For 20+ years, the Latin festival has been a love letter to our local community, celebrating all aspects of Latin American art and culture. While this event certainly runs parallel with National Hispanic Heritage Month, it also serves as a chance for the public to learn + immerse themselves into a culture that shapes Lexington every single day.
Performances and live music will make this a weekend to remember. | Photo by Emily Greene
On Friday and Saturday, you can head downtown to experience live music (think: DJs, Mariachi bands, and Bachata), dance + visual arts performances, as well as sample foods from various Latin regions. The weekend will also have informational booths and local artisans so visitors can shop, eat, and learn about Lexington’s Hispanic culture.
The details
Here’s everything you need to know for the festivities:
Where: Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 3-10 p.m.
Watch for: Road closures on Short Street from Limestone to Martin Luther King Boulevard.
On Sunday, the educational festivities continues at Masterson Station Park as the festival joins the Health Fair.
From 1 to 5 p.m., the community will have access to various health resources — such as eye screenings, flu shots, and Narcan training. Here, there will be an opportunity to meet with professionals in a setting that eliminates the stress that can come from having a language barrier in a healthcare setting.
Events
Thursday, Sept. 26
Oktoberfest in the Garden | Thursday, Sept. 26-Friday, Sept. 27 | 11 a.m. | Kentucky Native Cafe | Free | Head to this local beer garden for big-as-your-face pretzels, extra beer taps, and live music.
Fredd C. | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 8 p.m. | Manchester Music Hall | $15 | This showcase will feature some of the region’s finest rappers like Elz Bentley and Paperboy Casino.
Friday, Sept. 27
The Juke Joint | Friday, Sept. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | Tee Dee’s Lounge | $45+ | Come out to see local legend Tee Dee Young and lyricist Keith Murray for a blues and hip-hop infused evening.
Sturgill Simpson | Friday, Sept. 27 | 8 p.m. | Rupp Arena | $59+ | Join the Jackson-born, world–renowned country artist as he plays under the alias Johnny Blue Skies for the “Why Not? Tour.”
Saturday, Sept. 28
Silent Disco Dance Party | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 8-11 p.m. | Old North Bar | $10+ | Grab your headphones + dance the night away to your choice of channel — hip-hop, pop, and EDM.
Sunday, Sept. 29
Family Day | Sunday, Sept. 29 | 12-3 p.m. | American Saddlebred Museum | Free | Bring the family for an afternoon of kid-friendly art activities, games, a petting zoo, and more equine fun.
2 Fisted Willie’s is officially open in the former Cosmic Charlie’s on Woodland Avenue, offering a rooftop bar, a projection screen, and eventually, live music. The concept comes from Bill and Deirdre Ransdell, aka the owners of the former neighboring business Lynagh’s. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Watch
The Horse Capital of the World is, once again, getting national recognition. Lexington was recently featured on an episode of “Live with Kelly and Mark” as a hidden gem for fall trips. We were recognized for our foliage, Keeneland Fall Meet, and of course, countless bourbon options.
Try This
Calling all green thumbs. Lexington’s fall mulch giveaway returns this Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. The public is invited out to the landfill pad on Old Frankfort Pike, where each person will be allowed one pick-up truckload or self-load smaller amounts.
Outdoors
Constitution Park is in a pickle. The park is undergoing major upgrades, such as three new pickleball courts, two new tennis courts, and a new basketball court. Along with these additions, the mile-long trail will be repaved and include an ADA-accessible route, which is expected to be completed by late fall.
Seasonal
Did you know we have a public apple orchard in the middle of town? That’s right — Seedleaf’s orchard in Castlewood Park is totally free and gives the community access to fresh fruit. Pro tip: Make sure to try some of the persimmons that are also available.
Shop
Ready to amp up your wardrobe, Big Blue Nation? Local artist Kayla Weber Nord has new designs that are sure to zhuzh up your game day fits. Browse her collection of vintage-themed scarves inspired by our beloved Wildcats.
Number
2,506. That’s how many volunteer hours Central Bank team members have completed this year — and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon. See how the local institution is making an impact in our community and across the state.*†
Beauty
You don’t have to break the bank to attain strong, silky-soft hair. Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner can repair split ends + protect against future damage for less than $20.*
†Member FDIC
Edu
💰 Talk money to me
FCPS reveals tentative budget for 2024-2025 school year
FCPS is focusing on supporting the wellness of students and staff with this tentative budget. | Photo provided by FCPS
This week, the Fayette County Board of Education approved the working $817 million 2024-2025 budget — which has an emphasis on improving daily operations and supporting the wellness of students + staff.
General Fund | $671.6 million will go toward next school year’s daily operations, including pay for employees, cost of utilities + materials, as well pay for contracted workers
Building Fund | $55.5 million for new constructions, renovations, and land purchases
Special Revenue Fund | $42.8 million will go toward revenue sources that are legally restricted by external entities
Food Service Fund | $36 million will support school meal programs
Capital Outlay Fund | $3.8 million will be used for debt redemption and/or capital improvement
A set of glass cups with bamboo lids and straws. These fan-favorite drinking cups are great for ciders, mocktails, and cocktails, plus they’re perfect for year-round iced coffee fans (we know you’re out there).
These gloomy days have me in the mood to cook. One of my favorite recipes is a roasted butternut squash soup that I like to serve with a bit of crispy sage on top and a side of sweet jalapeno cornbread. It’s vegetarian, nutritious, and perfect for watching the rain trickle outside. Now, we want to know, what’s your favorite comfort soup you can buy around town?
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