Calendar of Events
All special events are subject to change and may be cancelled or postponed by the Kentucky Department of Parks due to unforeseen circumstances. Please confirm event schedule prior to arrival for date, time and fee information, especially if you plan to visit a Kentucky State Park for a specific event. Event details and contact information for all 52 Kentucky State Parks can be found on this website.
Eagle Watch Weekend
1/30/2009 to 2/1/2009
We've never seen so many eagles!!! A success story of species conservation and education in the United States, the American Bald Eagle is a spectacular bird with a captivating history - including its reintroduction to our beautiful Lakes region. Enjoy watching this bird from land and from the water during Lake Barkley’s Eagle Watch Weekend. This annual event includes boat and van eagle-viewing tours, live bird-of-prey programs, conservation and education exhibits and more.
Sweetheart Weekend
2/13/2009 to 2/15/2009
Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable and magical weekend in the romantic setting of Lake Barkley. Musical memories, fine dining and relaxing accomodations will make this weekend one of your favorite experiences together. Lodging packages will be available, so get them while you can and woo your special someone at Barkley Lodge!
Springtime Celebration
3/20/2009 to 3/22/2009
Celebrate the beginning of spring in one of Kentucky's prettiest regions! The turn of the season is a great time for hitting the trails, getting out on the lake and enjoying plenty of other Equinox enjoyment! Wildflowers and native landscaping, migratory birds and easy-to-make birdfeeders, springtime and getting outside - it's all available at Lake Barkley's Springtime Celebration!
Barkley Backcountry Weekend
3/27/2009 to 3/29/2009
Event has been cancelled.
Barkley Backpacking 101
4/4/2009 to 4/5/2009
Interested in spending a night under starry skies and a day surrounded by woods and water? Setting out on an overnight backpacking trip and investing in the gear to do it can be a chore - unless you've been on one of Barkley's Backpacking 101 Weekends! Join the Park Naturalist on Saturday morning for a one-night camping trip where we provide the gear, the experience, and the memories! Registration is limited, so call at least two weeks ahead and reserve your spot.
Easter Egg Hunt
4/12/2009
1:00 p.m. Meet the Easter Bunny: The Easter Bunny will be at the Fitness Center handing out candy and hugs. Come early for photos and smiles with the Easter Bunny!
1:45 p.m. Easter Egg Hunt: The Bunny has hidden the eggs and needs your help to find them! Our Egg Hunt will begin at the Fitness Center at 2 p.m., after age groups have been divided. We will have surprise eggs and grand prize eggs for the following age groups: 3 and under, 4-6, 7-9, and 10 and over.
Earth Week
4/18/2009 to 4/25/2009
For our third year, Lake Barkley is again celebrating Kentucky and National Earth Week with a full week of nature hikes and boat tours, regional history and folk life programs, "green" lifestyle workshops, nature arts, guest speakers, live animal presentations, trail and shoreline cleanups, live entertainment, astronomy and more! Experience, learn and enjoy during Barkley's Earth Week festivities!
Junior Olympics
5/2/2009
Have you ever imagined winning a medal at the Olympics? If you’re between the ages of 8 and 13, this could be your chance! This free grassroots youth participation program allows boys and girls, competing separately, the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities in four athletic events - basketball, soccer, tennis and track & field. Pre-registration is required at least two weeks in advance for this one-day qualifying event for an opportunity to advance to the regional and national level.
Barkley Backpacking 101
5/9/2009 to 5/10/2009
Interested in spending a night under starry skies and a day surrounded by woods and water? Setting out on an overnight backpacking trip and investing in the gear to do it can be a chore - unless you've been on one of Barkley's Backpacking 101 Weekends! Join the Park Naturalist on Saturday morning for a one-night camping trip where we provide the gear, the experience, and the memories! Registration is limited, so call at least two weeks ahead and reserve your spot.
Barkley Cycling Classic
5/16/2009
Plan to be a part of this exciting bicycle tour through the hills, hollows, and waterfront around Lake Barkley State Resort! This 1-day event offers your choice of a 15-, 35-, or 55-mile ride! Registration fee of $20 covers sag wagon, event t-shirt, use of Fitness Center facilities and dinner on the day of the event. Lodging is available and pre-registration is required at least two weeks in advance. Call Chris Scott at 1-800-325-1708.
Great American Backyard Campout
6/27/09 to 6/28/09
Remember when life was simple? You didn’t rely on TV and electronic gadgets for entertainment. Catching fireflies kept you busy for hours. Re-live that fun with your kids and grandkidson Saturday, June 27! Join us for this rare “after hours” event at Barkley Beach. We’ll enjoy games, night hikes, campingworkshops, stargazing, and more!
View brochure (pdf file)
Independence Weekend at Barkley Beach
7/3/2009
Celebrate America at Lake Barkley Beach! Join us for an awesome fireworks display, a talented regional line-up of live music, beach games for the whole family, snacks and food vending and a cool swim in the lake. Lake Barkley is the place to be for Independence Day 2009!
Barkley Celebrates National Public Lands Day
9/26/2009
Lake Barkley loves volunteers! National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve America's public lands. Along with thousands of others across the country, Lake Barkley will spend the morning sprucing up – from trail and shoreline cleanups, native plant garden maintenance, playground improvement and more. Lend us a hand and then join us for our annual volunteer appreciation cookout.
Barkley Dash - 5K Run & 2mi Walk
10/3/2009
Dash through the autumn woodlands of beautiful Lake Barkley State Park! Enjoy a challenging run along the rolling roads of Lake Barkley or stroll the route casually on a 2-mile walk. Pre-registration is required at least two weeks in advance. Fee includes lunch and a souvenir T-shirt. Prizes awarded to top 5K competitors.
Barkley Backpacking 101
10/17/2009 to 10/18/2009
Interested in spending a night under starry skies and a day surrounded by woods and water? Setting out on an overnight backpacking trip and investing in the gear to do it can be a chore - unless you've been on one of Barkley's Backpacking 101 Weekends! Join the Park Naturalist on Saturday morning for a one-night camping trip where we provide the gear, the experience, and the memories! Registration is limited, so call at least two weeks ahead and reserve your spot.
Barkley Tales Storytelling Festival
10/23/2009 to 10/25/2009
Once again, you're invited to join Lake Barkley State Park and the Cadiz community as we celebrate the story in each and every one of us!Tell your story, share the joy of storytelling with others, and hear and learn from nationally-known master storytellers. Open to everyone and suitable for all ages, the festival will feature Halloween tales, children's yarns, and opportunities for adult and young storytellers.
Barkley Backpacking 101
11/7/2009 to 11/8/2009
Interested in spending a night under starry skies and a day surrounded by woods and water? Setting out on an overnight backpacking trip and investing in the gear to do it can be a chore - unless you've been on one of Barkley's Backpacking 101 Weekends! Join the Park Naturalist on Saturday morning for a one-night camping trip where we provide the gear, the experience, and the memories! Registration is limited, so call at least two weeks ahead and reserve your spot.
Barkley Bash 2009
12/31/2009 to 1/1/2010
Lake Barkley will ring in the New Year with fine dining, live music and dancing, and festive lodging packages. Join us for a celebratory start to 2010!