Fall is maybe the most beautiful season in Lexington… and full of things to do! Check out my favorite festivals, events and things to do in Lexington this Fall:
Go to a UK Football Game
Or at least tailgate 😉 I grew up attending every home game and think it’s something you should experience at least once! I’ll be there pretty much every week.
9/11-23: Keeneland September Sales
I never knew the sales were open to the public, but they are! Get a unique look at the horse industry.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
How about a specialty German menu at Drake’s, the classic festival at Christ the King, or special taps, German food and live music at Blue Stallion.
9/20: Smithtown’s Tenth Birthday Bash
Smithtown Seafood is turning 10 — and they’re celebrating with a beer dinner-style party! Enjoy an amazing lineup of Smithtown Seafood plates – an epic raw bar, hearty tapas, live-cooked paella by Chef Agnes – and more – paired with West Sixth beers. $70 tickets.
9/22-24: Anderson County Burgoo Festival
A festival just south of Frankfort dedicated to Kentucky’s specialty stew.
9/23: Boutique Bazaar
This shopping event is so good y’all! I’ve gotten so many designer pieces and special occasion dresses at this sale over the years, saving up to 75%. Tons of local boutiques come together for a big sale at the Oleika Temple 9am-4pm. I recommend going early to get the best stuff!
9/23: Kentucky Vintage Fest
Kentucky Vintage Fest features over 70 Vendors from across the area. You can find Vintage Clothing, Home Goods & Decor, Jewelry & Accessories, Vinyl Records & Media, Handmade Goods and so much more. $15 tickets.
9/23-24: Shaker Village HarvestFest
Celebrate all things fall with a down-home harvest celebration for the entire family. Take a hayride and climb hay stacks. Shop for honey, breads and jams at the Harvest Market, then meet the farm animals and tour the apple orchard. Enjoy live music, food trucks and much more!
Check out the Ginko Trees
Take a drive down Catalpa in Chevy Chase in late Autumn for the most beautiful sight! They usually come to life in late October.
10/6-28: Keeneland Fall Meet
My favorite time of year! You have to make it to Keeneland at least once, if not every weekend. Check out the sunrise event every Saturday with coffee, breakfast and kids events!
10/12: Corey Smith at Manchester Music Hall
To be honest I can’t believe Corey Smith is still performing, but I used to love him! Would be a fun throwback.
10/15: Drunken Flea
60+ local vintage vendors!
10/15-17: Stuarto’s Cooking Class
These cooking classes are so fun! The menu for October is Zucchini Puffs w/ Sweet Chili Lime Sauce, Spicy Korean Beef BBQ Bulgogi, Garlic Honey Pork Chops/Black Garlic Chili Noodles and Coconut Sweet Sticky Rice w/ Mangos. They fill up quick so call to book, $56 a person.
10/20-21: Shaker Village Trick or Treat
Bring the kids for a fun and spooky evening. Take a hayride, enjoy live music, pony rides and warming up by the bonfires. Make a kids’ craft in-between candy stops and take part in the costume contest.
10/20-21: Jessamine County Fall Festival
Food trucks, vendors, kids activities, car show, pageants and more.
Go Apple & Pumpkin Picking
And by apple picking, I mean eat apple cider donuts. Evans Orchard and Eckert’s-Boyd Orchard are both solid options.
10/28,29,11/2: Holly Hill Cooking Classes
Holly Hill Culinary Director and Executive Chef Tyler McNabb and Honeywood Executive Chef Cody DeRosett both come from a long tradition of hunting, which they love to share through food! Listen to stories of their hunting adventures and learn delicious ways to prepare different types of game like venison, rabbit and dove.
10/29: Transylvania Pumpkin Mania
Hundreds of jack-o-laterns are sure to to get you in the Halloween spirit! The time for lighting hasn’t been set yet, but will be updated on their website.
10/29: Halloween Parade & Thriller
Maybe the most iconic part of Halloween in Lexington! The parade starts at 6:30pm with Thriller following, all on Main St. Get there early to get a front row seat!
11/1: Day of the Dead Festival
Food trucks, local traditional performers, school groups, Day of the Dead Art Exhibit, Traditional Ofrendas on display, over 15 community-created Ofrendas (altars), and multiple opportunities to participate in art projects throughout the night. Free event from 5-9pm.
I’m sure I’m missing a few.. let me know your favorite Fall events in the comments below! I’d love to add to the list. I’ll also share a holiday event list when all of those come out too. Cheers!
11/16-19: White Christmas at The Lexington Opera House
My very favorite Christmas movie, already have tickets to this!
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
Thank you for getting all of this together Leela!!! Can’t wait for all of that!!!
Of course! Lots of fun stuff in Lex to choose from!
Great information! Thanks!
Peggy
Thanks Peggy, enjoy 🙂
I’ve literally already referenced this list twice since you posted it!! Love all the fun fall ideas!!
What an awesome list! Now I definitely know where to go if we are around Lexington this fall! Thanks!
Enjoy!!
Love this list, it’s making me miss living in Lexington! I’m back from time to time so I’ll definitely pull this list out to see what’s going on when I’m in town.
Thank you for this wonderful list! There are just so many fun things to do during the Fall!