Interest in “summerween” just hit an all-time high, with Google searches for “Halloween in July” increasing over 300% this month.
“Watermelon jack-o-lantern” + “Halloween countdown” appeared as breakout search terms + are currently being searched more than ever.
Searches for “spooky season” are up 250% over historical data.
Ahem, not to say we’re trend-setters, but we wrote about summerween back in 2024 + some of our favorite ways to celebrate are coming back again in August (👻 or in some cases, never left).
An Aug. 6 screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1946 thriller “Notorious” — starring Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant — at the Kentucky Theatre
Apple Pie donuts from North Lime (plus, we’re expecting some seasonal coffees to pop onto their menu over the next few months)
The Ghost Walk of Lexington ($20) on Aug. 9, where you’ll explore Gratz Park + learn more about the spirits that supposedly roam the area
A self-guided tour through Lexington cemetery to reacquaint you with some of our most notable names throughout history
And if you’ve got your own ideas for a Summerween celebration in LEX, join the Reddit thread below.
Art Exhibit: Exploring Nature as Sacred World | 12-3 p.m. | Mill & Max Gallery | Cost of purchase | View dozens of artworks by renowned women artists from across the globe, including interactive exhibits.
Beginning Watercolor Summer 2 with Jason Sturgill | 6-9 p.m. | UK Fine Arts Institute, 236 Bolivar St. | $180 tuition + $40 for materials | Pre-registration is required — if it’s short notice for tonight, check out the course list for other upcoming programs.
Lexington vs. High Point | 6:45-9:45 p.m. | Legends Field | $2+ | Wanna splurge? Home plate premium seats start at $13.
Wednesday, July 30
Return of the Jedi | 1:30 p.m. + 7:15 p.m. | Kentucky Theatre | $8 | The third — some might argue the best — installment of the original Star Wars trilogy.
Tarot & Tea - A Weaver’s Way Gathering | 6-8 p.m. | White Willow Massage Therapy & Emporium, 400 Old Vine St. #100 | $22 + cost of purchase | Beginners to Tarot are welcome.
Thursday, July 31
Arts Connect Lexington’s Arts Awards | 11 a.m. | Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center | $45 | Five locals will be recognized for their contributions to Lexington’s arts scene.
Pickleball Kingdom — the largest pickleball facility in Kentucky — opens this Saturday, Aug. 2 at the Lexington Commons. Stop by their grand opening 6 a.m.-9 p.m. to test out one of 17 courts and learn more about their joining fees (including founding membership options).
Arts
A Kentucky Theatre red carpet + screening of “Everything In Its Place,” a community-produced film project described as “a love letter to the East End,” will take place this Thursday, July 31 at 7 p.m. The Roots & Reels project was spearheaded by Lexington director Maya Brown, alongside local writers and performers.
Weather
You may want to go ahead and start planning your pool day now — Lexington’s heat indexes will hit triple digits this week. Relief is on the horizon, though, with showers, storms, and a cold front heading our way Thursday. (LEX18)
Jobs
Nitto, a materials + technologies biz with more than a century under its belt, just opened a new facility in Frankfort. The operation, which has its hand in automotive, aerospace, electronics, and healthcare industries, will bring 200+ new jobs to the Bluegrass. (WKYT)
Biz
The Lex Head Spa celebrates its grand opening today from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Stop by their new location at 2000 Family Circle to enter a raffle for a free 60-minute scalp treatment.
Older Adults
Did you know about these senior discounts? Aside from basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are 20 savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Finance
Sometimes we put off certain — and important — tasks, but creating an estate plan shouldn’t be one of them. Connect with the financial advisors at Gratz Park Private Wealth to help you get started — take the first step.*
Shop
Amazon Essentials just launched a new activewear collection (read: soft, comfortable gym clothes for less). We’re loving these high-waist leggings and these colorful capri-length leggings.*
Learn
AI won’t take over the world — people who know how to use AI will. Learn AI skills in three minutes a day with Superhuman AI newsletter. Subscribe for free.*
Games
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.
In a couple of weeks, we’ll be handing the newsletter back over to our new local editor Alexis. Be sure to say hello!
Today, I want to say thank you again to our editorial team members who have been working diligently behind the scenes to keep your newsletters coming: Sarah Andrews, Rilee Delgado, London Phillips, Brianna Williams, Haley Bartlett, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Patrick Sidwell, and — our operations, marketing, and revenue teams who help us keep things working and ensure our newsletter stays free to readers.