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79º | 4% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:18 a.m. | Sunset 9:04 p.m.
 

🍉 Picnic at the park

How to plan an event in a national park
Brown entrance sign surrounded by trees reading "Mammoth Cave National Park" in white letters.
Mammoth Cave National Park is less than 1.5-hours from downtown Louisville. | Photo by NPS
If you’re planning a party — be it a family reunion, a wedding, or just because — we’ve got an idea that’s a breath of fresh air. Why not give your guests a gorgeous view by hosting an event in a national park? Follow these guidelines to make party planning a walk in the park.

Pick a park

Whether you want a favorite like Great Smoky Mountains National Park or something a little more niche, there are 424 national parks to choose from.

Get a permit

Most parks require a permit for special events. Fill out the application well in advance to avoid any delays. Pro tip: Some parks grant a permit up to a year before the event.

Spread the word

If your festivities are open to the public, let the community know by submitting an event to our website. We’d be delighted to attend.

Provide the essentials

If you’ve ever borrowed sunscreen from a stranger, you know what we mean. Have on hand: sunscreen, bugspray, a first aid kit, and plenty of water — just in case.

Feed guests, not wildlife

Check the park’s rules about food (some require food to be stored in lockers). Either way, it’s a good idea to use airtight containers, and plan to eat in designated areas — like any of these picture perfect picnic spots.

Prioritize preservation

The golden rule of being in the wilderness? Leave no trace.

For example, most parks don’t allow anything to be driven into the ground — so stakes for tents and decor are out. You should also plan to clean up after yourself. Stock up on trash bags (we like these biodegradable bags) and leave the confetti at home.
 
Events
Monday, July 1
  • Meal Distribution at FoodChain | Monday, July 1 | 4-6 p.m. | FoodChain, 501 W. 6th St., Ste. #105, Lexington | Free | Help the team at FoodChain distribute meals featuring local produce and recipes.
  • Ice Cream Social | Monday, July 1 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park, 251 W. Main St., Lexington | Free | Kick off a week of Fourth of July celebrations with ice cream, live music, and fun for the kids.
Tuesday, July 2
  • Big Band & Jazz | Tuesday, July 2 | 7 p.m. | Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St., Lexington | Free | Pack your picnic setup for an evening of live jazz from Lexington Summer Concert Band as they celebrate the Fourth of July.
Wednesday, July 3
  • Patriotic Concert | Wednesday, July 3 | 5:30 p.m. | Old Morrison Lawn at Transylvania University, 300 N. Broadway, Lexington | Free | Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic + spend Fourth of July eve with the Lexington Philharmonic.
Thursday, July 4
  • Lexington Tattoo Expo | Thursday, July 4-Sunday, July 7 | Times vary | Hilton Downtown, 369 W. Vine St., Lexington | $20-$60 | Make it a weekend you’ll never forget by getting some new ink — or peruse work from 150 tattoo artists.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
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News Notes
Pets
  • The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council has banned the sale of kittens and puppies at pet stores. The 12-1 vote makes LEX the fourth Kentucky city to make the ruling, and violations come with a $500 fine. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Health
  • In another major ruling, the city council unanimously passed zoning ordinances to accommodate medical cannabis businesses. The City will start issuing licenses today, with businesses permitted to operate starting Jan. 1. See where growers, processors, productors, safety compliance facilities, and dispensaries will be permitted to operate. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Try This
Gallery
  • A new exhibit is coming to Fine Arts Editions Lexington. “Shadows from an Unlit Room” debuts on Thursday, July 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m., and runs through Aug. 17, showcasing the realist and contemporary works of local artist Patrick Smith.
Arts
  • Calling all artists: Submissions are now open for this year’s Art by Nature program featuring monarch waystations across Fayette County. The program works to highlight the beauty of our local landscapes and plants, plus ways to enhance the natural world. Brush up on the details — and submit your work.*
Finance
†Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.
 
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