Fiction

• “Lark Ascending” by Silas House | Release date: September 27, 2022 | This book places readers in the shoes of a refugee — reminding them to hold on to hope even during dark times.
• “The Natural Man” by Ed McClanahan | Release date: January 1, 1993 | This comedy documents the unlikely friendship between a high school bookworm and hulkish high school basketball star.

Personal stories

• “Kentucky Basketball: Two Decades Behind the Scenes” by Mike Pratt and Tom Leach | Release date: November 23, 2021 | A candid collection of intimate conversations between two longtime UK basketball analysts, Tom Leach + the late Mike Pratt — both of which are almost as famed as Rupp Arena itself.
• “Hill Women” by Cassie Chambers | Release date: January 12, 2021 | Tracing her family lineage through the hills of Eastern Kentucky, this author tells the stories of the strong women that raised her.

Poetry

• “Affrilachia” by Frank X Walker | Release date: November 17, 2000 | With the publication of this book, Frank coined the term “Afrilachia” and helped pave the way for future African American poets living in the Appalachian south.
• “Bright Dead Things” by Ada Límon | Release date: September 15, 2015 | The collection of poems in this book explore the idea of leaving your world behind to find something new — a finalist for the National Book Award.

• Friends Book Sale | Fri., Oct. 21 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Central Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Price of purchase | Find great deals on used books at this annual book sale.
• ScareFest Weekend | Fri., Oct. 21 - Sun., Oct. 23 | 4 p.m. | Central Bank Center, 430 W Vine St, Lexington | Prices vary | One of Lexington’s biggest Halloween parties features celebrities, hundreds of vendors, entertainers, film screenings, costume contests + more — veterans and first responders get in free on Friday.
• Stargazing with Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club | Fri., Oct. 21 | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington | Free | Come out to Raven Run and view the night sky with the Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club — event is weather-dependent.
• Wincity Media Presents: The Voices of Winchester | Fri., Oct. 21 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Leeds Center for the Arts, 37 North Main Street, Winchester | Free | Join Wincity Media for a fun-filled night featuring storytelling, local art + music, sweet treats, and more.

• Brews and Bites Oktoberfest | Sat., Oct. 22 | 12-5 p.m. | Greyline Station, 101 W. Loudon Ave., Lexington | $10.00 - $60.00 | Greyline Station’s first-ever beer and food festival featuring 20+ breweries from around the state.
• Bradford Pear Bounty | Sat., Oct. 22 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, 500 Alumni Dr., Lexington | Free | If you dig up + bring your invasive Bradford Pear to this event, you will receive a new native tree to replant in its place.
• Introduction to Backpacking | Sat., Oct. 22 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Hisle Farm Park, 3551 Briar Hill Rd., Lexington | Free | This short hike led by Parks & Rec staff will help participants learn the basics of what to bring on their backpacking adventure + trail safety tips.
• Pumpkin Carving | Sat., Oct. 22 | 6-7:15 p.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington | $5.00 | Come out for a family-friendly evening to carve pumpkins + snack on festive treats — pumpkins can be kept or donated to help decorate the Jack-O-Lantern Trail at McConnell Springs Park.

• PumpkinMania Festival 2022 | Sun., Oct. 23 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Transylvania University, 300 N. Broadway, Lexington | This annual festival invites citizens to carve pumpkins and display them on the historic steps of the Old Morrison building on Transylvania’s campus.
• LEXTalks October: A Spooky LexTalks | Sun., Oct. 23 | 2-3 p.m. | Dr. Thomas Hunt Morgan House, 210 North Broadway, Lexington | The Lexington History Museum will guide you through Gratz Park while telling spooky stories about this historic area.

• Kentucky Book Festival | Sat., Oct. 29 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 161 Lexington Green Cir., Lexington | Free | Celebrate all things reading at the Kentucky Book Festival — aka the biggest, bookish celebration in KY — ft.150+ authors, book signings, kids’ activities, and more.*
• Carnegie Classics: The Little Prince | Sat., Nov. 5 | 7-11 p.m. | Carnegie Center, 251 W Second St, Lexington | $30.00 | Grown-ups (18+) are invited to fly into the pages of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s 1943 classic children’s book, The Little Prince.*

• 70º | Partly cloudy | 1% chance of rain

• The Blue Grass Airport recently celebrated the departure of its newest direct flight, Lexington to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Starting on Wed., Oct. 26, flights will run every Wednesday + Saturday. Additionally, direct flights to Tampa International Airport (TPA) will begin on Sat., Nov. 12. Hey, TBAYtoday. ✈️ (The Lane Report)

• Earlier this week, City Council members heard an update on Flock Security cameras — the 25 security cameras that have been placed in undisclosed locations around town. According to police, the cameras have been beneficial in increasing safety efforts + 75 more cameras could be placed around town next year. (WEKU)

• Lexington Parks and Recreation announced two different opportunities for a new spooky event. History and Mysteries at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary will take place on Sat., Oct. 22 + Sat., Oct. 29 — inviting citizens to learn about haunting incidents and the eerie history of these woods. Registration is required. 👻

• The UK Arboretum will be offering free admission to the Kentucky Children’s Garden this Sat., Oct. 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids can enjoy crafts, games, giant bubble wands + live critters.

• The Luna food truck, located in The Grove during the warmer months, announced it will be once again migrating to Al’s Bar, 601 N. Limestone, for the winter season starting on Wed., Nov. 9. This is one of our favorite winter spots. Stay warm with local food, craft beer, and live music. 🍽
• Honeywood Restaurant announced it will be hosting a new fall dinner event on Thurs., Nov. 3. Chef Cody DeRosett will prepare a unique menu that focuses on seasonal Kentucky ingredients + fresh Gulf Oysters — all paired with beers from West Sixth Brewing. Order your tickets. 🦪

• Coach Cal announced that UK basketball will re-up its rivalry with Indiana University, agreeing to play the Hoosiers starting in the 2025-2026 season. The Cats haven’t played the Hoosiers since 2011 — when Christian Watford hit this dagger of a shot. 🏀 (Lexington Herald-Leader)

• Vector Corrosion Technologies, a Canadian-based company, opened its first US location here in Lexington. Its 15,200-sqft warehouse is located at 800 Winchester Rd., and is expected to bring ~20 full-time manufacturing jobs to the area.

• The Kentucky Blood Center has seen an 18% increase in blood transfusions over the last two months, putting an already fragile blood supply in peril. KBC is asking for donors to make a donation at one of its two Lexington donor centers or daily mobile drives.

• Eastern Kentucky counties will receive $24.4 million in funds for economic development projects, affecting nine different counties. The money will fund 11 projects — creating 200+ jobs and providing more recreational and tourism opportunities for Lexingtonians. (The Lane Report)

• Feeling a little dehydrated, looking for a hangover cure, or maybe need an extra immune boost to get over a recent cold? Meet Renew Hydration, a safe, gentle, and physician-backed mobile IV hydration service that can help anyone — regardless of health status. Learn more. 💧 *

• Here’s a friendly reminder that Halloween is almost here. Have you bought your costume yet? What about the candy? And if you want to be the coolest parent or grandparent on the block — while increasing your trick-or-treater’s nighttime visibility — grab this affordable 100-pack of glow sticks.*

• Halloween Variety Show | 5:30 pm. | Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza, downtown | A DJ will be spinning spooky tunes + there will be Halloween-inspired performances by local arts organizations.
• Halloween Parade | 7 p.m. | Main Street, starting at Quality Street and ending at Mill Street. | Locally made floats will take the street by storm, tossing candy of course.
• Thriller Parade | 7:30 p.m. | Main Street, starting at Quality Street and ending at Mill Street. | Dance and sing along as zombies make their way down Main Street.