Tuesday, July 3
On July 3 at Cheapside, The Great American Pie Contest is the kick-off event for Lexington’s Fourth of July Festival. Bakers are competing to see who has the best pie in Lexington. Anyone can register to participate in the contest. The deadline to register is July 1. The public is encouraged to stop by Fifth Third Bank Pavilion to enjoy a slice of pie, along with ice cream from Sav’s Chill.
The annual Patriotic Music Concert featuring the Lexington Philharmonic is on the Morrison Lawn at Transylvania University on July 3 at 8 pm. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to the Transylvania University’s Mitchell Fine Arts Center. Space is limited to the first 1,000 guests and food and beverages are not allowed within the theatre.
Wednesday, July 4
Happy Independence Day! See what’s open and what’s closed for Independence Day.
The 42nd Annual Bluegrass 10K is on July 4 at 7:25 am. The certified 10,000 meter course weaves through the main business and historic district in downtown Lexington.
The 17th Annual Great Buffalo Chase is Wednesday, July 4th at 8 am. Wind through the course on the Buffalo Trace Distillery grounds and through aging warehouses and production facilities. Registration begins at 7 am on July 4.
The Fourth of July Street Festival is from 9 am – 6 pm. The reading of the Declaration of Independence is at 10 am. The Fourth of July Parade begins at 2 pm down Main Street from Midland Ave to Mill Street. The fireworks will be launched from the Lexington Financial Center (the “big blue building”) at 10 pm. Classic Rock 92.1 has special music choreographed for the fireworks.
Crossroads Andover invites you to a Fourth of July celebration at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. From 6:30 – 10 pm enjoy live music, inflatables, games, family activities and fireworks.
Richmond Fireworks Extravaganza stars at 5:30 pm on July 4 at Lake Reba Park.
Thursday, July 5
On July 5 through 7, My Favorite Things is hosting their Annual Scratch and Dent Tent Sale. Browse furniture, artwork, rugs, pillows, and lamps at up to 80% off. Inside the store they will have sale tables with 80% off special items as well as 25% off regular home decor and gifts.
Summerfest at Woodland park is July 5 through 22. The Kentucky Conservatory Theatre is performing Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Performances Thursday – Sunday).
Man O’War Harley-Davidson is hosting a Patriot’s Bike Night on July 5 from 6 – 9 pm. The money donated this night goes towards helping local veterans. West Sixth Brewing will be here, with live music from The Ranahans, food from Doug’s Gourmet Foods, raffles and more.
Friday, July 6
Dinos invade the Lexington Convention center July 6 through 8. Jurassic Quest is America’s Largest and most realistic Dinosaur Event. Walk through the Cretaceous period, the Jurassic Period and The Triassic period and experience for yourselves what it was like to be among living, breathing dinosaurs.
The July Night Market is on July 6 on the 700 block of Bryan Avenue. It serves as a platform for neighborhood businesses, artists, and nonprofits to grow their business. The Night Market also highlights the creativity in our community. It is open to the public, and runs from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Saturday, July 7
The Central Kentucky Concert Band is performing at the University of Kentucky Arboretum on July 7 at 7 pm.
Monday, July 9
Kearney Hill Golf Links is hosting the 43rd Girls PGA Championship July 9 through 12. This Championship is one of junior golf’s major championships, with a starting field of 144 of the best female golfers from all over the nation and world.
The 82nd Annual Junior League of Lexington Charity Horse Show is July 9 – 14 at the NEW location, Kentucky Horse Park’s Rolex Arena. Created in 1937, to help fund the Junior League’s community works project, the horse show has grown to be the world’s largest outdoor American Saddlebred show and the first leg of the Saddlebred “Triple Crown”.
Thursday, July 12
The 57th annual Bluegrass Fair returns to Masterson Station Park July 12-22, featuring more than 100 state fair-type amusement rides, carnival games, live music, exhibits and attractions. The 2018 lineup includes a stunt and motorcycle show, pageants, livestock and agriculture exhibits, a barnyard petting zoo, flower and garden show, and more. Gates open at 5 pm weekdays and at 3 pm on weekends.
Meredith Willson’s The Music Man is at the Lexington Opera House from July 12 to 15.
Be a part of the first ever Castle & Key Cocktail Competition. The top ten bartenders from Kentucky and Tennessee who submitted their own unique recipes using Castle & Key Restoration Release Gin are competing for the best cocktail. You can taste all ten cocktails and vote for your favorite while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and seeing the Castle & Key grounds. This is a ticketed event. Must be 21 or older.
Friday, July 13
The Berea Craft Festival features over 115 artists from more than 15 states. July 13 through 15 you can enjoy art, musicians, dancers, and artisan demonstrations in the Appalachian hills of The Pinnacles in Berea.
Breyerfest is at the Kentucky Horse Park July 13 – 15. The annual horse festival for Breyer model horses brings together fans, vendors, and stars of Breyer horses. The event includes crafts and kids activities, shopping opportunities, arena performances, seminars on horses, and Breyer model horse collecting and workshops.
The annual Harry Dean Stanton Festival is July 13 – 15 at various venues throughout downtown Lexington, which include screenings, speakers, and Harry Dean Stanton related events. Visit Harry Dean Stanton Fest Facebook page for more information.
Saturday, July 14
Lexus of Lexington hosts a 5K run/walk on July 14 at Keeneland. The race features a commemorative shirt, chip timing, overall and age group awards, and activities for kids. Race begins at 8 am.
Man O’War Harley-Davidson is hosting a Christmas in July party on July 14 from 11 am to 3 pm. Wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt or lei, they’ll have a grill out, live music from Bedford Band, door prizes, and more.
The 1st installment of the Kentucky River Jam Music & Art Series is July 14 at Ward Oates Amphitheater in Frankfort, KY. Enjoy food trucks, craft brews, and music from The Phoenix Brothers and Donnie Bowling.
Sunday, July 15
The Kentucky Horse Park hosts the Breyerfest 5K & 1 Miler on Sunday, July 15 at 8 am.
Monday, July 16
The Barbasol Championship is Kentucky’s only PGA Tour event, played as an alternate event to The Open Championship. July 16 – 22 at Champions at Keene Trace in Nicholasville, KY.
Friday, July 20
The Grand Tour of Homes is July 20-22 and July 27-29. Grand Tour of Homes is a self-guided home tour, where anyone can visit new constructed homes and builders and/or representatives are on hand at each property to answer questions about the projects. There are 13 homes in this year’s tour that are located in the Hamburg neighborhood.
Saturday, July 21
The first annual Cinder & Smoke Fest, a music showcase, at Proud Mary BBQ is on July 21 from 1 pm to midnight. See Jericho Woods, Justin Wells, Johnny Conqueroo, Brother Smith, Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, Trippin Roots, Bedford Band, and Sour Cream Band.
The Keeneland Concours d’Elegance is Saturday, July 21 starting at 7 am. Showcasing over 130 of the finest collector vehicles in the country – from antiques to future classics. Automobiles, and other unique types of vehicles are judged for their historical accuracy, presentation and cleanliness.
The Kentucky Horse Park hosts the Man o’ War “Run for Big Red” 5K/10K on July 21 at 8 am.
Exile 2018 is playing at Equus Run Vineyards on Saturday, July 21 from 7 – 10 pm.
WWE Summerslam Heatwave Tour is Coming to Rupp Arena on July 21. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dolph Ziggler, Matt Hardy, Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss and more are schedule to wrestle.
Sunday, July 22
Bridal Wars comes to Lexington on Sunday, July 22 at Talon Winery. Brides can form teams to compete for prizes. Challenges are a combination of physical and non-physical challenges, with prizes to be won for each. The event is from noon to 3 pm.
Thursday, July 26
Lexington Restaurant Week returns July 26 to August 4. Local restaurants in the Bluegrass prepare pre-fixe multi-course dinners. $2 from every special dinner served goes to LexArts to support major arts organizations, innovative projects, and emerging artists. For menus and participating restaurants visit the Lexington Restaurant Week website or Facebook page.
The Paddock Dinner Series, a Keeneland-Crafted Event, is July 26 at 6:30 pm. These intimate family-style dinners provide an opportunity to enjoy locally-sourced cuisine, craft cocktails and live music in the Keeneland Paddock.
Sutton’s Restaurant hosts a wine tasting dinner on July 26 at 7 pm. The dinner includes 4 courses, unique from normal menu offerings, paired with 4 different wines.
Saturday, July 28
Woodford Reserve presents a Summer Dinner Series that features the “Best of Kentucky” dishes. On July 28, Woodford Reserve introduces a farm-to-table experience. This evening includes a menu of the freshest local products available with a selection of paired cocktails.
“The Greatest Love of All: The Whitney Houston Show” is coming to the EKU Center for the Arts on July 28 at 7:30 pm. Whitney’s musical legacy is brought to life by the vocals of Belinda Davis.
Sunday, July 29
Margaritas on the River returns to Proud Mary BBQ on Sunday, July 29. Come out at 5 pm and enjoy margaritas and music from Conch Republic.
Around the Corner
August 17
Picnic with the Pops is The Music of the Rolling Stones, performed by the Lexington Philharmonic with guest conductor Brent Havens and other special guests. This year’s event is Friday, August 17 and Saturday, August 18, 2018.
August 18
Woodland Art Fair is on August 18 and 19, 2018, at Woodland Park.
August 31
Red White and Boom is August 31 through September 2 at Rupp Arena.
October 27
Chris Stapleton is coming to Rupp Arena on October 27
November 17
REO Speedwagon is coming to the EKU Center for the Arts on November 17 at 7:30 pm.
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This article also appears on page 18 of the July 2018 print edition of Hamburg Journal.
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