LOVELY — Kentucky State University, together with the Appalachian Renewal Project and the Stidham Old Time Music Association, Thursday announced the postponement of the second annual Barefoot Festival originally scheduled for Oct. 4 in Lovely.

The organizers say expanded planning is underway with partners and sponsors to strengthen the festival’s long-term impact.

Conceived as a celebration of music, culture and the ongoing work of land restoration in Eastern Kentucky, the Barefoot Festival brought together artists, community members and partner organizations in its inaugural year. While the event will not take place as planned this fall, Kentucky State and its partners remain committed to the festival’s spirit and purpose, including projects dedicated to land reclamation, environmental education and sustainable community development.

This year’s festival was to be sponsored by Hope in the Hills, a nonprofit best known for its annual Healing Appalachia music event. Founded in response to the addiction crisis, the organization embodies resilience and recovery—values that align closely with the Barefoot Festival’s mission of uplifting communities through music, culture and land restoration.

“The Barefoot Festival is a wonderful example of how Kentucky State University and its partners can work together to celebrate culture while also uplifting the important work of ecological restoration,” said Dr. Marcus Bernard, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. “Although this year’s event is postponed, we look forward to future opportunities to collaborate on an event that highlights our shared values and deepens our impact across the region.”

Kentucky State’s engagement in Eastern Kentucky continues to grow. The University is advancing applied research on reclaimed coal mine sites to explore innovative land uses, expanding educational outreach such as a new ecological restoration summer camp for Martin County High School students, and fostering cultural partnerships through demonstration events at the Stidham Old Time Music Festival in Martin County.

Details about the future event will be announced at a later date.