“Pumpkinmania at Transylvania” | Photo submitted by Kiah A. for the 2023 Picture of the Year contest
Believe it or not, Transylvania University’s PumpkinMania is about to get even more magical. This year, the annual tradition will feature more than just gorgeous gourds including theatrical performances, a magic show, and of course — pumpkins. Carve out some time in your schedule for some festive fall fun.
“The Moors” by Jen Silverman, Little Theater
The Transylvania Theater Program will perform this 19th century-inspired dark comedy about two sisters who dream of power + love. Reserve your spot for one of the shows Wednesday, Oct. 23-Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday, Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. Tickets are free, but donations are encouraged.
“Comedy Magic” by Joseph Tran, Mitchell Fine Arts Center
Don’t miss out on a spellbinding experience with actor, comedian, and illusionist Joseph Tran who is bringing a family-friendly evening of laughs, wonder, and Halloween magic. The show is Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.; tickets start at $13.50.
SPOOKTACULAR Halloween Concert, Mitchell Fine Arts Center
Listen to Transylvania’s choirs, band, and orchestra, with support from Scott County + Great Crossing High School choirs. The free concert will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Pumpkins that go unclaimed after the first 30 minutes of the carving party will be released for the public. | Photo by LEXtoday
PumpkinMania Festival, Old Morrison Lawn
Pumpkin reservations are full for this year’s event on Sunday, Oct. 27, but there’s still plenty to do. Stop by to tour Rafinesque’s tomb + enjoy on-site vendors like Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, Kirk’s Blue Smoke BBQ, and Bert’s SpeakCheezy from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fun fact: Any pumpkins that are left unclaimed after 30 minutes will be released to other attendees.
The pumpkins will remain lit Sunday, Oct. 27-Thursday, Oct. 31 before they are collected by local farmers to be fed to their livestock.
Events
Events
Tuesday, Oct. 22
The Manchester Jazz Club | Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 7-10 p.m. | Granddam Lounge | Free | Indulge in creative culinary dishes + cocktails while enjoying timeless jazz courtesy of Clarice Taylor + Bryson McChord.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Reiki-Infused Sound Healing | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | The Sound Healing Center of Lexington | $25 | Immerse yourself in the soothing vibrations from crystal singing bowls, a rain drum, and rattles designed to dissolve stress + promote relaxation.
Thursday, Oct. 24
“House on Haunted Hill” | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 5:40 p.m. | Kentucky Theatre | $8 | This 1950s film follows five strangers who try to survive a night in the house of Frederick Loren that has a reputation for murder.
Brain Health Workshop | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 7-8 p.m. | StrongerLife | Free | RSVP to learn about the latest research on Alzheimer’s prevention, practical tips for enhancing memory, and activities to boost brain function at this engaging workshop on brain health + Alzheimer’s.*
Friday, Oct. 25
Take a Hike | Friday, Oct. 25 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Raven Run Nature Sanctuary | Free | Take a guided walk in the woods while learning hiking basics + outdoor skills with help from park staff — registration required.
Bespooky Halloween Party | Friday, Oct. 25 | 6-9 p.m. | Bespoken Spirits Tasting Room | Free | Enjoy an evening of bone-chilling fun featuring live music, crafted cocktails, and an exclusive bottle release — plus, compete for a Les Paul Lynyrd Skynyrd “Hell House” guitar in the costume contest.*
Saturday, Oct. 26
Community Yoga | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 9-10 a.m. | Grounded All Day Cafe, Lexington-Fayette | Free | Find your center + connect with fellow community members with this donation-based outdoor yoga class.
👀 Have you tried this action-packed community builder?
Presented by a LEXtoday Partner
The Y has both indoor and outdoor courts, which means you can turn this into a year-round hobby. | Photos courtesy of YMCA of Central Kentucky; GIF by LEXtoday
Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned player, pickleball is a beloved activity across Lexington.
This fun game is beginner-friendly, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. If you have a more competitive spirit, it also offers opportunities for advanced play. Pro tip: The YMCA of Central Kentucky has dedicated pickleball courts and programming to ensure everyone can enjoy the game.
Pickleball fosters not only physical activity but also connections. Rapidly growing in popularity, it’s more than just a sport — it’s a community-builder. This activity is a great way to meet new people, engage in friendly competition, and stay active. With easy-to-learn rules, it encourages everyone (kids, adults, and seniors) to get involved.
Interested?Join the pickleball community at the YMCA of Central Kentucky and experience a fun, social, and healthy way to stay connected and active.
T-minus four days until The Rink at Triangle Park opens for the winter season. From Saturday, Oct. 26 to Sunday, Nov. 17 show off your ice skating skills Saturdays, 12:30-8:30 p.m. + Sundays, 1-8:30 p.m. Beginning Monday, Nov. 18, the rink will be open seven days a week with extended hours.
Today Is
The last day to request absentee ballots to vote by mail for the 2024 General Election. The state’s online portal will close tonight at 11:59 p.m. The three-day window for in-person, unexcused absentee voting will be held Thursday, Oct. 31-Saturday, Nov. 2. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Traffic
Delays ahead — the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is advising motorists that drainage box cleaning will continue on Interstate 75 this week. Daily maintenance will be conducted along the northbound left lane shoulder, between mileposts 115 + 127, today through Friday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Family
Head to the Summit at Fritz Farm this Sunday, Oct. 27 for its family-friendly Sunday Funday. From 2 to 5 p.m. celebrate fall with costume contests, touch-a-truck with the Lexington Fire Department, balloon entertainment + more.
Drink
Now you can drink your favorite candy bars thanks to the new Halloween-themed drinks at Leestown Coffee House. Sip on an Almond Joy latte with chocolate, almond, and coconut or try the Reese’s latte with peanut butter + chocolate.
Sports
Your next party could be a “Grove Street Party” with the addition of some of your favorite Wildcats. UK Athletics has created BBN Birthday Parties, a new concept where you can host your event at various fields with teams including soccer, volleyball, women’s basketball + more. (LEX18)
Kids
Greensource is hosting a hauntingly fun workshop all about bats today from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Buckley Wildlife Center. “Bats: Wingin’ it Through the Years” will educate kids ages 8-13 on how the flying mammal evolved + their role in the ecosystem. The event is free, but registration is recommended.
There’s not shortage of charm (or things to do) in downtown Versailles. | Photo by LEXtoday
With big-name attractions like The Kentucky Castle, Woodford Reserve Distillery, and dozens of delicious restaurants, it’s no surprise Woodford County was featured by Southern Living.
The article, titled “Head to the Heart of the Bluegrass State for More Than Just Bourbon,” highlights the lifestyle magazine’s 14 favorite things to do in our neighboring county.
Here you can find places to eat including Chef Ouita Michel’s Holly Hill Inn and Wallace Station, and we can’t forget about The Glitz. Stop by local watering holes for creative cocktails at The Amsden Bourbon Bar or to sample our state’s claim to fame straight from the barrel at Woodford Reserve.
We think we’re due to take another to day trip to Versailles + Midway so we can update our article. Take the survey below to let us know what we missed.
Asked
Asked
Tell us your favorite places to go + things to do in Woodford County.
This 4-in-1 car charger. It plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet and includes retractable USB-C and Lightning cables as well as USB-C and USB-A ports so you can charge up to four devices at once.
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.
My friend + fellow yoga teacher Brooke and I are hosting a fundraiser yoga class to support our fellow studios in Western NC that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. You can RSVP here if you’d like to join us, all proceeds will be going directly to those who need it.
