Alley Fest Music Festival

Join us for the Alley Fest Music Festival, a vibrant celebration of Appalachian culture and community, taking place from August 29 to August 31, 2026, in the picturesque town of Paintsville, Kentucky. Set against the backdrop of the serene Paintsville Lake and the lush Daniel Boone National Forest, this festival offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and rich musical heritage. Whether you’re a family seeking fun-filled activities, a couple looking for a romantic lakeside retreat, or a group of friends eager to create lasting memories, Alley Fest provides an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

The festival kicks off on Friday, August 29, with a lineup featuring local favorites like Maddox Batson and Slater Nalley, followed by John Foster. Saturday, August 30, brings performances by Nicholas Jamerson, Noah Thompson, and Grayson Jenkins, with Abby Hamilton and Luke Trimble rounding out the day’s entertainment. Sunday, August 31, concludes the festival with headliners Old Crow Medicine Show, Cole Chaney, and the Kentucky Headhunters, along with Bee Taylor. In addition to the music, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including on-site camping, food trucks offering Southern comfort fare, craft beer and bourbon tasting tents operating nightly, and workshops such as dulcimer-making and clogging lessons. The festival is expected to draw around 15,000 attendees, fostering a lively and engaging atmosphere.

Alley Fest is designed to cater to a diverse audience. Families with children can partake in interactive workshops and enjoy ample space for play. Pet-loving travelers will appreciate the dog-friendly environment, with pets permitted on leashes. Romantic couples can find quiet corners by the lake, perfect for scenic photo opportunities. Large reunion groups will find plenty of room to gather, share meals, and participate in group activities. The festival emphasizes togetherness, connection to nature, and the simple joy of lakeside living, creating sensory-rich experiences with sights, sounds, tastes, and smells that make this event special. To make the most of your visit, consider bringing picnic blankets, folding chairs, and sunscreen. For those traveling from out of town, booking nearby lodging on Lake.com is recommended. Ready to make some lakeside memories? Start planning your stay now on Lake.com.