All dogs must have proof of rabies vaccination at check-in.
Photo provided by Lexington Humane Society | Mackell Photo
Sorry, humans — this one’s for the dogs. Need some fun in the sun before cooler weather sets in? Join the Lexington Humane Society for the annual Doggie Paddle. Splash and play with your pup while owners browse local vendors, food trucks, and LHS merchandise.
Pro tip: New this year — a small dog session from 8–9 a.m., with the pool reserved just for pups under 20 pounds.
Events
Events
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Estate and Vintage Jewelry Collection | Wednesday, Sept. 3-Friday, Sept. 5 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | The Summit at Fritz Farm | Price of purchase | Shop Schiffman’s Jewelers largest supply of estate, vintage and designer jewelry.
Thursday, Sept. 4
Bourbon & Bluff: A Blind Tasting Challenge | 6 p.m. | Cibon | $60+ | Put your bourbon knowledge to the test at this interactive tasting led by local bourbon expert Maasak Tagarook.
Friday, Sept. 5
Vintage Market Days | Friday, Sept. 5-Saturday, Sept. 6 | 3 p.m. | Alltech Arena | $10+ | Explore the indoor market, which features vintage goods, art, décor, fashion, food trucks, and more.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Apple Festival | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Evan’s Orchard, Georgetown | $12+ | Celebrate apple season with fun for all ages — hayrides, corn maze, paintball, slides, apple cannons, music, and more.
Swiftie Sing-Along and Dance Party | 6-9 p.m. | MoonDance Amphitheater | Price of purchase | Sing and dance your heart out to the full Eras Tour setlist, complete with themed outfits, food trucks, and Swiftie community fun.
Jimmy Buffett Party | 9 p.m. | Neon Moon | Price of purchase | Grab a free lei, sip tropical cocktails, wear Hawaiian attire, and enjoy Jimmy Buffett tunes — spend the night on island time.
You’re invited to the first YMCA Southern Regional Pickleball Tournament at the Y’s Outdoor Pickleball Center. | Photo by YMCA of Central Kentucky
Calling all pickleball players: The Southern Regional Tournament is making waves at the North Lexington Family YMCA’s outdoor pickleball center on Sept. 27-28.
Open to all skill levels, participants will compete for a chance to enter the U.S. Open in Naples, FL. On Saturday, showcase your skills in gender doubles, and come Sunday, mix it up with mixed doubles.
If you’re ready to rally, don’t wait to secure your spot — a $50 registration fee is due by Sept. 19.
Grab a bite, do some good. On Thursday, Sept. 18, Dining Out For Life Bluegrass makes it easy — just eat at a participating Lexington restaurant, and at least 25% goes to AVOL Kentucky’s mission to end HIV and challenge the stigma around it.*
Seasonal
Fall porch envy starts here. King’s Gardens has 40+ varieties of pumpkins + gourds, mums, and all the cozy touches to win “Front Porch of the Month” this season. Mention LEXtoday for a free pumpkin (up to $11.99 value) with a $20+ purchase through Friday, Sept. 26. One per customer.*
Active
Who watched the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games? The event took place in China recently, with robotic athletes competing in events including track and field, martial arts, and soccer. Think you can outdo the bots? These Lexington gyms await.
Fun Fact
In 1904, Henry Clay’s descendants tapped famed landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and John Charles Olmsted to design Ashland Park on the family’s 600-acre estate. Finished by 1930, the duo also shaped the White House grounds, US Capitol, and the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
Quoted
“Something about walking in nature is benefiting our attention.” Those were words spoken by University of California informatics professor Gloria Mark, who has spent decades studying society’s declining attention spans. Swapping the doomscroll for a local hike is a good way to start. (New York Times)
State
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Graeter’s, aka the most popular ice cream brand in Kentucky. While we’d never pass up a pint of Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, our city’s local ice cream shops serve our favorite scoops.
Number
86. That’s how many haunted houses are in Kentucky, according to The Scare Factor, though that number may climb if more haunts make their presence known. You can explore the directory to find one near you, but only if you’re brave enough.
Feel Good
A Hot Wheels Car Library has popped up in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia after a father and his son built it together, allowing other kiddos to take a car or leave a car. Sound familiar? This system is also how local Little Free Libraries work — grab or trade a book.
The Buy
It’s finally September — that means it’s basically fall, right? Treat yourself in honor of a brand new autumn season with top-rated decor that’s all $30 or less.
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.
Looks like my Saturday night on Sept. 6 is all booked up — first, a Swiftie Sing-Along and Dance Party celebrating all things Taylor Swift, followed by a Jimmy Buffett bash to keep the good vibes rolling. Rhinestones and Hawaiian shirts? I’m calling it a fashion statement.
