Prost in a picture. | Photo courtesy of Blue Stallion Brewing Company
We might have an affinity for a different type of liquid here in bourbon country, but something else we highly value is our love for beer and food. Thankfully, our hunger for exploring other cultures allows us to have countless Oktoberfest celebrations over the next several weeks.
Here are three of our favorites to check out this year. Prost!
District’s Germanisch menu will have you saying, “Ich liebe dich.” | Photo courtesy of District 7 Social Hall
District 7 Social Hall Inaugural Oktoberfest | Friday, Sept. 15-Sunday, Sept. 17
Celebrate this event space’s first-ever Oktoberfest celebration, featuring an Oktoberfest tap takeover, German eats, boot specials, and even some fun competition.
Why you should go:
Self-service beer
Stein-holding + lederhosen contests
Food from its on-site restaurant Germanisch — think: kraut fritters, German-style charcuterie boards, and schnitzel sandwiches
Christ the King’s Oktoberfest has been a staple in the community for over 30 years. | Photo courtesy of Christ the King
Christ the King Oktoberfest | Friday, Sept. 22-Saturday, Sept. 23, Times vary
This free annual family-friendly event returns to 412 Cochran Rd. this month bringing two days of live music, German eats, and of course, beer.
Why you should go:
Live music from artists like Spin Doctors and Ray Fulcher
A chance to win a brand new car
Inflatables, crafts, face painting, and more for the kids
Blackjack and bingo for the adults
Beer from sponsors like Sam Adams, West Sixth, Lexington Brewing Co., and others
German bites — think: bratwurst, sauerkraut, and strudel
West Sixth Oktoberfest | Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Enjoy a full day of German fare in support of local nonprofit FoodChain. Tickets include a decorative, reserved table that fits 4-8 people, steins, beer tickets, and snacks.
Why you should go:
Soft Bavarian pretzels, beer cheese, and a veggie spread
16 stein beer fill tickets
Six half-liter steins
Add-on options including a party tray
What did we miss? Let us know of any other Oktoberfest happenings around town and we’ll add them to the list.
Events
Tuesday, Sept. 12
Seniors Got Talent | Tuesday, Sept. 12 | 7 p.m. | Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington | $10 | Come see this group of talented 62+ locals as they sing, dance, and play instruments for a chance to win $500.
Line Dancing with Glo-Life | Tuesday, Sept. 12 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. 3rd St., Lexington | Free | Old school soul meets new school energy in this engaging line-dancing lesson.
Wednesday, Sept. 13
Cider Days Dinner | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 5-9 p.m. | Honeywood, 110 Summit At Fritz Farm #140, Lexington | $10+ | Kick off the fall feeling with a seasonal a la carte dinner paired alongside Wise Bird Cider Co. ciders.
Sister Circle | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 6:30-8 p.m. | The Black Phoenix Co., 1701 Alexandria Dr., Ste. B, Lexington | $10 | Mingle with like-minded peers and let it all out at this support group for Black women.
Thursday, Sept. 14
Here Come The Mummies | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 7 p.m. | Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St., Lexington | $25-$80 | This mummy-clad nine-piece funk band features mysterious Grammy-winning studio artists.
Wednesday | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $21.60 | See these emerging indie artists from Asheville, North Carolina as they take the stage in the Distillery District.
Saturday, Sept. 16
Jazz Fest & Harvest Fest | Saturday, Sept. 16-Sunday, Sept. 24 | Times vary | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg | $0-$16 | Don’t miss two fun fests at Shaker Village featuring incredible jazz performances and the kick-off of the harvest season.*
This map shows the seven different expansion areas that could potentially be brought into the Urban Services Boundary. | Photo provided by Imagine Lexington
Did you know the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council recently mandated an expansion of Lexington’s historic Urban Services Boundary by between 2,700-5,000 acres? The Urban Growth Management Advisory Committee has spent the last four weeks discussing where they believe Lexington should grow, and has identified seven different areas for potential expansion.
For the second year, UK has been recognized as a Military Friendly School. The school received silver status from Military Friendly, the organization that measures a school’s commitment to supporting the military community, thanks to the efforts of the UK Veterans Resource Center. (UKNOW)
Plan Ahead
Donut forget — North Lime Coffee and Donut’s 11th birthday is approaching. Join the crew at Greyline Station on Friday, Sept. 22, 6-11 p.m. for an evening of mockumentary-themed trivia, live music, beer flight + “donugget” pairings, and specialty releases.
Travel
Have an adventurous teenager in your life? The Lexington Sister Cities organization is currently accepting applications for its student exchange programs. Middle + high school students can apply to live in Newmarket, England; Shinhidaka, Japan; Deauville, France; or County Kildare, Ireland for six weeks.
Concert
The hook brings you to Manchester Music Hall to see Blues Traveler on Thursday, Nov. 9. Join the Grammy-Award winning band as they take the stage in support of their most recent album, “Traveler’s Soul.” Tickets are on sale now.
Cause
September is Hunger Action Month, and God’s Pantry is teaming up with the community to ensure Kentucky stays fed. On Friday, Sept. 15, aka Hunger Action Day, you can participate in the organization’s efforts by supporting fundraisers hosted by Crank + Boom, The Fresh Market, and Feeding America.
Drink
Hold on tight, spider monkey. Beginning Saturday, Sept. 15, Broomwagon Bikes + Cafe will start serving its autumnal Twilight-themed menu. Think: The Team Edward caramel apple macchiato, Team Jacob pumpkin spice latte, and the Lion Fell in Love with the Lemonade featuring cranberry syrup + apple cider.
A peek at the new planned entrance to The Commons. | Renderings courtesy of @thecommonslex
Less than a mile outside of downtown off Main Street, the development formerly known as Turner Commons, is quickly materializing and could become the next big district in town.
Now known as The Commons, the area is already home to local favorites like Battle Axes and Sora Aerial Arts, but once completed, will combine all things lifestyle, work, and play to create a perfectly urban, yet green package.
Here’s some fast facts about the new district:
Totaling 40 acres of space
Accessible via Main Street and North Forbes Road
Feature energy-forward designs, including nature walking trails and green buildings
Featuring retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment complexes, short-term rentals, office space, and a TBD event venue
Pet parks and grooming stations
A sky lounge
Electric vehicle charging stations
Stay tuned for upcoming news of businesses and development plans.
Over the weekend, I finally got to fill the former theater kid experience that is Night Kitty Karaoke. With song-themed drinks (think: Tiny Dancer, Barbie Girl, and Baby One More Time) and private room rentals, this place is a must-see for all music lovers.
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