The best things to do in Lexington

19 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 19 places · showing the latest additions first

If your week needs a reset, Idle Hour Country Club delivers that members-only calm and a course with stories baked into every hole. Whether…

1815 Richmond Rd · ✓ checked Jul 31

If your week needs a reset, Idle Hour Country Club delivers that members-only calm and a course with stories baked into every hole. Whether you’re sneaking in nine or catching up with familiar faces, it’s a classic Lexington breather that still feels fresh.

From the Lexington newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Breakout Games

Entertainment

Clue-solving, escape-room chain, featuring themed experiences for families and corporate event.

309 N Ashland Ave

Clue-solving, escape-room chain, featuring themed experiences for families and corporate event.

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Whether you're chasing a forgiving fairway or want to test that fade you swear is intentional, University Club of Kentucky gives you 36…

4850 Leestown Rd · ✓ checked Sep 12

Whether you're chasing a forgiving fairway or want to test that fade you swear is intentional, University Club of Kentucky gives you 36 holes of Bluegrass golf between the Arthur Hills designed Big Blue Course and the punchy Wildcat Course. Grab a tee time, log your round on their app, make it a midweek reset.

From the Lexington newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

3800 Mall Rd

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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A Lexington classic with a one-mile red-clay oval, Red Mile Gaming & Racing mixes live harness racing with a lively gaming floor, Caesars…

1200 Red Mile Rd

A Lexington classic with a one-mile red-clay oval, Red Mile Gaming & Racing mixes live harness racing with a lively gaming floor, Caesars Sportsbook, rotating live entertainment, and delightfully goofy nights like T-Rex and Wiener Dog races, making it an easy go-to when your crew wants variety.

From the Lexington newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Need a reset close to Hamburg this week? Greenbrier Golf & Country Club blends a championship 18-hole challenge with casual and fine…

2179 Bahama Rd · ✓ checked Aug 7

Need a reset close to Hamburg this week? Greenbrier Golf & Country Club blends a championship 18-hole challenge with casual and fine dining, year-round practice on TrackMan simulators, family-friendly activities, even a quiet spot to fish... a legit Lexington hideaway when you want life to exhale.

From the Lexington newsletter, August 10, 2026

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Lakeside Golf Course is a laid-back 18-hole spread on roughly 185 acres, perfect when your short game needs a reality check this week. Hit…

3725 Richmond Rd · ✓ checked Aug 19

Lakeside Golf Course is a laid-back 18-hole spread on roughly 185 acres, perfect when your short game needs a reality check this week. Hit the practice area, grab a quick bite from the snack bar, maybe poke around the pro shop, then go chase that one pure shot we live for.

From the Richmond newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Kentucky Theatre

Entertainment

Whether you’re chasing first‑run favorites or indie gems, Kentucky Theatre pairs its ornate 1922 charm with series like Summer Classics,…

214 E Main St

Whether you’re chasing first‑run favorites or indie gems, Kentucky Theatre pairs its ornate 1922 charm with series like Summer Classics, Freaky Fridays, and the Rosa Goddard International Film Festival, plus Troubadour Concerts and the homegrown Twelve Lions Film Festival.

From the Lexington newsletter, September 7, 2026

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Think bourbon education that doesn't feel like homework. The Bourbon Theatres pairs a film about Kentucky’s favorite spirit with a guided…

301 S Broadway · ✓ checked Sep 12

Think bourbon education that doesn't feel like homework. The Bourbon Theatres pairs a film about Kentucky’s favorite spirit with a guided tasting in a comfy LexLive theater, then points you to the bar for specialty cocktails. Book it for your next private group hang or team outing.

From the Lexington newsletter, September 14, 2026

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Connemara Golf Course is open for the 2026 season with public tee times, lessons if the driver’s feeling mysterious, and Bill’s Saloon for…

2327 Lexington Rd (Nicholasville)

Connemara Golf Course is open for the 2026 season with public tee times, lessons if the driver’s feeling mysterious, and Bill’s Saloon for the post-round recap. Make it a midweek thing with a buddy, because nothing cures Monday brain like a flushed 7-iron.

From the Richmond newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Griffin Gate Golf Club brings a Rees Jones 18 where legends once competed, without leaving town, with Bluegrass views, GPS carts with 3D…

1800 Newtown Pike

Griffin Gate Golf Club brings a Rees Jones 18 where legends once competed, without leaving town, with Bluegrass views, GPS carts with 3D course maps, and solid short-game practice, plus a pro shop stacked with Scotty Cameron, TaylorMade, and Odyssey. Cap it at Birdies & Bourbon, and book tee times ahead.

From the Lexington newsletter, August 31, 2026

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LexLive

Entertainment

Catch a movie, then chase high scores in the arcade, roll a few frames, and refuel with eats and drinks, all under one roof. LexLive even…

301 S Broadway · ✓ checked Sep 12

Catch a movie, then chase high scores in the arcade, roll a few frames, and refuel with eats and drinks, all under one roof. LexLive even lets you book your event, so your crew has zero excuses this week.

From the Lexington newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Lexrage

Entertainment

Whether you need to shake off a rough week or just feel like making a glorious mess, Lexrage sets you up in a rage room to smash crockery…

1301 Winchester Rd Ste 41

Whether you need to shake off a rough week or just feel like making a glorious mess, Lexrage sets you up in a rage room to smash crockery and electronics for pure catharsis. It's a satisfyingly loud reset button locals will appreciate when the to-do list won't quit.

From the Lexington newsletter, September 5, 2026

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With historic roots and a regal clubhouse, Lexington Country Club is the local go-to for lush fairways, court sports, pool time, and…

2550 Paris Pike

With historic roots and a regal clubhouse, Lexington Country Club is the local go-to for lush fairways, court sports, pool time, and genuinely good dining. It’s social without trying too hard, with tournaments and parties that make weeknights feel like a win.

From the Lexington newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Need a local fairway fix? University Club of Kentucky brings 36 holes across the Arthur Hills designed Big Blue Course and the shot shaping…

4850 Leestown Rd

Need a local fairway fix? University Club of Kentucky brings 36 holes across the Arthur Hills designed Big Blue Course and the shot shaping Wildcat Course, with rolling Bluegrass views that make even a bogey feel poetic, so grab a buddy, book a time, and go stripe it.

From the Lexington newsletter, September 21, 2026

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Need a low-effort hang this week? Fairway to Heaven Miniature Golf delivers 54 holes of outdoor biblical mini golf at Lexington Ice Center,…

560 Eureka Springs Dr

Need a low-effort hang this week? Fairway to Heaven Miniature Golf delivers 54 holes of outdoor biblical mini golf at Lexington Ice Center, perfect for friendly rivalries or kid energy burn, plus they handle birthday parties and group outings so you just show up and swing.

From the Lexington newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Chase birdies at Boone's Trace National Golf Club on its challenging 18 holes perched over the Kentucky River, then roll into the newly…

175 Gleneagles Blvd (Richmond)

Chase birdies at Boone's Trace National Golf Club on its challenging 18 holes perched over the Kentucky River, then roll into the newly renovated clubhouse for chef-inspired comfort at the Bar & Grill. Practice range, putting areas, and friendly pros make it an easy midweek tune-up or weekend escape.

From the Richmond newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Bugsy’s Entertainment packs state-of-the-art bowling, a massive arcade, creative putt-putt, immersive attractions, and a legit food and bar…

2049 Bryant Rd · ✓ checked Sep 12

Bugsy’s Entertainment packs state-of-the-art bowling, a massive arcade, creative putt-putt, immersive attractions, and a legit food and bar lineup into one easy hang. Rally the crew, snag a lane, crush some pizza, and let friendly trash talk do its thing this week.

From the Lexington newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Casual dining chain with bowling, laser tag, an arcade, and ropes course.

240 Canary Rd

Casual dining chain with bowling, laser tag, an arcade, and ropes course.

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