In order to help prevent some of the issues from 2021, like long lines and no water, Railbird Festival has worked to make some changes and updates to the guest experience.
Doubling the numberof water stations
Allowing guests to bring one unopened factory-sealed water bottle as well as a refillable bottle
Adding more food and drink options
Increasing staff
Adding standalone shade structures as well as a tent for one of the three stages that extends past the viewing area to provide more shade
🎟️ Need to know
Dates: Saturday, June 3 + Sunday, June 4
Location: Red Mile Racetrack, 1200 Red Mile Rd.
Tickets: Presale begins Thursday, Dec. 8 at 12 p.m., sign-up for presale access.
Experiences: While we’re almost certain more announcements will come, be sure to check out the different packages available for general admission, VIP, and platinum experiences.
Benefit Bingo | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 6-8 p.m. | Ethereal Brewing, 1224 Manchester St., Lexington | $2 | Play bingo + drink beer in support of the animals, staff, and volunteers at the Lexington Humane Society.
Acoustic Jam | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 7 p.m. | Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington | $20-$231 | See an acoustic collection of artists including Randy Houser, Parker McCollum, and Kentucky musician Elvie Shane.
Thursday, Dec. 8
Jazz at the Library | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 7-9 p.m. | Central Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Enjoy live jazz music on the second Thursday of every month.
Friday, Dec. 9
Nicholas Jamerson’s Hollerday Gitdown | Friday, Dec. 9 | 7 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $20 | This “hollerday” show will feature music from Nicholas Jamerson & The Morning Jays, Buffalo Wabs, and The Price Hill Hustle.
Saturday, Dec. 10
Tea Time with Mrs. Clause | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 11 a.m. | Thoroughbred Theater, 127 E. Main St., Midway | $25 | Bring your little ones for some quali-tea time with Mrs. Claus — treats catered by Holly Hill & Co.
Crafted Social’s Winter Market | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Loudoun House, 209 Castlewood Dr., Lexington | Free | Stop by to sip and shop at this winter celebration complete with food, drinks, music, art, and community.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
A second Crumbl Cookies location is opening on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 255 E. Brannon Rd. in Brannon Crossing. The owners of the gourmet dessert shop — who opened Lexington’s first location in Hamburg in 2021 — will celebrate the occasion with a DJ and party on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. 🍪 (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Biz
This Saturday, Dec. 10, Failte Irish Import Shop is celebrating 21 years in business and you’re invited. Stop by 113 S. Upper St. between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. for free tea and biscuits, discounts + more. 🇮🇪
State
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has launched a resource called the Kentucky Minority-Owned Business Database. A first-of-its-kind in Kentucky, the goal of the platform is to help businesses that want to diversify their supply chain + provide exposure and resources for certified minority-owned businesses. (The Lane Report)
Gallery
On display now at the Central Library, 140 W. Main St., is an art showcase titled, “We...Meaning Black Men,” from members of the Kentucky Creatives. Stop by until Sunday, Jan. 15 to see wood sculptures, glass art, paintings, and photography from artists like Kiptoo Taurus, Kenneth Burney, and Frank X Walker. 🖼️
Community
The Catholic Action Center is hosting its 27th annual Faith and Community Christmas Store from Monday, Dec. 19 to Wednesday, Dec. 21. It will be open at Employment Solutions Center, 1165 Centre Pkwy., for citizens experiencing financial insecurity to shop for holiday gifts. Community members can support by donating toys or volunteering. 🧸 (LEX18)
Edu
Midway University announced it will be adding two new degrees in the upcoming academic year — a Bachelor of Science in Coaching and Leadership + a Bachelor of Science in Sport Marketing. It’s also approved a Minor in Music, where students can choose from three tracks — Performance, Music Therapy, or Music Education. 🎓 (The Lane Report)
Cause
Next Monday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at 21c Lexington will be the Pine Mountain Sessions, a benefit event for Kentucky Natural Lands Trust. Co-sponsored with West Sixth Brewing, the free event will feature music + readings from Daniel Martin Moore, Erik Reece, Arwen Donahue, and Heather Summers.
Civic
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) is currently having the most important conversation related to the Urban Service Boundary since its inception in 1958. A map from LFUCG proposes 27,000+ acres of land in the rural area for future development. The Planning Commission will take public comments on the map on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall. Read more about the proposed changes.*
Myriad Meadery will be right across National Avenue from Mirror Twin Brewing. | photo by Myriad Meadery
Here’s some news to sip on. Coming to the Warehouse Block in early 2023 is Lexington’s first meadery — Myriad Meadery.
So what is mead you might ask? Mead is one of the oldest known fermented beverages made from fermented honey — mixed with water, and sometimes with added fruits, spices, grains, or hops.
Myriad Meadery is located at 730 National Ave., in the same building as REACH Fitness + Varsity Print. The space will feature a full bar with 20 taps — 8-12 will be mead and mead spritzers, while the rest will serve beers from neighboring business Mirror Twin Brewing.
The space is still under construction, but owners hope to have a soft opening in mid-January and a grand opening around Valentine’s Day.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Molly.
Editor’s pick: Happy early birthday, Failte. My dad is from Kilkenny, Ireland, so a stop at this shop is an annual tradition for us around the holidays (actually about once a month for me).
If you’re looking for some unique + delicious gifts or maybe a pint or cuppa, then add this to your to-do list and pop by this Saturday.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn about how to get involved with city government, here.
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