
Lexington

Happy Tuesday! You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let BaseLocal serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead:
- New brunch spot 🥓
- Zoning overhaul 🏗️
- 70K lollipops 🍭
- Things to do 🗓️
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
James Beard-nominated cafe coming soon: Cafe Patachou, an acclaimed Indiana brunch spot known for dishes like waffled grilled cheese and gourmet cinnamon toast, will open its first Kentucky location this fall at The Summit at Fritz Farm. Get a peek at the menu and new tenants.
Zoning laws set for overhaul: In response to a new state law taking effect this summer, Lexington must revise its development approval process to speed up and standardize construction reviews. Here are five key things to know.
Schools face $16M budget gap: Fayette County School Board is reviewing an $848.6 million tentative budget with a projected $16 million deficit. Options on the table include spending cuts, increased grant efforts, or a new levy. Here’s what you need to know.
Other highlights this week:
- Mom gets 70k lollipops on Mother’s Day
- Learn to cook diabetic-friendly meals
- Volunteer at the horse trials
- Pay tribute to the Vietnam Memorial Wall
- Get free mulch at the Old Landfill Pad
- Swap greenery at this plant sale
✨ We got your back
Shake it off: Today’s World Cocktail Day, and Lost Palm is the place to raise a glass. Whether you’re a classic martini type, a fan of a good old fashioned, or after something that doesn’t taste like it’s 80 proof, their cozy atmosphere and generous pours never disappoint.
Say yes to the best: There are mozzarella sticks… and then there are Paisano’s thick cuts of breaded cheese. They crunch on the outside (hello, hand breaded), pack allll the flavor on the inside, and are served just hot enough to remind you why patience is a virtue.
Level up your wardrobe: Closet feeling a little “eh”? Olive You Boutique is your upgrade button. Whether you’re hunting down graphic tees, vintage gems, unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else, or a jacket that magically makes you look cooler, they’ve got the goods.
Stare at some trees: Overwhelmed? Burnt out? Tired of sitting in front of a screen? The Arboretum is the go-to spot for powering down, quieting your mind, and appreciating how the sun shines through the trees. Best part? It costs nothing (except time and fuel to get there).
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🔔Coming soon
Bourbon & Bites | May 30th
This isn’t your average bourbon tasting—it’s a full-bodied affair. Bourbon & Bites is pouring premium Kentucky pours from icons like Wild Turkey, Jim Beam, and Rabbit Hole, plus tossing in cocktail demos, a whiskey wall of prizes, and a cigar lounge for good measure.
Appetizers? All bourbon-infused. Keepsake whiskey glass? Included. A chance to win whiskey or golf gear? Also yes. Come for the spirits, stay for the swagger. Get the details here.
Family Fun Day | June 7th
If your crew includes kids, curious critter-lovers, or people who simply love free stuff, this one’s a no-brainer. Family Fun Day at Duncan Park is bringing out the big guns: face painting, a reptile zoo, a bubble car (yes, really), free food and drinks, and even a stash of goodies to take home.
Oh, and did we mention it’s all free? Because it is. Round up the fam and see what’s in store.
📆 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
🍻 Lexington Craft Beer Week @ Various Locations | Tuesday–Sunday (5/13–5/18) – Lexington Craft Beer Week is in full swing and brimming with hoppy happenings, themed events, and pint-stealing deals (yes, you read that right). Whether you’re a lager loyalist or a cider sipper, this is your cue to drink local and toast the folks who make it all happen.
🍺 West Sixth Beer Garden @ Woodland Park | Thursday (5/15) at 4 pm – Grab a blanket, bring your crew (and your dog), and kick back for a chill evening of local brews and bites. This Craft Beer Week edition features the Country Western collab with Country Boy, eats from Nourished Folks and West Sixth Cantina, and dessert by Sav’s Chill. All ages, all vibes, all good.
🌭 Franks and Berms Social Ride @ Veterans Park | Thursday (5/15) at 6 pm – Mountain biking, hot dogs, and chill company? Count us in. Ride through Veterans Park trails with casual no-drop groups, then reward your effort with franks (or veggie dogs) and cold drinks. It’s just five bucks and all the stoke you can handle.
📚 Free Book Friday @ International Book Project | Friday (5/16) at 9 am – Free books, y’all. Need we say more? Swing by, snag some new reads, and let the kids dive into a globally inspired craft while you’re at it. Donations welcome, good vibes guaranteed.
🐴 Kentucky May-Daze Horse Trials @ Kentucky Horse Park | Friday (5/16) at 8 am – Saddle up for a full day of adrenaline and elegance at the first chance to ride the KHP cross-country course post-Kentucky Three-Day. From Starter to Preliminary levels, it’s a serious showcase of skill with Olympic champ David O’Connor designing the tracks. Horse girl summer starts here.
🖼️ LexArts HOP @ Downtown Lexington | Friday (5/16) at 5 pm – Thirty-plus venues, one vibrant city. Hop between galleries, studios, and pop-ups during Lexington’s beloved art crawl. This month’s must-see: “Rooted in Lexington,” plus food, drink, and late-night hangs to keep the creativity flowing.
This weekend
🏐 2025 Bluegrass Battle @ Southland Park | Saturday (5/17) at 9 am – Volleyball gets fierce with a full day of competition, prizes, and team spirit at Southland Park. From rec squads to elite spikers, there’s a bracket for everyone—and maybe even a cold one waiting after the final serve.
🛴 Streetfest @ Shropshire Avenue | Saturday (5/17) at 10 am – Say goodbye to traffic and hello to playtime. Shropshire Avenue transforms into a community playground with bubbles, bikes, sidewalk chalk, and food trucks. It’s springtime street vibes done right.
🍓 2025 Strawberry Daze Festival @ Black Soil KY Fulfillment Center | Saturday (5/17) at 11 am – Fresh berries, local pride, and some seriously sweet deals. Meet the farmer behind the flavor, score 20% off market goodies, and celebrate Kentucky’s growing season the juiciest way possible.
🧶 Barn to Yarn Workshop @ Cedar Hill Fiber Farm | Saturday (5/17) at 1 pm – Dreaming of your own flock of fiber friends? This hands-on workshop walks you through the fluffy world of alpacas, goats, rabbits, and more. You’ll leave with real samples and maybe a new passion for fleece.
🌈 Rainbow Run 5k @ Coldstream Park/Legacy Trail | Saturday (5/17) at 6 pm – Lace up, show your colors, and move with pride through Lexington’s most vibrant 5K. Whether you run or stroll, this feel-good race supports the Lexington Pride Center and promises plenty of cheer along the trail.
🚛 Monster Jam @ Rupp Arena | Saturday (5/17) at 7 pm – Buckle up for a night of dirt-flying, engine-roaring, jaw-dropping stunts. Monster Jam brings larger-than-life trucks and fierce racing to the heart of Lexington. You even get to judge the action—Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, and more await your scorecard.
🪴 May Plant Swap & Shop @ Blue Stallion Brewing Company | Sunday (5/18) at 12 pm – Calling all plant parents: it’s time to trade, adopt, or just admire some leafy treasures. Whether you’ve got rooted cuttings or a jungle’s worth of pothos, there’s a place (and possibly a beer) for you here. No plants? No problem. Freebies and good vibes await.
🎤 May Storytelling Night @ West Sixth | Sunday (5/18) at 7 pm – Grab a brew and settle in for a night of juicy tales at Horse’s Mouth. This month’s theme? Drama. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, you might even cringe—but you definitely won’t be bored. Got a story to tell? The mic’s waiting.
🎶 Live music & comedy
- 5/14 Wood Belly @ The Burl – 8 pm
- 5/15 Jake Xerxes Fussell @ The Burl – 8 pm
- 5/16 Univibes and more @ Tandy Park – 5 pm
- 5/16 VSP Band @ Proud Mary BBQ – 6 pm
- 5/16 Jay Pharoah @ Comedy Off Broadway – 7 pm
- 5/16 The Baja Yetis @ The Burl – 8 pm
- 5/16 Alien Ant Farm @ Manchester Music Hall – 8 pm
- 5/17 Gwar and more @ Manchester Music Hall – 7 pm
- 5/17 Pete Wallace & Friends @ Kenwick Table – 7 pm
- 5/17 Rewind Band @ Cellar Bar & Grille – 8 pm
- 5/17 Sons of Habit @ The Burl – 8 pm
- 5/17 Calamity Jane @ Red Mile – 9 pm
- 5/18 Matt Heckler @ The Burl – 8 pm
- 5/18 Black Jacket Symphony @ Lexington Opera House – 4 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: Steven C Wathen & Thomas M Buckley (Turf Town Properties)
This five bedroom, seven bathroom stunner in Lexington’s Lakewood neighborhood is 6,684 square feet of seriously luxe living on a .69-acre lot. Built in 1956 but fully updated, it features a custom kitchen with quartz counters, pro-grade gas cooktop, and a giant fridge/freezer duo. There’s a main-floor primary suite with two full baths, a great room with wet bar, finished walk-out basement, and even a gym.
Don’t miss the Jack & Jill bath upstairs or the bonus room ready to finish over the garage. There’s no HOA, but who needs one when your backyard overlooks a pond?
Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →

220 W. Congress Street, Detroit
United States of America
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