This weekend in Lexington, KY

John’s Run/Walk Shop hosts a free community 5K in Lexington’s Hamburg area for runners and walkers of all paces. Participants can look forward to prizes, including chances to win race entries, adidas shoe demos, a timing clock to track progress, and snacks such as donuts with water available. The shop also offers a weekly group run and walk where everyone is welcome. This event is sponsored by adidas.

Suitable for all experience levels, this yoga session features a moderate vinyasa practice with gentle stretching, followed by complimentary access to the pool for the day at the Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa. Both resort guests and the general public are welcome. Attendance is limited to 20 participants, and pre-registration with a completed waiver is required. This event is weather permitting.

The Kentucky Card Show Expo brings a large scale marketplace to the Hyatt Regency Downtown Lexington, featuring more than 150 vendor tables with sports cards, Pokémon, TCG, and a wide range of vintage and modern collectibles. Attendees can buy, sell, and trade throughout the show, with free admission for everyone. Highlights include raffle giveaways valued at $100 or more, a dedicated Kids Trade Zone, and free Pokémon cards for children. Vendors travel in from multiple states, and the setting is family friendly in a spacious downtown venue. An invite only vendor trade night is planned for industry participants. Vendor tables and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Explore loose, expressive watercolor in a relaxed two-hour floral class that favors mood and atmosphere over tiny details. Through demonstrations and unhurried practice time, participants work with wet-into-wet and wet-on-dry techniques and experiment with intuitive color mixing. The goal is to build confidence and finish with a vibrant painting to take home. Suitable for all experience levels. Water cups, paper towels, and Arches 100% cotton watercolor paper are provided, and a limited selection of extra supplies can be requested upon arrival.

Build confidence with a digital camera in a beginner friendly workshop that concentrates on using manual controls and crafting strong compositions. The morning session covers how aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and deep or shallow depth of field work together. The afternoon session moves to downtown Lexington around Fifth Third Bank Pavilion to practice natural light photography while refining settings and composition. Participants are responsible for their own transportation between locations. Participants must be 18 or older. Advance registration is required. Tuition is $140. Questions can be sent to Lennon at lennonmichalski@gmail.com.

Build a solid foundation in Egyptian bellydance with Safiya in a six-class fundamentals series centered on Raqs Sharqi, the stage-oriented style also known as Eastern, Oriental, or Classical bellydance. Each class breaks down short sets of movements using traditional technique, then links them into combinations that support memorization and deepen musical understanding. Participants will also explore a bit of the dance’s history and culture, hear classic bellydance music, and apply those insights in practice. Instruction focuses on technique and core building blocks. Expect work on turns, traveling steps, directional changes, level changes, and other connective elements that bring the dance together, offering a practical tune-up for essential skills. New students are welcome, and dancers of all experience levels can participate. Attend the complete series or drop in as schedules allow. Pricing options include a $20 plus tax drop-in rate per class, the ability to use a Class Card or MU Pass, and a $75 rate for the entire six-class session. Classes are available in studio and online through the private ArabesqueLex-Online group.

The Lexington Antique Show at Athens takes place each month on the second weekend, welcoming visitors on Saturday and Sunday to explore antiques.

Rc Outlaw Cowboy will be playing a music show at Home Town Furniture on Lexington Road in Athens, Georgia.

Bluey’s Big Play brings the Emmy Award winning children’s series from screen to stage with a full theatrical production at Lexington Opera House in Lexington, KY. The Heelers appear in their first live theatre show, featuring skillfully crafted puppets that bring the characters to life. Multiple showtimes are available. Tickets are on sale now. This presentation is by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay, in association with Windmill Theatre Co. For secure purchases, use the official ticketing outlet, as third party resale is not permitted on the event page.

Get spooky-silly at this Sumerween paint party for ages 6 and up. You’ll be painting a “Hot Ghost Summer” style piece during a family-friendly specialty workshop. The session runs from late morning into early afternoon, with options for upgrades, special add-ons like mocktails, and extra painting-related experiences. Alcohol isn’t allowed, and spectators are not permitted.

Spooky fun meets sunny vibes at Painting with a Twist in Lexington, where guests create a playful ghost floating in an inner tube. Ashley leads a step-by-step lesson that welcomes beginners and offers a relaxed creative experience for any skill level. All supplies are included, and the session works well for a friends outing, a date, or a solo creative escape. For an extra touch, an optional DIY soy candle activity is available before the painting so you can craft a custom scent to match the Summerween mood.

Join the University of Kentucky Art Museum for Family Day: Bug Out, an in-person afternoon of hands-on activities and crafts inspired by the insects featured in the Museum of Natural History and Artificial Curiosities exhibition. You’ll make your own bug figure using colorful craft materials, with help on the basics and plenty of room for creativity. Children of all ages are welcome, craft materials are provided, and the event is free to attend. Reservations guarantee admission, though walk-ins are welcome.

Explore FoodChain’s indoor aquaponics farm on a guided tour that reveals how fish and plants grow together in a sustainable, soil-free setup that produces fresh food throughout the year. Walk through the production systems while learning how they function and how aquaponics supports food access and education in the community, with attention to current research efforts and collaborations with classrooms. This experience is suited for students, educators, gardeners, food enthusiasts, and anyone curious about innovative growing methods, offering a hands-on look at making local food systems smarter and more sustainable. The tour also shows how the farm, the kitchen, and the community are interconnected.

Settle in for a relaxed night of Commander filled with memorable plays, friendly games, and welcoming company. This casual gathering is open to brand-new players and longtime fans, offering an easy way to learn the game and connect with the community. Entry is $6, and each participant receives one booster pack with entry. Preconstructed decks are available to borrow for the duration of the event, so you can jump right in or try something different.

Experience a creative stop in the America the Beautiful series with a painting session inspired by the New England coast. Calm ocean views and the charm of seaside towns set the scene for a relaxing artistic escape in Lexington, Kentucky. Ashley leads with step by step instruction that welcomes beginners, and all materials are provided. This session suits friends, date nights, or anyone seeking a solo creative outing. Participants can collect passport stamps across the series, and after attending four events in America the Beautiful, receive a complimentary paint party in 2026.

This concert focuses on the works of Anthony Philip Heinrich, known in Kentucky as the “Beethoven of America.” Voices, piano, and a variety of instruments come together to bring his music to life. The lineup includes University of Kentucky Music Professor Emeritus Ron Pen, performers from the Eastern Kentucky University School of Music, and other regional musicians.

A circus-inspired evening sets the tone for the fifteenth annual summer concert series supporting the Makenna Foundation. Expect live music, a silent auction, plenty of kid-friendly activities, and a variety of food trucks. Admission is a $10 donation per person, with free entry for children 12 and under.

The 42nd Annual CHI Saint Joseph Health A Midsummer Night's Run is a live, in person 5K in downtown Lexington. Race day includes packet pickup, a meeting for Fastest Kid in Town participants and their parents, and races for children ages 2 to 12. A brief pre race program leads into the 5K start. After the finish, the awards tent opens for age group awards honoring the top three male and female runners in each five year division, and the top three male and female overall are recognized.

A rolling bike night brings riders together for a group ride from Man O’ War Harley-Davidson to Great Spirits 23. After the ride, the fun continues with live music from THOUSAND FOUR. Country Boy Brewing will be pouring cold drinks, and Redneckers Food Truck will keep the food coming. Expect motorcycles, music, and time spent with the riding community.

Grace Leer is performing at the Lexington Opera House as part of a country-focused night of music. The show starts in the evening, with local venue time listed for the performance.

The Gastonia Ghost Peppers come to Lexington to face the Lexington Legends at Legends Field, formerly known as Counter Clocks Field, in Lexington, Kentucky. Expect a relaxed ballpark experience as a distinctive visiting club meets the hometown team. Be there from the start to soak up the atmosphere and the pace and unique moments that only an in-person baseball game provides.

Lexington SC hosts Phoenix Rising FC at Lexington Sporting Club Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky. A Western Conference contender heads out on the road while the home side looks to assert itself, and their contrasting styles are set to heighten the tension. The late summer atmosphere adds to the sense of occasion. Those planning to attend are encouraged to secure tickets in advance to be in place for kickoff.

Celebrate country music with a symphonic twist as an orchestra performs fresh arrangements of classic and contemporary hits from Nashville. Hear favorites made famous by artists such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Kasey Musgraves, Reba McEntire and more, all reimagined for a full symphonic sound. This concert spotlights beloved songs across generations, blending the heart of country with the power of an orchestral performance.

At Neon Moon Bar and Lounge, this karaoke contest scores performers on singing ability, audience reaction, and presence on stage. Strong vocals can help balance other elements of a set, so memorizing lyrics and preparing your delivery are encouraged. Regular karaoke nights leading up to the contest provide a chance to get familiar with the system and lock in a favorite song. The winner receives $300.

The inaugural Motorfest presents a showcase of classic cars and bikes with food, live music, and plenty of fun. Many Shriners will be in attendance.

Bluey's Big Play brings the Heeler family to the stage at the Lexington Opera House with a new story created for live theatre. Dad is hoping for a little quiet time, but Bluey and Bingo have other plans, using their favorite games and clever ideas to get him off the bean bag. Adapted from the Emmy award-winning television series, the production features an original script by series creator Joe Brumm and new music by composer Joff Bush. Puppetry brings the characters to life in a fresh onstage experience. Presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co.

Settle in for a free outdoor yoga session beneath the trees at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate. All experience levels are welcome, from first-timers to longtime practitioners. The setting offers a calm space to reconnect with yourself, enjoy the natural surroundings, and share practice with others who appreciate being outdoors. Please bring a yoga mat or a towel, and feel free to invite a friend. There is no cost to attend, and voluntary donations to Ashland are appreciated.

Settle into a relaxed Sunday afternoon alongside Lexington area knitters, crocheters, and stitchers, working on projects in a warm and welcoming setting. Share what you are making, swap tips, and learn from fellow crafters. Everyone from first timers to seasoned makers is welcome. For a cozy touch, step next door to Olive's Apron for warm tea and snacks to enjoy while you stitch and chat.

A tea on the lawn honors the leadership and contributions of E. Belle Mitchell Jackson, Mary Britton, and the women of the Colored Orphan Industrial Home, reflecting a legacy that spans 1892 to 1988. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Enjoying the excitement of gambling should not lead to losses in everyday life. This SMART Gambling Meeting uses the SMART Recovery approach, which emphasizes building self-reliance rather than a sense of powerlessness. Sessions are discussion based, with participants speaking with one another in a peer-to-peer format. Continued attendance is welcomed for months or years, without the expectation of a lifelong commitment.

Ceili & Co. brings a traveling social dance series to Blue Stallion Brewing, popping up at local taprooms and patios this summer. It begins with a beginner friendly workshop that teaches a classic Irish social dance, followed by a relaxed social hour to connect and enjoy a local pour. No experience or partner is required, and dancers of all levels are welcome. Presented by Bluegrass Ceili Academy.

Meredith guides a gentle sound journey shaped by the shimmering tones of Himalayan and crystal singing bowls to relax the body, quiet the mind, and invite simple presence. Soft layers from rainstick, ocean drum, and rattles move through the room, offering steadiness and ease. The vibrations are meant to be felt as well as heard, encouraging you to settle in, let go, and rest deeply. Everyone is welcome. Bring curiosity and an open heart.