See the games, zipline, laser tag, bowling inside Main Event Lexington before it opens

Janet Patton
·3 min read

A much anticipated new restaurant and bar complex opening at a highly visible Lexington intersection is putting a new spin on family fun.

Main Event, one of the fastest growing brands in fun, is opening its Lexington location this week on Canary Road, near the intersection of New Circle and Nicholasville Roads, and the Herald-Leader got a first look at the venue with the slogan “Eat Drink Play and Watch.”

What sets Main Event apart from other game and party spots in Lexington such as Malibu Jack’s, Gattitown, Battle Axes, LexLive and other video game arcades?

“We are a premium family entertainment center that offers something to everyone,” said general manager AJ Harpring. “Everything is based around the family atmosphere, even our restaurant is for families with our Feast option that has a little bit of everything.”

Main Event is opening just off of Nicholasville Road, with more than 100 arcade games, including 85 that can be played with multiple players.
Main Event is opening just off of Nicholasville Road, with more than 100 arcade games, including 85 that can be played with multiple players.

What games are at Main Event Lexington?

Besides a full-service restaurant with a menu called Family Kitchen, Main Event Lexington has 22 state-of-the art bowling lanes, multilevel laser tag, virtual reality games, arcade games and more. Popular games include the virtual reality “rollercoaster” called Virtual Rabbidsor the VR “Star Wars” Dojo where you train to be a Jedi knight. More traditional ride games include Mario Kart and Fast & Furious.

If you’re into coin pusher games or crane games, there are lots, including one (yet to be installed) that will let you try to pick up giant stuffed animals.

Main Event has more than 100 arcade games at its new location in Lexington, Ky.
Main Event has more than 100 arcade games at its new location in Lexington, Ky.
Above the arcade video games at Main Event is the Gravity Ropes aerial course and a zip line.
Above the arcade video games at Main Event is the Gravity Ropes aerial course and a zip line.

Look up over the games and you’ll see the “Gravity Ropes” obstacle course, where up to 15 people can try to navigate hanging walkways and tricky footing to make it to the zip line at the end.

There’s no age limitation but the Gravity Ropes require players to be at least 48 inches tall.

Players can rack up tickets to use toward prizes from candy to electronics, including Apple watches.

Main Event offers a VIP room with four private bowling lanes at its location in Lexington, Ky.
Main Event offers a VIP room with four private bowling lanes at its location in Lexington, Ky.
Main Event has tables and packages for birthday parties.
Main Event has tables and packages for birthday parties.

Private events, party packages at Main Event Lexington

You can have a party here and make it as private as you want, with separate VIP bowling lanes, or host a company meeting in a private event space. Or even rent out the whole facility for four hours, Harpring said.

“There are all different types of packages with different activities, ranging from about $11.99 to $21 per person,” he said.

The bar serves drinks that look like a party in a glass while the kitchen menu has lots of over-the-top options for sharing and for individuals, including the Cheesy Lava Burger and the Mason Jar Cheesecake.

Some of the food and dining menu available at the Family Kitchen at Main Event.
Some of the food and dining menu available at the Family Kitchen at Main Event.
Craft cocktails and other alcoholic beverage menu available at Main Even.
Craft cocktails and other alcoholic beverage menu available at Main Even.

Main Event is scheduled to open March 29 with a grand opening celebration March 31; the first 200 people in line for the noon opening on March 31 will get free laser tag for a year.

Located at 240 Canary Rd., this is the second location in Kentucky, the first in in Louisville. This new Lexington location is just off Nicholasville Road next to the South Park shopping center. Originally, a Dave and Buster’s was planned for this spot but when the COVID pandemic hit that was scrapped. Both entertainment brands are now owned by the same Texas-based company.

Main Event is a 50,000-square-foot entertainment center at 240 Canary Rd. in Lexington, Ky.
Main Event is a 50,000-square-foot entertainment center at 240 Canary Rd. in Lexington, Ky.
There are 22 bowling lanes at Main Event in Lexington, Ky.
There are 22 bowling lanes at Main Event in Lexington, Ky.

For years the location was a TGI Friday’s restaurant before it moved across the street closer to Fayette Mall, but then closed. and for a short time a Winger’s restaurant before it was torn down. The lot had been empty for several years.

The 50,000-square-foot venue also has billiards and shuffleboard, free Wi-Fi, full-service catering and Party City packages.

Main Event Entertainment

Where: 240 Canary Rd.

Hours: Monday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.

Online: mainevent.com/lexington

Phone: 859-474-2300

Main Eventis opening at 240 Canary Rd. in Lexington, Ky.
Main Eventis opening at 240 Canary Rd. in Lexington, Ky.