What to know about this year’s fireworks at Barren River Lake State Park
In recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence, organizers are also adding a boat parade to this year’s events.
LUCAS, Ky. — The Friends of Barren River Lake have announced plans for their 2026 fireworks celebration, which will once again take place over the lake and be best viewed from Barren River Lake State Resort Park and from boats in the surrounding area.
Shannon Hunt, Friends of Barren River Lake board member and volunteer, said the event will include food trucks on site offering lunch and dinner options throughout the day.
Parking will be free for most attendees, though premier parking near the beach area will cost $20 per vehicle, cash only.
WHHT and WCLU radio stations will provide music during the event and will feature a patriotic soundtrack as the fireworks are set off after dusk.
While renovations continue at the state resort park lodge, the surrounding grounds will remain open for fireworks viewing.
Brennan Crain
The event is funded entirely through sponsorships and donations, and organizers said rising fireworks costs continue to make funding challenging. A donation booth will be set up near the top of the hill leading to the beach area, where attendees can also view and purchase a 2026 commemorative T-shirt with a patriotic design.
This year’s fireworks display is presented by title sponsor 2 B Properties, which provides RV and boat storage on Meador Port Oliver Road in Scottsville and at other lake locations. Co-sponsors include Peninsula Marina, Walnut Creek Marina, Narrows Marina and Barren River State Park Marina.
In recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence, organizers are also adding a boat parade to this year’s events. Boaters are encouraged to decorate their vessels for a chance to win a decorative ribbon.
Registration for the parade will take place at Walnut Creek Marina between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., where participants will complete a short form and receive a number for judging.
The parade will begin at 2 p.m. and will follow a route from Walnut Creek Marina to the grassy hill area at Barren River Lake State Resort Park.
The Friends of Barren River Lake, a nonprofit volunteer organization, also coordinates other annual events at the lake, including Barren River Fest/Poker Run on Aug. 1, 2026, a lakeshore cleanup on Sept. 19, 2026, and Boo Fest during the first two weekends in October at Baileys Point Campground.
The group meets at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office to plan and coordinate lake projects. Membership is free, and organizers encourage community volunteers to participate.
