Looking for somewhere off the beaten path for your next meeting? Somewhere that goes beyond your typical hotel ballroom or convention center? We have you covered here in Lexington, with one-of-a-kind venues for events of all sizes--each with their own unique ties to Central Kentucky’s history and culture. Here’s a few of our favorites:
- Limestone Hall
Located in the heart of downtown in Lexington's newly-renovated historic courthouse, Limestone Hall’s showpiece is a stunning view of the courthouse’s restored dome, studded with twinkling lights. The venue offers multiple event rooms that can accommodate up to 750 guests. With an on-site catering kitchen and a location that can’t be beaten (it’s just upstairs from the Lexington Visitor Center--perfect for out-of-town groups) it combines Lexington’s rich history with plenty of modern touches.
- Carrick House
Located within an easy walk of our downtown hotels, the Carrick House is an 1809 Greek Revival home designed by architect Gideon Shyrock. The original house--a beautiful and historic Southern mansion--can accommodate up to 150 guests cocktail style, 50 for a seated function, and 80 guests banquet style. But if you’re planning a bigger event, just book the newer Grand Ballroom addition, which can accommodate up to 500. Don’t miss out on the rooftop garden and patio!
- Fasig-Tipton
Fasig-Tipton is more than a global Thoroughbred auction company. It’s also a uniquely Kentucky event venue. Fasig-Tipton’s Lexington division offers a variety of spaces for events of all sizes, with room for up to 750 attendees in its iconic Sales Arena. The auctioneer's booth is, of course, perfect for charity auctions.
- Woodford Reserve Club at Kroger Field
It’s hard to get more Kentucky than the Woodford Reserve Club at Kroger Field--the home of University of Kentucky football. The Club offers a comfortable, climate-controlled lounge, catering and bar service, a patio that overlooks the field, and, of course, outdoor chair-back seating with some of the best game-day views in the house.
- Keeneland
With a variety of locations to choose from on Keeneland’s historic grounds, you’ll be able to find the perfect space for your event, from historic mansions to barns to dining rooms with views of the track. Keeneland’s many event spaces can accommodate groups as small as 12 and as large as 1,000. No matter what you choose, you’ll have an iconic setting, gorgeous views of this National Historic Landmark, and Keeneland’s experienced Hospitality staff to help your day go perfectly. (Looking to add some additional fun to your agenda? Check out the culinary experiences offered by Keeneland’s hospitality team and Executive Chef.)
- The Apiary
This spectacular downtown venue transports guests into a hidden world that blends Southern hospitality with old-world craftsmanship. The Apiary is simultaneously grand and intimate, hidden away behind weathered walls and landscaping that includes food gardens for the on-site kitchens. The venue accommodates groups up to 300 people.
- Headley-Whitney Museum
This eclectic museum showcases art objects made from precious and semi-precious stones designed and collected by George Headley from the early 1930s to the late 1970s. Rotating exhibits add to the ambience of this one-of-a-kind space. A variety of spaces can be rented for special events, making the museum great for sit-down dinners, meetings and lectures from 40 to 200 people.
- Lexington Opera House
Built in 1886 and lovingly restored, the Lexington Opera House adds a touch of old-world glamour to any event. In addition to the auditorium itself--which seats about 1,000--the Opera House offers a variety of smaller spaces, including lobbies, galleries, and Pardy’s Pub in the lower level.
- Round Barn Stable of Memories
Built in 1882, the Round Barn is one of Lexington’s most recognizable architectural landmarks. The four-story barn was originally designed as an exhibition hall, and was later used to house horses and tack for races at the Red Mile Race Track next door. Today, the space is used for events of all sorts, and can accommodate up to 500 attendees using both the ground floor and the second-level balcony.
- Shaker Village
Just 45 minutes from Lexington, Shaker Village combines incredible service with a tranquil setting. Located within a 3,000-acre nature preserve, Shaker Village’s restored historic buildings are perfect for events with up to 200 attendees--after all, this place has been used for community meetings since 1805.
- The Thoroughbred Center
Surrounded by beautiful horse farms, this Thoroughbred training facility lends a distinctly Kentucky feel to any event. The equestrian-themed Lounge holds up to 200 people seated, while the Pavilion, where Thoroughbred auctions once took place, has amphitheater seating for 920 and is ideal for awards ceremonies and seminars. Planning something even bigger? The 8,000 square foot Holding Area accommodates 1000 standing (500 seated) for receptions and Exhibit Halls.
- The Kentucky Castle
One of the region’s most unusual structures, this is one location that your attendees won’t have any problems finding. This eight-turreted castle with 70-foot-high towers was built as an elaborate private residence in 1969, but today it’s one of the region’s most celebrated event venues. The intimate Parlor can accommodate up to 32 seated guests, while the Greenhouse can seat up to 300. Other event spaces within the venue include the Ballroom and spectacular Rooftop.
- Distillery District Venues
The Grand Reserve, Distillery Square and The Speakeasy venues, located downtown in a historic bourbon warehouse in Lexington’s popular Distillery District, can lend any event a unique feel. Together they boast four indoor venues, one outdoor venue and a total of 50,000 square feet of bourbon-themed meeting space.
- Castle & Key Distillery
Can’t decide between a castle and a distillery? Get both at Castle & Key, located in the historic Old Taylor Distillery just outside Frankfort. With beautifully-landscaped grounds and sunken gardens surrounding a building that looks like a limestone castle, this working distillery offers a truly unique venue for any event.
- Kentucky Horse Park
For a venue that’s equal parts Kentucky landscape and Kentucky horses, it’s hard to beat the Kentucky Horse Park. The Horse Park features indoor and outdoor venue options including barns, historic homes, and iconic Horse Park views. The flexible venue can accommodate guest lists of all sizes, from intimate events of 20 or fewer at the historic Salyer’s House to massive events with thousands of attendees at the Alltech Arena. The Horse Park’s 1,200 acres also offer plenty of locations for tented events.
Ready to get started planning your event? Looking for even more venue options? Our events team is here to help. Get in touch and let us know what you’re thinking--we promise you that Lexington has a perfect space to make your meeting incredible.
