Highway 52 Yard Sale Returns July 3–4, 2026: Explore 50 Miles of Treasure Hunting

Mark your calendars for one of Eastern Kentucky's most beloved summer traditions. The annual Highway 52 Yard Sale returns Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, 2026, bringing thousands of shoppers, bargain hunters, collectors, and travelers to communities along the Highway 52 corridor.

Spanning approximately 50 miles, the Highway 52 Yard Sale winds through the heart of Eastern Kentucky, connecting communities in Breathitt, Lee, Estill, and Madison counties. What began as a simple community yard sale has grown into a regional attraction that draws visitors from across Kentucky and neighboring states.

The Route & What You'll Find

The Highway 52 Yard Sale follows Kentucky Highway 52 through:

• Jackson and Breathitt County
• Beattyville and Lee County
• Ravenna and Estill County
• Irvine and Estill County
• Continuing toward the Estill-Madison County line

Many participants also set up sales along connecting highways and side roads, creating an extended shopping experience throughout the region.

One of the best things about the Highway 52 Yard Sale is that you never know what treasure may be waiting around the next curve.

Shoppers can expect to find:

• Antiques and collectibles
• Vintage signs and advertising
• Furniture and home décor
• Tools and farm equipment
• Toys and games
• Handmade crafts
• Local produce and baked goods
• Books, records, and memorabilia
• Community fundraisers and church sales
• Food vendors serving local favorites

Whether you're searching for a rare collectible, furnishing a cabin, or simply enjoying the thrill of the hunt, the Highway 52 Yard Sale offers something for everyone.

Lee County Hot Spots Along the Highway 52 Yard Sale Route

If you're traveling through Lee County during the Highway 52 Yard Sale, there are several areas where visitors will find a high concentration of sales, vendors, food, and activity.

St. Helens Area

Located along Highway 52 on the eastern side of Lee County, the St. Helens community has traditionally been one of the busiest stretches of the yard sale route. Numerous residents, churches, and community groups participate each year, creating a nearly continuous line of sales. Visitors can often find everything from antiques and tools to homemade baked goods and fresh produce.

Downtown Beattyville

Historic downtown Beattyville serves as a central hub for visitors traveling the route. In addition to yard sale vendors, shoppers can explore local businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, and historic sites throughout the downtown district. The area offers convenient parking, public restrooms at the Locally Made Farmer's Market, dining options, and easy access to the Kentucky River waterfront.

Take time to stroll Main Street, enjoy a meal, and experience the hospitality that has made Beattyville a favorite stop for Highway 52 Yard Sale visitors for decades. Follow the Beattyville Main Street page for more info on what downtown Beattyville has to offer. 

Beartrack Community

The Beartrack area on the western side of Lee County has become another popular stop along the route. Large yards, roadside pull-offs, and community participation often create clusters of sales where shoppers can spend hours browsing. The area is especially popular with those searching for tools, farm items, outdoor equipment, and unique Appalachian treasures.

Turn Your Yard Sale Trip into a Weekend Getaway

Many visitors arrive planning to spend a few hours shopping and discover there is much more to explore. Lee County offers comfortable lodging, campgrounds, scenic river views, hiking opportunities, kayaking adventures, and easy access to the Red River Gorge region.

Whether you're hunting for antiques, searching for bargains, or simply enjoying a scenic holiday weekend drive through Eastern Kentucky, Lee County offers plenty of reasons to stop, shop, and stay awhile.

Check out this throwback 2013 YouTube video about the yard sale stops in Lee County!

Tips for Visitors

To make the most of your Highway 52 Yard Sale experience:

• Start early for the best selection of items.
• Bring cash, as many individual sellers do not accept cards.
• Wear comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing.
• Bring sunscreen, water, and a cooler for food purchases.
• Expect increased traffic and allow extra travel time.
• Watch for pedestrians crossing roadways and entering sales areas.
• Be patient when parking and pulling off the highway.
• Keep a tape measure handy if shopping for furniture or larger items.
• Don't be afraid to negotiate—many sellers welcome reasonable offers.
• Take time to explore local restaurants and businesses along the route.

Planning a Yard Sale During the Highway 52 Yard Sale?

Make sure shoppers can find you!

If you're planning to host a yard sale along the Highway 52 Yard Sale route on July 3–4, now is the time to get your sale listed. The Three Forks Tradition newspaper is publishing yard sale listings FREE of charge to help shoppers locate sales throughout Breathitt, Lee, Estill, and Madison counties.

Thousands of bargain hunters travel the Highway 52 corridor each year searching for antiques, collectibles, tools, household items, crafts, and hidden treasures. A free listing can help direct visitors to your sale and increase traffic to your location.

To submit your yard sale information, contact the Three Forks Tradition at:

📞 606-464-2888
📧 [email protected]

Be sure to include your location, sale dates, times, and a brief description of items for sale.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of one of Eastern Kentucky's favorite Fourth of July traditions!

Fireworks at Dusk on Happy Top Park in Beattyville July 4th

After a full day of treasure hunting along the Highway 52 Yard Sale route, visitors are invited to continue the celebration in Beattyville at Happy Top Community Park for an evening of family fun and one of the region's most anticipated fireworks displays.

Beginning in the afternoon, the park will be filled with activities for all ages. The splash park will be open throughout the day, providing a great way to cool off during the summer heat. Water inflatables will also be available in the community center parking lot area, sponsored by the Lee County Fiscal Court.

Throughout the evening, nonprofit organizations will be set up throughout the park, offering information, activities, and community engagement opportunities. The Three Forks Museum will be serving concessions under the park shelter, while a WSKV 104.9 DJ Ethan keeps the energy high with music, games, and activities for children and families. Sponsored by Lee County Tourism. 

As dusk settles over the Kentucky River valley, visitors can gather throughout the park for an extravagant fireworks display scheduled to begin around 9:45 p.m. The annual show has become a favorite Fourth of July tradition for residents and visitors alike, lighting up the sky above Beattyville and providing a memorable ending to a day of shopping, exploration, and community celebration.

For those traveling the Highway 52 Yard Sale route, spending the evening in Beattyville is the perfect way to cap off an Independence Day adventure in Eastern Kentucky.

Make It a Fourth of July Weekend Adventure

The Highway 52 Yard Sale is more than a shopping event—it's a chance to experience the small-town hospitality, scenic beauty, and unique culture of Eastern Kentucky.

From Jackson to Beattyville, Ravenna to Irvine, every stop offers new discoveries, friendly faces, and unexpected treasures. Whether you're a serious collector or simply looking for a fun holiday weekend road trip, the Highway 52 Yard Sale is an adventure worth taking.

We invite you to make Lee County one of your stops along the way and discover why visitors return year after year to explore the communities, landscapes, and hidden treasures of Eastern Kentucky.

Events like the Highway 52 Yard Sale create a significant economic impact throughout the region. Thousands of travelers purchase fuel, meals, snacks, lodging, and supplies while visiting local communities.

For many small businesses, restaurants, convenience stores, campgrounds, and lodging operators, the Fourth of July weekend provides an important boost during the summer tourism season. Visitors who may have never stopped in these communities before often discover local attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, and businesses they return to visit throughout the year.

The event also gives residents, churches, civic groups, and nonprofit organizations an opportunity to raise funds while welcoming visitors to their communities.