Welcome to Lexington, where game day is just the beginning. Whether you’re here to cheer on the Cats or support your team on the road, Lexington has plenty to keep you here before kickoff and long after the final whistle. From bourbon tastings and local restaurants to horse country and downtown attractions, make the most of your time in the Horse Capital of the World with a little more Lexington before and after the game.
Thursday: Arrive & Explore
Pictured: The Manchester Hotel
You’ve made it to Lexington for a fun-filled weekend. Settle in at one of Lexington’s many accommodations, then head downtown for your first taste of the city. Grab a bourbon at Bluegrass Tavern or Bourbon on Rye, or head to Fresh Bourbon for a unique tasting and mixology experience.
When hunger strikes, downtown has something for every craving, from oysters and pizza at Pearl’s and Kentucky classics at Carson’s on Main to authentic Thai dishes at Osha Thai Kitchen & Bar and sushi at Buddha Lounge. After dinner, stick around for a night out. With downtown’s walkable streets and the LexRide shuttle going between downtown, the Distillery District, and the Warehouse Block, it’s easy to keep the evening going.
Friday: Experience Lexington
Pictured: Morning Training at Keeneland
With a full day before kickoff, take some time to experience what makes Lexington the Horse Capital of the World. Start your morning with a behind-the-scenes look at the region's horse industry through Visit Horse Country, which offers guided experiences at working Thoroughbred farms, veterinary clinics, adoption facilities, and feed mills. At Keeneland, grab a traditional Southern breakfast at The Track Kitchen, then catch a glimpse of morning training on the Morning Works Tour.
From there, spend the afternoon exploring Lexington's charming neighborhoods. Stroll the streets of Chevy Chase, where you'll find local boutiques, shops, and restaurants, then head to Clay Avenue for even more shopping. For a mix of local and national shopping and dining, visit Fritz Farm. Downtown, stop by the Lexington Visitors Center to pick up Kentucky souvenirs and exclusive Blue Horse merchandise.
As the day winds down, make your way to the iconic Distillery District for an evening of food, bourbon, and live music. Explore the historic James E. Pepper Distillery, then grab a slice of pizza at Goodfellas Pizzeria or a bowl of Kentucky burgoo at The Elkhorn Tavern. After dinner, try duckpin bowling at District 7 Social or go across the street to The Burl for arcade games and live music. With plenty of ways to eat, drink, and play, the Distillery District is an easy place to spend the evening.
Saturday: Game Day in the Bluegrass
Pictured: Game day at Kroger Field
It’s game day in Lexington. Arrive at Kroger Field early and join Big Blue Nation for a classic Kentucky tailgate. As kickoff approaches, head to Gate 1 for the Cat Walk, a Kentucky football tradition where fans gather to cheer on the Wildcats as they enter the stadium.
Once inside, settle in for the full Kentucky game-day experience. From the Wildcat Marching Band and pregame traditions to the chants and energy of Big Blue Nation, there’s plenty to take in before and during the game.
After the final whistle, keep the night going with dinner and drinks. Head downtown for dinner at East End Tap and Table or a cocktail at Centro, explore the Warehouse Block with a craft beer at Mirror Twin Brewing or dinner at Minton's, or make your way to Chevy Chase for a post-game meal at Bear & The Butcher and drinks at Charlie Brown's. Wherever the night takes you, celebrate the Kentucky way with a bourbon.
Sunday: Stay a Little Longer
Pictured: Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
Before you head home, make the most of your last day in Lexington. Start with a sit-down brunch at DV8 Kitchen or Doodles, or grab a quick pastry from Purple Yum Bakery Cafe or Frank's Donuts. Spend some time getting to know Lexington’s bourbon culture with a tour and tasting at RD1 Spirits Distillery in The Commons or Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., one of the few combined brewing and distilling operations in the world.
Then, make one last stop at Keeneland to stroll the grounds or catch a race during the Fall Meet, October 2–24, 2026, before hitting the road. After a weekend of football, horses, bourbon, and good food, you might just find a reason to stay another night.
Know Before You Go
Getting to Kroger Field
Make game day easier by planning your route to Kroger Field ahead of time. If you have a parking pass, follow the directions provided with your pass and arrive early to allow time for parking and tailgating. For visitors without a parking pass, Lextran offers game-day transportation to Kroger Field for $1 each way, with service beginning three hours before kickoff and continuing for one hour after the game ends. For more game-day information from UK Athletics, click here.
Tailgating at Kroger Field
Tailgating is part of the Kentucky football tradition, and you don't need your own parking spot to enjoy it. Join an existing tailgate or walk through the rows around Kroger Field to take in the food, music, and energy before kickoff. Visiting fans are welcome to join the fun, too.
Around the Stadium
Even if you don't have a ticket, you can still be part of the game-day action. Head to one of Lexington's nearby spots to catch the game on the big screen. Campus Pub offers a lively game-day atmosphere near UK, while Local Taco has plenty of TVs, tacos, and margaritas. For a little more entertainment, LexLive features massive video walls, dozens of screens, food and drinks, plus bowling and arcade games.
Where to Stay
Make the most of your weekend by choosing a hotel that's convenient to the places you want to visit. Browse Lexington's hotels by location, including options near the University of Kentucky for easy access to Kroger Field or near Keeneland and the Blue Grass Airport for convenient access to horse country and the airport. View a complete list of accommodations on our places to stay page.
