Find serenity in nature in the heart of UK’s campus. | Photo by LEXtoday
UK’s sixth annual Tree Week kicks off tomorrow + runs through Sunday, Oct. 20, bringing a 10-day celebration of trees and green spaces.
Community events are taking place throughout the week, giving Lexingtonians the opportunity to take part in hands-on educational experiences. Think: Guided hikes, art exhibits, discussions, and tree plantings.
Need to know
The Urban Forest Initiative is the host + sponsor of Tree Week, but it isn’t the organizer of every event — the public is. “This is a community-created week,” Mary Arthur, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Forestry at UK, said. “We create the umbrella for everyone to host events + help get the word out.”
The Tree Week Kick-Off event will feature tree planting, live music, and nature organizations. | Photo courtesy of Tree Week Planning Team
Tree Week Kick Off, Mary Todd Park | The community is invited for a fun-filled evening including a tree-planting, a food truck, kids activities, live music, and booths from local environmental groups on Friday, Oct. 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Poetry under the Trees, McConnell Springs | On Sunday, Oct. 13, soak in the spoken word of fellow Lexingintonians under the native tree canopy. For those who wish to share, an open mic will start at 6 p.m.
Tour of Lexington Cemetery | Learn more about the towering collection of conifers during a guided tour with botanist Rob Paratley on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 2 p.m.
Art by Nature, Living Arts & Science Center | See the selected works of this year’s exhibit at the gallery opening on Friday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. The theme for this edition is Monarch Waystations.
250Lex Kickoff Celebration | Thursday, Oct. 10 | 5 p.m. | Tandy Park | Free | See city officials + planning committee members kick off the city’s 250th birthday celebration, then stick around for Vinyl Richie during Thursday Night Live.
Trivia Night | Thursday, Oct. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Lost Palm | Free, donations encouraged | This edition of trivia will also feature raffles (tickets are $5) with all proceeds going to supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Friday, Oct. 11
Artist Talk: Tyanna Buie | Friday, Oct. 11 | 6-7 p.m. | 2nd Story | Free | The associate professor of printmaking at the Rhode Island School of Design will share more about how she reimagines history through her artistic practice.
Freaky Flicks | Friday, Oct. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Moondance Amphitheater | Free | Grab your blankets, chairs, and picnic for an evening of spine-chilling, family-friendly fun watching “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.”
Saturday, Oct. 12
Living History 2024 | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate | $0+ | See Henry Clay’s history + legacy come alive through Chautauqua performances, engaging exhibits, reenactments, and hands-on activities.
Birding for Beginners | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 3-5 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $15 | Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with an easy hike while learning the basics of birding.
Sunday, Oct. 13
Kentucky vs. Texas Volleyball | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 1 p.m. | Memorial Coliseum | $10+ | Cheer on the Wildcats as they set + spike their way to victory over the Texas Longhorns.
Vandaveer | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 8 p.m. | The Burl | $15+ | Hear the indie-folk sounds of this Louisville–based musical project with support from Americana artist Kathryn Brooks.
Friday, Oct. 18
Shaker Village Trick-or-Treat | Friday, Oct. 18-Saturday, Oct. 19 | 4:30-7 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $0+ | You’re invited to a frighteningly fun evening gathering treats along the Village road — don’t miss hayrides, crafts, pony rides, food trucks, a bar, and live music.*
The Institute on Race, Power, and Public Equity recognized Lexington as a leader in spending its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to promote equity. ARPA Project Manager Jenifer Wuorenmaa noted the city used a portion of $121 million to support affordable housing, violence prevention, and public space improvement.
Development
The city held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new affordable housing triplex on Magoffin Street. The development features two one-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit. Thanks to businesses + volunteers donating time and services, the project cost $175,000.
Active
The C.M. Gatton Beaumont and Whitaker Family YMCAs will launch their series of martial arts classes beginning Monday, Oct. 28. Offerings are available for all ages + include Tai Chi meditation, Shaolin, and Shotokan Karate.
Outdoors
Today is National Walk to a Park Day. Celebrate by taking an autumnal walk through one of these 21 gorgeous parks around Lexington. Might we suggest Raven Run Nature Sanctuary for some early fall foliage?
Shop
Calling all vintage + antique lovers. Scout is cleaning out its warehouse and hosting a sidewalk sale this Saturday, Oct. 12 starting at 10 a.m. Make space in your vehicles for deep discounts on furniture, housewares, and more.
Sports
Following UK’s Pro Day, three Wildcats have made it on ESPN’s top 100 prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. The list featured Koby Brea at No. 67, Jaxson Robinson at No. 90, and Brandon Garrison at No. 96. Catch them in action at tomorrow’s Big Blue Madness on the SEC Network. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Suede Chelsea boots — they’re the perfect fall/winter staple for your closet that offers you comfortable wear with ankle support and a slim silhouette.
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