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Event Spotlight
Watching the fireworks in good company is always a plus. | Photo by @femibranded
You could say we really love fireworks. Fourth of July celebrations are just around the corner — here’s what you can catch in Derby City this week.
Tuesday, July 1 Big Band + Jazz: Patriotic Night | 7-8:30 p.m. | Moondance Amphitheater | Free | Lexington Summer Concert Big Band is hitting the stage at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2 Ice Cream Social | 5:30-8 p.m. | Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park | Free | Enjoy free treats, games, and live music from Boogie G and the Titanics from 6 to 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 3 Fourth of July Eve Patriotic Concert | 5-9 p.m. | 300 North Broadway | Free | Bring a blanket or lawn chair to this patriotic program featuring the Lexington Philharmonic.
There’s more where that came from — check out the Fun Run, festival + market, and a bonus event on Saturday, July 5.
Events
Events
Monday, June 30
Craft + Candle Cocktail Bar | Monday, June 30 | 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. | Wick + Mortar Studio | $15+ | Unleash your creative side to make your own candle, reed diffuser, fabric spritz, and more — drinks are available for purchase.
Music Open Mic Night | 5 p.m. | Kenwick Table | Free | Bring your instrument to this musically inclined performance opportunity with an all-ages audience.
Intuitive Development Circle with Alicia McNaughton | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Sound Healing Center of Lexington | $25 | Develop intuition and connect with like-minded individuals during this interactive, two-hour training session perfect for all experience levels.
Tuesday, July 1
Granddam Bourbon Tasting | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Granddam at The Manchester | $40 | Find your favorite bourbon as you explore the process, quality + taste profiles of Kentucky’s smoothest spirit.
Music Bingo With JD Entertainment | 8 p.m. | Tin Roof Lexington | Free | Put your musical knowledge to the test — prizes are on the line, including a $50 and $100 jackpot.
Wednesday, July 2
Women’s Circle (in studio) | 5-6:30 p.m. | Lexington Salt Cave | Free | Build a community based on self-love, empowerment, and inner balance during this celebration of the feminine.
Thursday, July 3
Teen Howl Poetry Series | 5:30-7 p.m. | Third Street Stuff | Free | The under-21 crowd is invited to hear from literary giant George Ella Lyon at this open mic night.
Friday, July 4
Brunch at Granddam with Free Valet Parking on Fridays | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Granddam at The Manchester | $15+ | Indulge in craft coffee, cocktails, and brunch favorites like jalapeño chicken and waffles — valet parking is free.
‘80s Night | Friday, Aug. 16 | Neon, nostalgia, and big hits.
Princess Night | Saturday, Sept. 6 | Meet princesses on the concourse.
Plus, weekly promotions sweeten the experience. Enjoy $2 Tuesdays, Bark in the Park Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursday deals, fireworks after every Friday and Saturday game, and more.
The NBA draft wrapped up last week, and Kentucky picks included Koby Brea (Phoenix Suns) and Amari Williams (Boston Celtics). A two-way deal was also signed between the Atlanta Hawks and Lamont Butler.
Biz
GE is bringing manufacturing back from China to Louisville. The move, which will bring 800 new jobs to the Louisville area, also includes a $490 million investment in the Buechel headquarters. The facilities, equipped with additional robotics + automation, will start producing combination washer-dryers and 14 other models in 2027. (WLKY)
Plan Ahead
The Commonwealth Cup is less than one month away. In case you missed it, Lexington SC is facing off against Louisville City FC at Lexington Sporting Club Stadium on Saturday, July 26 at 7 p.m. The first 2,000 fans will receive a free LSC flag. Get tickets.
Concert
Talon Winery is hosting its 14th Annual Summer Concert Series Saturday, Aug. 9, 5-9 p.m. Live music, fresh bites, and, of course, local wine are on the docket. The food truck lineup includes Burnacos, Ollie’s Sammich Wagon, and other favorites.
Number
8. That’s the record for consecutive home run games set by three MLB players, one minor league player, and, as of last week, matched by Dylan Rock of the Lexington Legends. The first-year outfielder aimed to break the record on Friday night, but it wasn’t in the cards. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Community
Who says summer camp is just for kids? Lexington Social Club is hosting a camp-themed social event, Camp Somebody, on Friday, Aug. 22, 7-9 p.m. at The Sanctuary. Your ticket includes crafts, games, s’mores, drinks, and more.
Mansion Monday
A massive red brick pool area, wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows, three-tier chandeliers, oh, and did we mention twin 60-inch refrigerators? There’s something beautiful to look at in every corner of this nearly 10,800-sqft mansion in Warrenton Woods.
Travel
72.2 million. That’s how many Americans are expected to travel for the Fourth of July, a 2.4% increase from last year. This includes an estimated 5.84 million people traveling by air — if you’re one of those flyers, familiarize yourself with Blue Grass Airport before departure. (AAA)
Ranked
No. 65. That’s where Lexington ranked on Resonance’s list of America’s 100 best cities. The ranking used data ranging from a city’s GDP to content on Tripadvisor and Instagram + highlighted Lexington’s nightlife and tech scene.
State
It looks like Kentuckians believe in the power of sweet potatoes. That’s the most popular superfood in the state, based on Google search data compiled by Eachnight. If you want to buy some, or see what other goodies are growing in LEX, head to a local farmers market.
Stat
45%. That’s the percentage of Americans who believe they need to make at least a six-figure annual income to be comfortable financially. Explore our jobs board to see if that six-figure salary is waiting for you locally. (Bankrate)
Travel
The wait is over. Delta Air Lines’ non-stop flights to New York LaGuardia are back. Take a bite out of the Big Apple — book your flight from Blue Grass Airport. No connections, no layovers. Be a part of it — New York.*
Job
Love Lexington? Help shape its story daily — become a Newsletter Editor for LEXtoday and turn your passion for local news into powerful community impact, with premium perks and unmatched creative freedom. Apply today.
Community
Uh-oh, short-staffed again? Don’t sweat it — the LEXtoday Job Board has your back. Post your job, reach awesome local talent, and get that role filled fast. Oh, and did we mention it’s totally free? Yep, like zero dollars.
Welcome to the Horse Capital of the World. | Photo courtesy of @theamericanskyline
If you’ve spotted more moving trucks around town lately, there’s a reason for that — summer months are the most popular for relocating. If you’re new to calling Derby City home or you’re welcoming new neighbors, check out Lexingtonian 101, our guide to all the things you need to know as a new Lexington resident.
Voter registration
Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview upcoming elections and sample ballots here.
Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration
New residents in need of a LEX driver’s license will need to provide proof of legal status, a Social Security document, and two documents confirming their residential address.
Healthcare
Establishing yourself with a primary care provider is one of those things you’ll be glad you did when you need one. Reach out to the professionals at Baptist Health Lexington, UK Healthcare, or Lexington Clinic, to name a few.
We’ve got all the Fourth of July essentials you need and won’t immediately throw away after the holiday. (Think: Family-friend games you can play all summer long, a reusable + safe alternative to fireworks, and grill accessories that last). Buy these items today for the chance for them to arrive before the holiday.
🍖 Get the grill ready with this scouring stone that cleans better and faster than a brush.
🔥 Speaking of the grill, trade your old pocket lighter for this windproof one.
🎆 This light up bubble blower serves as a safe, kid-friendly replacement for fireworks.
🇺🇸 This red, white, and blue reusable tablecloth is stain-resistant and waterproof.
☀️ No summer holiday is complete without a fun backyard game like Spikeball or lifesize Jenga.
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.
“If it goes up or blows up, it’s illegal.” That’s an easy way to remember what you are and aren’t allowed to light in Fayette County as part of your Fourth of July celebrations. Sparklers have always been my favorite, anyway.