Your cultural life in Hazard will be anchored by the remarkable ArtStation, operated by the Appalachian Arts Alliance — a transformative arts organization and centerpiece of downtown revitalization since 2020. Housed in a beautifully renovated former Greyhound Bus Station, this $3 million investment in community arts serves over 10,000 participants annually, rivaling cultural centers in major cities while retaining deep community roots.
With a mission to "infuse education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment", the Appalachian Arts Alliance offers dynamic programming for adults and children alike. Physicians and families can participate in music, theater, dance, and visual arts, including Kindermusik for younger children — all taught by professionals with Nashville and New York credentials who returned home to serve Appalachia.
The Bobby Davis Museum and Park provides a deeply personal and educational experience rooted in Appalachian heritage. Located on Walnut Street, it documents Hazard and Perry County's history from 1821 through the early 1900s. Guided by curator Martha Quigley, visitors enjoy personalized tours tailored to their interests, offering a level of engagement rare in larger institutions.
Set on four acres with an urban forest, herb garden, and scenic paths, the museum also hosts events like "Cocktails in the Garden", summer concerts, and theatrical performances — blending cultural learning with outdoor beauty.
Hazard’s cultural vibrancy is showcased through regional and national festivals and performances. The Appalachian Big Ideas Festival features storytellers, authors, and cultural leaders over three days of celebration and dialogue. The Forum serves as a performance venue for live music, theater, and taped programming that highlights both local and visiting artists.
The annual Black Gold Festival includes arts, crafts, and music that honor regional traditions while encouraging modern interpretation, reinforcing Hazard’s role as a cultural destination.
Hazard’s Appalachian musical heritage offers rich performance and learning opportunities. The ArtStation supports instruction in guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and more — preserving and evolving the region’s musical traditions.
Beyond the classroom, you’ll experience live performances by local talent and nationally recognized musicians, and enjoy the social tradition of community music through church programs and informal gatherings that embody Appalachian authenticity.
The Perry County Public Library serves as an educational and cultural anchor, offering digital collections, historical archives, and public programming. Through Kentucky Libraries Unbound, patrons access resources comparable to those in large metropolitan systems.
The literary culture includes local authors, book clubs, and storytelling traditions. Hazard Community and Technical College contributes additional cultural programming and educational events, enriching the community’s intellectual life.
While rooted in Appalachian tradition, Hazard embraces multiculturalism and inclusion. Cultural celebrations throughout the year reflect diverse identities while reinforcing a shared community spirit. The Appalachian Arts Alliance ensures that programming is accessible, representative, and inclusive of all backgrounds.
Community churches, civic groups, and nonprofits host concerts, festivals, and seasonal events designed to be welcoming and affordable for all residents — creating connection through shared celebration.
Hazard’s location offers both community-centered cultural access and proximity to broader regional experiences. The Daniel Boone National Forest hosts concerts and arts events in natural settings, while Eastern Kentucky’s Kentucky Wildlands designation promotes cultural tourism that highlights local heritage.
Thanks to reliable transportation, residents can attend festivals and concerts across the region while still enjoying the day-to-day richness of Hazard’s own cultural offerings. Here, your cultural life becomes part of your everyday life — not a special occasion, but a natural extension of community connection and creative expression.
As you explore the spiritual landscape of Hazard, you'll discover a community where faith runs deep and congregations reflect the authentic warmth of Eastern Kentucky hospitality. With over 40 churches across diverse denominations, this area offers deeply meaningful worship experiences in a setting where newcomers are embraced as family and spiritual growth is nurtured by real, caring relationships.
Unlike the impersonal atmosphere of urban megachurches, Hazard’s congregations offer a profound sense of belonging. Pastors know your name, congregations celebrate your milestones, and faith is lived out through community service and Appalachian authenticity.
The Protestant foundation of Eastern Kentucky creates a rich variety of worship experiences. With nine Southern Baptist Convention churches, two Methodist congregations, three Presbyterian churches, and six Church of God communities, Hazard offers something for every spiritual tradition. Sermons are biblically grounded and deeply connected to everyday life.
Big Creek Baptist Church exemplifies this spirit with their message: “We Love Jesus and Love People.” Their inclusive welcome and full range of ministries make it a vibrant spiritual home. Gospel Light Baptist Church provides family-centered programming, including worship, recovery groups, and youth ministry, creating a deeply supportive environment for spiritual and personal growth.
County Line Community Church, founded in 2007, represents Hazard's growing non-denominational presence. With a blend of traditional and contemporary services and a mission of worshiping “in Spirit and in Truth,” it offers flexible worship options and strong family programming.
Many physicians find this balance of modern worship style and biblical grounding especially meaningful, providing a welcoming environment for both newcomers and long-time believers.
Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church is the only parish in a three-county region and a beloved spiritual anchor. Built in 1939 with local limestone, it blends Appalachian and Italian architectural charm. Parishioners often travel an hour or more, drawn by the warm, family-like atmosphere and rich spiritual traditions.
Staffed by Franciscan Friars from Cincinnati, the church embodies Appalachian Catholic identity through meaningful symbols like the Miner’s Madonna and robust community service including a food pantry and faith formation programs.
While Hazard does not have local synagogues or mosques, Jewish and Islamic worship opportunities are available in Louisville and Lexington. The Temple – Congregation Adath Israel Brith Sholom in Louisville is the state’s oldest Reform Jewish congregation, offering inclusive services and programming.
Muslim physicians will find warm, welcoming mosques in both cities. These urban centers offer connection during High Holy Days or major religious observances while allowing your residence and practice to remain in scenic Eastern Kentucky.
Hazard’s religious communities demonstrate unusual interfaith unity, collaborating on service projects and sharing mutual respect. Newcomers, especially healthcare professionals, are welcomed with practical support, prayer, and hospitality that reflect Appalachian spiritual values.
Church leaders understand the unique demands of medical practice and provide both spiritual care and community affirmation. You'll find prayer circles for difficult cases, shared celebrations for professional milestones, and a heartfelt appreciation for your role in the community’s wellbeing.
In Hazard, faith is not a formality — it's a way of life. You'll find spiritual connections that nourish your soul, congregations that celebrate your purpose, and a community where belief, service, and healing are woven into the everyday experience of life in the mountains.
