Find serenity in nature in the heart of UK’s campus. | Photo by LEXtoday
UK’s seventh annual Tree Week kicks off tomorrow + runs through Sunday, Oct. 20, bringing a 10-day celebration of trees and green spaces.
Community events are taking place throughout the week, giving Lexingtonians the opportunity to take part in hands-on educational experiences. Think: Guided hikes, art exhibits, discussions, and tree plantings.
Need to know
The volunteer-led and LFUCG-sponsored Tree Week Planning Team manages the event series, but it isn’t the organizer of every event. “This is a community-created week,” said Mary Arthur, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Forestry at UK. “We create the umbrella for everyone to host events + help get the word out.”
The Tree Week Kick-Off event will feature tree planting, live music, and nature organizations. | Photo courtesy of Tree Week Planning Team
Tree Week Kick Off, Mary Todd Park | The community is invited for a fun-filled evening including a tree-planting, a food truck, kids activities, live music, and booths from local environmental groups on Friday, Oct. 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Poetry under the Trees, McConnell Springs | On Sunday, Oct. 13, soak in the spoken word of fellow Lexingintonians under the native tree canopy. For those who wish to share, an open mic will start at 6 p.m.
Tour of Lexington Cemetery | Learn more about the towering collection of conifers during a guided tour with botanist Rob Paratley on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 2 p.m.
Art by Nature, Living Arts & Science Center | See the selected works of this year’s exhibit at the gallery opening on Friday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. The theme for this edition is Monarch Waystations.
Intro to Canoeing | Fri., Oct. 7 | 3-4:30 p.m. | Jacobson Park, 4001 Athens-Boonesboro Rd., Lexington | $5.00 | Participants will be provided the opportunity to learn the basics of paddling on calm water with guided instruction. 🛶
Reptiles Rule | Fri., Oct. 7 | 5-6 p.m. | Woodford County Library Main Branch, 115 North Main St., Versailles | Join the Kentucky Reptile Zoo to meet + learn about reptiles from around the world including tortoises, pythons, and a baby alligator. 🐍
Arts Gala - Enchanted Forest | Fri., Oct. 7 | 6:30 p.m. | EKU, 453 University Dr., Richmond | $60 | A fundraiser for the arts featuring live music, heavy hor d’ourves, a silent auction + cash bar.
Saturday
Pace in Parks | Sat., Oct. 8 | 9-10 a.m. | Lansdowne-Merrick Park, 3190 Montavesta Road, Lexington | Free | This free run club is open to all ages and abilities levels + features guided instruction from students in UK’s Kinesiology and Health Promotion Department. 👟
Versailles Oktoberfest | Sat., Oct. 8 | 12 p.m. | Versailles Brewing Company, 513 Marsailles Rd, Versailles | Free | Head to Versailles for the second annual Oktoberfest where the old Kroger parking lot will be transformed into a host for food, drink, arts and crafts vendors, as well as a lively musical lineup. 🍻
Second Saturday Studio Stroll | Sat., Oct. 8 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Artists’ Studios, 594 East Third Street. Suite 200, Lexington | Free | Browse the work of the local artists along with live demonstrations + performance art.
Sunday
Blessing of the Animals | Sun., Oct. 9 | 1-2 p.m. | Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 533 East Main St, Lexington | Free | Stop by for a member of the clergy to bless your caged, crated, or leashed beloved pets — stick around to enjoy the company of other owners + pets outside.
Book Signing for Trevor Claiborn | Sun., Oct. 9 | 3-5 p.m. | Whitney Young Park, 1033 St. Martins Ave, Lexington | Free | Attendees will be able to meet the author and enjoy thoughtful discussions around food, culture + family. 📖
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
South Elkhorn Christian Church will host its annual Fall Festival this Sat., Oct. 8. Head to 4343 Harrodsburg Rd. from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and shop from 150+ booths featuring locally made crafts. Plus, there will be live music, snacks + a quilt raffle. 🧶
Concert
This news will leave some of you speechless. Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning country duo Dan + Shay are coming to the Lexington Opera House for a special #ONENIGHTONLY acoustic concert on Wed., Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Mon., Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.
Seasonal
Why trick when you can trunk? The Whitaker Family YMCA is hosting its Trunk or Treat event on Sat., Oct. 22 from 2-4 p.m. Compete for the best trunk and best costume — either solo or as a group. 🎃
Read
Hot off the press. Curl up with “Lexington’s Own Monuments Men” — a new book about a society of business owners + historians. The book details the formation of Kentucky’s first association dedicated to identifying historically significant sites in Lexington. 📚
Sports
The UK men’s basketball program announced it will play a six-year series with Gonzaga — beginning with their Nov. 20 game in Spokane, Washington. The teams will each host two games + the remaining two games will be played at neutral sites in Nashville and Seattle. (UK Athletics)
DV8 Kitchen rolled out its October specials and you butternut miss out. Sample the turkey croissant + butternut squash bisque, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a pumpkin spice cinnamon roll.
Kids
Do you know of a teen who would make a great babysitter? Safe Kids Fayette County is hosting aBabysitting Certification Class. Beginner babysitters should head to 348 East Main St. on Wed., Nov. 30 from 5-7:30 p.m. to learn the ropes. Call 859-693-6436 to register.
Travel
If you’re thinking about getting out of town, check out our guide to Berea, which is full of recommendations on where to eatand what to do. Pro tip: Arrive between October 13-16 for the Berea College Celebration of Traditional Music showcasing homemade music from the Appalachian region. 🪕
In addition to beignets aplenty, New Orleans is home to a spectacular showcase of Creole cuisine,lively jazz bars, stunning French architecture, and historic ghost tours. Escape to the city for a weekend and experience it all while staying in this renovated condo complete with a charming private courtyard.*
Correction
Yesterday, we told you about the Kentucky Refugee Ministries Coat Drive, but accidentally gave you incorrect drop-off details. Oops, we’re human. You can drop off your donations locallyat the International Book Project, 1440 Delaware Ave., Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Culture
Culture
Halloween at the Kentucky Theatre
Sppoky movies — from classic to scary to kid-friendly — will be showing at the Kentucky Theatre all month. | Photo by LEXtoday
Watching horror movies in a 100-year-old theater might be exactly what you need to kick-start the Halloween season.
The Kentucky Theatre recently released a slew of spooky showings that will be playing this month.
The first Halloween-themed screening kicks off this weekend with showings of “Scooby-Doo.”
Scooby-Doo | Sun., Oct. 9 | 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. + 7:30 p.m. | The Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St. | $7.75+ | Zoinks — Scooby + the gang get trapped on a spooky carnival-themed island.
Dates + times for the rest of the October screenings will be released soon, but check out which films will be screening this month in the meantime.
“Frankenstein”
“House of 1000 Corpses”
“Hocus Pocus”
“A Nightmare on Elm Street 3"
“The Masque of the Red Death”
“Only Lovers Left Alive”
“All Jacked Up and Full of Worms”
“Twilight”
“The Hunger”
“Coraline”
“Cure”
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by City Editor Aaron.
Editor’s pick: I recently took my sign to the Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort, 1 Sportsman’s Ln. This place is so cool. This place does a great job of showcasing Kentucky’s diverse ecosystem with hiking trails, educational activities + animal exhibits.
We saw bobcats, black bears, bald eagles, and so much more. If you’re looking for a cool family outing, I can’t recommend this place enough.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read these cool stats about Keeneland, here.
Connect with us.
Editorial:Aaron Mikel, Molly Thompson, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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