual event in Richmond, Kentucky, dedicated to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Typically held in early June at Irvine McDowell Park, the festival offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music, performances, drag shows, food trucks, and local vendors. This free, family-friendly event fosters inclusivity and community spirit, welcoming everyone to join in the celebration of love and equality.
Lee County DBBB Clean Up Ride
Join us on June 27 for a community-wide cleanup of the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway in Lee County, Kentucky. Help keep the Red River Gorge region beautiful, then celebrate with a parade, live music, food vendors, a cruise-in, and Family Fun Day festivities in downtown Beattyville.
Family Fun Day & Cruise In
Join Beattyville's biggest summer celebration on June 27 featuring a car show and cruise-in, live music, food trucks, inflatables, lawn games, and free family-friendly activities in Downtown Beattyville, Kentucky.
Watch Fireworks from the Kentucky River
Watch Fourth of July fireworks from the Kentucky River in Beattyville, Kentucky. Bring your kayak or canoe for a unique nighttime paddle and enjoy stunning fireworks reflections where the North Fork and South Fork of the Kentucky River meet.
Berea Craft Festival 2026
The Berea Craft Festival welcomes over 100 artists and craftsmen along with great local food and a remarkable lineup of entertainers each year to the Historic Indian Fort Theater for a magical weekend in the mountains!
Bash on the Branch
Experience Bash on the Branch Music Festival in Irvine, Kentucky, featuring live music, camping, food vendors, and a family-friendly atmosphere in the scenic Appalachian hills near the Red River Gorge.
The Boone Forest Rally
The Daniel Boone Forest Rally is a high-adrenaline motorsport event held on the rugged gravel roads of Eastern Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest. As part of the American Rally Association series, it features top rally teams racing through challenging forest terrain, offering spectators an unforgettable mix of speed, skill, and scenic Appalachian beauty.
Stanton Corn Festival
Experience the Stanton City Corn Festival in Stanton, Kentucky, featuring 100+ vendors, live entertainment, a corn eating contest, family movie night, pageants, the Run for Freedom 5K, and fun for the whole family near the Red River Gorge.
Reggae at the Gorge
Experience Reggae at the Gorge in the Red River Gorge region of Kentucky. Enjoy live reggae music, local food and drinks, scenic mountain views, and a celebration of music and culture at Hop's Beer Garden with performances by Deep Nourished Roots, PMA Sound, Fred Keams Native Flute, and DJ Bongolicious.
Hops & Vine Festival 2026
Experience the Hops & Vine Festival in Richmond, Kentucky, featuring craft beer, wine, cider, live music, local food vendors, and a vibrant downtown atmosphere while supporting the Humane Society of Madison County.
Berea Celtic Festival & Gathering
Experience the Berea Celtic Festival & Gathering in Berea, Kentucky, featuring Celtic music, bagpipes, traditional dance, artisan vendors, cultural demonstrations, family activities, and a celebration of Irish and Scottish heritage.
River Clean-up Paddle
Join us Saturday, August 15 for a river cleanup that ends right here at Firefly Hills! Bring your kayak, canoe, or boat and help us paddle and pick up trash along the way.
Natural Bridge Artisan Festival
Experience the Natural Bridge Artisan Festival near Red River Gorge, featuring Appalachian crafts, handmade art, live traditional music, dancing, food trucks, quilt displays, and demonstrations celebrating mountain heritage and culture.
Kentucky Bourbon Jam Music Festival
Experience Kentucky Bourbon Jam in Richmond, Kentucky, a one-day music festival featuring live bluegrass, Americana, country, rock, and jam-band performances, local food vendors, artisan booths, and Kentucky culture.
Crowe Fest 2026
Join us for Crowefest 2025—a three-day celebration of Bluegrass, Americana, and Country music held at Meadowgreen Appalachian Music Park in Clay City, Kentucky. This annual festival honors the legacy of legendary banjo player J.D. Crowe, bringing together top-tier musicians and community fans in one of the region’s premier music destinations.
From August 21 through 23, festival-goers can expect a vibrant lineup of performances under open skies, camp‑friendly accommodations, and meals served at the venue’s kitchen. Special highlights this year include headline appearances by prominent bluegrass acts such as The Cox Family, with scheduled evening sets showcasing traditional and contemporary Appalachian music.
Crowefest is also known for the community vibe: attendees gather for jam sessions, social dancing, and cultural connection amid the rolling hills of Kentucky’s Red River Gorge region.
Breathitt County Honey Festival
The Breathitt County Honey Festival is an annual event held over Labor Day weekend in Jackson, Kentucky, celebrating the region's Appalachian heritage and beekeeping traditions. The festival features a variety of activities, including live music performances, a lively parade, arts and crafts from local and statewide artists, and a range of food vendors offering local delicacies. Family-friendly events such as the Kids Fest and the Honey Run, which includes a 5K, 10K, 2-mile walk, and a Kid Fun Run, provide entertainment for all ages. The festival fosters a strong sense of community, culminating in a community-wide church service on Sunday.
Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival 2026
Daniel Boone Days in Owsley County is a lively celebration of Appalachian heritage and frontier history, honoring the legacy of legendary explorer Daniel Boone. This annual festival features local crafts, traditional music, food vendors, a parade, and family-friendly activities that showcase the spirit and culture of Eastern Kentucky. It’s a fun and festive way for the community to come together and celebrate their roots.
Spoonbread Festival 2026
Experience the 30th Annual Spoonbread Festival in Berea, Kentucky, featuring craft and food vendors, live entertainment, hot air balloons, carnival rides, a car show, a 5K race, and family-friendly fun celebrating Appalachian culture and tradition.
World Chicken Festival
Celebrate Kentucky's famous fried chicken tradition at the World Chicken Festival in London, Kentucky. Enjoy live music, carnival rides, food vendors, arts and crafts, family activities, and the festival's famous giant chicken-cooking skillet.
Adaptive Climber's Festival 2026
Join the Adaptive Climbers Festival in Kentucky's Red River Gorge, a three-day event offering adaptive rock climbing, clinics, workshops, camping, and community for climbers with disabilities of all experience levels.
The Woolly Worm Festival
The Woolly Worm Festival in Beattyville, Kentucky, is an annual celebration rooted in local folklore that attributes weather-predicting abilities to the woolly worm, also known as the banded woolly bear caterpillar. According to tradition, the 13 segments of the woolly worm's body correspond to the 13 weeks of winter; black segments signify harsh, cold weeks, while light brown segments indicate milder conditions.
Squatch Fest
Squatch Fest takes place June 5 to 7 in Beattyville, KY and celebrates Bigfoot folklore and Appalachian mystery. The festival features guests from Call of the Wildman, Bigfoot researchers, vendors, and family friendly fun.
Red River Gorge Bigfoot Festival
The Red River Gorge Bigfoot Festival is a fun-filled celebration of all things mysterious and wild! Held in the heart of Eastern Kentucky, this family-friendly event features live music, food and craft vendors, guest speakers, Bigfoot-themed games and contests, and plenty of outdoor fun. Whether you're a true believer or just along for the fun, expect a weekend full of laughter, local flavor, and maybe even a Bigfoot sighting or two!
South Fork 25 Mile Overnight Paddle
Join a 25 mile overnight paddle trip on the South Fork of the Kentucky River starting and ending in Beattyville. This paid group event includes shuttle transportation, riverside camping, and dinner, with options for nearby lodging.
5th Annual Hillbilly Bikefest
Hillbilly Bikefest 2026 takes place May 16, 2026 in Red River Gorge / Beattyville. This Appalachian motorcycle rally features a charity bike show, scenic mountain rides, live music, and festival fun, with one hundred percent of proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospital for Children.
Wild & Scenic Red Riverfest
The annual Wild & Scenic Red RiverFest is a celebration of Kentucky’s only National Wild & Scenic River! Enjoy live music, local food, art, educational booths, and family-friendly fun—all while supporting river conservation and the beauty of the Red River Gorge.
Beattyville Appalachian Memories (BAM) & Storytelling Festival
Brand New in 2026: The Beattyville Appalachian Memories and Storytelling Festival celebrates the heart of Appalachian heritage with music, art, craft, and the stories that shape our mountain community.
Herpetology Weekend
Herpetology Weekend at Natural Bridge State Resort Park is an annual event dedicated to the study and appreciation of reptiles and amphibians. The event features a variety of activities designed for both enthusiasts and the general public.
Mountain Mushroom Festival
The Mountain Mushroom Festival in Irvine, Kentucky is a fun-filled weekend celebrating Appalachian culture, morel mushrooms, and Kentucky agates. The event features a 5K race, mushroom hunting and cooking contests, live music, craft vendors, a parade, car show, and an agate and gem exhibit. With the 2025 theme “Shrooming Around” featuring Bigfoot, it’s a quirky, family-friendly festival packed with local flavor and small-town charm.
The Redbud Ride
The Redbud Ride is a scenic cycling event that winds through the rolling countryside surrounding London, Kentucky at the peak of redbud season. With routes designed for a range of riders—from casual cyclists to seasoned enthusiasts—it’s a beautiful way to experience the landscape that makes this region special.
FFH Blossom Hall Ribbon Cutting
We are excited to open the doors to Blossom Hall, our new gathering and event space, and celebrate with our community.
Enjoy refreshments, explore the grounds, and help us mark this special moment.
Friends, neighbors, and community members are warmly invited.
With gratitude,
Tonja and the Firefly Hills Team
Kentucky Steam Santa Express
Climb aboard the Santa Express 2025 for a holiday adventure your family won’t forget! Running December 6 & 13 with departures every hour from noon to 7 PM, this festive train ride brings the magic of the season to Estill County.
The Woolly Worm Festival
The Woolly Worm Festival in Beattyville, Kentucky, is an annual celebration rooted in local folklore that attributes weather-predicting abilities to the woolly worm, also known as the banded woolly bear caterpillar. According to tradition, the 13 segments of the woolly worm's body correspond to the 13 weeks of winter; black segments signify harsh, cold weeks, while light brown segments indicate milder conditions.
Firefly Hills After Dark
Step back in time and explore the mysteries of our early 1900s farmhouse during a special paranormal tour on October 23–24, 2025. Learn to use real investigation equipment and uncover the stories behind a home steeped in local folklore, from ghostly figures in the window to unexplained sounds and movements.
As part of the Kentucky After Dark Trail, this event is a must for thrill-seekers and history lovers alike. Limited overnight stays are available in the farmhouse during the tour dates
Danville Pride Festival
Attendees can anticipate a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere featuring a variety of activities and entertainment. The festival will host numerous vendors and artists showcasing their work, along with food trucks offering diverse culinary options. Live performances and music are also planned, contributing to the festive environment.
Beattyville Bourbon & Moonshine Festival
The Beattyville Bourbon & Moonshine Festival celebrates Kentucky’s rich distilling heritage with tastings from local bourbon and moonshine producers, live music, craft vendors, and Appalachian culture. It’s a fun-filled weekend where tradition meets community spirit, right in the heart of Lee County.
Berea Pride Festival
The Berea PRIDE Festival is in it’s 8th year. Expect a vibrant day filled with live music, local vendors, engaging performances, and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for all ages that honors diversity and fosters unity.
Louisville Orchestra Concert
The Louisville Orchestra’s In Harmony tour brings world-class music to communities across Kentucky, and we’re thrilled that one of its historic stops is right here in Beattyville! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience a live performance from the orchestra in the heart of the hills.
Breathitt County Honey Festival
The Breathitt County Honey Festival is an annual event held over Labor Day weekend in Jackson, Kentucky, celebrating the region's Appalachian heritage and beekeeping traditions. The festival features a variety of activities, including live music performances, a lively parade, arts and crafts from local and statewide artists, and a range of food vendors offering local delicacies. Family-friendly events such as the Kids Fest and the Honey Run, which includes a 5K, 10K, 2-mile walk, and a Kid Fun Run, provide entertainment for all ages. The festival fosters a strong sense of community, culminating in a community-wide church service on Sunday.
Crowe Fest 2025
Join us for Crowefest 2025—a three-day celebration of Bluegrass, Americana, and Country music held at Meadowgreen Appalachian Music Park in Clay City, Kentucky. This annual festival honors the legacy of legendary banjo player J.D. Crowe, bringing together top-tier musicians and community fans in one of the region’s premier music destinations.
From August 21 through 23, festival-goers can expect a vibrant lineup of performances under open skies, camp‑friendly accommodations, and meals served at the venue’s kitchen. Special highlights this year include headline appearances by prominent bluegrass acts such as The Cox Family, with scheduled evening sets showcasing traditional and contemporary Appalachian music.
Crowefest is also known for the community vibe: attendees gather for jam sessions, social dancing, and cultural connection amid the rolling hills of Kentucky’s Red River Gorge region.
The Boone Forest Rally
The Daniel Boone Forest Rally is a high-adrenaline motorsport event held on the rugged gravel roads of Eastern Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest. As part of the American Rally Association series, it features top rally teams racing through challenging forest terrain, offering spectators an unforgettable mix of speed, skill, and scenic Appalachian beauty.
Reggae At The Gorge
Reggae rhythms meet natural beauty at Red River Gorge with live performances by Ashley Irae and Deep Nourished Roots at Hop’s—an eco-conscious beer garden offering great food, local trails, and uplifting vibes.
Berea Craft Festival
The Berea Craft Festival welcomes over 100 artists and craftsmen along with great local food and a remarkable lineup of entertainers each year to the Historic Indian Fort Theater for a magical weekend in the mountains!
Daniel Boone Days Celebration
Experience the 47th Annual Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival in Winchester, Kentucky, featuring 130+ arts and crafts vendors, live music, food booths, family activities, a 5K race, and Labor Day weekend fun in historic downtown Winchester.
Enchanted Trails & Butterfly Tales
Discover magic in the woods at Enchanted Trails & Butterfly Tales, where kids can hike enchanted paths, craft fairy houses, learn about butterflies, and play freely in nature’s wonderland.
Beer Cheese Festival
Local breweries and cheese makers come together to showcase their finest creations, offering attendees a taste of the region’s best brews and cheeses. The festival is a celebration of craftsmanship and culinary expertise, providing a platform for these artisans to highlight their unique products.
Annual L&N Day
L&N Day in Berea is a celebration of the town’s rich railroad history, honoring the legacy of the Louisville & Nashville (L&N) Railroad. Held at the historic L&N Depot, the event features model train displays, local vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities, all while showcasing the important role the railroad played in shaping Berea’s past. It’s a fun and educational day for train enthusiasts and history lovers alike!
Nature Immersion Training
Step into the forest for a hands-on day of outdoor learning, where families connect with nature through wildlife tracking, plant discovery, bushcraft, and more—led by expert naturalists Craig Caudill and Eric Comley.
Richmond Pride Celebration
The Richmond Pride Festival is an annual event in Richmond, Kentucky, dedicated to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Typically held in early June at Irvine McDowell Park, the festival offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music, performances, drag shows, food trucks, and local vendors. This free, family-friendly event fosters inclusivity and community spirit, welcoming everyone to join in the celebration of love and equality.
Red River Gorge Bigfoot Festival
The Red River Gorge Bigfoot Festival is a fun-filled celebration of all things mysterious and wild! Held in the heart of Eastern Kentucky, this family-friendly event features live music, food and craft vendors, guest speakers, Bigfoot-themed games and contests, and plenty of outdoor fun. Whether you're a true believer or just along for the fun, expect a weekend full of laughter, local flavor, and maybe even a Bigfoot sighting or two!
Wild & Scenic Red Riverfest
The annual Wild & Scenic Red RiverFest is a celebration of Kentucky’s only National Wild & Scenic River! Enjoy live music, local food, art, educational booths, and family-friendly fun—all while supporting river conservation and the beauty of the Red River Gorge.
Our neighbors in Powell County have a full calendar of small and large events worth checking out—see what’s happening!
The Red River Gorge Discovery Zone offers engaging events throughout the year, featuring science, technology, engineering, art, and math experiences tied to the natural beauty and history of the Gorge. These events are perfect for families and kids of all ages.