The Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival

The Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival (BAM) celebrates the people, stories, skills, and traditions that shaped Appalachian life. Held in historic downtown Beattyville, at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Kentucky River, this festival honors generations of knowledge passed down through families and communities.

From homesteading and self-reliance skills to distilling and moonshine history, Appalachian culture was built on ingenuity, hard work, and making do with what the land provided. Early distilling—both legal and illicit—played a vital role in the region’s economy and survival, while crafts like quilting, blacksmithing, woodworking, and food preservation sustained families for generations.

The festival brings these traditions to life through demonstrations, storytelling, live music, local food, and hands-on heritage experiences, creating an authentic celebration of Appalachian resilience and community.

Storytelling is at the heart of the festival, with scheduled sessions and special guest appearances, including cast members from the Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners and other heritage voices who help bring Appalachian history and culture to life through personal stories and shared experiences.

Hillbilly BikeFest is a high-energy Saturday feature of the Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival, drawing motorcycle enthusiasts from across the region. The day centers around FRYDADDY’S Old School Bike Show for Charity, a celebrity-judged, open-class motorcycle show inspired by the large rally events like Sturgis. All bike styles and builds are welcome, and judging is done blindly, keeping the focus on craftsmanship and originality. Special appearances by well-known Moonshiners personalities add to the excitement, creating a lively atmosphere that brings a strong, engaged crowd to Main Street. Proceeds from the bike show benefit Shriners Hospital for Children.

The afternoon continues with the annual Shiners for Shriners Charity Ride, a guided group ride along the Moonshine Trail through some of the best riding roads in eastern Kentucky. This ride has become a favorite tradition, combining Appalachian backroads, community camaraderie, and a good cause. One hundred percent of the proceeds support Shriners Hospital for Children in partnership with the Lee County Shrine Club.

Bikefest Event Details Here: Link

Appalachian Motorcycle Group Details Here: Link

Check out the Moonshine Trail for stops around eastern Kentucky for tastings and more!

This festival blends heritage, music, storytelling, and community into one unforgettable Appalachian experience, right in the heart of Beattyville.

We are now accepting vendors, demonstrators, exhibitors, and storytellers for the Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival, taking place May 15–16, 2026, in historic downtown Beattyville, Kentucky—at the birthplace of the Kentucky River.

If you have a skill, a craft, or a story rooted in Appalachian tradition, or know someone who does, we would love to hear from you.

https://www.appalachianmemoriesfest.com

📩 Questions? Contact:
Teresa Mays | tmays@beattyville.org | 606-567-7703
Dedra Brandenburg | visitleecountyky@gmail.com | 606-464-5038

Event management includes Beattyville Main Street & Lee County Tourism.