9 local things to do this season

1. Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival 

Friday, August 8 – Saturday, August 9  | Downtown Henderson 
Get ready for a toe-tapping, banjo-strumming good time at Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival! This annual celebration, named a 2023 Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event, is a tribute to the rich heritage of bluegrass music in Western Kentucky, bringing together musicians, families, and bluegrass enthusiasts from near and far. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Ohio River, the festival transforms the green space of Audubon Mill Park into a haven for the soulful sounds of fiddles, mandolins, and harmonious vocals. For more information, please email [email protected].

2. Darci Lynne’s “Up Close & Personal” Tour

Sunday, August 3 @ 7:30 – 9:00pm | Preston Arts Center
This all-new show brings Darci and her puppets—including Petunia, Oscar, and Edna—closer than ever. With original comedy, music, and audience interaction, it’s a clean, high-energy experience for all ages. Doors open at 6:30pm. For more information or ticket pricing, please call 270-831-9803.

3. Mood Movers

Mondays, August 4 – September 15 @ 6:00 – 7:00pm | Henderson County Public Library – Children’s Department 
Big feelings? No problem! Join the HCPL for Mood Movers, a fun and engaging series that helps kids (ages 3-10) and their families explore emotions through games, crafts, stories and silly fun. They will learn how to handle worries, talk about feelings, and build brave hearts together! Perfect for kids and their grown-ups – because we all need a little help moving our moods sometimes. For more information, please contact Danielle Anguish at 270-826-3712. 

4. Family Fun Hour

Wednesdays, August 6 – September 24 @ 5:30 – 6:30pm | Henderson County Public Library – Children’s Messy Room 
Join the HCPL for Family Fun Hour – a weekly program full of laughter, learning, and quality time together! Each week features new activity the whole family can enjoy, from story time and crafts to games, simple cooking projects and more. No two weeks are the same, so come ready to explore, create and play. This event is for ages Kindergarten – 5th grade. For more information, please contact Danielle Anguish at 270-826-3712. 

5. S’mores Night at the Campground

Saturday, August 9 @ 6:00 – 7:00pm | John James Audubon State Park Campground Shelter
Celebrate National S’mores Day at John James Audubon State Park for an evening of fun while they prepare and enjoy America’s favorite fire-side dessert. Cost: $2/s’mores kit (Each kit makes 2 s’mores.) Fix your s’more at our fire ring or take your kit to your own campfire. All ages are welcome! If you are not camping with us, please park at Hilltop Shelter parking lot, then follow the signs for a short walk to the Campground Shelter. For more information, please contact Lisa Hoffman at [email protected].

6. Summer Sunset Series

Thursday, August 14 @ 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 [email protected]. 

7. Read, Play, Connect! A Family Literacy & Bonding Program

Wednesdays in August and September @ 10:00 – 11:00am | Henderson County Public Library – Children’s Reading Kingdom  
Read, Play, Connect! is a special weekly story time designed to help families grow together through books, play, and conversation. Each session includes interactive stories, songs, and simple activities that focus on early literacy, emotional expression, and family bonding. Grown-ups and children participate side-by-side as they explore big feelings, build social skills, and practice language development in a fun, welcoming space. This is a participation-based program – caregivers must remain with and actively engage alongside their child throughout the session. Ideal for ages 0-6 with a caregiver. For more information, please contact Danielle Anguish at 270-826-3712.

8. Furry Friends Summer Pet Hike

Saturday, August 16 @ 10:00 – 11:30am  | John James Audubon State Park 
Explore the great outdoors in Audubon State Park at 10 am, held at Audubon State Park Meet the park’s naturalist for an insightful hike and discover the beauty of the park while learning about its unique ecosystems. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature!  Leashed pets welcome! For more information, please contact Lisa Hoffman at [email protected].

9. Tree ID Walk 

Saturday, September 27 @ 2:00 – 4:00pm  | John James Audubon State Park 
Explore the great outdoors at Audubon State Park. Meet the park’s naturalist for an insightful hike and discover the beauty of the park while learning about its unique ecosystems. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature! For more information, contact Lisa Hoffman at [email protected].