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Immerse yourself in the fashion, music, and culture to celebrate Lexington’s AAPI communities. | Photo courtesy of @gethaapiky
May marks the beginning of Asian American + Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month — a time to celebrate heritage, cultures, and communities. Thanks to the folks at LEX Get HAAPI, we have a jam-packed month filled with ways to learn, observe, and delight in the cultures that have helped mold our diverse city.
On Friday, May 10, continue the celebration with a poetry reading at the Carnegie Center for Literacy + Learning. Beginning at 6 p.m., attendees can join for a tea ceremony + tasting, then hear poems and stories from local AAPI writers.
LEX Get HAAPI will be joining the community favorite monthly art series Gallery Hop. On Friday, May 17, local AAPI artists will take to the Central Library to highlight artistry from their respective nations with live dance + musical performances, a fashion show, visual art, and food from Teppan Food Truck. Many of the works will remain on display until Sunday, July 7. The Hop is free to the public and opens at 5 p.m.
We feel as excited about AAPI Month as Vice Mayor Dan Wu. | Photo courtesy of @gethaapiky
The Kentucky Theatre Movie Weekend
Round out the month with a movie marathon at The Kentucky Theatre:
Thursday, May 23 | A screening of “Yellow Rose” followed by a musical performance
Friday, May 24 | A screening of “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” followed by a dance performance by The Fam Foundation
Sunday, May 26 | Story time by Yvonne Hwang followed by a screening of “Turning Red”
Whalerus | Friday, May 3 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $15-$18 | Catch some waves here in Lexington with this surf punk rock band.
Candle Pour Bar + Cocktail Lounge | Friday, May 3 | 11-6 p.m. | Poppy & Pomelo, 526 E. High St., Lexington | $38-$50 | Stop by and get crafty by designing + pouring your own clean-burning scented candle — cocktails are available for purchase.
Saturday, May 4
May the Fourth “Star Wars” Celebration | Saturday, May 4 | 1-4 p.m. | McConnell Springs Park, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | Free | The Force is strong with this one — Join Parks & Recreation for the ultimate “Star Wars” fan fest complete with food trucks, live performances, photo opportunities, and printmaking.
West Sixth Brewing Tour | Saturday, May 4-Sunday, June 2 | 2 p.m. | West Sixth Brewing, 501 W. Sixth St., Lexington | $6 | Take a tour of this beloved brewery while learning about the building’s history and the brewing process.
Sunday, May 5
Local LEX Market Block Party | Sunday, May 5 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Local LEX Market, 439 Southland Dr., Lexington | Free | Peruse local crafters and artists at this monthly block party and market.
Fiesta del Cinco de Mayo | Sunday, May 5 | 12 p.m. | Mi Pequena Hacienda, 3501 Lansdowne Dr., Lexington | Free | Come out for a fiesta featuring live music, drink specials, and of course, delectable food.
Blue Grass Airport is a finalist for Newsweek’s Best Small Airports in the US. LEX was highlighted for its “easy-to-navigate, clean facilities” and a variety of gift shop options. Voting closes Thursday, May 23 at 12 p.m.
Edu
Cassidy Elementary’s PTA is looking to raise money to support a new art initiative following the school’s decision to cut some art instruction classes. The PTA says that donations in the form of money + supplies, sponsorships, and volunteers can help bring these opportunities to fruition. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Sports
Koby Brea, among the best three-point shooters in the country, has officially committed to UK. The 6-ft-6-inch guard is transferring from Dayton, where he averaged 11.1 points while shooting 49% from the three-point line. Welcome to the BBN, Koby.(A Sea Of Blue)
Fun Fact
We all know the familiar “Call to Post”, marking the beginning of the Kentucky Derby. And this year, a piece of Lexington will be in charge of making that sound. Picket Brass, a local instrument manufacturer, created a brand new bugle horn special for the 150th Run for the Roses. (LEX18)
Concert
Live Nation’s Concert Week returns starting Wednesday, May 8 through Tuesday, May 14, which can only mean one thing — $25 concert tickets. Specially priced concerts in Lexington include Tim McGraw, Blink-182, and Jason Isbell at Rupp Arena.
Announced
The Lexington Opera House has announced its 2024-2025 Broadway Live lineup, and let’s just say it’s giving us the ol’ razzle dazzle. When tickets go on sale later this summer, you can see internationally recognized musicals including “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” and “The Book of Mormon.”
Drink Up
Drink Up Week — our annual celebration of Lexington’s vibrant beverage culture — is coming July 22-July 26. If you’re a local business, you’re going to want to get in on the buzz. Be our exclusive presenting sponsor and advertise your brand with us during Drink Up Week.
Try This
Celebrate the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby with a tour in Horse Country, where visitors can connect with past champions + current contenders (hello, Endlessly) running for the roses on Saturday. Explore available tours and use code HCDerby150Weekend to get 20% off when you book online (offer only available until Monday, May 6).*
Plan Ahead
Your Memorial Day weekend plans just got sweeter. The inaugural GAZEBO Festival is headed to Louisville on Saturday, May 25 + Sunday, May 26. Here’s everything you need to know — from the full lineup to ticket options. Trust us, it’s worth the drive.*
“The Fund for Greater Lexington’s investment in the park will allow us to open the park sooner, with a great plan in place to match the community’s needs,” said Mayor Linda Gorton. | Photo by LEXtoday
Earlier this week, the city officials broke ground on what will be Kentucky’s first public river park, Kelley’s Landing.
About one year ago, the city announced the purchase of the 30 acres along the Kentucky River. Now, thanks to a $150,000 investment from the Fund for Greater Lexington (part of the Blue Grass Community Foundation), work will officially begin on the master plan, which will be designed by firm Gresham Smith.
Located off Old Richmond Road, near the I-75 bridge into Madison County, Kelley’s Landing will be the first real public access to the river. By using the funding for its master plan, the city can begin mapping out the park, surveying what the community wants, and study how to utilize the land to its full potential, while maintaining preservation.
What to expect
During the master plan phase, the city will survey the public and open opportunities for community feedback. As of now, the park is anticipated to open this fall, where Lexingtonians can enjoy access to 12 miles of canoeing + kayaking, nature trails, wooded areas, and more.
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