From family friendly pumpkin patches to horrifying haunted houses, Harlan County offers it all in the fall! We’ve organized upcoming local events here by date so that you won’t miss a minute of the fun…
SEPTEMBER
Saturday September 9
Water Lantern Festival at Kingdom Come State Park- See the lake at Kingdom Come State Park as you’ve never seen it before with lanterns glowing across the water. Enjoy free hot dogs and music. Create your own lantern and set it afloat. It’s a beautiful time of reflection and peace. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=722324549928675&set=a.474495374711595
Friday September 15
The Reveal at the Harlan Center- This Murder Mystery Dinner experience brings participants to a high school reunion where the classmates share more than just memories. Can you piece together the clues? Your $30 ticket includes a three course catered meal as well as the fun of solving a mystery alongside your family and friends!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=700128652161510&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000
Saturday September 16
The Iron- Billed as “The baddest motorcycle ride in Appalachia”, this ride is for advanced riders only. Your 533 mile journey across three state lines originates in Harlan with kickstands up at the Harlan Walmart. The two day ride makes a stop at the Benham Schoolhouse Inn for a party and night of rest at the historic hotel before continuing on the following morning. If you can survive the curviest tour of Appalachia, you’ll be rewarded with a patch, decal, and sticker that is only available to riders who complete the ride.
Saturday September 16
Animal Crackers In My Soup- The fall chill is a signal that soup season has arrived. Register with Willing Hearts Clay Art Studio in Cumberland for an evening of art as you make your own soup bowl!
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=315075954386209&set=a.181162301110909
Friday September 22
The Great Pumpkin- Paint a pumpkin that will last for many autumns to come at the Willing Hearts Clay Art Studio. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=315075954386209&set=a.181162301110909
Saturday September 23
Fair Day & Sorghum Stir Off at Pine Mountain Settlement School- Join the 100 year-old traditions of Pine Mountain Settlement School at Fair Day. This year, they will again be incorporating our Sorghum Stir-Off into the festivities. Visit exhibitions of local food and crafts, shop from local vendors, and listen to live bluegrass and gospel music. You can also take part in sorghum production.
https://www.pinemountainsettlementschool.com/events/fairday
Saturday September 23
Harlan Bike & Jeep Fest- Downtown Harlan is playing host to two fantastic events as Harlan Bike & Jeep Fest and the Dog Days of Kentucky come to town! Backroads of Appalachia invites you to bring out your custom bike for a shot at prizes. While you’re there, bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Mountain Santa tradition in Harlan.There will be merchandise, raffles, prizes, and more!
Saturday September 23
The Dog Days of Kentucky- Alongside the Harlan Bike & Jeep Fest will be the very first Dog Days of Kentucky! This celebration of the hot dog includes vendors, music, attractions, a 5K run, a hot dog costume contest for humans and one for dogs, a hot dog eating contest, and the crowning of the Hot Dog Champion as selected by judges from our competing hot dog vendors!
Thursday September 28
Gears & Beers- Don’t miss the Gears & Beers Cruise! Cars and trucks of all kinds fill 1st Street in Downtown Harlan at the Harlan County Beer Company. Check out some of the sharpest rides around and win prizes!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=700128635494845&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000&type=3
Friday September 29
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Friday September 29
Reindeer Games- Even though it’s fall, some of us are already looking ahead to Christmas! Willing Hearts Clay Art Studio welcomes the whole family to paint a reindeer in preparation for the most wonderful time of the year!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=315075954386209&set=a.181162301110909
Friday September 29
Butcher Holler Spook House- Is it even spooky season if you haven’t scared yourself senseless at a haunted house? Butcher Holler promises thrills in the Harlan County hills!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699610632213312&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000&type=3
Saturday September 30
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Saturday September 30
Evarts Hometown Pumpkin Patch- Gather at the Baileys Creek Walking Trail for vendors, hay maze, hay rides, apple cider, and more! While you’re there, snap a photo at their fall photo ops and purchase decorative fall items like pumpkins, mums, and fodder shock! You can even mine your own gemstones or compete in the duck race!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1058328055138029?ref=newsfeed
Saturday September 30
Harlan Hauntfest- This convention is a nearly decade long tradition of family friendly pop culture and horror. With vendors, special surprises, and paranormal fun!
https://www.harlanhauntfest.com/
Saturday September 30
Butcher Holler Spook House- Is it even spooky season if you haven’t scared yourself senseless at a haunted house? Butcher Holler promises thrills in the Harlan County hills!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699610632213312&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000&type=3
OCTOBER
Sunday October 1
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Friday October 6
Kingdom Come Swappin’ Meetin’- This fall tradition has been taking place on the campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College in Cumberland since 1965. It highlights the cultural heritage of our Appalachian region through the presentation of music, crafts, visual arts, theatre, folk competitions, games, food, activities, and folk life demonstrations.
Friday October 6
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Friday October 6
Butcher Holler Spook House- Is it even spooky season if you haven’t scared yourself senseless at a haunted house? Butcher Holler promises thrills in the Harlan County hills!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699610632213312&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000&type=3
Saturday October 7
Kingdom Come Swappin’ Meetin’- This fall tradition has been taking place on the campus of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College in Cumberland since 1965. It highlights the cultural heritage of our Appalachian region through the presentation of music, crafts, visual arts, theatre, folk competitions, games, food, activities, and folk life demonstrations.
Saturday October 7
Pumpkin Patch & Hayrides- Kingdom Come State Park is bringing fall fun to the crest of Pine Mountain! Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and select your pumpkin, enjoy games and crafts, and go home with a treat bag!
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=723019016525895&set=pcb.723027876525009
Saturday October 7
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Saturday October 7
Butcher Holler Spook House- Is it even spooky season if you haven’t scared yourself senseless at a haunted house? Butcher Holler promises thrills in the Harlan County hills!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699610632213312&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000&type=3
Sunday October 8
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Friday October 13
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Friday October 13
In the Shadows of Black Mountain- This free half mile walking tour is led by Lynch Mayor Justin Wren as he guides you from historic site to historic site where phantoms from the past tell their own ghost stories.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1239461250062752/
Friday October 13
Fright Nights Haunted House- Kingdom Come State Park takes a terrifying turn with dark creatures in the night. The thrills are so intense that it’s not recommended for children under 8.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=723675683126895&set=pcb.723678893126574
Friday October 13
Butcher Holler Spook House- Is it even spooky season if you haven’t scared yourself senseless at a haunted house? Butcher Holler promises thrills in the Harlan County hills!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699610632213312&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000&type=3
Saturday October 14
Pumpkin Patch & Hayrides- Kingdom Come State Park is bringing fall fun to the crest of Pine Mountain! Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and select your pumpkin, enjoy games and crafts, and go home with a treat bag!
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=723019016525895&set=pcb.723027876525009
Saturday October 14
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Saturday October 14
Cryptids Lecture- What goes bump in the night? Come to the historic Benham Theater to hear lecturers discuss bigfoot, dogman, aliens, vampires, and more!
https://www.facebook.com/events/655996663152176
Saturday October 14
PossumFest- Celebrate everyone’s favorite “trash cat” through art, crafts, games, food, and fun in downtown Cumberland!
https://www.facebook.com/PossumFest
Saturday October 14
Fright Nights Haunted House- Kingdom Come State Park takes a terrifying turn with dark creatures in the night. The thrills are so intense that it’s not recommended for children under 8.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=723675683126895&set=pcb.723678893126574
Saturday October 14
Butcher Holler Spook House- Is it even spooky season if you haven’t scared yourself senseless at a haunted house? Butcher Holler promises thrills in the Harlan County hills!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699610632213312&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000&type=3
Sunday October 15
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Friday October 20
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Friday October 20
Fall Crawl- Climb daring trails at Kentucky highest elevated off-road park as the Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area hosts their annual Fall Crawl!
https://www.facebook.com/BlackMountainOffroad
Friday October 20
Fright Nights Haunted House- Kingdom Come State Park takes a terrifying turn with dark creatures in the night. The thrills are so intense that it’s not recommended for children under 8.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=723675683126895&set=pcb.723678893126574
Friday October 20
Butcher Holler Spook House- Is it even spooky season if you haven’t scared yourself senseless at a haunted house? Butcher Holler promises thrills in the Harlan County hills!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699610632213312&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000&type=3
Saturday October 21
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Saturday October 21
Downtown Harlan’s Vintage Fall Festival- This nostalgic fall festival takes place on 1st Street in Downtown Harlan with music, games, performances, contests, and all the fun you remember from fall festivals as a kid!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=700681212106254&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000
Saturday October 21
Fall Crawl- Climb daring trails at Kentucky highest elevated off-road park as the Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area hosts their annual Fall Crawl!
https://www.facebook.com/BlackMountainOffroad
Saturday October 21
Fright Nights Haunted House- Kingdom Come State Park takes a terrifying turn with dark creatures in the night. The thrills are so intense that it’s not recommended for children under 8.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=723675683126895&set=pcb.723678893126574
Saturday October 21
Butcher Holler Spook House- Is it even spooky season if you haven’t scared yourself senseless at a haunted house? Butcher Holler promises thrills in the Harlan County hills!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699610632213312&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000&type=3
Sunday October 22
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Friday October 27
Fall Arts Weekend- During Fall Arts Weekend, learn and work with experts in workshops on traditional mountain crafts. This all-inclusive weekend includes 2 nights lodging, 5 meals, step away art classes, and workshops led by some of the region’s most respected artists and artisans.
https://www.pinemountainsettlementschool.com/events/fallartsweekend
Friday October 27
Tri Cities Trick or Treat on Main- Bring your little goblins to Downtown Cumberland and visit businesses collecting treats!
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=329146679495739&set=a.146400101103732
Friday October 27
Jeep Fest- Jeep Fest kicks off at the Harlan County Beer Company with live music!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/934815133682647
Friday October 27
Fright Nights Haunted House- Kingdom Come State Park takes a terrifying turn with dark creatures in the night. The thrills are so intense that it’s not recommended for children under 8.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=723675683126895&set=pcb.723678893126574
Friday October 27
Butcher Holler Spook House- Is it even spooky season if you haven’t scared yourself senseless at a haunted house? Butcher Holler promises thrills in the Harlan County hills!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699610632213312&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000&type=3
Friday October 27
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Saturday October 28
Fall Arts Weekend- During Fall Arts Weekend, learn and work with experts in workshops on traditional mountain crafts. This all-inclusive weekend includes 2 nights lodging, 5 meals, step away art classes, and workshops led by some of the region’s most respected artists and artisans.
https://www.pinemountainsettlementschool.com/events/fallartsweekend
Saturday October 28
Jeep Fest- Start off with a shine and show before heading out on rides guided by local Jeepers. Between rides, shop with vendors, eat from food trucks, and play cornhole! Come back at the end of the day for live music and prizes!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/934815133682647
Saturday October 28
Mountain Market- This is not your average roadside sale! Browse handcrafted items alongside second hand treasures at this indoor yard sale. While you’re there, take advantage of all of the fun of Jeep Fest taking place outside! https://www.facebook.com/groups/934815133682647
Saturday October 28
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Saturday October 28
Crawdadoween- Are you looking for a haunted house, vendors, a costume contest, live music, a dance party, a reptile show, free food, and art? You’ll find it here!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1229555327732128
Saturday October 28
Fright Nights Haunted House- Kingdom Come State Park takes a terrifying turn with dark creatures in the night. The thrills are so intense that it’s not recommended for children under 8.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=723675683126895&set=pcb.723678893126574
Saturday October 28
Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat- With hayrides, a pumpkin contest, cake walk, games, food, & more, fall fun is coming to Coal Miner’s Memorial Park in Benham!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=619166793727496&set=a.400446378932873
Saturday October 28
Butcher Holler Spook House- Is it even spooky season if you haven’t scared yourself senseless at a haunted house? Butcher Holler promises thrills in the Harlan County hills!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=699610632213312&set=pb.100064931430314.-2207520000&type=3
Sunday October 29
Haunted Mini Golf- Have fun golfing through Kingdom Come State Park’s 9-hole mini golf course but with a twist! Music, lights, and spooky decorations make this an extra fun experience for the whole family!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=723675656460231&set=pcb.723678893126574
Tuesday October 31
Trick or Treat on Main- Trick or Treat your way through the businesses of Downtown Harlan on Halloween from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday November 1
Believer’s MusicFest- Admission is free for this 4 day event featuring over 30 Gospel artists!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075902349001
Thursday November 2
Believer’s MusicFest- Admission is free for this 4 day event featuring over 30 Gospel artists!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075902349001
Friday November 3
Believer’s MusicFest- Admission is free for this 4 day event featuring over 30 Gospel artists!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075902349001
Saturday November 4
Believer’s MusicFest- Admission is free for this 4 day event featuring over 30 Gospel artists!
