Summer is almost here.. check out all the festivals, food events and fun stuff you can’t miss in Lexington this summer.
May 7-13: Lexington Coffee Week
$4+ specialty coffee and tea drinks from a bunch of local coffee shops!
May 8-17: Crank & Boom’s 10th Birthday
Crank & Boom is celebrating their 10th birthday with fun events for fans and kids, and even free scoops on 5/17!
May 12: Taste of Jessamine County
Sample dishes prepared by local chefs, including local government officials, and representatives from community churches, banks, and local restaurants. Tickets are $15.
May-October: Lexington Farmer’s Market
I love spending Saturday morning at the Farmer’s Market picking out fresh produce and grabbing a snack or two. The market runs through October operating on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Music on the Lawn at Shaker Village
Throughout the summer on Fridays and Saturdays 6:30-9:30pm enjoy live music, outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit. No admission is required.
A Taste of Keeneland Tour
Various dates throughout the summer, participate in a historical betting challenge while crafting a signature race day cocktail before embarking on a behind the scenes racing tour. $65 tickets.
May 12-21: Lexington Craft Beer Week
Craft beer specials and special releases at breweries and local restaurants all week long.
May 13: She is Cheval Pop Up Shop at the Blushery
To celebrate The Blushery turning TWO, they will be hosting Cheval for a pop up sip & shop! Come shop her fabulous collection of shoes!
May 13-14: Athens Schoolhouse Antiques Show
Athens Schoolhouse Antiques’ monthly show features the region’s most discerning dealers displaying everything from American and European furniture to vintage handbags and accessories all under one roof. A beautiful historic setting, easy parking, and an expansive, organized space. It’s held the second Saturday and Sunday of each month and is just about 15 minute drive from downtown Lexington. $2 admission.
May 14: Afternoon Tea at the Kentucky Castle
Take in the elegance of The Kentucky Castle by joining us for a classic afternoon tea in the Grand Ballroom. Enjoy a delicious, spring-inspired menu, served alongside some of our TKC signature tea and a glass of champagne. Afterward, take a stroll and explore our fabulous decorations inside the Castle, as well as across the grounds. Tea party is recommended for guests ages 16 and up. Tickets start at $70.
May 18: Womenfolk Dinner at Nourished Folks
Nourished Folks is the coolest little cafe at Greyline Station. In their words: “Womenfolk is a celebration of us and our wonderful friends who are in love with food, and are wonderful cooks.” The pop-up dinner with Kelly Hieronymus features four courses and sounds AMAZING.. tortellini en brodo, spring trofie pasta, pistachio shortbread and more. $75 tickets.
May 18, June 21, July 27, August 23: Keeneland Chef’s Secret Dinner Series
These intimate family-style dinners provide an opportunity to enjoy locally-sourced cuisine, craft cocktails and live music in unique and unexpected locations throughout Keeneland’s grounds each month. I went to one a few years ago and it was amazing! $150 tickets.
May 19-20: Bluegrass BBQ Festival
Lexington’s favorite barbeque festival returns for the first time since 2019, as the Bluegrass BBQ Fest heads to Moondance Amphitheater on May 19-20, 2023. Local BBQ pitmasters, ice cream and dessert vendors are going to take part in this family friendly, 2-day celebration of the area’s exceptional barbeque scene. $7-10 tickets.
May 24: FEAST
FEAST 2023 features more than 20 acclaimed national and local female chefs. These celebrated chefs will create delicious small plates, highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients, served alongside craft cocktails, Kentucky bourbon (of course!), local beer, and wine. This will be a lively, casual mix and mingle evening of fun and fellowship with local music performances woven throughout the evening. Proceeds from this event benefit FoodChain, $150 tickets.
May 24 & July 19: Keeneland Exhibit Dinner
Six-course tasting menu experience inspired by historic race track menus from the Library archives while browsing the Heart of the Turf exhibit. $200 tickets.
May 31-September 6: Summer Classics at the Kentucky Theater
For almost two decades, The Kentucky Theatre has screened classic films every Wednesday (matinee and evening) from late May until early September. Over the years, this summer series has proved to be a perennial favorite. I’m hoping to catch The Empire Strikes Back or His Girl Friday!
June 3-4: Railbird
Railbird is back at Red Mile! Tyler Childers, Sheryl Crow, Amos Lee and more great artists on three stages over two days.
June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3: First Sundays at Julietta Market
Join Julietta Market on the first sunday of every month for food, art, immersive experiences, and live music performed by Lexington Philharmonic!
June 10: Beer Cheese Festival
Beer cheese is just about my favorite food group, so I’m all about a festival dedicated to it. A free event in Winchester with food, music and other fun.
June 16-25: SoulFeast Week
SoulFeast Week is a ten-day celebration of black culinary culture highlighting black restaurants, farmers, and chefs in Central Kentucky. Through educational exhibits, curated experiences, and enjoying great food, SoulFeast Week is an opportunity for Kentuckians of all races and backgrounds to support black businesses by putting their money where their mouths are, literally.
June 17: Father’s Day ‘Vintage Dads Day’ at Shaker Village
A day of baseball, cars, tools, antiques, great food and live music!
June 17: Breakfast at the Track at Keeneland
For fans of all ages, experience the beauty of Thoroughbreds during the morning works at Keeneland while enjoying an array of unique breakfast offerings from Keeneland Hospitality and family-oriented activities. $25 adults, $15 kids.
June 17-18: Garden Club of KY Tour of Botherum
Join The Garden Club of Kentucky and Jon Carloftis for an unforgettable tour of Botherum, his historic home and gardens. I toured his home at an event a few years ago and it is stunning and so unique. $40 tickets.
June 19: Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, occurs annually on June 19. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. There are several opportunities to celebrate in Lexington including a Soulteenth Fest by Soulfest Week and Juneteenth Festival!
June 19-25: Black Restaurant Week
Participating black owned restaurants and food establishments will feature a unique, off-menu food item for $10.
June 24: Lexington Pride Festival
The Lexington Pride Festival is Central Kentucky’s premiere festival for the LGBTQIA+ community. The festival consists of live entertainment, a diverse array of vendors, food trucks, informational booths, and activities in downtown Lexington.
June 24: Summer Sparkling + Spirit Showcase at Breeze Wine Bar
This fun event will be June 24th from 2-6p where we will taste a plethora of sparkling wine, sample cocktails, and spirits, and dance the day away with DJ Nerdboi!
June-October: Springhouse Music Series at Castle & Key
June-August: Pick-Your-Own at Evan’s Orchard
Visit West Sixth Farm
I’ve been meaning to get out to West Sixth Farm for a while and it’s going to happen this summer! The brewery has a farm in Frankfort with 30 acres including a hop yard, cider apple orchard, blackberry brambles and a catch and release fishing pond at the top of the hill. Bring a picnic or enjoy a rotation of food trucks when available. They also do events like goat yoga!
Visit Kentucky Native Cafe
One of my favorite places to grab a drink in the summer! The open air cafe is located at Michler’s outside their greenhouses and features local craft beer, wine, Bavarian pretzels, and salads.
Hike Raven Run
I’m not a huge outdoors person, but Raven Run is a nice spot for an approachable hike and you don’t have to drive far to get there. Stop at Boonedogs for great gourmet hot dogs and a fun outdoor patio space on your way home!
Graeter’s Seasonal Flavors
Banana Chip is one of my favorite things about summer! Banana Chip is June, Peach is in June and July, Key Lime Pie is in July and Blueberry Pie is in September. Check out my Lexington Ice Cream Guide for my favs.
On Tap Tours
This local tour company offers bourbon, brewery, horse farm and wine tasting tours! They also do custom itineraries so you can craft your perfect day.
April-October: Thursday Night Live
Live music, food trucks and outdoor bars every Thursday night at the Pavilion.
July 1: Red, White & Blues
Kick off the festivities and spend a beautiful summer night with family and friends enjoying the tunes of local blues legend Tee Dee Young! Willie Eames will get things started and food trucks and cold drinks will be available for purchase!
July 2: Ice Cream Social
Sweeten up the holiday weekend with a cool treat, live music and children’s activities at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park!
July 3: Patriotic Concert
Spend the Fourth of July eve with the Lexington Philharmonic and a thoughtful program celebrating America.
July 4: Bluegrass 10,000 and Fun Run
Ready, set, sign up! Kick off the Fourth of July at the 46th annual Bluegrass 10,000 and Fun Run. Cheer on the runners or get in on the action by running the 10K or 1-mile Fun Run. You can still register for the wheelchair, 10K, Fun Run or virtual race options.
July 4: Lexington Fourth of July Festival, Parade & Fireworks
The festival starts at the Courthouse from 10am-2pm with food trucks and live music performance by Boogie G. Come down early for lunch and a good spot to watch the parade. The Fourth of July parade steps off at 11:30 am. and will move down Main Street from Midland to Mill Street. There will be plenty of red, white and blue to get everyone in the patriotic spirit. Prizes will be awarded. End your Fourth of July celebration with a bang! The fireworks spectacular will start at approximately 10 pm.
July 10-16: Lexington Burger Week
The can’t miss food event of the year.. $7 specialty burgers at more restaurants than I can count.
July 10-15: Jessamine County Fair
Lots of activities including petting zoo, pony rides, magic show, carnival rides, livestock shows, lots of fair food, pet contests, pageants and more.
July 11-August 15: Big Band & Jazz at Ecton Park
Catch live music at Ecton Park every Tuesday at 7pm.
July 13-16: The Sound of Music at the Lexington Opera House
I love The Sound of Music! The Lexington Theatre Company combines Broadway veterans, rising stars and local professionals for a production that feels just like Broadway, crafted right here in Lexington. Tickets start at $37.
July 13-16: Barbasol
The Barbasol Championship is a PGA TOUR event played at Champions at Keene Trace Golf Club.
July 15: Keeneland Concours
The Keeneland Concours d’Elegance showcases the finest in automobiles on the lush lawns of the renowned Keeneland Race Course.
July 15: Drunken Flea
A multi-vendor vintage market at The Burl.
July 18: Candle Making Workshop
July 22: Farm Feast at Shaker Village
Celebrate an evening of collaboration between Chef Amber Hokams and Farm Manager J. Michael Moore with a multi-course garden supper surrounded by ripe tomatoes, zinnias and butterflies. Savor the summer harvest from Shaker Village’s certified-organic garden, as well as the bounty from other local farmers, cheesemakers, meat producers, distillers and wine makers. $89 tickets.
July 20-30: Lexington Restaurant Week
$19-39 multi-course specials at many local restaurants.
July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20: Art on the Town at Tandy Park
July 22: Chevy Chase Street Fair
The Chevy Chase Street Fair is one of my favorite events. The street is blocked off on Euclid from 4-10pm with 30+ local vendors, live music, kids activities, street food, craft beer and cocktails.
July 22 & August 26: Midway Summer Block Party
A block party in downtown Midway from 6-10pm. Local crafts, food, live music, community organizations and beverage vendors.
July 22: Blackberry Festival at Eckert’s Orchard
Enjoy delicious food from a local Food Truck, Daughters Southern from 11am-3pm. Enjoy live music at this old-fashioned all-American festival. Kid’s activities include children’s playground, petting farm, yard games, rat races, push pedal carts, and delicious treats. Fee charged for some activities. 10am–5pm.
July 31-August 6: Lexington Challenger Tennis Championship
If you’re a tennis fan, you have to check out this tournament! Amazing players from all over the world come to play. $10 general admission tickets.
August 4-5: Shaker Village Craft Fair
This annual event boasts an assortment of crafts, including exceptional pottery, jewelry, glassware, woven rugs, needlecraft, basketry, leather goods, floral design and Shaker reproductions. While on-site, enjoy the Shaker Village Bar, live music and food trucks.
August 12: Picnic with the Pops
One of Lexington’s most anticipated summer events. Bring a picnic and enjoy an evening of symphonic disco with Boogie Wonder Band paired with the Lexington Philharmonic. Tickets are available for table and blanket seating. There’s also a table decorating contest, cocktail contest and food trucks.
August 19: Cold Brew Coffee Festival
The Cold Brew Coffee Fest is Kentucky’s largest celebration of all things cold brew. From the people and shops that roast beans to the customers that love tasting cold brew inspired confections. Downtown Lexington from 8:30am-2pm.
August 19-20: Woodland Arts Fair
One of my favorite events of the year. Artists from all over the country will be set up selling at Woodland Park. Plus local food trucks and beer tents!
August 26-27: CRAVE Food & Music Festival
Try bites from 50+ local food vendors at this festival at Masterson Station Park. Plus live music and food presentations!
May 22-25: Stuarto’s Cooking Class
Dave and I did one of these classes with my parents and had such a good time. You cook a meal together using Stuarto’s oils and vinegars and then get to eat your hard work! They do a different menu each month, May’s includes Thai Basil Chicken, Jackfruit Curry, Vegetarian Pad Thai and Red Apple Balsamic Crepe Cake. $56 per person, reserve by calling 859-269-0088.
September 14-17: Bourbon & Beyond
This one’s technically in Louisville, but so cool I had to include! A music festival plus awesome food and bourbon. The line-up is amazing, Bruno Mars, The Killers, The Avett Brothers, The Black Keys, Brandy Carlisle, Billy Strings, and a ton more. Plus food from local restaurants, celebrity chef demos, exclusive bourbon and more.
September 14: Here Come the Mummies at Manchester Music Hall
The show descriptions says enough… “Here Come the Mummies is a nine-piece funk-rock band of 5000 year-old Egyptian Mummies with a one-track mind. Their “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” is sure to get you into them (and possibly vice versa). Some say they were cursed after deflowering a great Pharaoh’s daughter. Others claim they are reincarnated Grammy-Winning studio musicians. Regardless, HCTM’s mysterious personas, cunning song-craft, and unrelenting live show will bend your brain, and melt your face.”
Do you have any can’t-miss events I should include? Let me know if the comments below!
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
