Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival: Two Days of Music, Tradition, and Mountain Culture

May 15–16, 2026 in Beattyville, KY

On May 15–16, 2026, downtown Beattyville will come alive with the sights, sounds, and stories of Appalachia during the Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival. This isn’t just a festival—it’s a full experience rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, music, and the kind of traditions that have shaped this region for generations. From live performances and hands-on demonstrations to storytelling, food, and community gatherings, every part of this weekend is designed to celebrate what makes Appalachia special.

Facebook Page line HERE! 

Live Music All Weekend Long

Music will echo through Main Street both days, featuring a lineup deeply connected to the Appalachian sound.

One group to watch is Violet and the Newsroom, a talented three-piece string band with roots at Morehead State University. Their blend of country, indie covers, and old-time standards brings a fresh but familiar sound. Violet Updike leads on fiddle, with Anabel Peterman and Clay Wallace backing on upright bass and mountain dulcimer. Together, they deliver rich three-part harmonies and a performance you won’t forget.

Festival favorite The Brothers Rathbone will take the stage both days, bringing their signature mix of comedy and Appalachian-style musical storytelling.

Saturday highlights include Lennie Centers & Centerline, carrying on a true Eastern Kentucky bluegrass legacy and returning as a longtime crowd favorite.

Additional performances throughout the weekend will keep the music going from morning through evening.

Full Entertainment Schedule

Friday, May 15

• 1:00 PM – Line & Square Dancing with Jane Ellen Bolin

• 3:00 PM – Brothers Rathbone

• 5:00 PM – Violet and the Newsroom

• 6:00 PM – Bourbon and Smoke

• 6:30 PM – Ronald Abney Band

• 7:30 PM – Anthony Wells

• 11:00 AM – Gram & Phillip Durbin with Roy Lee Centers

• 12:00 PM – Shelby Davis

• 1:00 PM – Brothers Rathbone

• 3:00 PM – Lennie Centers & Centerline

• 5:00 PM – Jenna Dunaway Little

• 6:00 PM – The Turner Collective

Sound and stage services provided by WSKV 104.9.

Dance on Town Square

Get ready to step into the rhythm of the mountains at the Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival.On Friday, May 15th, Jane Ellen Bolin will be joining the festival to lead a fun and welcoming line and square dancing class from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Whether you’ve danced your whole life or have two left feet, this is your chance to jump in and be part of a true Appalachian tradition. Jane is no stranger to the dance floor. She regularly calls dances at Hoe Down Island at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, bringing energy, laughter, and easy-to-follow instruction that gets everyone moving.

She’s also brought her talents to Beattyville before, leading square dancing during a Cruise-In event a few years ago. Here is your chance to connect, learn, and experience the kind of simple, joyful traditions that make Appalachia special. Grab your friends, bring your family, and come dance with us in downtown Beattyville.

Quilt Show: Stories Stitched by Hand

A brand-new addition this year, the Quilt Show will be held inside the WIOA building on Main Street, directly across from the Town Square.

With its beautiful hardwood floors, the space creates the perfect setting to showcase handmade quilts and the stories stitched into them.

Local and regional participants are invited to submit quilts along with their history—who made them, how old they are, and any special meaning behind the design. Quilting has long been part of Appalachian life, passed down through generations as both art and necessity, and this exhibit brings that tradition front and center.

🧵 Quilt Drop-Off:

Thursday, May 14
👉 https://form.jotform.com/260984147710056

📝 Register Your Quilt:

Participation is free, and all skill levels and styles are welcome. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a recent creation, every quilt has a story worth sharing.

Moonshiners, Master Distillers, and Still Show

Festivalgoers will have the chance to meet Moonshiners and Master Distillers set up in Town Square for demonstrations, conversation, and meet-and-greets.

Their presence helps bring the history of Appalachian distilling to life—not just the process, but the stories behind it.

Hillbilly BikeFest Returns

Running alongside the festival is the 5th Annual Hillbilly BikeFest, bringing energy, entertainment, and a strong community purpose.

Events include:

- FryDaddy’s Old School Bike Show

- Charity ride benefiting Shriners Children’s Hospital-  - Fun contests and crowd participation events

It adds another layer of excitement while staying rooted in Appalachian culture.

Event Link Here

A Touch of History: Lincoln & Civil War Exhibitor

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the festival will feature special appearances by Larry “Like Lincoln” Elliott.

Visitors can enjoy storytelling, meet-and-greets, and photo opportunities that connect Appalachian heritage with American history.

Justin Mays has 30 years of Civil War reenacting and have gathered an excellent display of Civil War exhibits and artifacts. Stop by his booth "Kentucky In The Civil War"!

A living history past leaders of Beattyville/Lee County will have an opportunity to tell their interesting stories about the development and changes over the years in the community. Lee County Republican Party group and the Republican Women of Lee County group will be helping to create a platform for these past local leader storytellers. 

Food & Craft Vendors: Local Flavor and Handmade Finds

You won’t go hungry—or leave empty-handed.

Main Street will be filled with a wide variety of food vendors, craft makers, and local businesses, offering everything from festival eats to handmade Appalachian goods.

Food & Drink Favorites:

• Hickory Hill Freeze Dried Candies
• Kona Ice
• Tom’s Coffee Truck
• Tacos La Patrona
• Boone Valley Food Truck
• Arnold’s Food Truck
• The Copper Bar
• Pickle Barrel Pickels

Crafts & Local Goods:

• Wildwood Farms
• Sandy’s Candies
• Katie's Treats 
• Locally Made Farmer’s Market
• Blue Jean Alley
• Horn Holler Homestead 

…and many more joining in.

From fresh coffee to sweet treats, tacos, and local favorites, there’s something for everyone. Add in handcrafted goods and locally made products, and you’ve got a shopping experience that feels true to Appalachia.

Official Festival T-Shirt & Sponsorships

This year’s official festival t-shirt, illustrated by artist Aubrey Fingerson, captures the spirit of Appalachia in a whimsical folk-art design—featuring banjo players, quilting scenes, woodland creatures, and even a woolly worm on the clothesline.

Businesses and organizations can become sponsors for $100 and have their name featured on the back of the shirt—a great way to support the festival while gaining visibility.

A Festival with Heart

The Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival is a new chapter inspired by the longtime Beattyville Bourbon & Moonshine Festival—carrying the BAM name forward with a deeper focus on heritage, storytelling, and hands-on tradition.

Same BAM energy. Stronger Appalachian roots.

📍 Downtown Beattyville, Kentucky
📅 May 15–16, 2026

Come for the music.
Stay for the stories.
Leave with something you didn’t expect.

Because this isn’t just a festival—it’s Appalachia, brought to life.

Pages to Follow:

Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival

Beattyville Main Street

Lee County Tourism