Ofrendas are a way to connect with the spirits of those who have died. | Photo provided by LASC
Today through tomorrow, Nov. 2 marks Día de los Muertos (aka Day of the Dead), a holiday that remembers and honors the lives of loved ones who have died. It originated in Mexico, with roots tracing back 3,000 years to Aztec and pre-Aztec Indigenous peoples. To this day, it’s celebrated in communities with Mexican heritage and all over Latin America.
If you’re interested in commemorating the day, here’s a few celebrations happening around town:
Ghost Post Mailbox, Today, Nov. 1
Third Street Stuff is giving you a chance to honor the departed. Head to the coffee shop and remember loved ones who have died by dropping off a letter in the Ghost Post mailbox.
An Ofrenda or “offering"— like the one seen here at LASC — is an altar decorated with marigolds and photos of loved ones who have died. | Photo by LEXtoday
Day of the Dead Festival, Thursday, Nov. 2
Head to Valley Park to honor those who have died. There will be traditional dance performances, an Ofrenda contest, food trucks, live music, and more. Don’t forget to dress as a Catrin or Catrina.
Bluegrass Youth Ballet Presents: Día de los Muertos, Friday, Nov. 3 + Saturday, Nov. 4
Follow the story of Estella’s family as they face a death in their village + prepare for the Day of the Dead through the art of ballet.
Día de Muertos at Bluegrass Distillers Elkwood Farm, Saturday, Nov. 4
Venture to Midway to celebrate the memory of loved ones who have passed through food, music, and dance, while sipping on the distiller’s newest release, the Philanthropy Single Barrel. Proceeds will benefit Casa de la Cultura.
Events
Wednesday, Nov. 1
Nothing But Dance | Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 6-9:15 p.m. | The Salsa Center Dance Studio, 817 Lane Allen Rd., Lexington | Free | This fun and welcoming class will teach you Rueda de Casino — a type of salsa round dance.
Latino Blend | Wednesday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 12 | Times vary | Central Library Gallery, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Explore this annual exhibit of art created by Lexington’s Hispanic community.
Thursday, Nov. 2
Dog Plunge 2023 | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 3-5 p.m. | Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, 1800 Newtown Pike, Lexington | Free | Bring Fido to close out pool season with a final dip, plus bar specials and informational booths.
Greg Hahn | Thursday, Nov. 2-Sunday, Nov. 5 | Times vary | Comedy Off Broadway, 161 Lexington Green Cir. #C4, Lexington | $9-$23 | Have a laugh with this energetic comedian, who has been featured on Comedy Central and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”
Friday, Nov. 3
CharacterFEST | Friday, Nov. 3-Saturday, Nov. 4 | Times vary | The Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St., Lexington | $11 | See screenings of classic movies starring Emmy-nominated actress Kim Darby, star of “True Grit,” then join her for a Q&A.
Saturday, Nov. 4
Smashin’ Pumpkins | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | McConnell Springs Park, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | Free | Now that spooky season is over, help the Parks Department smash some leftover pumpkins.
UK football Hall of Famer Sam Ball has died. The Wildcat played offensive tackle from 1963-1965, where he set multiple school records. He was drafted as a first-round pick to the Baltimore Colts in 1966, going on to be part of two Super Bowl-winning teams. (UK Athletics)
Opening
Lexington’s about to get a new live music venue — within an already beloved one. The 300 at Manchester Music Hall will be located in the front of the space, offering opportunities for a more intimate environment. See for yourself at the grand opening event on Thursday, Dec. 14.
Seasonal
It’s that time of year where we must wait patiently for Kentucky Native Cafe to re-open. The beer garden will kick off the winter season on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 with its annual Christmas Market, then move its service inside the greenhouse until the spring.
Concert
The only places where yelling “Free Bird” is truly acceptable. Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top will take the Rupp Arena stage for their “The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour” on March 28, 2024. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Nov. 3 at 10 a.m.
Read
Bryan Station graduate Jenisha Watts graced the cover of a recent issue of The Atlantic, her employer, for the essay “Jenisha from Kentucky.” The piece follows her upbringing and the mentors that shaped her career. She will sit down with one of them to discuss her story at UK’s Harris Ballroom today at 5 p.m. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Try This
Maker’s Mark is debuting a brand new bourbon at Georgie’s Social House this month. Join the experts on Wednesday, Nov. 8 to taste the distiller’s Cellar Aged Bourbon + a specially curated cocktail, then hear from Maker’s Mark representative Chaz Fister. Tickets are limited.
Category
🖼️ Revamping the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center
Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center is getting a glow up
The Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center offers all sorts of art exhibits + performances. | Photo by LEXtoday
A collaborative space, an event venue, and an arts center walk into a bar. No, we’re not sure where that joke goes, but we do know that those three offerings are exactly what you’ll get when the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center (DAC) undergoes some major renovations.
A true downtown staple, Pam Miller DAC has hosted a wide variety of music, plays, and art exhibitions over the years. Now, it wants to take its mission further.
Construction is expected to begin this month, with the expansion including:
Two multi-purpose event spaces
A performance venue
The Maker’s Space, a place for artists to collaborate and host workshops
“I’ve always thought Lexington had far more than its share of talented artists in every aspect of the arts. We look forward to being able to serve residents, visitors and our creative community with more art, theatre, music, and dance,” Celeste Lewis, manager of the Pam Miller DAC, said in a press release.
The Buy
The Buy 11.01.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Lume whole-body deodorant. It goes on as a lotion (yes, it’s true) and targets the bacteria that cause odor to keep you smelling good for 72 hours.
Happy November, y’all. This is the time of year where I transition from candy goblin to baked goods boogeyman in preparation for the holiday season. Do you have a fool-proof Thanksgiving recipe that you’re willing to share? Let us know.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.