I look forward to putting together my seasonal guides with local events and things to do in Lexington every season. In these crazy times we’re living in, events are in flux, so I’ll continue to update this guide as the season goes on and things change. Read on, and feel free to comment below with any events I missed.
Lexington Farmers Market
The Farmers Market is open year-round with several locations in Lexington (only downtown is year round though). I love going to the one downtown on Saturdays and grabbing a bagel!
Underground Kayaking at the Gorge
Such a cool idea! They also have paddle boards and haunted tours.
9/24-25: Christ the King Oktoberfest
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.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
How about a specialty German menu at Drake’s (you’ve gotta try the chicken minis and mini beer brats!), Country Boy’s Oktoberfest celebration on 9/25 with German food, beer specials, stein hoisting and dog costume contest, a cookie decorating class on 9/26, or West Sixth’s celebration on 10/2.
10/1, 11/5, 12/3: Greyline Station Block Party
The inaugural Greyline Block Party will feature a DJ, pop-up vendors (in addition to the vendors of Julietta Market and the retail shops within Greyline), and a Farmer’s Market in collaboration with Black Soil. There will be a block party the first Friday of every month!
10/1-3: Equitana USA
A big horse show at the Lexington Horse Park.
10/8-30: Keeneland
The very best part of Fall! Tickets available for Keeneland’s Fall race meet now.
10/15-11/12: PRHBTN Exhibition
An exhibition of public art and murals around Lexington. There’s an opening reception at The Loudoun House on 10/15.
10/15-24: Lexington Craft Beer Week
Special craft beer collabs, events, tap nights and more from local breweries in Lexington.
10/16-17: Tour of Remodeled Homes
Tour remodeled homes by local builders in Lexington! Dave’s company, Atchison Construction, is participating. $10 ticket includes entry to 11 homes.
10/16, 23: Mansion in Mourning
10/20: Savoring Your Words: Writing Your Food Traditions
Learn how to share your personal, familial and cultural food traditions through writing in a virtual Zoom class. $15, $13 if you are a co-op member.
10/23: Day of the Dead Celebration
The annual Day of the Dead Festival at the Living Arts & Science Center and Old Episcopal Burying Ground is a fun experience for the entire family. The Day of the Dead Festival is a true community event bringing together individuals, groups, students, and teachers from the Latino and non-Latino communities. Join the celebration and experience the rich visual, musical, dance, and culinary traditions of this holiday that is celebrated in Mexico and parts of Central and South America. The Festival will include live music and dance performances, traditional food, hands-on crafts, art exhibitions, a candlelight parade, and an exhibition of altars in the Old Episcopal Burying Ground. Crafts for the evening include decorating sugar skull masks, flower crowns, and calacas!
10/23: Lightsaber Bar Crawl
10/24: Transy Pumpkin Mania
Transy’s annual pumpkin carving event is back! They light all the pumpkins up at once and it looks so cool. Details haven’t been announced yet, but should come soon. If you can’t make the event you can also drive by at night up until Halloween to see all the pumpkins lit up.
10/25: Bayou Brunch
10/28: Ghost Tea
will recount and scare you with stories as you walk from room-to-room in the dark with only a candle to guide you. Dress in black clothing, or costumes are welcomed for a spooky good time! Adults only—$40/person.
10/29: Halloween Dinner Party at The Grove
Begin the night with a craft Halloween cocktail at Harvey’s Bar, before dining at the newly remodeled Melodeon Theatre Event Space for a delicious fusion of eats from Fable Charcuterie and Luna. Tickets available for groups of 2 to 6 starting at $130.
Trunk or Treat
Lots of fun stuff for kids! 10/16 in Hamburg or 10/17 at Bi-Water Farm.
11/10 & 17: Dine & Design with Henry Dry Goods
I’m dying to do this! An evening of togetherness, conversation, and delightful eats at the Henry Dry Goods studio while designing your own custom sweatshirt. $150 tickets.
Outdoor Concerts at The Burl
The Burl has pivoted to offer outdoor concerts and movies. Check out the schedule here.
Tour Ashland
I walk around Ashland all the time, but haven’t been inside since I was in elementary school. The Traces of Slavery tour leads guests in the footsteps of the men, women, and children who were enslaved at Ashland on this indoor/outdoor tour. Learn how historians use traces of evidence to uncover their stories. Listen to the voices of those who resisted bondage and honor the memory of those who were forced to labor at Ashland. Tickets start at $15 and are available in small groups Tuesday-Sunday.
Check out the Ginko Trees
Take a drive down Catalpa in Chevy Chase in late Autumn for the most beautiful sight!
Take a Horse Tour
I’ve done a tour through Visit Horse Country and it is such a cool experience. If you live in Lexington and have never been on a horse farm, now is a great time while we all have more free time.
I hope I’ll have some more to add to the list as events are announced. If you hear of anything please let me know in the comments below!
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
