We know it might be hard to believe, but we’re less than 90 days away from zombies taking downtown by storm. That’s right, Halloween is fast-approaching, but for some, it’s a lifestyle — not a season. Welcome, Summerween, that period of time during the summer when it’s too hot to function and dreams of crisp air + colorful leaves infiltrate your mind.
Grab your plaid and block out the 80% humidity, here’s how to have a Summerween day in Lexington.
Morning
The Human Bean is here to fill in the pumpkin-sized hole in your heart. Head to any of its locations to try four different seasonal drinks.
If a hot coffee is the last thing you want, don’t fret — all of these drinks are featured as iced or blended — Pumpkin Snowy Granita, Pumpkin Snowy, Pumpkin Chai, and Pumpkin Java Chip Granita.
Lexington Warehouse Sale | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | The Signature Club of Lansdowne | Price of purchase | Spend no more than $35 on a single item at this sale, which features classic children’s clothes.
Burl County Fair | 5 p.m. | Burl Live Music | $30+ | Join The Burl for their 3rd annual Burl County fair where the theme is “SMALL town, with BIG talent.”
Saturday, Aug. 23
Cold Brew Coffee Festival | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Downtown Farmers’ Market | Price of purchase | Sample signature roasts from coffee shops and roasters from across the Commonwealth and surrounding states.
Open Barn Day | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Central Kentucky Riding for Hope | Free | Whether you’re new or a longtime supporter, Open Barn Day at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope offers pony interactions, food, family fun, and the chance to meet the team.
Chevy Chase Street Fair | 4-10 p.m. | 800 Block of Euclid | Price of purchase | The ever-popular block party is back with 30+ local vendors serving up street food, craft beer, cocktails, live music, and kids’ activities.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Tomato Tomato | 12-4 p.m. | County Club Restaurant | $35 | Join West Sixth Brewing to celebrate Kentucky’s favorite fruit with food, drinks, games, and tomato-packed specials from Smithtown Seafood and Dingbats Pizza.
Biscuit Making and Wine Class | 1-2:30 p.m. | Harkness Edwards Vineyards, Winchester | $48 | Escape to the vineyard as learn how to make biscuits from scratch with step-by-step instruction while enjoying your provided glass of wine.
Muse & Make | 3-5 p.m. | 21c Museum Hotel Lexington | Free | Explore art and inspiration in the galleries with drop-in, guided sessions featuring local teaching artists, where you can sketch, paint, collage, or experiment at your own pace.
Monday, Aug. 25
West Coast Swing Beginner Class | 7:15-8 p.m. | Bluegrass Ballroom | $12+ | Join Bluegrass Ballroom for beginner West Coast Swing classes — no partner needed, and open to all levels to learn, rotate partners, and start your dance journey.
Tuesday, Aug. 26
Kick-Off to Hunger Action Month | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | God’s Pantry Food Bank | Free | Kick off Hunger Action Month with powerful stories and stand together to end food insecurity.
Two Fayette County high schools ranked among the top 25 in Kentucky, according to U.S. News — Lafayette at No. 15 and Paul Laurence Dunbar at No. 21. How do the rest of the state’s schools compare? (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Edu
Fayette County school officials are considering cost-cutting measures — including staff pay freezes and budget reductions — to address a shortfall tied to rising costs and inflation, with the next school board meeting scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Open
City leaders officially cut the ribbon on the new and improved Douglas Aquatic Center (701 Howard St) yesterday, which features Kentucky’s first “wet bubble” aquatic activity, a splash pad, and the largest water slide in Lexington. (ABC 36)
Trending
Been singing “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” all summer? A sing-along version of the hit Netflix movie is coming to theaters this Saturday, Aug. 23 + Sunday, Aug. 24. Check out locations and showtimes near you — and get it all out, once and for all.
Read
Now in Books recently made a guide of what novels to read based on your state. To be read in Lexington? Lee Cole’s “Fulfillment: A Novel” — a returning-home reckoning meets quiet domestic suspense. Check for the title at a local book shop.
Seasonal
Christmas in ... August? If you’re a local business with a product or service you’d like to share with our readers this holiday season, consider securing your promo now before we sellout. Our Holiday Shopping Spotlight Bundle includes three newsletter inclusions discounted by 20%.
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.
I would never lie to you all, which is why I have to admit I got a little distracted putting together today’s newsletter.
I had to step away to try one of The Human Bean’s fall flavors — for you, of course. If you even remotely like pumpkin muffins (with chocolate chips, naturally), the Pumpkin Java Chip Granita is calling your name.