For the ones who want a night out on the town

• If your loved one is a fan of the arts, see what’s happening on stage at the Lexington Opera House or Singletary Center.
• If music is more their thing, choose from one of our 14 live music venues depending on the vibe you’re looking for.

If you love the great outdoors

• If you’re looking for a more lowkey option, you can’t go wrong with a quaint picnic in one of our parks.
• Soak in the fresh air + relax in the hidden urban oasis that is Kentucky Native Cafe. Or dine al fresco at one of these 18 patios.

If the way to their heart is through their stomach

• Wow your special someone with a reservation at the picturesque and delicious Dudley’s on Short, or with the creative menu + elevated vibe of Lockbox.

If you want an “old fashioned”-style date

• Two straws, one milkshake — name a sweeter situation. Get that, and many more shareable desserts at Freshie’s Ice Cream & Soda Fountain.
• Take leisurely stroll along South Ashland Avenue to soak in the historic homes, then wrap up the evening with a cozy drink at Charlie Brown’s or Chevy Chase Inn.
• Pour your heart — and a custom-blended scent — into your own candle or reed diffuser at Wick & Mortar Craft + Candle Cocktail Bar. Or try painting your own pottery and create special keepsake at The Pottery Place.

• Jazz at the Library: Michael Cruse and Threo | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 7-8:15 p.m. | Central Library Farish Theater | Free | The Jazz Arts Foundation + Jamey Aebersold Jazz present a lively performance featuring local musicians jamming on the trumpet, piano, contrabass, and drums.
• Trivia Night | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Lost Palm | Free, price of purchase | Venture up to The Manchester’s rooftop bar + sip on a creative cocktail while you show off those trivia skills.

• Bird Walks | Friday, Aug. 9 | 9-11 a.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary | Free | Grab your binoculars and get ready to learn how to spot + identify our flying feathered friends with the help of park staff.
• An Evening with Kevin Smith | Friday, Aug. 9 | 8 p.m. | Lexington Opera House | $39.50-$59.50 | Hear about the the silly cinematic antics of the comedian you know from “Clerks” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.”

• A Midsummer Night’s Run | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 5 p.m. | Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza | $0-$35 | Whether you’re racing or cheering, explore downtown in a different way for the race’s 40th year + stick after around for a DJ, food trucks, and more.

• Vacation Beer School | Sunday, Aug. 11 | 2-3 p.m. | West Sixth Brewing | $12.89 | Take a tour of this local brewery that comes with four beer samples, a souvenir glass, and a summer-themed goodie bag.

• The city announced that applications for the Neighborhood Enhancement Match Grant Program will be open Sunday, Sept. 1-Tuesday, Oct. 1. The grants are available to neighborhoods + community-based groups that want to help improve Lexington’s 31 corridors through beautification projects, clean-ups, and more.

• Be sure to check out the latest episode of “GETTING LOST with Erin French” on Max to see some familiar faces. Ouita Michel + the Holly Hill & Co. team were featured on the food exploration show, which takes viewers across the country to find inspiration and new ingredients.

• Single-game tickets are now on sale for the inaugural Lexington Sporting Club’s (LSC) Super League season. Score your spot for the first-ever game at the new stadium, where LSC will take on the Tampa Bay Sun Football Club on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 4 p.m.

• Do you want fries with that? The Melodeon is hosting a fun Wine & Fries fundraiser to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of the Bluegrass. Tickets are $50 + you’ll receive four wines, fries, and dipping sauce pairings. A VIP experience is available for $150.

• Show and share your love of Shaker Village by purchasing a set of the new Shaker Designs USPS forever stamps. The set, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the first Shakers in America, features photographs from all over the country, including one of the unique curved staircase onsite in Harrodsburg.

• Head to the Living Arts & Science Center on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. to celebrate Lexington Hip Hop Day. The night will feature open mic opportunities, a live DJ, and an acknowledgment of community members who’ve made local contributions through all elements of hip-hop culture — DJ, MC, dance + graffiti.

• Sip on the flavors of summer, Lexington: This local spot’s summer drink specials include a cookie butter latte, sparkling mojito cold brew, and spicy matcha lemonade to complement their made-to-order chicken biscuits. Follow along on Instagram for a sneak peek + head to Chevy Chase to check ‘em out for yourself.*

• Heads up, Lexington: This weekend is National 8/11 Day. Before kicking off your next home improvement project (think: installing a fence or planting a tree), check out this information from Columbia Gas — and be sure to call 811 at least two business days prior to digging.*

• Psst. Want to fly out of LEX for less? It’s Going’s annual birthday sale — get 40% off a Premium membership and get notified about amazing flight deals all year long (like $166 to Cancun).*

• Ability to organize a community-based group + encourage park users or neighbors to get involved
• Serve as a community stakeholder for the park
• Coordinate + spearhead activities for volunteers to help improve, maintain, and create programming at the park
• Keep close communications with Lexington Parks & Recreation