First Fridays: Enjoy the Best of Food, Family Fun, and Community in Burkesville, KY

Burkesville, KY, the seat of Cumberland County, packs an oversized punch with its distinct local culture, robust economy, community pride, and welcoming downtown, all despite a smaller population of just over 1,500. Every one of Burkesville's unique characteristics is on full display during First Fridays, a recurring local event put on by the city's Revitalize Downtown Initiative (RDI).

Featuring alternating themes, First Fridays brings together out-of-town visitors and residents to shine a light on Burkesville itself. Showcasing vendors and food trucks stimulates the economy for local businesses. By combining a classic car cruise, music, kids' activities, and family fun, First Fridays in Burkesville maintains a strong community fabric. 

First Fridays: Upcoming Dates, What to Expect 

First Fridays events are held every year in late spring, summer, and, at times, early fall. While the overall theme from month to month will vary, the gatherings follow a familiar script in generating interest and business for local entrepreneurs while offering delicious food, fun things to do, music, and an overall great time.

First Fridays take a brief break this summer to avoid overlap with the Fourth of July and Cumberland County fair events and the sweltering heat. But mark your calendar for the two remaining First Fridays, Sept. 5 and Oct. 3! Event themes and additional activities/vendor information have yet to be announced.

Past First Fridays have featured fun events such as stick horse racing, horseshoe dreamcatcher workshops, kids cruise-ins, and chocolate pecan pie bake-offs. However, a staple of the get-togethers is the classic car cruise-in, when locals rev their engines and assemble an impressive fleet of vehicles downtown for attendees to check out.

First Fridays: Driving Community Engagement, Interest, and Business in Downtown Burkesville

First Fridays have a far-reaching impact in Burkesville. The gatherings unite community members, reinforcing local culture while strengthening bonds and fostering camaraderie amongst neighbors. 

In addition, First Fridays are a beacon to those just stopping by, attracting visitors to Downtown Burkesville and Cumberland County. The lively atmosphere, featuring fun activities for the whole family, brings in tourists and sparks interest in all Burkesville offers.

Many visitors to the area want to spend as much time as possible exploring the great outdoors. Cumberland County is a top-tier destination in Kentucky and the eastern U.S. for fishing, boating, water sports, hiking, and more. First Fridays are the perfect way to unwind after being out and about all day.

Finally, Burkesville's economy benefits significantly from First Friday's get-togethers. Sprinkled throughout downtown are local businesses offering goods, services, and experiences that can't be found elsewhere. Unique vendors and small companies await your visit to Burkesville. Finding and supporting them is made all the more easier on First Fridays!

First Fridays: Enjoy All Burkesville Has to Offer 

First Fridays are a key element of Burkesville's local identity. Be sure to keep an eye on Revitalize Downtown Initiative's Facebook page for details about the upcoming First Fridays on Sept. 5 and Oct. 3. Contact Explore Cumberland County Alliance for more information and make your arrangements to attend these fun-filled community celebrations!