📰 In the news

Preparing students to serve Kentucky’s rural communities: The University of Kentucky has launched the Rural Public Health Scholars program to help address the state’s rural health care workforce shortage by providing students with hands-on learning experiences in rural communities. Learn how the program is shaping the next generation of rural health leaders.

Water bills could rise by $9 a month: Kentucky American Water has proposed a rate increase to fund over $212 million in infrastructure improvements, including pipe replacements and storage upgrades across Fayette and nearby counties — here’s how much your bill could go up.

Storm cleanup forces school closures in Laurel and Pulaski Counties: Schools in both Laurel and Pulaski counties were forced to closed as crews work to clear storm debris, restore power, and support families impacted by Friday night’s deadly weather — read more about the ongoing recovery efforts.

Other highlights this week:

• Support literacy with baseball tickets
• Cook smarter at this diabetes class
• Hear powerful stories at this Freedom Train
• Prioritize wellness at this health fair
• Sip tea while honoring trailblazers
• Lexington Opera House survives two rebuilds

✨ We got your back

Hole lotta love: When your carb cravings hit a 10, Southland Bagel comes through with the kind of chewy, golden perfection that demands a schmear (or six). Sweet, savory, stacked sky-high—we don’t judge. We just hope you get there before the everything bagels are gone.

Sip happens: Craving something cold, chewy, and dangerously addictive? The drinks at Tsaocha are equal parts caffeine, fruit, and snack—all in one cup. Customize your order like a boba sommelier or stick with the house fave, but fair warning: that first slurp might become a full-blown personality trait.

Plot twist! You walked in just to browse… and somehow left Black Swan Books with a towering TBR pile, a tote bag, and deep emotional attachment to a story you haven’t even read yet. Cozy, chaotic, or cat-adjacent—whatever your genre, the shelves here never disappoint.

Green thumbs up: Whether you’re a seasoned plant whisperer or the kind of person who needs a succulent with a survival guide, Michler’s Florist, Greenhouses & Garden Design has what you need to make your home 47% leafier. Warning: side effects may include impulse-buying a fiddle-leaf fig and naming it.

👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?

Own or manage a local business? Thousands of your future fans read our emails — advertising your products, services, listings, and events with us is easy. Find out how it works →

🔔Coming soon

Founders Day at McConnell Springs | May 31st

Ready to time travel without leaving town? Founders Day at McConnell Springs is your one-way ticket to 1775—minus the smallpox and bear attacks. Roam 27 acres of woodland trails, try your hand at tomahawk throwing, spy on a blacksmith, or just vibe to traditional music while kids duel with pioneer toys.

There’s colonial crafts, settler cooking demos, and a whole frontier village to wander through. And yes, it’s completely free. Bring your bug spray and a healthy dose of curiosity. Learn more here.

Arty Party | June 8th

Consider this your official invite to get a little weird (in the best way). The Arty Party is a progressive block hop through Lexington’s Warehouse Block, where immersive art installations, curated cocktails, and colorful surprises wait around every corner.

From scoops of ice cream to vintage golf cart rides (yes, really), it’s a joyful, well-dressed romp through one of the city’s most creative corners. Even the cocktails come with a splash of local flair. Dress to impress your inner artist and grab your ticket here.

📆 Around town

All events are subject to change without notice. Please check event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Know of an event we should include? Submit it here for free.

This week

🌽 Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit @ University of Kentucky | Wednesday (5/21) at 12:30 pm – Farmers, foodies, and changemakers unite! This summit dives deep into Kentucky’s food systems and wraps with FoodChain’s night FEAST — a delicious finale of local eats, fundraising, and community vibes. Tickets are à la carte, so pick your flavor.

🎨 Abstract Painting Workshop with Lennon Michalski @ UK Fine Arts Institute | Wednesday (5/21) at 6 pm – Get your hands messy and your creativity flowing at this hands-on painting workshop led by artist Lennon Michalski. Think stained-glass vibes meets 19th-century drama, all with a modern twist. No experience needed — just bring your curiosity (and maybe an apron).

📚 Kentucky Great Writers @ Carnegie Center | Wednesday (5/21) at 6:30 pm – Three literary powerhouses with deep Kentucky roots take the mic for a night of words and wit. If you’re a sucker for good stories, poignant prose, or just want to rub elbows with local lit legends — this is your jam.

🧠 BIA Cares 90s Trivia Night @ The Annex – Mirror Twin Brewing Co | Thursday (5/22) at 5 pm – Dig out your JNCOs and slap bracelets — it’s 90s trivia night, baby. Trivia kicks off at 6, and it’s all in support of BIA Cares’ local projects. Come flex your retro knowledge and sip something cold for a good cause.

🚲 Back to 80’s Bike Night @ Man O’ War Harley-Davidson | Friday (5/23) at 6 pm – Tease your hair, dig out the neon, and rev up that nostalgia — it’s ‘80s night at Man O’ War Harley-Davidson. Expect brews, bites, big hair contests, and your shot at a $250 gift card (just don’t try to spend it on a new hog).

🍬 Sugar Days! @ Alltech Arena | Friday – Sunday (5/23 – 5/25) at 10 am – Sweet tooths, assemble. This sprawling marketplace is a treasure trove of upscale goods and unique finds, with hundreds of vendors ready to tempt you into a shopping spree you absolutely deserve.

This weekend

🍻 THE DRUNKEN FLEA @ The Burl | Saturday (5/24) at 12 pm – It’s a springtime flea with a buzz — literally. With 50+ vendors, cold beer on tap, and a few surprises up its sleeve, The Drunken Flea is the place to score weird treasures and weekend bragging rights. Bonus: it’s only five bucks to get in, and kids 16 and under get in free.

🩰 Kentucky Ballet Theatre presents Sleeping Beauty @ Lexington Opera House | Saturday (5/24) at 2 pm – The classic tale of enchanted slumber hits the stage in tutu perfection. Bring the fam to see the Kentucky Ballet Theatre spin this timeless fairytale — complete with an evil fairy, a long nap, and a prince who shows up just in time.

💃 Brew & Groove, FREE Salsa Night @ Blue Stallion Brewing Company | Saturday (5/24) at 7 pm – Cold beer meets hot moves. Get a free salsa lesson and dance to tropical beats all night with Lexington’s friendliest dance crowd. No partner? No problem. Just bring your hips and your happy feet.

🐎 Long Format Clinic @ Masterson Station Park | Sunday (5/25) at 11 am – Horse lovers and eventing nerds, this one’s for you. Learn the secrets of steeplechase, fine-tune your jog, and get vet box savvy with help from pros like Cathy Wieschhoff and Kerry Millikin.

🌞 Hello Summer Sunday Pop-Up @ Hamburg | Sunday (5/25) at 12 pm – Summer’s knocking, and so are 60+ local vendors ready to show off their handmade goods. Swing by outside Regal Cinema for sunshine, shopping, and supporting local creativity in the heart of Hamburg.

🎶 Live music & comedy

• 5/21 Bridge City Sinners @ The Burl – 8 pm
• 5/22 Lauren Mink Band @ Central Bank – 5:30 pm
• 5/22 Rise from the Ash Bash @ The Red Mile – 5:30 pm
• 5/22 Coheed and Cambria @ Rupp Arena – 7 pm
• 5/22 Emily Hines and more @ The Green Lantern – 7 pm
• 5/22 Just Vibes Only @ Night Kitty Karaoke – 8 pm
• 5/23 five below band @ Proud Mary BBQ – 6 pm
• 5/23 Flashback @ Cellar Bar – 7 pm
• 5/23 Lettuce @ The Burl – 8 pm
• 5/23 Rhythm Phoenix @ Banners – 8 pm
• 5/23 Tyler Dawson @ Country Boy Brewing – 8 pm
• 5/23 Hicktown Romeo @ Backstretch Sports Bar – 8 pm
• 5/24 Brew & Groove @ Blue Stallion Brewing – 7 pm
• 5/24 Guardin and more @ Manchester Music Hall – 8 pm
• 5/24 GTL Trio @ The Elkhorn Tavern – 8 pm
• 5/25 Nerd Nite Lex @ West Sixth Brewing – 7 pm

🏠 This house is wild

*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.

Listed by: Deborah I Back (The Brokerage)

This five bedroom, six bathroom cape cod stunner in 40502 has 7,552 square feet of custom craftsmanship and southern charm, built in 2023 on a 0.38-acre lot. Think cathedral ceilings with wood beams, six fireplaces, walkout basement with a custom bar (yes, with a waterfall island), and a heated gunite pool for good measure.

The chef’s kitchen? Impeccable. The five-car garage? Collector-ready. With two primary suites (one with a fireplace and lake views), deep moldings, designer cabinetry, and a media room with five TVs, this place isn’t just elegant—it’s epic. No HOA, just high-end everything.

Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →