June is Lexington Poetry Month and we’ve got two perfectly poetic opportunities for participation. Administered by Workhorse Writers, this LEX literary event began in 2013 after a declaration from Mayor Jim Gray, and has grown into an annual celebration involving hundreds of local poets.
You’re a poet — do you know it?
Celebrate LexPoMo by registering for the LexPoMo Challenge. Poets, professionals + pupils alike vow to write and post one original poem every day for the month of June. Poets who post five or more poems will be included in the 2025 anthology.
Dip a toe in the poetry pool
To get a taste of what to expect during the LexPoMo Challenge, attend the release party for the 2024 anthology “A Kinder Kindling Than Most” at the Carnegie Center tomorrow, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. Last summer’s poets (including City Editor Sam) will be in attendance to read their winning entries from last summer. A small number of physical copies will be available for purchase.
Asked
Asked
Which former Kentucky Poet Laureate lives in Lexington?
A. Frank X Walker B. Crystal Wilkinson C. Silas House D. George Ella Lyon
LexTalks: “Gratz Park: Heart of Historic Lexington” | 6-8 p.m. | Lexington History Museum | Free | Photographer Bob Willcutt and UK’s Dr. Jeremy Popkin discuss their new book featuring photographs and an essay on one of Lexington’s most beloved city parks.
Thursday, May 29
Voices Amplified Presents “I Am What I Am” | Thursday, May 29-Saturday, May 31 | 7 p.m. | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center | $20 | Start Pride Month early with an uplifting performance by members of LEX’s LGTBQ+ community + enjoy a cash bar throughout the evening.
Friday, May 30
Kountry Wayne | Friday, May 30-Sunday, June 1 | Times vary | Comedy Off Broadway | $40 | Laugh along with this comedian + musician known for creating sketches with original characters and celebrity cameos.
Saturday, May 31
Railbird Music Festival | Saturday, May 31-Sunday, June 1 | 1 p.m. | Red Mile | $150+ | Hear more than two dozen artists on multiple stages at this annual music festival.
Porch Pickin’ | 4-6:30 p.m. | Equus Run Vineyards, Midway | Price of purchase | This Saturday afternoon series at the vineyard invites you to enjoy live music + a drink on the deck overlooking South Elkhorn Creek
In Conversation with Author Angie Kim | 2-4 p.m. | Lexington Public Library | Free | As the finale of this year’s Community Reads, Angie Kim will discuss her acclaimed novel, “Happiness Falls.”*
Sunday, June 1
Lex Peddlers Mall Summer Fest | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Lexington Peddlers Mall | Price of purchase | Shop multiple vendors outside with games, prizes and food trucks throughout the day.
Discover a summer of fun at this ideal staycation destination
Presented by Shaker Village KY
In addition to workshops (basket weaving, chair taping + watercolors) and nature hikes (butterfly walks and stargazing), Shaker Village has a variety of Signature Events happening this summer. | Photos courtesy of Shaker Village KY
Shaker Village offers more than just a place to stay — immerse yourself in a summer of fun just a short drive away.
Whether you’re celebrating Dad during a day of 1860s-style baseball, savoring a farm-to-table feast, or enjoying hands-on activities with the kids, there’s something for everyone. The possibilities are endless at Shaker Village.
Explore what to add to your itinerary, and book your stay or escape for the day below.
UK Baseball, ranked No. 3 in the Clemson Regional, is headed to the NCAA tournament for the third time in a row. Check where to watch Friday’s game against West Virginia, and the rest of this weekend’s tournament. (Herald-Leader)
Arts
Starting Wednesday, June 4, free tours return to the 21c Museum. Stop by Wednesdays at 5 p.m. for a guided exploration of site-specific artwork and the artists who created it.
Concert
Couldn’t get tickets to Railbird but still want a day-drinking, music-loving experience this weekend? Stop by the Grounded All Day Cafe this Saturday and Sunday for live music from local legends Mo Bell and Michael Evces.
Edu
Say congratulations to all of the teachers, administrators, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers who received awards at the Fayette County Public School Global Awards for the 2024-2025 school year. “Every single person matters – no matter your title or role. The mission requires all of us,” said Superintendent Demetrus Liggins.
Eat
Have you ever threatened to eat your hat if you lost a bet? With this delectably chocolate crowning achievement from Bluegrass Concoctions, you’ll be hoping for a losing horse — and reaching for a fork.
Festival
The fourth annual Swahili Day is Saturday, June 7 from 4 to 9 p.m. on the BCTC Newtown Campus. Enjoy everything from food to fashion at this celebration of Lexington’s African community.
Community
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. Lexington Habitat for Humanity ReStore offers free donation pickups for your old furniture, appliances, and home goods. Just snap a quick photo, schedule the pickup, and feel good knowing you’re helping support their mission of building homes and hope.*
Fun Fact
You can co-own a movie studio. Add Hollywood to your portfolio + join 50,000+ investors including Morgan Freeman with Legion M, the world’s first fan-owned movie studio.†‡*
Category
Civic
Pedestrian safety pilot program comes to High Street
The pilot project will also add 36 parking spots along East High Street. | Photo via LFUCG
Big changes are coming to a short stretch of East High Street between Woodland Avenue and Rose Street. Between Monday, June 2 and Friday, June 6, construction crews will install several traffic pattern changes designed to slow traffic, decrease congestion, and amp up pedestrian safety.
This construction is part of a pilot program designed to increase safety on Lexington’s roads. Should it prove successful, elements of the project could be installed throughout the city. On High Street, those changes include:
Reducing two lanes to one
Adding a protected bike lane
Installing “bump outs” to increase visibility + awareness of parking spaces
Learn more about how the city plans to improve transit safety, one “STREEET” at a time.
The Buy
This digital measuring spoon. Perfect for baking or any time you need a precise measurement, it features a battery-operated scale with multi-unit measuring.
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