Learn something new

• “Jon Carloftis Fine Gardens” by Jon Carloftis | Release date: Dec. 16, 2023 | Take a peek into beautiful world of this renowned designer where you’ll be treated to breathtaking photos of 24 Carloftis-created gardens.
• “Scientific Kentucky” by Duane S. Nickell | Release date: July 18, 2022 | This book documents the scientists and inventors from the Bluegrass who made significant contributions to the world of science.

For the family

• “For Black Girls Like Me” by Miriama J. Lockington | Release date: July 30, 2019 | Follow along as a young adoptee learns to navigate life in a new city.

Part of a series

• “The Secret Weapon” by Bradley Wright | Release date: April 26, 2020 | The first of six books, this thriller series follows the life and work of CIA agent Alexander King.
• “Bluegrass State of Mind” by Kathleen Brooks | Release date: Nov. 17, 2013 | After witnessing a violent crime in NYC, the lead character seeks refuge in Kentucky only to find that trouble has followed her to the Bluegrass.

Cookbooks

• “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts” by Crystal Wilkinson | Release date: January 23, 2024 | This award-winning author takes us inside the heart and kitchen of her Appalachian upbringing.

Fiction

• “Mr. & Mrs. Witch” by Gwenda Bond | Release date: March 27, 2023 | Read the twist and turns about a pair of newlyweds who discover each other’s supernatural identities + their mission — to take each other out.
• “Lark Ascending” by Silas House | Release date: Sep. 27, 2022 | This book places readers in the shoes of a refugee — reminding them to hold on to hope even during dark times.

• Studio Players presents “Morning After Grace” | Thursday, Jan. 25-Sunday, Jan. 28 | Times vary | Studio Players at The Carriage House, 154 W. Bell Ct., Lexington | $18.53-$27.78 | Experience this emotional comedy as protagonists Angus and Abigail grapple with the complexity of growing old.
• Kyle Fields with Zeb South & The Kentucky Hotheads | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 7 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $15-$18 | This lineup of Kentucky crooners are bringing their country music sound live to the Distillery District.

• Gallery Hop | Friday, Jan. 26 | 5-8 p.m. | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 139 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Stop in during the rescheduled LexArts Hop to see three galleries in one prime downtown spot.

• 2024 Pizza Eating Contest | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 2-5 p.m. | Mirror Twin Brewing, 725 National Ave., Lexington | $0-$12.51 | Eat to your heart’s content at this annual pizza-eating contest — if spots are full, grab a pie + cheer on the contestants.

• Tree Walk | Sunday, Jan. 28 | 2-3 p.m. | McConnell Springs Park, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | Free | Parks staff will teach you how to identify some of our common winter trees based on bark pattern, leaf buds, fruit, and more — registration required.
• Sunday Drag Service: Glow Party | Sunday, Jan. 28 | 6 p.m. | Pivot Brewing, 1400 Delaware Ave., Lexington | Free | An electrifying drag experience you don’t want to miss with vibrant costumes, glowing makeup + black lights.

• Discounts: Shop food and products for up to 30% less than traditional grocers
• Perks: Snag 30% off your order when you become a member
• Gifts: Receive a complimentary gift, valued up to $60, upon joining
• Free shipping: Spend $49+ and get groceries delivered for free

• An ordinance was passed by the city’s Social Services and Public Safety Committee that would ban housing discrimination based on income. If passed by the full council, it will make it illegal for landlords to deny housing based on how rent is paid including through vouchers or third-party payments. (WKYT)

• If you want to strengthen your green thumb, check out Seedleaf’s Beginner Botany series. The four-week program kicks off Thursday, Feb. 8 and will include group discussion + hands-on exercises where you’ll learn about seeds, roots, leaves, and the conducting system in plants.

• The Winter Jazz, Blues, and Soul Series continues at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center tonight at 6:30 p.m. The concert series runs through Thursday, Feb. 29 and will feature the soulful sounds from artists such as D Jay Rice & the Paying Dues Blues Band, Java Soul, and TeeDee Young.

• Saturday, Feb. 3 is Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at Crank & Boom Ice Cream’s Clays Mill location. Doors open at 10 a.m. where you’ll find mini croissant ice cream sandwiches, maple bacon waffle sundaes, affogatos, and mini French toast donuts.

• The Well of Lexington + Aspire Fitness are teaming up to host the Sweat4Freedom: A Fitness Extravaganza Against Human Trafficking this Friday, Jan. 26 + Saturday, Jan. 27. Fitness studios from around LEX will host workouts throughout the weekend with proceeds supporting human trafficking prevention efforts through The Well.

• Voting is now open for the 2024 Still Image Competition for this year’s National Paddling Film Festival. The event itself will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort. Tickets will be on sale soon.

• Cold weather can mean more energy use and higher energy bills. Fortunately, there are some no- and low-cost ways to save energy and help keep your bill as low as possible. Want to know more? Duke Energy has answers to the top six most-asked questions.*

• Looking for a sweet treat? Sweet Iron, a waffle-inspired eatery, is located inside District 7 Social Hall. Its menu includes chocolate-dipped waffle treats, scratch-made waffle ice cream sandwiches, chicken and waffles, waffle breakfasts + more. See more on Instagram.*

• Registration: Monday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.
• Camp theme: Arts + crafts

• Registration: Open now
• Camp theme: Outdoor exploration

• Registration: Opens Thursday, Feb. 1
• Camp theme: STEM

• Registration: Announced next week
• Camp theme: Outdoor exploration, dance, archery + more

• Registration: Open now
• Camp theme: Acting + production design

• Registration: Open now
• Camp theme: Sports