Today, Fri., May 6 through Sun., May 8, a disc golf tournament is taking place at parks in both Lexington + Nicholasville. The Lexington Open XXIV will bring in 350+ players, both professional and amateur, from around the region to compete for disc golf glory.
But, let’s leave this weekend to the pros + figure out how someone new to the sport can get started exploring disc golf in Lexington.
Disc golf can take you to some of the most scenic locations in the city. | Photo by The LEXtoday
The Bluegrass Disc Golf Association Consider this volunteer organization the heartbeat of central Kentucky disc golf. From events + tournaments to Facebook groups and charitable donations, they’re working to build a community and keep this sport spinning through Lexington.
We spoke with Jarret Spriggs, the president of the Bluegrass Disc Golf Association, about what makes disc golf an easy sport for beginners.
“It’s not an expensive sport to get into + it gets you outside with friends. We also have two local shops that make it easy for you to get started.”
And while it can be competitive if you want it to be, to Jarret, it’s more about camaraderie.
“I always tell people that you don’t have to be good at it to play. Just grab your friends and head to the park. I started playing eight years ago + I have more friends now than I’ve ever had in my life.”
Community members gather to hang out and toss a few discs. | Photo by the BDGA
Gear
Keep your online shopping cart empty because Lexington has two different brick-and-mortar stores to get you started:
Jacobson Park, 4001 Athens Boonesboro Rd. | 18-hole course
If you’ve ever been curious about this growing sport, there’s no better time, or place, to start. Spring is in full swing and the Bluegrass Disc Golf Association is working with city officials to try and get even more courses built in Lexington.
Use the buttons below to share this story with someone you know who might be looking for a new way to get outside and explore Lexington.
Lexington Craft Beer Week | Fri., May 6-Sun., May 15 | Times vary | Locations vary | Free, price of purchase | A week’s worth of events that celebrate the best craft beer in Lexington. 🍺
May Block Party | Fri., May 6 | 5-9 p.m. | Greyline Station, 101 W. Loudon Ave. | Free, price of purchase | Kick off your weekend with live music, shopping from dozens of local vendors + face-painting.
Bourby Derby | Fri., May 6 | 7 p.m. | The Grand Reserve, 903 Manchester St. | $40 | Enjoy stand-up from comic Etta May + a best derby hat competition. 👒
Genomes vs. Blue Crabs | Fri., May 6 | 6:35 p.m. | Wild Health Field, 207 Legends Ln. | $13 | Genomes baseball take on the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs at home. ⚾
UK Baseball vs. Tennessee | Fri., May 6 | 6:30 p.m. | Kentucky Proud Park, 510 Wildcat Ct. | Prices vary | The Wildcats take on the Vols at home. ⚾
Saturday
Kids Derby Dash | Sat., May 7 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Downtown Frankfort, 402 W. Broadway St. | Free | Tire out your kiddo at this free YMCA fun run. 👟
Bluegrass Farmers Market | Sat., May 7 | 9 a.m. | Hamburg Liquor Barn, 1837 Plaudit Pl. | Free | Support Lexington farmers + shop small this Saturday. 🥬
Mayfest Arts Fair | Sat., May 7 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Gratz Park, 250 W. Third St. | Free | Immerse yourself in local art vendors with performances from musicians, dancers + more. 🎨
Sunday
Mother’s Day Market | Sun., May 8 | 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Forage Green Living, 803 N. Limestone, Ste. 170 | Shop for flowers + hand-crafted goodies from local pop-ups such as Orient Pearl.co, Ephemeral Florals, and Made Worthy Crafts.
Mother’s Day | Sun., May 8 | All day | Locations vary | Whoever Mom is to you, celebrate them on this day with brunch, sweets, or maybe just some peace + quiet.
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.
Popcorn lovers, meet Opopop’sFlavor Wrapped Popcorn Kernels: A completely new take on microwave popcorn where each kernel is individually coated in flavor.
Try the Discovery Kit to sample seven different flavors, including Maui Heat, Cinnalicious, Salted Umami, and Vanilla Cake Pop. Bonus: Kits include a reusable microwave popper (and we know Lexingtonians love sustainability).
Use code 6AMCITYfor20% off. You may never go back to regular popcorn again.*
Activate Games is holding its grand opening today at 10 a.m. The high-tech gaming facility is located at 2312 Sir Barton Way Ste. 150, next to Big City Pizza. The first 200 guests will be entered for a chance to wina year of free games.
Derby
Keeneland released its big plans for Kentucky’s biggest day. Lexington’s famous racetrack will operate at full capacity for Derby Day, the first time since the pandemic started, and is expecting a crowd of ~15,000 people. Gates open at 10 a.m. on Sat., May 7 + it is recommended to buy your tickets in advance. 🐎 (WKYT)
Do you know which Derby horse you’re betting on yet? If not, here’s a preview of each of the 20 horses that will be racing in Kentucky Derby 148. Zandon seems to be the favorite, but we also like the look of Ethereal Road. (LEX18)
Plan Ahead
West Sixth Brewery is hosting another one of its Biergarten Pop-up events + this time it’s at Jacobson Park on Fri., May 13 from 4-8 p.m. Head to the large pine tree grove in the park for craft beer, lawn games, music, food, and camaraderie. RSVP to the event here. 🍻
Community
The city is hosting an informational workshop webinar for local 501(c)(3) nonprofits who are interested in learning about American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The webinar will be held on Wed., May 11 at 1:30 p.m. + will discuss details about the program and how to apply for funding.
Active
The Annual American Heart Association Heart Walk will take place at Keeneland on Sat., May 14 at 8 a.m. + registration is now open for both individuals and teams. Organizers of the event are hoping to raise $300,000 that will go directly to cardiovascular care and research in Central Kentucky. 👟 (UK NOW)
Job
UK is hosting a university-wide job fair on Sat., May 14 at Kroger Field from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The community is invited to speak with university professionals from both the college and UK HealthCare about available jobs. (UK NOW)
Health
Transylvania University will host the National Institute of Health’s “All of Us Journey” next week, Tues., May 10-Fri., May 13. Mobile exhibits will be set up in the parking area near 469 N. Broadway where the community is invited to participate in special programming that will help advance medical research nationwide. (1780)
Listen
Jeff Worley, recent Kentucky Poet Laureate + winner of Transylvania’s 2022 Judy Gaines Young Book Award, will be reading from his works and signing books on campus on Tues., May 10. The event is free, open to the public, and will be held at the Carrick Theatre, 300 N. Broadway, at 5 p.m. 📚 (1780)
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Eckert’s Country Store & Orchard is officially open for the season + that means fresh-picked fruit, jams, and donuts. The farm is open for you to explore Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Pro tip: The children’s play area makes for a perfect family outing.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Editor’s pick: Kentucky Derby 148 is special to me because it marks my 10-year anniversary as a media professional. One of my first jobs out of college was freelancing + photographing the Derby. Cheers to the entire state of Kentucky. This weekend is our weekend.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read about graduation photo spots here.
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