18 Local Things to do this Summer

PorchFest

Saturday, June 7 | Downtown Henderson – South Main Street

Southern hospitality peaks during Porchfest, when around a dozen neighbors along historic South Main Street transform their front porches into concert venues for all to enjoy. Explore the beautiful architecture, take in the summertime tunes, and dance in the street as we welcome the month of June.

Exploring the Arts- 3-day art camp ages 6-8

Tuesday-Thursday, June 3-5 @ 10 – 11:45am | Gallery 101

Students ages 6-8 will be creating Art while exploring different art mediums such as colored pencils, pastels, tempera and more. If your student loves art, they will love this 3-day art camp. Dress for a mess! Fee: $42 (supplies included). Pre-register is required kim.mcgrew0930@gmail.com.

W.C. Handy Blues & BBQ Festival 

Wednesday – Saturday, June 11 – 14  | Downtown Henderson 

For a celebration that ignites the soul with the essence of blues music and the irresistible aroma of barbecue, head to Handy Fest! Named after the “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy, who once called Henderson home, this world-class festival’s lively atmosphere is award-winning for its top notch blues acts, delicious food, and unbeatable ticket price. This event is free in Downtown Henderson.

Advanced ART- 3-day Art Camp ages 9-13

Tuesday-Thursday, June 17-19 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm | Gallery 101

Art, art, art, and more art! This class is designed for serious artists who love art. They will be working with acrylic, watercolor and mixed mediums. Wear old clothes as they will explore the arts. $45 (supplies included). Pre-registration is required. Class is limited. Pre-register today at kim.mcgrew0930@gmail.com.

Little Rembrandt’s Art – Ages 3-6

Fridays, June 20 & July 18 @ 10:30 – 11:30am  | Gallery 101

Bring those little Artists to a fun filled morning of ART! Dress for a MESS and let’s have some fun with lines, shapes, and colors. Fee: $10 (supplies included). Pre-registration is required, students must come with an adult. Pre-register today at kim.mcgrew0930@gmail.com

Summer Sunset Series

Thursdays, June 19 & July 17 @ 4:00 – 8:00pm  | Downtown Henderson

Get ready to kick back and enjoy the Summer Sunset Series, brought to you by the Downtown Henderson Partnership Committee! This vibrant event is packed with live music, unique artisan vendors, and an unforgettable vibe in the heart of Henderson while utilizing the SUNSET DISTRICT. Got questions? Reach out to the Henderson Chamber of Commerce at (270) 826-7505 or drop an email to Jada@hendersonkychamber.com. See you there!

Art from the Heart- 3-day art camp ages 6-8

Tuesday-Thursday, June 24-26 @ 10:00am – 11:45am | Gallery 101

This class is for the young at heart, who love being creative and exploring art. Kids will be using the principles of art: lines, shapes, value, texture, and color. Fee: $42 (supplies included).  Pre-register today at kim.mcgrew0930@gmail.com

Saturday Morning Community Run/Walk 

Saturdays in June & July @ 9 – 11am | The Depot – Welcome Center Parking Lot

Hosted by XC and Track Programs at Henderson County Schools, this community run/walk will occur each Saturday morning as part of an ongoing commitment to promote endurance, teamwork, and overall wellness in the community.

They aim to provide a casual and consistent training opportunity where runners and walkers of all fitness levels can maintain and continue building on their endurance year-round. This is also an opportunity to meet others and create a more connected running/walking community throughout Henderson and surrounding areas. And let’s be honest… runs/walks are more enjoyable when you have others to do it with.

Want to join but have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Coach Lesley Jenkins-Mackey at lesley.mackey@henderson.kyschools.us, but also don’t be afraid to just show up. Your presence can significantly enhance the experience and help foster a sense of community!

Art on the River

Friday, June 27 @Gallery 101 

Experience, shop & explore local art at Art on the River. In Gallery 101 with a river view, you get to meet the artist behind the masterpiece and possibly take a piece home with you. For more information, please email ovalhenderson@gmail.com.

Reading in the Park 

Tuesdays in June @ 10:00 – 11:00am  | Henderson County Fairgrounds

Join the library for stories, crafts and a special meet and greet! Enjoy a fun-filled time with stories and crafts, followed by a chance to meet a beloved book character. Lunch will be provided by the Henderson County Schools Summer Feeding Program. For more information, please call 270-826-3712.

Studio Arts  2-day Art Camp ages 9-13

Tuesday-Wednesday July 1-2 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm | Gallery 101

Watercolor and mixed medium will be the topic of both days. Learning and exploring new techniques are so much fun when you love doing art. Wear old clothes and get creative. Fee: $35 (includes supplies). Pre-registration is required. This class is limited so sign up today at kim.mcgrew0930@gmail.com 

Princess Camp- 3-day camp ages 6-8

Tuesday & Wednesday, July 8-9 @ 10:00am – 11:45am 

Thursday, July 10 @ 10:00am – 12:15pm (Tea Party)

Gallery 101

If your girls love Princesses, they will be mesmerized at Princess Camp. This camp will be three days of nonstop fun doing art, learning to be a princess, storytelling and best of all, the princess tea on the last day. *Thursday the girls are invited to wear their favorite princess dress for the Grand Tea. Fee: $46 (supplies included). Class is limited so don’t wait to register. Pre-registration is required at kim.mcgrew0930@gmail.com

Kid’s Kick Off to Summer Reading

Monday, June 2 @ 2:00 – 5:00pm | Henderson County Public Library 

Get ready for an exciting summer of reading and fun! Drop by anytime to sign up for Summer Reading and enjoy a day filled with activities, including giant board games, sidewalk chalk fun and a cool treat to beat the heat. For more information, please call 270-826-3712.

Summer Camp – Henderson Area Arts Alliance 

July 7 – 12 @ 10:00am – 4:00pm  | Preston Arts Center 

The Henderson Area Arts Alliance is excited to present our annual free summer camp for students, ages 5 – 18 (Kindergarten – graduated high school senior).  Advanced enrollment is recommended.  More information can be found by emailing info@haaa.org with the subject line “Summer Camp Info Request.”

Prime Time Family Reading Night 

Tuesdays, June 10,17, 24, July 1, 8 & 15 @ 5:00 – 7:00pm 

Henderson County Public Library

Prime Time Family Reading is a six-week reading, discussion, and storytelling program held at public libraries, schools, or community centers across Kentucky. A humanities scholar and a storyteller act as session leaders to conduct weekly storytelling and discussion sessions based on award-winning children’s picture books. Participants are elementary age children and the significant adults in their lives. Prime Time is a powerful tool to stimulate communication between children and parents, teaching them how to model storytelling and discussion at home. Book and dinner are provided, registration is strongly encouraged for this six-week program. For more information, please call 270-826-3712.

Messy Mania: An Outdoor Art Extravaganza (3rd – 5th Grade)

Monday, July 14 @ 2:00 – 4:00pm 

Henderson County Public Library – Water Street Lawn 

Take those messy art projects outside and let creativity run wild! Kids will move through multiple art stations under individual canopies, collecting stamps on their punch cards as they explore fun, hands-on activities like fly swatter painting, sponge bombs, splatter painting, slinky painting, spray painting, and a story station. A drying station will be available to keep masterpieces safe, and a snack/freeze pop station will keep little artists refreshed. Registration is required and will open on June 30 at 8:00am. For more information, please call 270-826-3712.

Little Sprouts: Build a Neighborhood Garden House

Thursday, July 17 @ 10:30 – 11:30am 

Henderson County Public Library

Join the library for a fun, hands-on activity where kids can create their own miniature garden houses! Use craft supplies to design and decorate a little garden house, then plant a seed to start your own neighborhood garden. It’s a great way to bring creativity and nature together! Supplies are limited, so register today! For more information, please call 270-826-3712.

Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriters Festival

Wednesday, July 23 – 26  | Downtown Henderson

Immerse yourself in the artistry of songwriting at Sandy Lee Songfest, where downtown’s restaurants and bars undergo a transformation into Nashville-style listening rooms. This unique festival invites music enthusiasts to experience the stories behind the songs in an intimate and up-close setting. Talented songwriters that wrote the songs you love to sing along to take center stage to share their craft, weaving tales of love, life, and everything in between through soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics.