Celebrate America 250, Where Freedom Looks Like Home

Cathy Peabody • June 3, 2026

As we look forward to commemorating America’s 250th this summer, Campbellsville, KY is revving up for its 50th annual July 4th celebration, their biggest and best yet.

250 years of American Freedom

50 Years of Campbellsville patriotic celebrations

8 Days of Fun and Festivities

The best 4th of July celebration in the State of Kentucky

 


Freedom Looks Like Home


It’s about community, friendly people, family-focused lifestyle and faith-driven values. It’s about folks working hard, playing together and remembering the sacrifices and bravery our forefathers fought for and protected. It’s about the precious freedoms that we are privileged to enjoy. Campbellsville is like being home.


250 years of American Freedom.
50 Years of Campbellsville patriotic celebrations.
8 Days of Fun and Festivities.
365 days a year of Hometown charm.

 

If you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate this milestone event, what better place to celebrate than at the largest July 4th celebration in Kentucky. Campbellsville’s 50th Fourth of July extravaganza promises to be bigger and better than ever with eight days of All-American fun, music, fantastic food and exciting events.


The fun starts on Saturday June 27 at Taylor County Fairgrounds with lots of kid-friendly activities, Triple Crown Wrestling and the always spectacular Murakami Hot Air Balloon Glow.


The fun continues throughout the week with picnics, parades, races, musical performances, car and tractor shows, and a full day of patriotic fun. And the grand finale… one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the state of Kentucky.


“Freedom Looks Like Home” Fourth of July Celebration Schedule 2026

  • Fun runs and a 10K challenge
  • Kid’s Carnival with family-friendly activities and games, petting zoo and hot air balloons
  • Free Community Picnic and good old-fashioned Gospel Singing
  • Firecracker Games – basketball, cornhole, pickleball and volleyball
  • Photo Contest at Campbellsville University
  • Campbellsville University Patriotic Concert
  • K Country Showdown at Campbellsville University
  • 250 Golf Scramble
  • Children’s parade and tractor pull
  • Exciting Live Music featuring Dillon Carmichael with Grace Farmer & The Whiskey Shots
  • More music – The Warren Project & Midnight Rain
  • Car show and antique tractor show
  • Smoke on Aviation Air Show
  • Fourth of July Parade – patriotic floats, cars, clowns and beauty queens
  • Antique Tractor Show and Tractor Pull
  • Fireworks Extravaganza – one of the best in Kentucky

 

There is a reason that families flock to Campbellsville, not just for its All-American Fourth of July celebrations, but year-round for its charming Historic Downtown district, shopping and dining choices and nearby Green River Lake State Park.


In fact, Campbellsville and its businesses and attractions have once again been named finalists for the Best of Kentucky awards. Check out why Kentucky Living Magazine readers have chosen Campbellsville as their preferred lifestyle and recreational destination.


Kentucky Living Magazine Best of Kentucky Awards 2026 finalists:


Event or Festival

Local Radio Host

  • Larry Smith WVLC 99.9, Campbellsville

Downtown Shopping District

Camping or RV Spot

Water Tourism Spot

Breakfast Place

Barbecue

Coffee Shop

Food Truck

  • The 5,000 Campbellsville
  • Pappy‘s Campbellsville


As you are making plans to celebrate our country’s freedom, Campbellsville and its All-American patriotic spirit is where “Freedom Looks Like Home”.


Come early, stay for the full All-American Fourth of July experience -- you don’t want to miss a thing.


Book reservations at one of the hotels, vacation homes, cabins and nearby campgrounds. You’ll find an assortment of lodging choices and plenty of delectable places to dine.


If you’re’ thinking about spending the holiday at Green River Lake, Downtown Campbellsville is a very short drive away for food, fun, family entertainment and the best 4th of July you can find in Kentucky.


Frequently Asked Questions


Where is a family-friendly place to stay?

There are many lodging options available including full-service resorts, signature hotels, campgrounds, lakeside condos, rustic cabins and short-term rentals.


Are the 4th of July events free to attend?

Yes, the celebration events are free to attend. For some events, there is a fee for participating.


Where is Campbellsville?

Conveniently located in Central Kentucky, Campbellsville/Taylor County and the beautiful Green River Lake State Park are a short drive from all directions:

Lexington KY – 83 miles

Louisville KY – 85 miles

Nashville, TN – 134 miles

Cincinnati OH – 163 miles

Indianapolis IN – 200 miles



Put yourself in the middle of everything you love about Kentucky!


Campbellsville in Kentucky


Follow us

By Cathy Peabody April 25, 2026
Every now and then, you just want to go home…or somewhere that feels like home. As we are nearing America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of our country’s Declaration of Independence, we are really celebrating what means the most to us and what makes our nation our home. Our freedoms we treasure.
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By Cathy Peabody May 5, 2025
When most people think of Kentucky, The Bourbon Trail , the legendary Kentucky Derby and the rolling hills of Bluegrass Country come to mind. But there’s a lot to discover in Historic Campbellsville and the surrounding Green River Lake area. As horse enthusiasts eagerly await the coming of the annual Run for the Roses in Louisville each May, equestrians and outdoor lovers turn to the trails and beautiful scenery surrounding Campbellsville, a certified Kentucky Trail Town, in spring and early summer. What a great time to plan your Green River Lake State Park vacation and spend some relaxing outdoor fun with family and perhaps meet new friends. There’s a reason Kentucky Magazine readers voted Green River Lake State Park the best camping or RV spot, the best public hunting and fishing area, and the best water tourism spot for 2024! Saddle Up for Campbellsville Outdoor Adventures The Kentucky Back Country Horsemen’s Association will hold its annual meet up at Quiet Woods Green River Stables at Green River Lake State Park in Campbellsville on Saturday, June 4 . Here’s your chance to hear first-hand about the trail experiences of long-term BCHA member Roy Cornett, who has ridden and explored trails all over the country, and to enjoy riding with fellow horsemen and outdoors enthusiasts. Quiet Woods Stables is a horse and RV campground located about a mile from Green River Lake with over 17 acres of woods and more than 30 miles of equestrian, hiking and biking trails. All types of RVs, campers and horse trailers are welcome, with comfortable accommodations for you and your equine friends: 90 full hookup RV and camping sites 51 individual horse stalls 4 bathhouses and laundry facilities A western themed lodge with live music and karaoke Book your camper site and reserve a stall for your horses soon for the KYBCHA event or for fun all summer long. You don’t want to miss out on these fun Campbellsville Ky outdoor activities! Beyond recreation, horseback riding also provides therapeutic value. The REATH Center for Therapeutic Riding , just outside Campbellsville, is a non-profit organization founded to provide therapeutic programs for children with special needs. The owners and instructors are certified by PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) and under their instruction, riders have developed social skills, improved balance, overcome sensory issues, began walking, and increased range of movement. Summer Fun Starts with Campbellsville Ky Events It's not too early to start planning your summer getaway and especially your favorite Campbellsville Ky event, the spectacular 4 th of July week-long celebration, June 28 – July 5 . In Campbellsville, the annual celebration is BIG--a week filled with “Stars, Stripes, and Summer nights ”, and with music, parades, family friendly activities and races of all kinds, car shows and the biggest fireworks display in Central Kentucky . Speaking of car shows...rev up for Crusin’ on Main , presented by Graveyard Relics Car Club , the 3 rd Friday of every month through October. What a great chance to show off your sweet ride or enjoy the parade of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. And car lovers…don’t miss the 4 th of July Car Show presented by Tri-County Car Club and Campbellsville University …which beauties will be named the top 100, Best of Show and the CU President’s choice? Stay Awhile There’s so much to do in the Historic downtown area, fascinating Campbellsville history to explore, and Green River Lake outdoor activities to enjoy, you’ll want to stay a few days. You’ll find a variety of Campbellsville lodging choices , including hotels, cabins, cottages and Airbnbs, along with a great selection of delectable restaurants, cafes, breweries, a bourbon bar and a fabulous 1920’s speakeasy style lounge. Campbellsville is a short distance from favorite Kentucky destinations and an easy drive from all directions. Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace in Hodgenville Kentucky Bourbon Trail Mammoth Cave National Park Lexington, Louisville & Kentucky Bluegrass & Horse Country Nashville, TN – 135 miles Cincinnati OH – 163 miles Indianapolis IN – 200 miles Atlanta, GA -- 320 miles Put yourself in the middle of everything you love about Kentucky! Campbellsville!