Hillbilly Days returns to Downtown Pikeville, Kentucky, April 16–18, 2026, bringing three full days of Appalachian tradition, live entertainment, carnival fun, and community celebration to the heart of the city.

Recognized as one of Kentucky’s most popular festivals, Hillbilly Days transforms Downtown Pikeville into a lively gathering place filled with music, laughter, and hometown pride. From family-friendly attractions to long-standing traditions, there’s something happening around every corner.

Festival Highlights

According to the official 2026 schedule , the celebration includes:

• Hillbilly Days Carnival at the Pikeville Riverfill
  • Wednesday, April 15, 6–11 p.m.
  • Thursday–Friday, April 16–17, 10 a.m.–11:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.–Midnight
• Opening Ceremony
  Thursday, April 16, 5–6 p.m. at Pikeville City Park
• Four Stages of Free Live Music
  April 16–18 at Pikeville City Park, the Mountain Top Media Stage, The Bootleggers Stage near Brothers Wright Distillery, and the Pike County Courthouse (corner of Main & Division)
• Appalachian Wireless Fireworks Show
  Thursday, April 16, at dark in Downtown Pikeville (rescheduled to Friday in case of rain)
• Hillbilly Breakfast
  Friday, April 17, 8–11:30 a.m., Thomas C. Cecil Masonic Lodge
• Stump Speaking
  Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m., Historic Pike County Courthouse Square
• Hillbilly Car Show
  Saturday, April 18 (Registration 9 a.m.–1 p.m.), Connection Church Parking Lot
• Hillbilly Parade
  Saturday, April 18, 2 p.m., along Hambley Boulevard

The festivities even extend into Sunday with the 2026 Hillbilly Days Run for the Kids on April 19.

Headliner Concert at Appalachian Wireless Arena

Closing out Hillbilly Days weekend in a big way, The Marshall Tucker Band brings their While I’m Young Tour 2026 to the Appalachian Wireless Arena on Saturday, April 18.

Known for blending blues, country, jazz, and rock into a signature Southern sound, The Marshall Tucker Band has been performing for over five decades. With classic hits and timeless musicianship, this show promises to be a highlight of the weekend.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com and at the Community Trust Bank Box Office.

Dino-ROAR! Returns

Families will also love the return of the Dino-ROAR! Tour, brought to you by The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. This exciting and educational dinosaur experience features interactive performances, costumed handlers, baby dinos, a growing T-Rex, and fossil displays that will captivate children and adults alike. It’s a roaring good time right in the middle of the festival fun.

A True Appalachian Tradition

Hillbilly Days isn’t just an event, it’s a celebration of Appalachian heritage and community spirit. Whether you’re riding the carnival rides, enjoying live music, watching the parade, exploring downtown vendors, or catching the arena headliner, you’ll experience the energy and hospitality that make Pikeville special.

Make plans now to join us April 16–18, 2026, in Downtown Pikeville, Kentucky, for Hillbilly Days 2026.

For the most up-to-date information, visit www.HillbillyDays.com.