Cocktails & Trails 2026
July 31 @ 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Get tickets for a fun night where friends and nature meet at Cocktails & Trails. Drinks, bites, vibes, and games will keep you entertained as you make your way along the trail from the Carolyn Hardcastle Bridge to the Cavern Nite Club.
As we near the event, you’ll be able to participate in the Cocktails & Trails Silent Auction from the comfort of your own home! Register for a “Bid from Home” ticket which allows you to set up an account to participate in bidding now through when the auction closes on event night. Stay tuned!
Every dollar you contribute — through tickets, sponsorship, game play, membership, and/or the silent auction — supports nature education, park trails, and the conservation of the seven natural ecosystems within the 72-acre park! We can’t wait to see you there.
Get your tickets before July 17 to be entered to win a VIP Upgrade for up to 4 tickets!*
Event Details:
Fundraising events at Lost River Cave help fund the park. Lost River Cave is a 501c3 non-profit organization started by a passionate group of people who came together to save the cave. Our mission (and the park itself) has grown tremendously since we began in 1990 as has the need for funds to conserve and operate this amazing place.
Events, like Cocktails & Trails, raise money to support nature education and the conservation of the 72-acre park where immersive experiences in nature happen. It takes all of us to provide the park free of charge, conserve and restore the incredible natural resources it contains, and connect kids and the community to nature through onsite education and opportunities. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helps make it happen and would be honored for you to join us.
Friday, July 31, 2026
Lost River Cave
2818 Nashville Road
Bowling Green, KY 42101
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
$100
.
Raise a glass and join us for a night of fun, delicious food, and tasty cocktails in support of a great cause! Must be 21 or older to join this rain-or-shine party. Let the good times roll!
🍹 Admission includes 2 drink tickets, delicious food, and chances to win great prizes.
✨ New this year: Enjoy 3 game tickets included with your admission!
General admission entry is at 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
VIP & SPONSOR TICKETS
$500+
.
There are so many ways to support Lost River Cave, and we’d argue that this is amongst the most fun of ways! Not only will you get tickets to the event for you, your friends, family, or team, you’ll make a significant impact with your financial support. If you want to be among this special group of people, email Katie.
🍹 Admission includes unlimited drinks, delicious food, and chances to win great prizes.
✨ New this year: Every VIP & Sponsor receives 5 game tickets to keep the fun rolling!
COCKTAILS, BEER, & WINE
At Cocktails and Trails, savor incredible wine and cocktails crafted by expert mixologist from local bottle shop, Reserva, as well as a selection of beer, water, and soda.
TASTY BITES
Indulge in a delightful selection of flavorful bites with a special Cocktails & Trails menu from Montana Grille.
Silent Auction
Get ready for this year’s event – we’ve got some amazing silent auction goodies lined up just for you! The auction will go live online before the event. Stay tuned!
Games
Join the fun and games at Cocktails & Trails! Snag your game tickets when they go on sale in June.
Chuck-a-Duck – Chuck your rubber duck into the blue hole goal for a chance to enter a great raffle. One ticket, two ducks per play. Increase your chances to win the more ducks you chuck.
Bourbon Toss – Toss the rings to win great bottles of bourbon! One ticket, two rings per play.
Rock the Boat – Get ready to party on a rockin’ boat cruise through the cave, singing your heart out to all-time favorite tunes! Stay tuned for exciting themes and sailing schedules. Two tickets for an unforgettable ride!
Human Slot Machine – Step right up and spin the most unpredictable reels in town—your peers! Our Human Slot Machine is part game, part spectacle, and all fun. Watch as three volunteers become living slot machine reels—push the button and see if you hit the jackpot (and score a prize)! It’s the perfect blend of chance, cheers, and cocktails. Try your luck and let the good times roll!
Entertainment
Big news is on the way! Our 2026 entertainment announcement is coming soon, and we can’t wait to share the incredible talent hitting the Cocktails & Trails stage.
Members are so important at Lost River Cave, and this event is the best place to get your membership because it comes with a mystery bottle of wine! Every new or renewing member is welcome to pull a bottle of wine at the event. Top bottle’s value to be announced!
Be part of one of Lost River Cave’s most exciting nights of the year! As a volunteer for Cocktails & Trails, you’ll help bring the fun to life—whether you’re guiding guests, running a game, or keeping the silent auction flowing.
Every shift supports our mission to connect people to nature and protect the 72-acre park’s seven natural ecosystems. Plus, you’ll enjoy great energy, awesome people, and the satisfaction of making a difference in your community.
Volunteer opportunities for 2026 will be announced in the coming months, but if you’re eager to get involved, email volunteer@lostrivercave.org or browse last year’s roles to get a feel for what’s ahead.
2025 Volunteer Roles Included:
-
🚗 Parking Attendant (4:45–7:00 PM)
Greet guests as they arrive and direct them to available parking spots. -
📱 Silent Auction Helper (4:45–9:45 PM)
Keep bids flowing and assist guests with questions using a tablet. -
🛶 Rock the Boat Crew (4:45–9:45 PM)
Sign guests up and help them line up for a fan-favorite boat ride experience. -
🦆 Chuck-A-Duck Game Host (4:45–9:45 PM)
Encourage guests to toss rubber ducks for a chance to win fun prizes. -
🥃 Bourbon Ring Toss (4:45–9:45 PM)
Help guests aim for a bottle and cheer winners. -
🎰 Human Slot Machine (4:45–9:45 PM)
Bring energy and fun to this lively game. -
🧹 Event Clean-Up Crew (10:00 PM–Midnight)
Lend a hand as we wrap up the night and get the park back in shape.
Be part of the crew that brings the magic to life. Sign up and join the fun!
Many thanks to our 2026 sponsors thus far!
Cocktail & Wine Sponsor
Game Sponsors
Leigh & Mike
Harper
Platinum Sponsors
Lynne & Cecil
Martin
Gold Sponsors
Emily & Tom
Sharp
Valerie Brown & Ken Kuehn
Silver Sponsors
Gayla & Bob Warner
Bob Heidbrink & Diane Shutt
Stepping Stone Sponsors
Donna & Ken
Meredith
In-Kind Sponsors
