Kentucky Derby parties and 9 other things to do in and around Lexington this weekend
Here is a Lexington list and guide of the best weekend events around Central Kentucky on Friday, Saturday and Sunday if you are bored and need things to do from live music concerts, theatre shows, musicals, laser light shows, classical music performances, kid-friendly events, comedy shows and Kentucky Derby parties.
May Block Party at Greyline Station
Kick of Mental Health Awareness Month with a block party at Greyline Station in collaboration with New Vista, the first community mental health center in Kentucky, on May 5 from 5-9 p.m. Over 50 local vendors, food, drinks and live music will be available to enjoy on site. The event is free to attend. 101 W Loudon Ave. facebook.com/events/678495530946676.
Poor Man’s Harlan County Derby Eve Party at Two Keys
The 49th annual Poor Man’s Harlan County Derby Eve Party will be 6 p.m. May 5 at the Two Keys Tavern, 385. S. Limestone. There will be live music on three stages, a silent auction and food from Joe Bologna’s. Admission is $25 and proceeds go to charity. facebook.com/HarlanCountyDerbyParty
Comedian James Gregory at Comedy Off Broadway
Comedian James Gregory will return to Comedy Off Broadway for shows on May 5 at 7 p.m., May 6 at 8:30 p.m. and May 7 at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. 161 Lexington Green Cir #C4. ComedyOffBroadway.com.
Musical show: ‘Little Women’ at the Leeds Center in Winchester
The Leeds Center for the Arts in Winchester will present the Broadway musical “Little Women” on May 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. and May 7 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $18. 37 N Main St, Winchester. LeedsCenter.org.
Logan Halstead, Wolfpen Branch, Kendell Marvel concerts at The Burl
The Burl will be rockin’ all weekend long with an album release show from West Virginia’s Logan Halstead on May 5 (8 p.m., $17-20), Wolfpen Branch on May 6 (8 p.m., $18) and Kendell Marvel + A Thousand Horses on May 7 (8 p.m., $22). 375 Thompson Rd. TheBurlKy.com.
Interactive show: ‘Electric Blue’ at the Lexington Children’s Theatre
The Lexington Children’s Theatre will present “Electric Blue: A Tale from the Reef” on May 6 at 11 a.m. (sensory friendly and pay what you will) and 2 p.m. and May 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-15. 418 W Short St. LctOnStage.org.
2023 Kentucky Derby at Keeneland
Can’t make it to Louisville for the Run for the Roses? Then Keeneland has you covered for a Derby party. Gates open at 10 a.m. May 6 and there will be live music, food trucks, hat contest and family activities including face painting, pony rides, children’s games, crafts and more. Keeneland’s BETologists will be on site to assist with betting and The Hill will be open for tailgating with live racing on a jumbo TV. keeneland.com
Kenpuppy Derby at Falling Springs Park
The Woodford Humane Society will host the Kenpuppy Derby 10 a.m.-noon May 6 at Falling Springs Park, 275 Beasley Rd., Versailes. A field of eight adoptable puppies will run for the finish with trifecta betting for gift card prizes on the line. There will be a hat contest, bingo, a photo booth, stick horse races, make you own Derby hats and design silks for the kids. Price is $5 for games, free to watch. All proceeds benefit the animals at Woodford Humane Society. https://runsignup.com/kenpuppyderby
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at the Lexington Opera House
Paramount Laser Spectacular will present an epic laser light show to the tune of Pink Floyd’s greatest hits at the Lexington Opera House on May 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29.50. 401 W Short St. LexingtonOperaHouse.com.
Morning Cartoons Drag Brunch at Rock House Brewing
Scarlett Moon will reimagine some of your favorite morning cartoon characters during a drag brunch at Rock House Brewing on May 7 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $17. 119 Luigart Ct. facebook.com/events/892000598701227.
First Sundays at the Julietta Market at Greyline Station
Enjoy a free, family-friendly day of activities from local arts, environment, health and food organizations during First Sundays at the Julietta Market at Greyline Station on May 7 from 1-5 p.m. 101 W Loudon Ave. LexArts.org.
Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra Concert at the Singletary Center
The Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra will present its annual spring concert at the Singletary Center for the Arts on May 7 at 5 p.m. Tickets are $8-13. 405 Rose St. Ckyo.org.
Matt Wickstrom is a freelancer covering food, music and more. You can follow him on Instagram at @WickstromWrites .
