All special events are subject to change and may be cancelled or postponed by the Kentucky Department of Parks due to unforeseen circumstances. Please confirm event schedule prior to arrival for date, time and fee information, especially if you plan to visit a Kentucky State Park for a specific event. Event details and contact information for all 52 Kentucky State Parks can be found on this website.
One Man's Lincoln: Billy Herndon (Honestly) Represents Abe by Wade Hall
3/7/2008
Billy Herndon was President Abraham Lincoln's law partner for many years and over the course of time the two became very close friends. This is a great way to learn more about the President and his life. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. in the James Harrod Conference Center. Admission is $3.00 per person and children under six are admitted free.
Easter Egg Hunt - Harrodsburg Kiwanis Club
3/22/2008
The Harrodsburg Kiwanis Club will host a community Easter Egg Hunt at the Fort. This event includes pictures with the Easter Bunny, discounted rates to Old Fort Harrod for only $1, and of course a lot of treats and games. The fun begins at noon on the front lawn by the Osage Orange Tree. Event time: 12pm to 2pm.
The Journey to Kentucky Play
4/16/2008 to 5/23/2008
You and your students will love this interactive play about the first step towards western expansion. Audiences will go back in time and meet a fictional family who is taking the brave journey to Kentucky. Your students will be led on the ultimate adventure through the Cumberland Gap. Audiences wil even get a glimpse into what everyday life was like in the late 1700's. The kids will have a blast while getting involved in the account of the capture of the Boone and Calloway girls. Filtered throughout this 40 minute production will be song and dance from the early days on the frontier. After the production, the students will get a chance to ask the actors questions.
Picnic in the Park
6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27
For a more laid back experience guests are invited to "Picnic in the Park" on every Friday in June and July by bringing their own picnic lunch and listening to live music and entertainment under the scenic and historic Osage Orange Tree. Picnic times are from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Kentucky's Fort Harrod Beef Festival
6/6/2008 to 6/8/2008
Kentucky's Fort Harrod Beef Festival will be held at the park and the Mercer County Fairgrounds. Friday, the Mercer County Fairgrounds will host a motor sport event along with a chili cook-off. The festival hits its full stride on June 7 with a steak and eggs breakfast, a juried arts and crafts fair at Old Fort Harrod, featuring more than 50 exhibitors, great live music, festival food, live entertainment, beauty pageants, children's activities, shows, craft demonstrations, twilight tour of the fort, 5K race, antique and classic super cruise and motor cycle cruise. Events at the Fairgrounds that same day include a beef grilling competiton, chef demonstrations, and more. The fun wraps up June 8 with a continuation of the juried arts and crafts fair and entertainment at Old Fort Harrod State Park. Festival times at the park on Saturday are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Flag Day Retirement Ceremony
6/14/2008
Boy Scout Troop 127 will properly retire old flags and offer a patriotic ceremony. Ceremony time: 7pm to 8 pm.
Bluegrass Band - Hog Operation - James Harrod Entertainment Sampler
6/28/2008
Bluegrass Band Hog Operation will kick off this year's James Harrod Entertainment Sampler beginning at 7 p.m. in the James Harrod Amphitheater. This group gives high-enegy perfomances created by the cross-pollination of many American roots music styles including Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Country, and Rock. They draw musical inspiration and repertoire from the lonesome sounds of the early Celtic settlers, as well as the field hollers and blues of the first African Americans that created the true beginnings of the Bluegrass style. Admission is $5 per person and children under six are admitted free.
Picnic in the Park
7/4, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25
For a more laid back experience guests are invited to "Picnic in the Park" on every Friday in June and July by bringing their own picnic lunch and listening to live music and entertainment under the scenic and historic Osage Orange Tree. Picnic times are from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Patriot Quartet-James Harrod Entertainment Sampler
7/5/2008
On July 5, the Patriot Quartet a local Southern Gospel group will be performing for the James Harrod Entertainment Sampler beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the James Harrod Amphitheater. The concert will feature patriotic songs and favorite traditional songs as made popular by The Statesmen, The Blackwood Brothers and the original Oak Ridge Boys quartets. There are also original songs penned by group members and others. The music will be sung in the traditional southern gospel four part harmony style. Admission is $5.00 per person and children under six will be admitted free.
Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln - Chautauqua Performers
7/11/2008 to 7/12/2008
On July 11 & 12, Old Fort Harrod State Park and the Kentucky Humanities Council will present “Abraham Lincoln” and “Mary Todd Lincoln” in the James Harrod Conference Center. Mr. Lincoln and his wife will come to life through the representations of the Kentucky Chautauqua performers Jim Sayre and Angela Bartley. This event will be free and seating will be limited. The program starts at 7 p.m.
Keith Hubbard and the Hubcats - James Harrod Entertainment Sampler
7/19/2008
On July 19, Keith Hubbard and the Hubcats will be performing their groovy jazz music in the James Harrod Amphitheater as a part of the James Harrod Entertainment Sampler beginning at 7:00 p.m. Keith began performing at the Freewheelin' Tavern in Lexington in 1972. Since then, he's been starved in Nashville, stirred-up in Boston, seasoned in New Orleans and smoked in the Ozarks. He has toured extensively with rockabilly pioneer Sleepy Labeef, NRBQ co-founder Steve Ferguson, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's, the Impressions. Upon returning to KY to teach literature at Morehead State, Keith frequently served as a sideman for jazz fixture Duke Madison and led the R&B quintet Annie & The Hubcats, named after his notorious funk quartet popular throughout Arkansas in the early 80's. Admission is $5.00 per person and children under six will be admitted free.
Dave Stahl and Reid Moore/Piano and Steele Guitar - James Harrod Entertainment Sampler
8/2/2008
On Aug. 2, Dave Stahl, “The Piano Doctor” and Reid Moore on Steel Guitar will be performing for the James Harrod Entertainment Sampler beginning at 7 p.m. in the James Harrod Amphitheater. These two men will perform 70’s and 80’s rock-n-roll, country, gospel, and holiday music. Dave is an extremely talented keyboardist and vocalist who uses the digital keyboard to create the sound of a full-fledged band with keyboards, organ, drums and bass. Reid accompanies Dave on the electric and steel guitars. Their excitement and enthusiasm is awesome. Admission is $5 per person and children under six will be admitted free.
Mike Fryman and Eagle Lake Band - James Harrod Entertainment Sampler
8/8/2008
On August 8, Mike Fryman and the Eagle Lake Band along with Les Taylor formerly from the group Exile will be performing for the James Harrod Entertainment Sampler beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the James Harrod Amphitheater. The band is from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky and plays traditional and contemporary country as well as a little bit of Bluegrass and Gospel. Admission is $5.00 per person and children under six will be admitted free.
Mercer County Relay for Life
8/15/2008 to 8/16/2008
On August 15 - 16, Old Fort Harrod State Park will host the Mercer County Relay for Life. This is a team event to fight cancer. Participants walk at various times throughout a 12-hour period from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Food, games and door prizes will be available. In addition, a live auction will be held. For more information on the event, please contact Sue Abrams at (859) 613-4581.
Mid Life Crisis Band - James Harrod Entertainment Sampler
8/23/2008
On August 23, Mid Life Crisis will be performing in the James Harrod Amphitheater as part of the James Harrod Entertainment Sampler beginning at 7:00 p.m. Mid Life Crisis is a group of middle-aged rockers who have played in various bands throughout their younger years. As seasoned players – they still rock! Playing classic rock and roll from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s along with a few newer tunes, the band will take you back to the good old days with music familiar to the 40 & 50-somethings, as well as winning over fans from younger generations. This is one Mid Life Crisis everyone will love! Admission is $5.00 per person and children under six will be admitted free.
The Journey to Kentucky Play
9/15/2008 to 10/24/2008
You and your students will love this interactive play about the first step towards western expansion. Audiences will go back in time and meet a fictional family who is taking the brave journey to Kentucky. Your students will be led on the ultimate adventure through the Cumberland Gap. Audiences wil even get a glimpse into what everyday life was like in the late 1700's. The kids will have a blast while getting involved in the account of the capture of the Boone and Calloway girls. Filtered throughout this 40 minute production will be song and dance from the early days on the frontier. After the production, the students will get a chance to ask the actors questions.
Fort Harrod Holiday Special
11/14/2008 to 11/15/2008
Old Fort Harrod State Park is hosting its annual Holiday Special on November 14 – 15, 2008. Stroll through the front grounds of Old Fort Harrod State Park where over 1000 luminaries will guide your way. Step back in time and enjoy a candlelit tour of the 18th century fort replica that is complete with furnished cabins, blockhouses and a unique state park gift shop stocked with great items. Santa Claus will await all visitors, young and old, and your visit will not be complete without enjoying the sounds of holiday music, hot apple cider and homemade cookies. The Holiday Special is the perfect way to begin your holiday season and holiday shopping. The Holiday Special hours are 5pm to 8:00pm each evening. Tickets may be purchased at the fort. Adult prices are $3.00, children 6 through 12 are $2.00, and children under age 6 are admitted free.
Civil War Living History Program
11/15/2008 to 11/16/2008
On Nov. 15-16, Fort Harrod State Park will host its second annual Civil War Living History Program. This living history program will give the general impression of a mid 19th century Civil War atmosphere. There will be approximately 50 living historians portraying Union Army soldiers and civilians in Harrodsburg after the Oct. 8, 1862, Battle of Perryville. This area will be interactive with the public and all participants. Historical speeches will also be given on the Battle of Perryville, Harrodsburg's conditions after the battle and the history of Harrodsburg. The program will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free. For more information, please contact Robert Preston after 5 p.m. at 859-734-2116 or 859-621-1537 or Joan Huffman at 734-3314.