Whether you’re on a budget or not, there’s plenty of fun to be had at Keeneland. | Photo by @jim.t.photography
The 2025 Keeneland Spring Meet is just days away, so whether you enjoy testing your luck by betting or like to keep things low-key with a tailgate, we’ve rounded up how you can have your best day at Keeneland.
Ballin’ on a budget
Tailgating at Keeneland is a rite of passage, so head to The Hill for a great way to enjoy the grounds — without breaking the bank.
Eat: Grab a cooler, some hotdogs + a gas grill from your nearest Kroger, or a couple of deli sandwiches from Wilson’s Grocery for the perfect lunch.
Easter Bunny Photos | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Fayette Mall | $37+ | Hop to it and book your spot for photos with the Easter Bunny in Dillard’s Court.
Relics | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center | Free | Through oils, watercolors, and sculpture, three artists present a dreamlike space full of “artifacts from the subconscious.”
Wednesday, April 2
Women’s Circle-In Studio | 5-6:30 p.m. | Lexington Salt Cave | Free | Build a community based on self-love, empowerment + inner balance during this celebration of the feminine.
Springtime Full Moon Painting Event | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Painting With A Twist | $39+ | Add a DIY candle to your painting experience as you combine fragrance, wax, and art to create a special candle with a 40-hour burn life.
Thursday, April 3
Teen Howl Poetry Series | 5:30-7 p.m. | Third Street Stuff | Free | The under 21 crowd are invited to hear from prolific poet Lynell Edwards + Howler of the Month, Ryan Eby — adults welcome.
Disney On Ice presents “Mickey’s Search Party” | Thursday, April 3-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Rupp Arena | $23.50+ | Join Mickey Mouse and friends like Coco, Moana, and Elsa for an immersive experience with skating, stunts, high-flying acrobatics, and exciting adventures.
More than a year after O’Charley’s shuttered its Georgetown location near Walmart, two new drive-thrus are filling the gap. Dutch Bros. Coffee and a Chipotle Mexican Grill with a “Chipotlane” are expected to open this fall. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Number
$2.3 million. That’s the record-breaking amount raised by Dance Blue in just 22 hours during their annual dance-a-thon. Cut short by inclement weather, this year’s event marked 20 years of supporting the Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic. (UKNOW)
History
Celebrate spring, baseball + history all at once when in-person Blue Grass Trust deTours return to Albert Benjamin “Happy” Chandler’s famous cabin tomorrow, April 2 at 6 p.m. Explore how the two-time Kentucky governor + Hall of Fame commissioner’s support of Jackie Robinson helped break the color barrier in professional baseball.
Concert
Picnic with the Pops, featuring the Lexington Philharmonic, returns to Keeneland Saturday, Aug. 9. Be sure to follow this iconic LEX event on Instagram for updates on the theme, special guests, and tickets.
Active
Get ready to run or walk. Registration is now open for the Girls on the Run Central Kentucky Spring 5K. Early bird registration for this untimed, non-competitive celebration of movement ends Sunday, April 13.
Giveaway
The American Saddlebred Museum wants to give you a first-class experience at the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville this August. Buy a Victory Pass raffle ticket for your chance to win the grand prize — eight nights at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, box seats to every performance + more.
Seasonal
Spring is buzzing at Shaker Village. Enjoy wagon rides, story time, brunch, and meet adorable baby animals during Family Farm Days on April 5, 12 + 26. Looking for an egg-citing adventure? Hop over to the Egg Hunt on Friday, April 19 — grab tickets.*
Category
Sports
Keeneland gives back
Thundering hooves, blooming flowers, there’s nothing quite like LEX in spring. | Photo by Jeff Rogers via VisitLEX
While it’s easy to get caught up in the fun + fast horses of Keeneland, it’s just as imporant to remember the good work the racetrack has done throughout its history for the people of Lexington. Let’s take a look at Keeneland’s philanthropic legacy in the Horse Capital of the World.
While you’re betting on the races, Keeneland is betting on LEX, supporting local and statewide organizations with gifts like:
$250,000 to Kentucky Educational Television, establishing an endowment for original programming
$250,000 to Kentucky Historical Society to build an exhibition gallery
Horses + healthcare
At the apex of the polio epidemic, Keeneland spent $10,000 bringing the Salk vaccine to Fayette County children.
In 1959 Keeneland employees used racetrack equipment to move St. Joseph Hospital from downtown LEX to its current location in just two days.
Equines + education
Keeneland worked with UK to establish the Maxwell A. Gluck Equine Research Center, donating a total of $1 million throughout the 1980s.
Midway college received $150,000 to expand its equine studies program.
The Buy
The Buy
Cute heeled raffia slides, dressy enough for warm-weather events and neutral enough to elevate everyday outfits.
I wish it was an April Fool’s Day prank, but today really is Senior City Editor Molly Thompson’s last day. I know she’s busy cleaning out her inbox, so let’s fill it with “thank yous” for all her hard work these last three-and-a-half years sharing what makes Lexington great.
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