Fourth of July weekend is quickly approaching + Lexington has a ton of events to celebrate America’s 246 years as an independent country. Here’s a look at this weekend’s lineup.
But first, if you’re choosing to celebrate with family + friends at home, don’t forget to take a peek at the city’s rules and regulations regarding fireworks.
Sat., July 2 | 84° | Scattered storms | 58% chance of rain
Sun., July 3 | 86° | Scattered storms | 56% chance of rain
Mon., July 4 | 84° | Partly cloudy | 24% chance of rain
Eats + Treats 🍦
Ice Cream Social| Fri., July 1 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park, 251 W. Main St. | Free | We all scream for this summer classic treat, especially on holiday weekends.
Live music 🎸
Red, White & Blues | Sat., July 2 | 5-9 p.m. | Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St. | Free | A family-friendly night with live music from local legend TeeDee Young
Patriotic Concert | Sun., July 3 | 5-9 p.m. | Transylvania University, 300 N. Broadway and Gratz Park, 250 W. Third St. | Free | A true Lexington tradition featuring live music from Young at Heart Big Band + the Lexington Philharmonic — be sure to get there early for the perfect picnic spot on Transylvania’s picturesque lawn.
Independence Day 🇺🇸
Bluegrass 10,000 & Fun Run | Mon., July 4 | 7:25 a.m. | Downtown Lexington | $25+ | The 47th running of this holiday race that takes you (and thousands of other Lexingtonians) through the main historic + business districts of downtown.
Fourth of July Festival | Mon., July 4 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza, 120 N. Limestone St. | Free | Grab an early lunch from the food trucks + enjoy live music from Boogie G. while you snag a good spot to watch the parade.
Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular |Mon., July 4 | 10 p.m. | Launched at Main Street and Oliver Lewis Way | Free | A star-spangled + sparkle-filled ending to your Fourth of July
Kyle Tuttle Band | Wed., June 29 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd. | $15 | Take a mid-week break with Kyle Tuttle Band + special guest Restless Leg String Band. 🪕
Couples’ Painting Class | Wed., June 29 | 7 p.m. | Kre8Now Makerspace, 305 Codell Dr. | $40+ | BYOB + get your paint on with your partner. 🎨
Thursday
Parks and Prose Book Club | Thurs., June 30 | 6:30 p.m. | McConnell Springs, 416 Rebmann Ln. | Free | Discuss the hit book “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens near the pond at this local park. 📖
Friday
Rags and Riches Homecoming Show | Fri., July 1 | 8 p.m. | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd. | $15 | Don’t miss these local rockstars with special guests Wicked Peace and DJ Forerunner. 🎶
Lexington Job Fair | Fri., July 1 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Online | Free | A virtual job fair for veterans + their spouses 💼
Saturday
Bourbon County Fair and Horse Show | Sat., July 2 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 30 Legion Dr., Paris | $10+ | Catch the last day of the Bourbon County Fair with activities like a truck + tractor pull, petting zoo, and fireworks show. 🎡
Sunday
Chris Carpenter | Sun., July 3 | 3-6 p.m. | Harkness Edwards Vineyards, 5199 Combs Ferry Rd., Winchester | Free | Kick back with live music from this Winchester local + enjoy sips from Harkness Edwards’ cellar. 🍷
Legends vs. Honey Hunters | Sun., July 3 | 2:05 p.m. | Wild Health Field, 207 Legends Ln. | $12+ | The Legends play host to the Gastonia Honey Hunters. ⚾
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Greyline Station is hosting a community block party this Friday from 5-9 p.m. + this month’s theme is “Explore Lex.” Lextran will have a bus onsight to teach the community about the best andeasiest ways to utilize Lexington’s public transportation system.
The Hope Center, a nonprofit who provides services to citizens experiencing homelessness, needs help from the community. After a fire broke out last week, its kitchen is closed until further notice. The Hope Center is asking for donations of paper goods and nonperishable food + drink. (WKYT)
History
The new “Elvis” film is screening at theaters across the city, including the independently-owned Kentucky Theatre downtown. Did you know Elvis almost came to Rupp Arena in 1977? Tragically, he died one week before he was scheduled to play a sold out show in downtown Lexington. Read the full story here. 🎸 (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Watch
Speaking of the Kentucky Theatre, its Summer Classics series continues today with screenings of Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” at 1:30 p.m. + 7:15 p.m. This 1968 film is highly regarded for its accurate depiction of space travel and, at the time, groundbreaking special effects. 🚀
Active
Registration is now open for a fun + festive 5K — The Black Cat Chase. The race takes place on Fri., Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. in downtown Frankfort and features Halloween-themed festivities such as costumes, music, and more. The fee is $25 until Sun., July 31 — after that the price increases. 👟
Edu
The new Fayette County superintendent’sevaluation results are in after his first year in this position. Demetrus Liggins received accomplished and exemplary marks across the board. Possible ratings include — ineffective, developing, accomplished, or exemplary. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Environment
The city has started making plans for the fifth annual city-wide nature hop in September. The Department of Environmental Services is now accepting event + vendor submissions. The event encourages citizens to visit green spaces throughout the city and offers educational programming. 🌳
Drink
The Bourbon Flight recently released its list of the top five most sippable bourbons — no ice, no cocktails, just straight Kentucky bourbon. Did your favorite bourbon make the list? City Editor Aaron’s did — Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old. (The Bourbon Flight)
Survey
In case you haven’t taken our newsletter product survey yet, trust us — it’s as easy as a walk in Shillito Park. Let us know what you think about our LEXtoday newsletter for a chance to win an iPad Pro. Take the survey.
Content marked with a * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
In case you missed it, The Kentucky Horse Park’s Run/Walk Club is open for the summer season. Mark your calendars because the park is open to citizens for walking + running every Monday evening starting at 4:30 p.m. Or get stretchy with a group yoga session held next to the Man o’ War statue starting at 6:30 p.m.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Editor’s pick: As I mentioned, Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old is my go-to sippin’ bourbon. I’m not talking about a casual Friday night sip either, special occasions only.
Its flavor, to me, has become synonymous with good memories + celebrations. Do you have a special occasion sippin’ bourbon?I’d love to hear about it.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read about a few of our favorite spots to purchase house plants here.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
