Support Us Button Widget
Culture  Festivals

Music and arts festivals this summer

Step outside and soak in the good vibes with this round-up of music, art, and food festivals around town.

May 5, 2023 • 
Molly Thompson
A woman shopping at a festival

Mayfest vendors offer all kinds of arts, crafts, and handmade goods. | Photo by LEXtoday

The spring and summer months bring more than sunny days and patio weather. It’s also the beginning of festival season.

From music and art to yummy eats, here’s where you can explore, enjoy, and shop outdoors in the coming months.

  • Mayfest Art Fair | Saturday, May 13 + Sunday, May 14 | Gratz Park | This casual, family-friendly weekend brings strolling performers, musical acts, and hundreds of artisans.
  • Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass | Friday, May 26-Sunday, May 28 | Shaker Village | Witness the talents of world-renowned musicians from New York’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center + two educational lectures.
  • Woodland Art Fair | Saturday, August 19 + Sunday, August 20 | Woodland Park | Spanning throughout the whole park, you’ll find food, drinks, and art in all forms including metalwork, woodwork, photography, ceramics, and more.

Looking to take a bite out of what Lexington’s food scene has to offer? Check out our guide to upcoming foodie happenings.

More from LEXtoday
a man and woman dancing in colorful garb
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Lexington in September
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Alexis Baker
A big pavilion filled with vendor booths.
Live
Your guide to Lexington’s farmers markets
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up seven farmers markets around Lexington.
August 26, 2025
 · 
Molly Thompson
An aerial shot of Lexington.
Work
The top industries and employers in the Lexington metro area
Learn about the biggest industries and employers in the Lexington metro area with this guide to local business.
August 25, 2025
 · 
Staff
A bird's eye view of a parking lot filled with cars, canopies, and fans tailgating.
Food
Kick off football season with these catered tailgate options
Take the work out of the tailgate so you can focus on rooting on the Wildcats with these catering options.
August 25, 2025
 · 
Aayat Ali
A table filled with colorful books, journals, pens, and notepads inside Poppy & Pomelo.
Small Business
Your Lexington small business shout-outs
We asked for you to show some love to LEX’s small biz scene, and you sent us the goods.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
SSAP-General-Hero-v3.png
City
Want to reach Lexington locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
Two canoes sit on rocks by a river outside.
City
Last Call: 5 things to do in Lexington before summer ends
Summer isn’t over yet, and we’re here to help you check off the rest of your bucket list. From whitewater rafting to luxurious pool days, there’s an activity for everyone to finish the season strong.
August 7, 2025
 · 
Alexis Baker
LiveWELL 1
Live
Get your sweat on at gyms around Lexington
From lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up 21 gyms and fitness offerings around Lexington.
August 6, 2025
A horse in a field in the morning haze. There is a yellowish glow from distant sunlight coming through the trees, casting yellowish tones on the grass. Fences and trees surround the lone horse who is grazing.
Music
Our LEXtoday readers’ local playlist
We asked for songs that remind you of home, and here are the suggestions you sent in.
August 5, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Lexington Public Library Central Library location
Culture
Where would you put an outdoor library in Lexington?
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in LEX.
August 4, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell