It’s not uncommon to see the courts packed at Kirklivington Park. | Photo by Paul Hooper
First lower a tennis net a few inches, grab a cross between a regular racket and ping pong paddle, then add a play area the size of a badminton court — and that’s how you make pickleball, the fast-paced game that continues to sweep the nation.
Pickleball comes to LEX
The sport got its start locally ~12 years ago thanks to Ron Eversole, an administrator at Tates Creek Christian Church, who learned about the sport on a trip to Florida. He decided to build a court at the church, encouraged friends to try, and the rest was history.
Learn how to play
A great way to dip your toe in the pickleball pool is to join the Lexington Pickleball Facebook group, which is 5,100+ members strong. (Fun fact: When we first wrote this article in May of 2023, that Facebook group only had ~1,400 members.) This is a great place to connect with fellow players of all levels and even find lessons.
Here’s who is giving lessons locally:
Matthew Mullins at Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
The Gaythering | 5-8 p.m. | Old North Bar | Price of purchase | Join the Imperial Court of Kentucky for a queer happy hour + networking event.
Salsa 1 | 6:15-7:05 p.m. | The Salsa Center | $20+ | This introduction to the vibrant + dynamic dance style doesn’t require experience or a partner, just a sense of adventure.
Wednesday, April 16
Craft and Candle | 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Wick + Mortar Studio | $15+ | Unleash your creative side to make your own candle, reed diffuser, fabric spritz, and more — cocktails, wine + beer available for purchase.
Yappy Hour: Peeps and Pups | 6-8:30 p.m. | Masterson Station Dog Park | Price of purchase | Enjoy local food trucks, live music, and vendors with items for your fur baby’s basket + pictures with the Yappy Bunny.
Thursday, April 17
“Top Chef” Season 22 Watch Party | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | The Manchester | Price of purchase | Enjoy show-inspired apps as you cheer on local cuisine phenom Paula Endara while she competes for the grand prize.
Friday, April 18
Friday Frequency Reset | 1-2:30 p.m. | The Sound Healing Center of Lexington | $25 | Leave a stressful week in the rearview mirror as you reset and realign your energy for the weekend with an immersive sound experience.
Saturday, April 19
Tyler Childers: “On The Road” | 7 p.m. | Kroger Field | $45+ | Watch this Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, with special guests Wynonna Judd and S.G. Goodman — the show will benefit flood relief.
Saturday, May 24
Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass | Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $48+ | Join New York’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for four performances on Memorial Day Weekend at Shaker Village in Harrodsburg.*
🎶 Champion local youth voices at this upcoming event
Presented by Uniting Voices Lexington
Join this event celebrating the inspiration, inclusion, and expression of the youth of Lexington. | Photos provided by Uniting Voices Lexington, Mark Mahon
Calling all Lexingtonians: You’re invited to experience an inspiring evening of music, community, and impact at Resonance — happening Thursday, April 24 at The Loudoun House in Castlewood Park.
Guests will enjoy:
Live performances by the talented singers of the Uniting Voices Lexington youth ensemble
Lexington’s Vaugn P. Drake Jr. has died at the age of 106. A veteran of the Army Corp of Engineers during World War II, Drake held the unique distinction of being the oldest survivor of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. (WKYT)
Biz
Today from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at Transylvania University, swim with the sharks at the Entrepreneurial Showdown — 250Lex’s version of Shark Tank.
Sports
Keep your eye on the ball with the latest updates on the UK men’s basketball roster, with everything from returning players to transfer portal additions. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Outdoors
Legacy Grove, LEX’s 30-acre ADA accessible park, is hosting its 5th Annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 19 at 10 a.m.. Enjoy free food, live music, and a sustainable fashion show.
Try This
Speaking of the great outdoors, we challenge you to challenge someone else to the floating staircase, part of the Boone Creek Outdoors Zipline Canopy Tour.
Eat
Take a look back at 40 years of Rose & Jim’s Bar and Grill which is home to the Beer Cheese Burger, liquid marijuana cocktail, and 12 motel rooms. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Number
$1,300. That’s what you could spend on a brand new tablet, smart watch, and noise-canceling earbuds — or what you could spend overpaying for car insurance. If you like the former option, see what you could save by switching car insurance providers.*
Featured Deal
Restock your wine fridge ahead of spring + summer events. For a limited time, Swirl Wine Shop is offering up to 70% off premium collections of red, white, and mixed selections.*
Category
Seasonal
🏇 3 ways to celebrate the Kentucky Derby
Presented by Kroger
We can’t wait to see the garlands on the winning horse. | Photo provided by Kroger
Break out the big hats and bow ties — the Kentucky Derby is coming in hot.
See master florists assemble the iconic floral garlands for race day winners at Middletown Kroger:
Oaks Garland of Lilies | Thursday, May 1 | 5–8 p.m.
Derby Garland of Roses | Friday, May 2 | 4–8 p.m.
🎉 Prep the perfect Derby party
Planning a winner’s circle at home?
Kroger has you covered with flowers, balloons, Derby merch, and everything you need to mix the perfect Mint Julep. Grab ingredients, pick up the official 2025 Derby glass, and check out Kroger’s signature Julep recipe online.
