16 minute read
30 Ways to Celebrate Summer
Doesn't it seem like everyone's ready for summer fun?
Live music fans are ready for concert season. Kids are ready to splash around in the pool... while many of us are simply ready to sit in the sun by the pool. Foodies are eager to chill out on restaurant patios and sample the best of summer's bounty. Adventurers are ready to hit the trails, camp out and explore nature's beauty. No matter how you celebrate the season, we've rounded up some fun ideas to help inspire your next adventure. Get out and enjoy the rest of the summer, y'all! by Amanda Harper
Live Music BIG BAND & JAZZ Tuesdays through August 9 Head out to Ecton Park on Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm for this free concert series. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic. CENTRAL BANK THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE Thursdays through October 13 Head to the Fifth Third Pavilion in Tandy Park from 5-8pm to enjoy live music. Food and beverage vendors are on site! NORTHSIDE NIGHTS July 8 & 22, August 5 & 19 and September 2 This free, fun concert series at Castlewood Park features R&B, soul, funk and dance music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in to enjoy the tunes. SOUTHLAND JAMBOREE Thursdays through September 1 Love bluegrass? This free concert series is for you! Head to Moondance Amphitheater Thursday evenings at 7pm! TOPS Tip: This list doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the vibrant live music scene in and around Central Kentucky. Check the websites for local venues and restaurants – or even Eventbrite – to find more great live music any night of the week.
SUMMER NIGHTS IN SUBURBIA Fridays through August 26 Unwind after a long week at Moondance Amphitheater for this free concert series. Jazz, bluegrass, indie, folk, blues and more offer lots of fun.
SHAKER VILLAGE MUSIC ON THE LAWN Fridays & Saturdays through October 29 Enjoy live music in a farm-fresh setting! There is optional outdoor dining and specialty cocktails are available. No admission is required, but seating is limited and weather-dependent. To check out the full lineup, visit shakervillage.org.
YACHT ROCK REVUE July 28 Is there anything more quintessentially summer than yacht rock? This band primarily covers easy-listening 70s and 80s, but they’re back at Manchester Music Hall 7-11pm with their first ever original album. Advance general admission is $18.
TAHLSOUND July 24, August 28 & September 25 Live music comes to Southland Drive for this exciting summer concert series. To learn more, visit tahlsound.com.
Parkit!
Warm temperatures mean we're all heading outside. While Central Kentucky's many parks, walking trails and natural areas are open (more or less) year-round, most of us visit them most often in the summertime. From biking The Legacy Trail to hiking Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, the opportunities for outdoor fun are virtually endless. Public pools, disc golf, fishing, birdwatching, community gardening, golf, skating, pedal boating, tennis, pickleball, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer... all of this fun is available FREE at Lexington city parks! Visit lexingtonky.gov/parksmap to find a park near you and find out what our many parks have to offer! [photo by Nicole Martin]
Film
THE KENTUCKY THEATRE SUMMER CLASSICS SERIES
Wednesdays through September 7 Love classic movies? The Kentucky Theatre has your ticket to entertainment! Each Wednesday, they will be screening a different classic movie. Hits like The Big Sleep, Bonnie and Clyde, Sleeping Beauty, The Man Who Knew Too Much, West Side Story and The Godfather will come alive once more on the silver screen. At $6.50 a ticket, it’s a summer can’t-miss! Follow them on social media for the latest showings, or visit kentuckytheatre.org.
2022 HARRY DEAN STANTON FEST
July 15-17 Celebrating a Kentucky native who appeared in over 200 films and television episodes, the Harry Dean Stanton Fest is a fun piece of local culture that you just won’t want to miss. From film screenings to live music with friends of the late actor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we celebrate this icon of screen. Learn more at harrydeanstantonfest.org.
DRIVE-IN MOVIES
Nothing says summer like a drive-in movie. This nostalgic experience is a must-do for anyone. The closest drive-ins are in Mt. Sterling, Paris and Standford, but it’s absolutely worth the trek! TOPS Tip: Be sure to check each drive-in theater's website for the latest showings and rules.
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DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID
July 14-17 The Lexington Theatre Company presents this charming Hans Christian Anderson tale features songs from the Disney classic as well as the 2007 Broadway adaptation. For tickets and more information, visit lexingtontheatrecompany.org.
BREYERFEST
July 15-17 Collectors of Breyer horse figures know the joy and delight of this local event. If you or your littles might be interested in discovering the hobby, BreyerFest is a wonderful place to start! (There's plenty of fun for non-collectors, too.)
SPRAYGROUNDS
Lexington has fun “spraygrounds” in Douglass, Jacobson, Masterson Station and Castlewood Parks. These interactive water features help kiddos cool off on a hot day. These often close at the end of July, so get splashing soon!
SHREK THE MUSICAL
July 21-24 & 28-31 Get out of your swamp and into this delightful musical at the Lexington Children's Theatre! For tickets or to learn more, visit lctonstage.org.
HARRY POTTER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
July 31 Not only is it Harry Potter's birthday, it's also the 25th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone! Celebrate with storytime, crafts and butterbeer at Joseph-Beth Booksellers from 11am-close!
PICNIC TIME!
When's the last time you and your favorite kiddos went on an honest-togoodness picnic? Pack a blanket and fill a basket with your favorite (warm weather-friendly!) snacks. Head to one of central Kentucky's many parks and natural areas to enjoy a little time outdoors. And sure, as long as the park rules say it's okay, Fido can come, too!
For the
Kiddos!
Hoof it!
KENTUCKY HORSE PARK RUN/WALK CLUB
Mondays through September 5 Meet Monday evenings from 4:30-7pm at the Kentucky Horse Park Visitor Center. Explore the grounds free of charge and take a stroll or run along the clearly marked 1.5 or 3 mile loops. This opportunity to take in the beauty of horse country is free and open to the public. Dogs are permitted on leash, but bikes or other vehicles are not. Learn more at khpfoundation.org. [photo courtesy of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation]
Get Artsy
SELFIE TOUR JOSEPHINE SCULPTURE PARK
Lexington’s many murals offer stunning backdrops that are always a perfect photo-op. Take a tour of these incredible public artworks – and fill your Insta feed, while you’re at it! To find Lexington's mural locations, visit prhbtn.com or visitlex.com.
LEXARTS HOP!
July 15 & September 16 Dozens of art galleries, artists’ studios, museums and creative spaces open their doors for the LexArts HOP! Encounter the arts up close on a choose-your-ownadventure tour about town. Visit lexarts.org to find the HOP Guide, which includes information on special popups and events… or stop by LexArts on Mill!
BALLET UNDER THE STARS
August 4-7 Enjoy an evening of professional ballet in Woodland Park. You won’t want to miss the pre-show youth production at 8pm. Bring lawn chairs, a picnic and your sense of wonder for this wonderful summer experience! $8 per person (children 3 and under free). To learn more about this fun summer event, visit lexingtonky.gov!
CHICAGO
August 4-7 The Lexington Theatre Company presents murder, mayhem and “All That Jazz” in this thrilling Broadway classic. For tickets and more information, visit lexingtontheatrecompany.org. This hidden gem just outside of Frankfort boasts interactive sculptures that will delight contemporary art lovers of all ages. Over 70 works of art are sprinkled over 30 acres of native meadows and newly forested areas. Free and open to the public dawn ‘til dusk, there’s so much to discover and explore inside this fun sculpture park. Learn more and discover upcoming events at josephinesculpturepark.org
PICNIC WITH THE POPS
August 13 This is one of the biggest can’t-miss events on any Lexingtonian’s social calendar. From the creative table decorations to the wonderful live music, it’s a great evening out at Keene Meadow. With this year’s theme of “Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown,” tickets are sure to go fast! Get details online at lexpops.com.
WOODLAND ART FAIR
August 20-21 For over 40 years, Woodland Park has transformed into a delightful art fair each summer. With over 160 artists, craftspeople and vendors selling truly inspiring goods, this is a great way to discover the work of some truly talented artisans. There will also be live entertainment, food trucks, local breweries/vineyards and more!
Love the arts?
Central Kentucky has so many cultural experiences for you to discover! VisitLex.com has a great list of local art galleries. LexArts.org can connect you not only to art galleries, but performing arts venues and groups!
Foodie Fare FOODIE TOUR
The Donut Trail. The Fried Chicken Trail. The Country Ham Trail. The BBQ Trail. The Hot Brown Hop. State Park Plates. Kentucky has countless opportunities for foodies to discover our culinary heritage. For pre-planned itineraries to help guide your quest, visit kentuckytourism.com. Of course, you don’t have to go far for a culinary adventure, and you don’t have to stick to anyone else’s agenda. Plan your own foodie tour! Pick a cocktail and venture to find the best in town. Make a plan to sample the chef’s special at 10 great restaurants by summer’s end. Start a supper club with a group of friends and dine out on local patios every Tuesday. Crafting your own tour means you get to savor the very best of Lexington… on your own terms!
WINE, BEER AND BOURBON COUNTRY
In recent years, growth of Kentucky’s brewing and distilling tradition has exploded. From cider to sake, there’s a sip for just about everybody. Whether you head to Lexington Distillery District, hit the Brewgrass Trail or simply sample locally-produced beers and spirits at local restaurants, there’s so much to savor this summer!
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS
Fridays through September 30 Hungry? Head to Triangle Park to enjoy a selection of local food trucks from 11:30am-1:30pm. TOPS Tip: While most food trucks take cards, we recommend bringing cash... just in case!
COOKBOOK CLUB
Think of this as a book club and supper club in one. Choose a cookbook for you and your crew to cook your way through. You could take turns hosting the event, rotating who is responsible for which dishes – and don’t forget drinks! You could opt to do each meal as a potluck, or maybe curate menus based on the book. Suggested viewing: Julie & Julia.
FARMERS’ MARKETS
Summer sun means summer produce! Locally-grown tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, watermelons, strawberries, corn, squash, peas… there’s honestly nothing better. Many local farmers’ markets also offer products like canned salsas, jellies, honey, meat and more. Let the fresh bounty you find inspire your cooking for weeks to come!
RAVEN RUN SUPERMOON HIKE
July 13 Join the Raven Run team on a moonrise hike during our biggest and brightest supermoon of the year! Cost to participate is $5 and spots are limited. If the night skies aren’t your jam, Raven Run has tons of other special programs and hikes for you to explore!
THE DRUNKEN FLEA
August 13 Head over to The Burl to discover rad, curated vintage goods, from clothing to furniture and beyond. Multiple vendors will be present at this pop-up market at The Burl!
KEENELAND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
July 16 This event is the ultimate gathering of vintage, classic, exotic and collector vehicles. Day of show gate admission is $25/ advance will call admission is $20. Children under 12 and active military in uniform admitted free.
STAYCATION
We love the idea of a staycation, but it seems like we never really make the most of what’s close! Change it up this summer by staying in one of Lexington’s many hotels, B&Bs and airbnbs. There are so many unique, wonderful experiences here in town. For instance… want to stay in the World’s First PlantFriendly Hotel? Visit Elwood Hotel & Suites! If you’re looking for history and natural beauty, check out A Storybook Inn.
RAFTING AND TUBING
There’s nothing better to cool you off during summer heat than hitting the water. Central Kentucky offers lots of opportunities to make a splash – from kayaking to boating – but we especially love tubing. It’s the perfect lazy afternoon activity!
TRY TIE-DYE
This groovy hobby has made quite a comeback! TikTok has tons of amazing how-to videos with tips on ice dyeing, bleach dyeing, folding techniques and more. And if all of that sounds complicated, trust that tie-dye is the DIY project where there are no wrong answers!
SANDERS CAFÉ
See the birthplace of Kentucky fried chicken! The newlyrenovated museum has interactive exhibits (as well as tons of selfie opportunities) for you to explore. It’s a wacky Roadside America experience. It also happens to be a working KFC, so you can dine in while you’re there.
LEXINGTON LEGENDS AND KENTUCKY WILD HEALTH GENOMES
Enjoy the official sport of summer up close and personal! While the fun on the field is worth the price of admission alone, the promotions can’t be beat. From fireworks nights to fun giveaways, there’s a lot of entertainment happening down at the Wild Health Ballpark.
GET THRIFTY
Lexington’s many antique malls and thrift stores offer tons of treasures just waiting to be discovered. It’s a great way to spend a summer afternoon indoors.
THE SHELL GROTTO
The Headley-Whitney Museum offers a peek at beautiful bibelots and more, and that’s worth the $10 admission alone (children 12 and under are free). But it’s the Shell Grotto that makes us think of summertime. Added onto the grounds in 1973, the walls, floor and ceiling are covered with shells, coral and fossils. It’s an experience quite unlike any other in Kentucky.
BARBASOL CHAMPIONSHIP
July 7-10 For golf fans, this is the ultimate event of the summer. This PGA Tour event at Keene Trace offers the chance to get close to the superstars of golf.
SYMPHONIC STROLL
September 10 Head out to Josephine Sculpture Park outside of Frankfort and enjoy chamber music as you explore the contemporary artworks. Interactive activities, food trucks and more. Enter at 4pm or 5pm; tickets are $14 each. Performances occur between 4pm and 8pm.
VOLUNTEER
Giving back is good for the soul… and good for our city! Spend some time helping out an organization that you care about.
DO THE TOURIST THING
Never been a tourist in Lexington? Act like one! Go to all of the “must-see” spots that we locals simply don’t visit everyday. It will be so exciting to look at our city through fresh eyes! From Thoroughbred Park to McConnell Springs, there’s lots of history, art, culture and FUN to discover!
LEXINGTON JUNIOR LEAGUE CHARITY HORSE SHOW around!Horse
July 11-16 See the world’s largest outdoor American Saddlebred show and the first leg of the Saddlebred “Triple Crown” at the Kentucky Horse Park! This charity horse show helps fund the Junior League’s community works projects… while offering tons of entertainment for all ages! Each night’s theme means there’s something exciting to enjoy alongside all the equestrian action. Information and tickets can be found at lexjrleague.com.
HATS OFF DAY + ROOD & RIDDLE GRAND PRIX
July 30 Salute Kentucky’s horse industry at this free familyfriendly event at the Kentucky Horse Park.
USEF PONY FINALS
August 9-14 This exciting event offers tons of fun for spectators at the Kentucky Horse Park. Learn more at usef.org.
KEENELAND TOURS
While most of us have visited Keeneland during race meets or for special events, most of us haven’t enjoyed a formal tour of this National Historic Landmark. Make this the summer that you change that! Visit keeneland.com to learn more.
HORSE MANIA
LEXINGTON POLO
As much as Lexingtonians love horsey culture, many don’t know that polo is alive and well in the Bluegrass! Lexington Polo has club matches at the Kentucky Horse Park every Sunday at 3pm through the end of September. They also have Club Tournament Leagues and USPA Tournaments coming up, so follow them on Facebook for more info!
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of LexArts and the return of the Breeders’ Cup to Lexington, Horse Mania rides again this year! Look for horses to start appearing all over town this summer. A complete list will be available at lexarts.org as soon as it’s available, so follow them on social media for the latest details! •
