Looking for things to do in Pikeville, KY this weekend? Whether you are planning a mountain getaway, visiting family or simply searching for something different to do, Pikeville and the surrounding Eastern Kentucky region offer live entertainment, outdoor adventures, Appalachian music, local food and fascinating history.

Because concerts, festivals and special programs change throughout the year, this guide focuses on attractions that regularly offer weekend entertainment. You can also browse the current Pikeville and Pike County event listings at the bottom of this page to see what is happening during your visit.

Places to Find Weekend Entertainment in Pikeville

From major concerts to small local performances, Pikeville has several venues that are worth checking whenever you plan a weekend trip.

Appalachian Wireless Arena

Located in downtown Pikeville, the Appalachian Wireless Arena hosts many of the region’s largest concerts and special events. Its schedule may include nationally known musicians, comedy tours, sporting events, family shows, conventions, expos and community gatherings.

The arena is within walking distance of downtown restaurants, shops and other attractions, making it easy to enjoy dinner before a show or continue exploring after the event.

The Appalachian Center for the Arts

For theater, music and cultural programming, check the schedule at The Appalachian Center for the Arts, commonly known as The App.

This downtown arts center presents theatrical productions, concerts, comedy, film screenings, youth performances, gallery exhibitions and other community events throughout the year. Its more intimate setting provides a different experience from the larger arena and is an excellent choice for a night out in downtown Pikeville.

Brothers Wright Distilling Co.

Brothers Wright Distilling Co. combines Eastern Kentucky’s distilling heritage with food, handcrafted drinks and live entertainment in downtown Pikeville.

The distillery is known for bourbon aged in an underground coal mine, connecting its spirits with the coal heritage of the Appalachian region. Weekend offerings may include live music, comedy, tastings, tours and other special events. Availability varies, so check the current schedule or contact the distillery before your visit.

Downtown Pikeville Events

Photo courtesy of Chuck Henson.

Downtown Pikeville hosts a changing lineup of festivals, outdoor concerts, markets, cruise-ins, holiday celebrations and community activities throughout the year. Some weekends bring large regional events, while others offer smaller performances and gatherings at local businesses and public spaces.

Even when a major event is not scheduled, downtown is a convenient place to enjoy a meal, browse local shops, visit the Pikeville-Pike County Welcome Center or take a walk through the city’s historic and creative districts.

Check the Weekend Schedule at Breaks Interstate Park

Located within easy driving distance of Pikeville, Breaks Interstate Park is one of the region’s most impressive outdoor destinations. Often called the “Grand Canyon of the South,” the park surrounds the dramatic Russell Fork Gorge along the Kentucky-Virginia border.

Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, scenic overlooks and a variety of seasonal outdoor activities. The park also develops its own calendar of festivals, guided activities, nature programs, holiday celebrations and other special events.

Because the programming changes with the season, the best way to plan your visit is to browse the official Breaks Interstate Park Special Events Calendar. Check the calendar for the weekend you are visiting to see what unique programs may be available.

Regional Entertainment Near Pikeville

Pikeville also makes a convenient base for exploring the music and entertainment traditions of nearby Floyd and Johnson counties. The following attractions are close enough to include in a regional weekend itinerary.

Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg

The Mountain Arts Center, often called the MAC, is one of Eastern Kentucky’s best-known performing arts venues.

The Prestonsburg theater presents national touring acts, regional performers, concerts, comedy and community productions throughout the year. It is also home to Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry, a long-running regional show featuring country, bluegrass, gospel, familiar favorites and family-friendly comedy.

Performance dates and showtimes vary, so check the MAC’s current event calendar while planning your trip.

Front Porch Pickin’ in Paintsville

If your weekend begins on Thursday, consider making the drive to Paintsville for Front Porch Pickin’ at the U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum.

This beloved Eastern Kentucky tradition brings musicians, visitors and music lovers together for an evening of live bluegrass, mountain storytelling and Appalachian fellowship. Front Porch Pickin’ is normally held on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., but visitors should confirm the current schedule before traveling.

The museum itself celebrates the remarkable musical legacy of Eastern Kentucky and the many country, bluegrass and popular performers connected to the U.S. 23 Country Music Highway.

Take the Hatfields and McCoys Historic Feud Driving Tour

No weekend in Pikeville and Pike County is complete without exploring the story of the Hatfields and McCoys.

The Hatfields and McCoys Historic Feud Driving Tour is a free, self-guided journey through the actual communities associated with America’s most famous family feud. The route connects publicly accessible sites in Pikeville, rural Pike County and nearby West Virginia.

Stops include the Randolph McCoy Homeplace and Well, the Hog Trial Cabin, the Pawpaw Trees site, historic cemeteries, courthouse locations, monuments and the gravesites of feud participants. Visitors can also see the hand-carved Randolph McCoy statue and the monument at the gravesite of Devil Anse Hatfield.

Begin your journey at the Pikeville-Pike County Welcome Center, located at 685 Hambley Boulevard in Pikeville. The Welcome Center provides a free directional brochure with the information needed to locate each public site. An optional audio tour on CD or USB is also available, featuring narration, music and voice acting that bring the feud story to life.

Allow approximately four to six hours for the complete experience, especially if you plan to stop for photographs, explore the sites and visit both the Kentucky and West Virginia portions of the route. The public outdoor feud sites are free and generally accessible during daylight hours. Museums and other staffed attractions along the route maintain their own operating schedules and admission policies.

Visit Loretta Lynn’s Butcher Holler Homeplace

Country music fans can continue their Eastern Kentucky journey with a trip to Van Lear in Johnson County, home of Loretta Lynn’s famous Butcher Holler.

The Loretta Lynn Butcher Holler Tour gives visitors an opportunity to see the modest mountain home where Loretta Lynn and her sister Crystal Gayle grew up. The surrounding coal-camp community and mountain landscape helped shape the story later immortalized in “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

Tours begin at historic Webb’s Grocery in Van Lear. Visitors can browse photographs, souvenirs and memorabilia before following the narrow mountain road into Butcher Holler.

The homeplace operates seasonally, generally from spring through mid-November, weather permitting. Tour hours and availability can change, so check the current Butcher Holler tour information or contact Webb’s Grocery before making the drive.

What Is Happening in Pikeville This Week?

Browse the TourPikeCounty.com events listings for concerts, festivals, theatrical performances, markets, family activities and other events taking place in Pikeville and Pike County this week, including the weekend.