Summertime in Lexington just hits different. Farm-fresh flavors. Lively festivals. Patios, pints, and Kentucky bourbon. There’s a million right ways to do summer in our vibrant city, and absolutely no wrong ways. Whether you’re exploring downtown, rocking out to live music, or taking in the best views of the Bluegrass, the fun never stops this time of year. Here’s just a few of our favorite ways to make the most of the season.
1. Catch the Best of Lexington’s Live Music and Festivals
Pictured here: Tahlsound
Lexington’s summer calendar is packed with live music, events and festivals that showcase our city’s vibrant culture. From local bars to old-out arenas, there’s no better place to catch world-renowned artists or up-and-coming musicians on the brink of superstardom. Thursday Night Live at Tandy Park brings live bands, beverages, food trucks, and art to the heart of downtown every Thursday evening. And for reggae fans, Tahlsound on July 27 is an absolute must.
For a unique musical experience, head to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill for their "Music on the Lawn" series, where you can enjoy live performances in a unique historic setting. Or stop by Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate Golf Resort & Spa’s "Music at The Mansion” for free, family-friendly concerts on select evenings. Talon Winery also features free weekend performances alongside tastings of over 20 award-winning wines—perfect for sipping in the sunshine. And art lovers won't want to miss the Woodland Art Fair in August, featuring over 200 artists in Woodland Park.
Want to experience live music year-round? Check out The Burl, a beautifully restored 1920s train depot across from the Distillery District with shows Thursday through Sunday, and Manchester Music Hall, an impressive 11,000-square-foot converted warehouse.
2. Savor the Flavors of the Bluegrass from a Patio Seat
Pictured here: Kentucky Native Cafe
Summer is patio season in Central Kentucky. Get lost in the serene vibes of Kentucky Native Café, which offers a calming greenhouse and rotating menu of mostly vegetarian fare, complemented by local craft beers and wines. Book a table for inventive regional specialties at Merrick Inn, consistently voted among the city’s best dining destinations. Or keep it casual with dressed-up hot dogs and ice-cold drinks at Boonedogs just outside the city.
For a sweet treat, head to Sav's Chill on Jefferson Street and savor unique options like Ale-8-One flavored ice cream. While you’re exploring the city’s hip Warehouse Block, try Sorella Gelateria for hand-crafted Italian gelato made with local ingredients. Crank & Boom in the Distillery District is another local favorite offering inventive flavors like bourbon ball ice cream.
Speaking of bourbon, if you’re craving a tropical twist on Kentucky cocktail culture, be sure to check out Lost Palm. Perched atop The Manchester Hotel, this rooftop oasis serves up flamboyant tiki drinks and Latin-inspired share plates in a retro South Florida setting.
3. Fill Your Glass on the Brewgrass Trail
Pictured here: Town Branch Distillery
Located within driving distance of almost all of the distilleries in the state, and with a wide variety of incredible distilleries and bars in town, Lexington is Bourbonland. From legendary distilleries to inventive makers fueling the industry’s next chapter, you can’t experience our city without getting to know the rich history and creative culture driving our world-famous bourbon.
Take an unforgettable tour at Castle & Key, where sunken gardens, a limestone castle, and botanical trails surround a beautifully restored 19th-century distillery. Or explore the historic grounds of James E. Pepper Distillery in the Distillery District. For a taste of bourbon’s exciting future, Bespoken Spirits blends cutting-edge techniques with traditional craftsmanship at their state-of-the-art facility.
Beyond our iconic bourbon scene, Lexington is also home to a thriving craft beer culture–and there's no better way to experience it than by following the Brewgrass Trail. Spanning multiple neighborhoods, the trail features everything from hazy IPAs to crisp lagers, cideries, and even sake. Use your phone to check in at each stop, and earn free merch along your way!
Grab a pint from Mirror Twin Brewing in the vibrant Warehouse Block, where you can enjoy innovative brews in two distinct taprooms. Over in the revitalized Distillery District, choose from a diverse selection of locally-sourced ciders at Wise Bird Cider Co. and craft beers from Ethereal Brewing, located on the historic James E. Pepper property with quick access to multiple breweries, distilleries and restaurants.
Looking to escape the city life for a bit? Soak in the afternoon at the West Sixth Farm, a farm-to-glass brewery experience with hiking trails and a taproom nestled in the countryside.
Or get the best of both worlds at Town Branch—the only brewery-distillery combo on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail—where you can pour a glass of the iconic Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® alongside award-winning spirits.
4. Cheer on Our Local Sports Teams
Pictured here: Red Mile
Racing season might take a break at Keeneland during summer, but Red Mile keeps the action going with the second oldest harness racing track in the world, plus over 900 gaming machines and a full sportsbook open year-round.
Catch a baseball game with the Lexington Legends at Legends Field, where fans can enjoy promotions and fireworks shows throughout the season. Soccer enthusiasts can cheer on the Lexington Sporting Club, the city's professional and youth soccer organization, with matches offering family-friendly entertainment and theme nights.
5. Explore Kentucky’s Great Outdoors
Pictured here: Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Summer is the perfect time to go outside and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Central Kentucky. Spend a morning exploring at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, where over 10 miles of trails wind through wildflowers, woodlands, and scenic overlooks. Take a stroll through The Arboretum to see native plants from across all seven Kentucky regions—or take a walk through time at McConnell Springs, a 26-acre nature sanctuary where Lexington was first named and that served as a campsite for the first Bluegrass settlers.
No trip to the Bluegrass is complete without exploring our famous Horse Country. Spend an afternoon with champions at the Kentucky Horse Park, where you can tour barns, explore the equine industry through exhibits, and meet the horses that make Lexington the Horse Capital of the World.
Feeling adventurous? Get an adrenaline rush at Boone Creek Outdoors and soar on ziplines as long as 1,400 feet and as high as 200 feet. Or paddle your way through the region’s waterways with Canoe Kentucky, which offers kayak and canoe rentals for individuals and groups just a short drive away.
For something a little more grounded, pick up a Kentucky Garden Trail passport at the Lexington Visitors Center and start checking off visits to 12 of the state's most beautiful public gardens and arboreta. Or take the scenic route past rolling pastures, stone fences, and historic farms just minutes from downtown on a self-guided Bluegrass Country Driving Tour.
