Things to do in Lexington
Things to do in Lexington, newest first: events, festivals, parks and family days out, with dates, times and the organizer's own link.
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Lexington seeks a donated spruce for Triangle Park tree
Have a 30- to 40-foot blue or Norway spruce you need gone? Lexington Parks & Recreation will cut it and grind the stump free if it becomes the Triangle Park Christmas tree.
Plan your weekend
Things to do
Things to do in Lexington this month: October 2026
Lexington to early December: the Thriller Parade Oct. 25, the Jack-O-Lantern Trail Oct. 27-30, the Breeders' Cup Oct. 30-31 and Southern Lights from Nov. 27.
Fourth of July
Lexington Fourth of July fireworks and parade 2026
Lexington's July 4 fireworks launch about 10 p.m. near Main Street and Oliver Lewis Way after a noon parade. Only sparklers and fountains are legal here.
Halloween
Trick-or-treat hours in Lexington 2026
Lexington lists trick-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 31, but 2026 hours are not posted yet; in 2025 the city listed 7 p.m. Free candy nights run Oct. 26-30.
Christmas
Lexington Christmas parade and tree lighting 2026
Lexington's Holiday Parade steps off at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, down Main Street, then the tree and menorah lighting in Triangle Park about 6 p.m.
Trails
Parks and trails in Lexington
Lexington's parks: the 8-mile Legacy Trail, 10-plus miles at Raven Run, Jacobson Park's lake and boats, eight dog parks and more. Parks: 859-288-2900.
Dogs
Dog-friendly Lexington: dog parks, patios, trails and leash rules
Lexington's eight dog parks and dog lots with addresses and acreage, the park rules, Yappy Hour, dog-friendly patios and where dogs are not allowed.
Kids
Kids' activities in Lexington: playgrounds, story times, rainy days
Things to do with kids in Lexington: the Children's Museum, the Kentucky Children's Garden, library story times, spraygrounds, Jacobson Park and rainy-day picks.
Free
Free things to do in Lexington: gardens, art, concerts, events
Free things to do in Lexington: The Arboretum, the UK Art Museum, free city concerts and movies, Halloween events, library cards and Keeneland's open grounds.
Breeders' Cup
Breeders' Cup at Keeneland 2026: gates, parking, shuttles
Breeders' Cup at Keeneland, Oct. 30-31, 2026: gates open 9:30 a.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday; parking is sold in advance only, with shuttles from downtown.
Keeneland
Keeneland fall and spring meets: dates, tickets, parking
Keeneland's fall meet closed Oct. 24, 2026; the Breeders' Cup is Oct. 30-31 and the spring meet is April 2-23, 2027. Tickets are sold in advance only.
Kentucky Three-Day Event
Kentucky Three-Day Event: 2027 dates, tickets, parking
The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is April 22-25, 2027, at the Kentucky Horse Park. Grounds tickets from $21; kids 12 and under free with an adult.
Woodland Art Fair
Woodland Art Fair in Lexington: dates, hours, parking
The free Woodland Art Fair fills Woodland Park the third weekend of every August with nearly 200 artists. 2027 dates are not out yet; 2026 was Aug. 15-16.
Ice cream
Ice cream and desserts in Lexington: 8 scoop shops and sweets
Eight places for ice cream, custard and late-night sweets in Lexington: the Distillery District, National Avenue, Euclid Avenue, Hamburg and Clays Mill.
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Arts
Arts and exhibitions in Lexington: October 2026
Lexington arts to Dec. 6: Dracula and White Christmas at the Opera House, LexPhil Nov. 21, the LexArts HOP Nov. 20, COLLAGE Dec. 5-6, free UK Art Museum shows.
Things to do
Things to do in Lexington this weekend, Oct. 23 to 25
Keeneland's fall meet closes Saturday, Dracula plays the Opera House and the Halloween and Thriller Parade fills Main Street at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Most are free.