Eighth of August Emancipation Celebration
Week of August 8, 2026
Celebrate history, culture, and community at the Eighth of August Emancipation Celebration in Paducah! Featuring multiple days of events, including an annual Emancipation Breakfast and parade, the Eighth of August has been a day of celebration and homecoming in Western Kentucky for well over a century.
Paducah’s Eighth of August event features a variety of activities that bring the community together, including a parade, worship services, live music, food and craft vendors, educational exhibits, and cultural programming. It’s more than a festival—it’s a meaningful reflection on freedom, resilience, and shared history.
For more information on Eighth of August events, visit the W.C. Young Eighth of August Newsletter.
To explore more about the people, places, and stories that shape this legacy, visit our African American Heritage page.
Schedule of Events
TBD
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