Ahh, the smell of fresh paint. Today we’re excited to share some updates to our newsletter design. We hope these changes will help us deliver an even better reader experience — but as with most remodels, we may experience a few hiccups along the way. If your email doesn’t look quite right or if you have feedback on ways we can continue to improve, please drop us a line. Bonus points for including the type of device and software/platform you’re reading our newsletter on.
⭐️ Lexington, you’re a star
Filming in Lexington can be transformative. | Photo courtesy of VisitLEX
Lights, camera, Lexington. City officials including Mayor Linda Gorton announced a new initiative called Film Lexington (aka FilmLEX) — an effort launched by VisitLEX to nurture the film + entertainment industries in the city.
🎞️ The big-screen initiative
Fresh off the creation of the LEX Studios, FilmLEX aims to be a one-stop-shop for projects to get the resources they need. The hub serves as a database to help companies employ crew workers or vendors and find local filming permits. It even has recommendations for great local filming spots based on genre — whether it’s a drama, horror film, or a holiday romance.
A major component of FilmLEX is taking advantage of the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive (KEI) Program, a fund that offers $75 million annually to support filming in the Bluegrass State. Qualifying productions can receive a tax credit up to 35% with additional benefits for hiring local talent. So far in 2024, 17 projects have benefited from KEI in Fayette County.
Actors Steve Zahn and Rick Gomez embrace local culture while filming. | Photo courtesy of VisitLEX
⭐️ The local star
Now that the new effort has been put into production, FilmLEX hopes to bring more projects to the Lexington area, specifically productions valued at $1 million-$10 million. Likely, this would encourage more TV shows and small-budget films (think Hallmark, not Marvel). This has potential to bolster the local economy by supporting local industries in the hospitality, labor, and service sectors.
It’s not just about the money, FilmLEX is also about showing the world and entertainment industry what Lexington has to offer. Mayor Gorton hopes that will encourage people from across the globe to visit the city.
Events
Events
Friday, Oct. 18
Monster Mash Cabaret | Friday, Oct. 18-Sunday, Oct. 20 | Times vary | The Spotlight Playhouse, Berea | $11+ | Celebrate scary season with this family-friendly variety show featuring devilish dances and ghoulish music.
JUMP! | Friday, Oct. 18 | 8 p.m. | Manchester Music Hall | $20+ | You might as well jump and enjoy this Van Halen tribute act.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Spooky Pre-Halloween Big Day Beginners’ Bird Watch | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 9-11:30 a.m. | Lexington Cemetery | Free | The Central Kentucky Audubon Society will lead this session discussing the basics of birdwatching and binocular skills.
Community Clean Up Day | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate | Free | Bring your boots and gloves + help beautify the historic grounds, followed by post-work pizza.
Candy for a Cause Fall Festival | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 4-7 p.m. | CenterPointe Christian Church | Free | Bring the family to this seasonal celebration with candy, hayrides, food trucks, inflatables, and more — donations benefit Generosity Feeds.
Jeff Dunham | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 5 p.m. | Rupp Arena | $64.50+ | The comedian + ventriloquist performs his “Artificial Intelligence” tour.
Sunday, Oct. 20
RADIOLEX Zombie Crawl | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 1-6 p.m. | Downtown Lexington | $5 | Join this virtual scavenger hunt that features a variety of zombie-related missions, accompanied by RADIOLEX’s simulcast radio special.
Classical Music Sunday: Piano with Four Hands | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Central Library Farish Theater | Free | Pianists Bernardo and Desiree Scarambone perform music by Amy Beach, Francisco Mignone, and Camille Saint-Saëns.
Thursday, Oct. 24
An Afternoon with William Yeoward Crystal and Ginori 1735 | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 3-6 p.m. | Syers Browning | Free | Enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while chatting with experts from William Yeoward Crystal and Ginori 1735 — plus, spend $500+ from either line and receive a gift.*
Saturday, Nov. 2
Al Roker and Edward Lee in conversation with Ouita Michel | Saturday, Nov. 2 | 10 a.m. | Joseph-Beth Booksellers | $35 | Roker will discuss his book “Al Roker’s Recipes to Live By” with Kentucky culinary experts Edward Lee and Ouita Michel.*
Game-day prep doesn’t have to be stressful — these quick + easy recipes make game day all about the fun of gathering. | Photo provided by Kroger
Feeling those football season vibes? You will be after reading this.
Cooling weather, stadium energy, and resounding cheers for the local teams — while you’re enjoying the perfect ingredients for a memorable football season, Kroger has been cooking up the perfect ingredients for winning game-day eats.
So grab your grill, chill the drinks, and don’t forget the apron.
🍔 Tips + tricks
Get game-day grilling tips, plus four burger topping recs (hint: it’s as gouda as you think).
Fayette Mall will get a sweet addition in early 2025. Georgetown-founded Chocomania will open a new store in the shopping center. The chocolate shop is known for its baked goods, a breakfast and lunch menu, and an assortment of chocolates — including its TikTok famous Dubai Chocolate. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Environment
Lex Grow Trees has opened applications for its second round of funding. The grant program allows local organizations to help grow the city’s tree canopy by planting and preserving trees or by offering community education. Applications are open through Wednesday, Nov. 27.
Shop
Book it to the Central Library for the Friends of the Lexington Public Library Book Sale. Over 50,000 books, DVDs, and CDs are available at significantly reduced prices with no due dates. The sale begins today for Friends of the Library members, opens to the public starting Monday, Oct. 21, and ends Saturday, Nov. 2.
Award
Lexington Parks & Recreation was a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award, a distinction recognizing organizations for excellence in categories like resource management, volunteerism, and environmental stewardship. This was Lexington’s first time being honored as a finalist, though it was not selected as the winner.
Plan Ahead
The Festival Latino de Lexington has been rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9, from 2 to 10 p.m. at Masterson Station Park Fairgrounds. The celebration of culture, food, and music was originally slated for late September but was postponed due to Hurricane Helene’s impacts.
Arts
Want to meet some of the artists behind “Dogs & Cats: An Exhibition” at the Headley-Whitney Museum? The museum is hosting an informal meet + chat this Sunday, Oct. 20, 1:30-3:30 p.m., a purrfect opportunity to learn about the pieces and the artists’ styles.
Drink
Staying hydrated is easy (and delicious) with NativePath’s Hydrate drink mix. Each serving includes essential amino acids + electrolytes that foster optimal hydration with zero added sugar.*
Category
Weather
🧶 The weather you’ve been yarning for
An assortment of sweaters for sale at Vintage Therapy. | Photo via @vintagetherapy_lex
Break out your favorite sweater. This week temperatures in Lexington dipped below 56° on Tuesday + Wednesday — and according to The Weather Channel, that’s the threshold for “sweater weather” in Kentucky.
It’s going to warm up over the next few days, but we know its only a matter of time before we have sweater weather every day. Whether this puts you in the mood to crank seasonal tunes or chat about fall fun with your friends, you’re going to need a cozy sweater to keep yourself warm.
We recommend checking out local vintage or resale shops to score a deal on a previously loved sweater. Or, if you’re up for the task, you could knit your own. Start your project by picking up yarn at a local shop:
These best-selling flameless floating candles. Transform your living room or entryway with a touch of October magic, thanks to these candles that appear to be floating in midair.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I’m really excited to see Lexington and Kentucky depicted in more movies + TV shows, but the area has already had its silver screen moments. Kentucky has a number of credits to its name, including — perhaps unsurprisingly — “Seabiscuit.”
