Harlan County
Where the adventure begins
Welcome to Harlan County, where there’s always something exciting going on! Whether you’re here for our biggest party of the year at the Poke Sallet Festival or looking to get a little dirty at thrilling off-road events like the Southern Shine Crawl or the Fall Crawl, we’ve got you covered. Harlan County is a place of celebration, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
We like to think we’re on top of all the fun stuff happening around here, but now and then, a cool event might sneak by us. Maybe we missed it in our social feeds, or it’s a new thing we haven’t heard about yet. Whatever the reason, we don’t want to miss out, and neither do you! Got an event you’re excited about? Shoot us an email at harlantourism@gmail.com or send us a message on our facebook page at Visit Harlan County. As long as it meets our parameters, we’ll happily add it to our calendar. We’re all about community and tourism events that bring people together.
So, let’s make every day a reason to celebrate in Harlan County. Share your event, and let’s fill our calendar with fun for everyone!
Get ready to have your cake AND eat it too! It’s almost time for the 3rd Annual Dessert Week in the City of Harlan — and we’re serving up something extra sweet this year! We’re on a mission to sugarcoat your week in May— here’s how it works: Swing by the Harlan Center to grabRead more about Dessert Week
Tee Up for Education! Join us Friday, May 16, at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course for the Lillian Faye Simpson Golf Classic! Last year, this event raised nearly $18,000 to support students—let’s make an even bigger impact this year! Proceeds fund scholarships, easing financial burdens and creating brighter futures in Southeast Kentucky. Your tax-deductible donation makes a realRead more about 2025 Lillian Faye Simpson Golf Classic
Try something different with Food Truck Friday at the Harlan Center.
This is one ride you do not want to miss as we take you on a journey through the heart of Eastern Kentucky and our Coal Mining and Military History. Did we mention the best burger around at Pat’s Snack Bar in Manchester? We will also explore downtown Manchester Ky and Downtown Harlan Kentucky andRead more about 2nd Annual All Aboard Ride on Coal Train 421
Harlan County's own Trent Noah is coming home to host a Procamp at Harlan County High School. There is no cost but space is limited so register today at https://wwwprocamps.com/noah25.
2nd Annual Headwaters Arts Festival Join us for an afternoon celebrating art, music, food, and Appalachian creativity at the 2nd Annual Headwaters Arts Festival! This FREE community event will take place on Saturday, May 17th, from 12PM-6PM at the Harlan Center. 🎨 Festival Highlights: Vendors & Food Trucks offering local art, crafts, and delicious eatsRead more about Headwaters Arts & Music Festival
Two Harlan legends come together as Trent Noah visits Rax to meet his fans! Kentucky Branded will be on site selling Trent Noah merchandise.
Find a partner and compete in a friendly cornhole tournament with cash prizes at the Square on Main in Cumberland! It's $15 per person in this double elimination tournament. 1st place wins 50% of the cash, 2nd place wins 30%, 3rd place wins 20%. The more teams, the higher the payout! Registration begins at 5Read more about Cornhole at the Square on Main
Start you week with an hour of arts and crafts. The Harlan Public Library will provide the art supplies. You supply the creativity.
Start your engines, Harlan — it’s Cruise-In season! The Gears & Beers Cruise-In will return on Thursday, May 22nd from 6PM–8PM on 1st Street in front of the courthouse! From classic cars to hot rods, rat rods to imports — if it’s got wheels, it’s welcome! FREE Entry Cash Door Prizes Food & drinks atRead more about Gears & Beers Cruise-In
Spend a weekend riding Kentucky's highest elevated off-road park with over 7,000 acres of adventure!
Ready to get down and dirty this Memorial Day weekend? Join the Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area for the Southern Shine Crawl 2025 — happening May 23rd–25th in the heart of Appalachia! Over 7,000 acres of rugged terrain Set on Kentucky’s highest elevated off-road park A weekend full of mud, adrenaline, and wild rides! WhetherRead more about Southern Shine Crawl
