No matter who is wearing blue + white, they always give us something to cheer about. | Photo by Chet White, UK Athletics
Whether you’re a sports fanatic — or just look good in blue — when it comes to sports, Lexington has no shortage of teams to support. Our city is home to some of the most loyal fans and flamable couches in the country.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Lexington sports, so whether you’re already a devoted hometown sports fan or you’re new to the area, we hope it can serve as a valuable resource.
UK basketball (NCAA) | Est. 1902
A sea of blue. Big Blue Nation. There’s a reason they say we bleed blue, and our beloved basketball team is a big part of it. After 15 years under John Calipari’s leadership, new Head Coach (and Wildcat alum) Mark Pope is continuing UK basketball’s proud tradition.
The Queer Literary Hoedown | 7-9 p.m. | Carnegie Center For Literacy & Learning | Free | Join New York Times Best-Selling author Silas House as he hosts an evening of readings, book giveaways + dancing.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Steal the Stage — Battle of the Bands | 7 p.m. | Cocktails TOO | Free | Live bands will attempt to advance to the final round in this rocking competition.
Thursday, Dec. 12
“A Bluegrass Christmas Carol” | Thursday, Dec. 12-Saturday, Dec. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center | $12+ | This Christmas classic, set in 1940s Kentucky, features original Bluegrass tunes by Jim Gleason and Gareth Evans.
Friday, Dec. 13
Friday Grounds Force | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate | Free | If you love the outdoors + want to make a difference, stop by to lend a hand caring for this historic property’s grounds.
Kids Night Out | 6-8 p.m. | CREATE studio | $35 | Drop the kids off at this fun night featuring pizza and a chance to craft their own ornaments + gifts.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Children’s Tea Time with Mrs. Claus | Times vary | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $28 | Dress your little ones in their festive finest for afternoon tea + story time.
The Lexington Cemetery celebrates a milestone anniversary
Presented by The Lexington Cemetery
The Lexington Cemetery is a beautiful historical landmark, celebrating 175 years that reflect the social, political, and environmental history of our community. | Photos courtesy of The Lexington Cemetery; GIF by LEXtoday
Celebrating 175 years, The Lexington Cemetery continues to honor the vision of its founders.
In 1849, they were inspired by a new trend in cemeteries in Boston, Philadelphia, and Paris, France. These formal garden cemeteries, laid out with paved paths and beautifully maintained landscaping, changed how Lexingtonians thought of burial.
Today, the cemetery has ample space for interments for the next 100 years and other memorialization options — mausoleum space, columbaria, niches, and scattering gardens among them.
WUKY + God’s Pantry Food Bank hope to distribute 61,000 backpacks to children facing food insecurity in Fayette, Jessamine, and Floyd counties. If you make a donation by Tuesday Dec. 31, local sponsors will fill three and a half bags with nourishing meals and snacks. (UKNOW)
Concert
The UK Jazz Ensemble invites Lexingtonians to a preview concert Monday, Dec. 16 as they prepare for an invited performance at the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference. The performance begins at 8 p.m. + tickets start at $7. (UKNOW)
State
Governor Andy Beshear has been elected to lead the national Democratic Governors Association as vice chair in 2025 + chair-elect in 2026. Beshear said he’s focused on “bringing people together.” (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Number
$27,500. That’s how much two rare bottles of bourbon signed by Pope Francis fetched at recent auction. Donated by Lexington’s own Father Jim Sichko, proceeds from the auction will support Maxwell Street Legal Immigration Clinic, Paws 4 the Cause, and Father Jim’s ministry.
Holiday
The annual Freedom March to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day will take place downtown on Monday, Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. The march will be followed by a public program featuring keynote speaker Nikki Giovanni at Central Bank Center. (UKNOW)
Environment
Transy is going into dark mode. The local college will enter its annual winter hibernation Monday, Dec. 23-Wednesday, Jan. 1 to help conserve energy + give students and staff a break. The sustainability initiative has saved $1.5 million over 10 years by lowering thermostats, unplugging electronics, and switching off lights. (Transylvania University)
Try This
You can’t go wrong with a handmade gift during the holidays, right? These hands-on classes are led by talented local artists + offer the perfect opportunity to give something one-of-a-kind this season. Trust us: It’s worth the trip to the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital.*
Finance
6AM City COO Ryan Heafy here — we’re referring friends to American Express’s The Business Platinum Card®. Join the AMEX family + receive up to 150,000 member points.*
Plan Ahead
There are only a few weeks left in 2024. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
Category
Civic
Double your chances of being heard
The Lexington Fayette Urban County Government Center Photo by Amy Wallot
Formal Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council meetings, most often held on Thursdays at 6 p.m., have traditionally included only one opportunity for public input, at the end of the meetings.
Starting January 2025, residents in attendance will have the opportunity to comment near the start of each meeting. The catch? Only agenda-specific comments are allowed.
The traditional time for comments at the close of public meetings will now be reserved exclusively for the discussion of topics not mentioned on the agenda.
Can’t make it to meetings? Your voice can still be heard through the city’s platform, Engage Lexington.
The Buy
The Buy
A meaningful gift that will surprise and delight: a hidden photo bracelet. Customize with the photo of your choice — the gift recipient can hold it up close to their eyes to see it, or project it on the wall with their phone’s flashlight.
As a child I loved sitting in the backseat of the family station wagon, squished between my brother and sister as we drove through the neighborhood oohing and aahing at all the houses lit up for the holidays. Revisit those childhood memories with one wintery light show designed with hope.
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