BEREA, Ky. — A multi-activity afternoon called SummerFest is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at The Pinnacles in the Berea College Forest.
The event runs from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is hosted through the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center, located at 2047 Big Hill Road, Berea. SummerFest is designed as an easy, drop-in day intended to help residents and visitors begin their summer activity planning across Madison County. The event is presented as a collaboration between Get Outside KY, PeaceCraft, and the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center.
🌿 Outdoor Activities and Exhibitors
The Forestry Outreach Center has planned a variety of outdoor activities for the afternoon to take advantage of the afternoon outdoors. Visitors can participate in yard games, disc golf, slack line, and e-bike demonstrations. For those looking for a slower pace, the event also features hammocks and shaded areas on-site.
Outdoor exhibitors will share information about summer events in the region, including festivals and concerts in Madison County. The Pinnacles area can be busy on weekends, so arriving early can help with parking.
🎨 Family-Focused Planting Activity
As part of the SummerFest festivities, a focused family activity titled “Paint a Pot and Planting” will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This specific session allows participants to decorate a pot and complete a planting project to take home. Like the rest of SummerFest, this activity is intended to be accessible and hands-on for all ages.
Official Details:
https://forestryoutreach.berea.edu/event/summerfest/
Community Calendar:
https://visitberea.com/events/month/2026-05/
Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond
🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors
- Eastern Kentucky University Commencement — May 7–8
- Studio Space Spring Soiree (105 Jackson St.) — Friday, May 8, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
- Berea Runners Saturday Group Run (Native Bagel Co.) — Saturday, May 9 at 8:00 a.m.
- Berea Farmers Market (Chestnut Street Pavilion) — Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Berea Arts Council Plant Sale (444 Chestnut St.) — Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Berea College Commencement — Sunday, May 10
- Tasty Tuesdays (Irvine-McDowell Park) — Tuesday, May 12 (every Tuesday), 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Amy Lewis “Origins” Reception (444 Chestnut St.) — Friday, May 15, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
- SummerFest (The Pinnacles) — Sunday, May 17, 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Mountain Melodies Workshop (444 Chestnut St.) — May 22–24
- Madison Central High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
- Madison Southern High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.
- Tools and Stools Workshop (116 Spring Circle Dr.) — May 30–31
🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse
Tickets and info for all shows: TheSpotlightPlayhouse.com
- Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. — closes May 10
- The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — closes May 10
- Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
- Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
- Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
- “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
- Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
- Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29–July 3
- Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9