Carson’s expansion, 2026 budget approval, a vintage market, fairy house carving, and more. 
Happy Friday, Lexington. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Lexington Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead:
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Fairy house carving 🧚
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Carson’s expansion 🍽️
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Vintage market 🧺
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Carson’s Back Porch expansion: The owners of Carson’s Food and Drink signed a lease for East Vine Street’s former Gus’s world-famous fried chicken spot and will open the new location with a fresh menu in spring 2026 — read more.
Lexington’s lowest wages revealed: Stacker’s data automation ranked the 50 least lucrative jobs in Lexington using BLS data — check out the full list.
2026 budget approved: The Urban County Council signed off on a nearly $1 billion fiscal plan on June 14, funding public safety, infrastructure, housing, and more — read the full breakdown.
Is your bank underperforming? If you’re earning less than 3.80% APY with your current savings account (the national average is 0.41% 👀)… the answer is yes. Do yourself a favor and take the time to open a SoFi savings accounts. It could earn you up to 9x more in interest on top of no fees and a $300 bonus with eligible direct deposits — what are you waiting for?
Highlights this week
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Kentucky native launches inclusive bourbon
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KY students lagging behind in reading & math
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Benefit concert supports refugees at Kenwick Table
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Annual lavender festival supports animal rescue
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Join UK Hospital’s Health Awareness Day
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Endurance’s auto warranty is $300 off
🫶 We got your back
Pom-pour perfection: When life gives you apples, Wise Bird Cider Co. turns them into sparkling, spiced sips you didn’t know you needed—whether you’re into crisp and dry or sweet and cinnamon-kissed, they’ve got the pour to match your fall-in-love mood.
Last bite, best bite: Tiny towers of frosting, molten center marvels, and a sugar swagger that’ll keep you guessing what’s coming next—La Petite Délicat is where your sweet tooth (and your Instagram feed) both get their moment in the spotlight.
Mic drop central: From shower-stall solos to power-ballad bravado and the occasional “sorry, not sorry” encore, Night Kitty Karaoke Bar hands you the mic, cranks up the neon, and dares even the most tone-deaf among us to steal the show.
Bolt action: Hunting for bold florals, buttery satins, or that perfect canvas for your next DIY masterpiece? Thomas Sewing Center stocks bolts of fabric so good you’ll actually look forward to hemming, quilting, or just petting every. single. yard.
Plot twist (AARP is actually amazing): It’s packed with perks that actually matter — discounts at hotels, restaurants, flights, even car rentals. Plus, you’ll unlock a second membership for free for someone else in your house. At just $15 per year… it’s kind of a no-brainer.
👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?
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📆 Knoxville happenings
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🃏 MTG: Standard Showdown: Final Fantasy @ Fayette Mall | Friday (6/27) at 6:30 pm – Sharpen your deck and summon your favorite Final Fantasy characters in this free Standard Showdown. Compete for promo cards like Squall, See D Mercenary, or the elusive Ultima Standard Showdown promo. With no entry fee, everyone from casual summoners to seasoned Planeswalkers can join the fray. May the best pilot prevail!
🧶 Stitch & Sip @ Joseph-Beth Lexington | Friday (6/27) at 7 pm – Bring your cross-stitch, knitting, crochet, or embroidery project and join fellow crafters for an evening of chat and creativity. Lemonade and water are on the house, while Bronte Bistro offers tasty treats for purchase. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a seasoned stitcher, this fiction platform meetup is the perfect place to stitch, sip, and make new friends. Come craft with us and weave some new connections.
🧘 Sound Healing Meditation with Adam Sutherland @ The Sound Healing Center of Lexington | Friday (6/27) at 7 pm – Escape the noise and immerse yourself in a meditative sound bath led by Adam Sutherland. Beginners are welcome as soothing instruments guide you toward deep relaxation and inner peace. Feel vibrations harmonize your mind and body for a rejuvenating experience. Quiet the chatter and tap into tranquility one note at a time.
This weekend
🧚 Fairy House Carving Class @ McConnell Springs | Saturday (6/28) at 10 am – Carve your very own mini woodland dwelling out of cottonwood bark—no green thumbs required. All tools and materials provided; just bring your imagination (and $30). Drop off your name and check or hit that PayPal link to secure your spot. Leave with a pint-sized masterpiece and a big smile.
🎂 250Lex Free Day @ Mary Todd Lincoln House | Saturday (6/28) at 10 am – Celebrate Lexington’s 250th with cake, history, and a costumed Mary Lincoln presenter. Peek into “Mary Todd’s Lexington” exhibit and sample the original vanilla almond cake from 1825. Last entry at 3 pm, so pace yourself between bites and storytelling. Perfect for history buffs and cake enthusiasts alike!
🏇 The Real Rider Cup @ New Vocations at Mereworth Farm | Saturday (6/28) at 6 pm – Watch racing personalities swap silks for saddles as they partner with off-track Thoroughbreds over show-jumping courses. Gates open at 6 pm with music, a course walk, and horsing around until the awards at sunset. Sip a cold one, cheer on your favorite duo, and support aftercare for retired racehorses. It’s charity with a hefty dose of horsepower!
💃 Abigail x The Fam Experience Showcase @ Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center | Saturday (6/28) at 8 pm – Five months of hip-hop, jazz funk, and fusion training come alive on stage. This free community showcase celebrates dance, mental wellness, and local talent—cheers to NAMI Lexington for making it possible! Grab a seat, feel the energy, and maybe bust a move yourself. Funky beats guaranteed!
🏺 Collected – A Vintage Market by KVF @ Greyline Station | Sunday (6/29) at 10 am – If dusty garage sales are your happy place, you’ll feel right at home sifting through retro home décor, vinyl vinyls, comic treasures, and more. Early birds score in for just $10, but even latecomers pay only $5 for a daily dive into nostalgia. Pro tip: pack your own tote and cash for the smoothest swap meet experience.
🍳 The Hoecake Hoedown with Ouita and Paula @ Fifth Third Pavilion | Sunday (6/29) at 2 pm – Ever wanted to learn the secrets behind the perfect hoecake? Chef Ouita Michel and Top Chef alum Paula Endara are dropping knowledge (and batter) in true bluegrass style. Expect live demos, kid-friendly culinary art projects, and tunes so twangy your toes can’t help but square dance. Free to attend, full of prizes, and carbs.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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6/27 Russell Dickerson @ Manchester Music Hall – 5 pm
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6/27 Hannah Mae & The Salt Shakers @ Boonedogs – 6 pm
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6/27 Taj Farrant @ Manchester Music Hall – 7 pm
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6/27 Radio 80 @ MoonDance Amphitheater – 7 pm
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6/27 S. G. Goodman and more @ The Burl – 8 pm
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6/28 OJS @ Tee Dee’s – 7 pm
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6/29 Nerd Nite @ West Sixth Brewing – 7 pm
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6/29 Heart Attack Man @ Manchester Music Hall – 8 pm
🏠️ Price Is Right – Knoxville edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Mike J Morrison (Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty) – 4 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | Built in 1955 | 3961 sqft
Hedgewood Farm isn’t just a slice of Kentucky history—it’s a whole pie, with a side of Thoroughbred swagger. The four-bedroom ranch house lounges under trees that have seen more secrets than your grandma’s diary, while a 12-stall barn stands ready for equine royalty or the world’s fanciest goats. Fenced fields roll out like a green carpet, perfect for hoofed athletes or impromptu picnics.
Once dubbed Lemon Hill Farm, this land has churned out racehorses with more pedigree than a royal wedding. Just minutes from Hamburg Pavilion, the location serves up convenience without sacrificing an ounce of rural charm. Top-notch soils, classic bones, and a dash of irreverence—Hedgewood Farm keeps it legendary, no assembly required.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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