Events & Festivals in Lexington, Kentucky

• Lexington Farmers’ Market - 12/1/07 - 3/30/08. The atrium of the Shoppes at Victorian Square Victorian Square is transformed into a festive marketplace from December through March. Held every Saturday, the Farmers' Market features fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, jams and jellies, honey, Kentucky specialties and much more. The Market will move back outside to Victoria Square in April. Parking is free.
• 2010 World Equestrian Games. The 2010 World Equestrian Games will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, September 25 to October 10, 2010. Held every four years, this extraordinary event is comprised of the world championships for eight equestrian sports - show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, reining, vaulting, endurance and para-equestrian. This is the first time the competition has ever been held in North America, and the first time in FEI history that all events have been held in one location. Visit www.feigames2010.org/.
• LexJam - Lexington Center. Held monthly at the Food Court Level, 1pm - 5pm, LexJam is Lexington's favorite and free public jam session for musicians in the Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, Acoustic and Country genres. Bring your instruments and sign up to play with other musicians or just come to listen and watch. This is great experience for musicians to jam together, network, learn, promote, study and further your music endeavors. Visit www.lexjam.com or www.downtownlex.com
• Lexington Art League Events. Lexington's largest visual arts organization, Lexington Art League presents visual art events and exhibitions that enrich the community, including the Woodland Art Fair – held every August in Lexington's Woodland Park - and the monthly art gathering - Fourth Friday . . . Where Work Stops and Art Starts. LAL’s Forth Friday features art, live music, food and drink at the Louden House from 6 – 9 pm. Free for Members, $7 for Non-Members. Visit www.lexingtonartleague.org/.
• Fourth Annual Arts Showcase Weekend - 2/9/08 - 2/10/08. Enjoy the fourth annual Arts Showcase Weekend sponsored by LexArts. This fun and free annual event features hands-on arts activities for kids, a demonstration ballet class, Argentine Tango, writing workshops and much more. For a schedule of events, visit www.lexarts.org.  [Top]
• Best of the Bluegrass – April 10 -12, 2008. Celebrating the Bluegrass Region’s unique culture – from bluegrass music to bourbon, art to thoroughbred racing – the Best of Bluegrass is an amazing annual even with great music, art, food, racing, events, and dancing. Held at various locations, including Lexington Center and Keeneland Race Course, the Best of the Bluegrass includes: Belle Brezing Bed Race held adjacent to the old courthouse, Thoroughbred Racing at Keeneland, Pub Crawl in Downtown Lexington, Steeplechase 5K Race, LexJam and exciting concerts. Visit www.bestofthebluegrass.org/.
• 2008 Mayfest Arts Fair. A festival celebrating the literary, visual & performing arts of Lexington, Mayfest Arts Fair features live music, entertainment shows, activities, art demonstrations, food, and scores of talented artists showcasing their work. This fun spring festival is held May 10 & 11 at Gratz Park. Visit www.downtownlex.com/mayfest_main.asp.
• Downtown Street Scene. Hit the streets of Downtown Lexington for Street Scene, when street entertainers and artists in the downtown area entertain the walking public every Saturday between 8 10pm. Artists and entertainers of all genres entertain and delight visitors along Main Street and the adjacent streets from Triangle Park to Thoroughbred Park. This festive event will be held throughout the summer!
• Downtown Lexington Christmas Parade & Celebration of Lights. The Christmas Parade Celebration of Lights will be held November 29, 2008 at 5pm. Combined, the Christmas Parade and the Tree-Lighting Ceremony will be a spectacular holiday event culminating when the mayor switches on holiday lights all around Downtown and the fireworks light up the sky! Bring the whole family for an evening filled with fun, food, entertainment, and fireworks and music.
• Big Band & Jazz - 5/20/08 - 8/26/08. Big Band & Jazz is one of Lexington's longest running and most beloved concert series. This weekly Tuesday concert series features great jazz and big band music. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for seating and pack a picnic dinner. Held at Ecton Park, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free admission.  [Top]
• Festival of the Bluegrass – 6/12 – 6/15, 2008. Held at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground, this annual jamboree features the best Bluegrass bands in Kentucky, top national performers and Music Camp. The third annual Cooking Competition will be held during the dinner break on Saturday. For the full festival music schedule and camping information, visit http://www.festivalofthebluegrass.com/Welcome.html.
• Cosmic Invasion 2008 – 6/21/2008. Held at Woodland Skate Park and hosted by Cosmic Invasion National Go Skateboarding Day, the fest will present a skateboard competition, garage bands, underground art from local artists, food and fun for the whole family. Expect to see an action-packed exhibition from the Quick Silver Team. Registration at 1 pm. Visit www.myspace.com/cosmicrocks.
• Keeneland Race Course Events. With its tranquil setting, this national historic landmark is one of the most beautiful equine racetracks in the world. Keeneland Race Course presents exciting live Thoroughbred racing from April through October and live Thoroughbred auctions are held several times a year. Place your bets and discover why Lexington is truly the Horse Capital of the World.
• Kentucky Bourbon Festival/Bourbon Trail – Sept. 16-21, 2008. CSpend five days in bourbon heaven at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival every September in Bardstown - Bourbon Capital of the World. Sample the finest bourbons, enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, and black tie galas and tour the historic distilleries on the Bourbon Trail, including Heaven Hill Distilleries, Jim Beam, Four Roses, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve Distillery, and Maker’s Mark. www.kybourbonfestival.com/
• Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, connecting the country’s Bourbon distilleries, and view the art of Bourbon-making much as it was 200 years ago. Visit the producers of "America's only Native Spirit" and experience the magic and science of the Master Distiller's craft - within a day's drive through the rolling Kentucky hills. Celebrate the living history of Kentucky bourbon by touring historic distilleries, including held Visit www.kybourbontrail.com.  [Top]