Check out these Kentucky State Parks for Fourth of July weekend fun

KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — There are few better places to celebrate the Fourth of July than surrounded by nature and loved ones. For those wanting summer fun within an arm’s reach of their fireworks and other Independence Day activities, a getaway to any of Kentucky’s state parks is the perfect solution.

For the first weekend of July, visitors will be able to enjoy picnics, concerts, fireworks, and more. Here’s a full rundown of when to catch some of the festivities:

July 4

On July 4, park officials invited guests to bring their appetite and dancing shoes to the 2025 Concert in the Park, featuring the Lindsey Lane Band. The venue will also host a dinner with the show.

“The dinner buffet will feature delicious catfish filets along with other favorite dishes and can be enjoyed either in the Grayson’s Landing Restaurant or on the Patio outdoors,” officials said.

The “Fourth of July Bash” at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park promises to be a day full of fun ahead of a fireworks show in Corbin and Holly Bay.

From 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, families can tie-dye, compete in potato sack races, get their faces painted, mine gems, take part in a cornhole tournament, and more.

Event organizers said the fun will be held at the Cumberland Falls lawn area.

July 5

Stick around after Concert in the Park 2025 for the annual Rumble over Rough River fireworks show on Saturday. Guests are asked to bring blankets, and food trucks will be set up throughout the area.

Fireworks are also in store at Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Corbin.

“Enjoy free face painting, yard games like cornhole, big Jenga, and water pong while you wait for the main event,” Lake Barkley officials said.

The show is set to begin when the sun goes down on Saturday.

Carter Caves will be hosting a cornhole tournament on Saturday with prizes for the top three teams.

Cool off before the fireworks with a canoe voyage down the Licking River Canoe Series on Saturday at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. Event organizers said the experience, complete with a tour guide, life jackets, and even bottled water, begins at 10 a.m. To reserve a spot, call (859) 289-5507, extension #5, or email matthew.dollar@ky.gov.

For more information about July 4th weekend activities, visit the Kentucky State Parks website.