Autumn is the perfect time to visit Lexington, Kentucky. The auburn leaves and green rolling hills of horse country welcome guests this time of year. Community schedules are jam packed with events of all varieties.
For Family Fun
Take advantage of fall's fresh fruit and head to the Apple Festival the second weekend of September at Evans Orchard and Cider Mill. Enjoy food, u-pick apples, pony rides and a petting zoo. Come back for the Harvest Festival beginning the third weekend in September and continuing every weekend in October. Pick your own pumpkin, play games and get fall flowers. Saturdays 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, Sundays 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Evans Orchard is located outside Lexington at 180 Stone Road in Georgetown, KY.
The Lexington Farmer’s Market is still going strong through mid-October. Visit it Saturdays from 7:00 am on Vine Street downtown. Sundays it can be found on Southland Drive and on Tuesday and Thursdays at the corner of South Broadway and Maxwell from 10:00 am until 2:00pm.
There is more to do at Keeneland Race Track than watch horses. Join the Picnic for the Pups on September 7th. This event is open to the whole family including dogs. Enjoy games, raffles, dog obedience demos and bluegrass music. The event benefits the Bluegrass Animal Welfare League and takes place from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Call 859-494-6728 for more information.
For the Sports Fan
Dress in blue and white and head out to Commonwealth Stadium for a University of Kentucky football game. The season runs August 31st through November 29th. The basketball season is not far behind with exhibition games starting in November. Visit UK Athletics for information on tickets.
Keeneland Race Track opens for the fall season on October 3rd. Races take place Wednesday through Sunday and the season concludes on October 25th. Gates open at 11:00 am with the first post time at 1:15 pm. General admission tickets are $3 each and reserved Grandstand seat tickets can be purchased in advance for $3 to $5 each. Visit Keeneland’s web-site for more information on tickets and special events.
For Arts and Culture
The Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen Fall Fair reflects the talent of the area through displays and sales of handmade masterpieces. This event takes place October 10th through the 12th in nearby Berea, Kentucky at Memorial Park. Call 859-986-2540 for more information.
Enjoy song and dance at the University of Kentucky Singletary Center located on campus. Fall performances include Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa on October 23rd, and Jose Porcel and Ballet Flamenco on November 11th. Shows start at 7:30 pm and tickets range from $25 to $32. For ticket information call 859-257-5030.
The Lexington Opera House in the heart of downtown provides a season of Broadway entertainment beginning in late October. Broadway Live presents the Pajama Game October 31st through November 2nd and Sweeney Todd November 21st through the 23rd. For ticket information call 859-233-3535.
