The 15 best things to do in and around Lexington this July 4th holiday weekend

Matt Wickstrom
·5 min read

Here is a Lexington list and guide of the best events around Central Kentucky on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday for the July 4th holiday weekend if you are bored and need things to do from live music concerts, Fourth of July festivals, firework shows, concert series like Summer Nights In Suburbia, county fairs, 5Ks and art shows.

Bourbon County Fair and Horse Show at Bourbon County Park

The Bourbon County Fair and Horse Show will run through July 2 at Bourbon County Park in Paris with a petting zoo, truck and tractor pull, pony pull, youth talent show, livestock showmanship contest, fireworks and more. Tickets are $4-10. 30 Legion Rd, Paris. BourbonCountyFairKy.com/.

University Open at LexArts Gallery

LexArts University Open exhibition featuring work from the emerging talent of Kentucky’s university and college fine arts majors is open at the LexArts Gallery through July 2. Viewing is available on July 1 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and July 2 from noon to 5 p.m. 161 N Mill St. LexArts.org/Events/University-Open-2022/.

Ice Cream Social at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park

Enjoy ice cream and music from the Young At Heart Dixieland Band during an ice cream social to kick off Fourth of July weekend at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park in downtown Lexington on July 1 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The event is free to attend. 251 W Main St. facebook.com/events/5174809232566369.

Lexington, Central Kentucky July 4th festival, parade and fireworks guide

International Reggae Day Festival at Rock House Brewing

The inaugural International Reggae Day Festival will take place at Rock House Brewing on July 1 at 2 p.m. Activities include African yoga, DJ’s and live music, food and vendors like Sav’s Chill, and more. The event is free to attend. 119 Luigart Ct. facebook.com/events/412658344067982.

Rislofest music concert at Terrapin Hill Farm

The third annual Rislofest held in the memory of Ryan Risley, a member of the Central Kentucky music community who died in a car crash in Oregon in June 2019, will take place at Terrapin Hill Farm in Harrodsburg from July 1-3. Musical performances include Born Cross Eyed, Magnolia Boulevard, Mama Said String Band and Dark Moon Hollow. Tickets are $80 plus fees. 7695 Mackville Rd, Harrodsburg. RisloFest2022.Ticketleap.com/.

Summer Nights In Suburbia at Moondance Amphitheater

The third installment of Lexington Park & Recreations “Summer Nights In Suburbia” concert series at Moondance Amphitheater will feature a performance from Morehead’s Bedford Band on July 1 at 7 p.m. The event is free to attend. 1152 Monarch St. LexingtonKy.gov/Summer-Nights-Suburbia.

RJ Corman 5K Run at Wilmore Municipal Center

The RJ Corman 5K run will start at the Wilmore Municipal Center on July 2 at 8 a.m. Tickets are $15. 210 S Lexington Ave, Wilmore. RunSignUp.com.

Red, White & Blues at Moondance Amphitheater

Enjoy music from local blues legend Tee Dee Young along with classic American food and drinks during “Red, White & Blues” at Moondance Amphitheater on July 2 from 5-9 p.m. The event is free to attend. 1152 Monarch St. LexingtonKy.gov/FourthOfJuly.

Margarita making class at the Julietta Market

Learn how to make mouth-watering margaritas with xNorma at Greyline Station’s Julietta Market on July 2 from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $60. 101 W Loudon Ave. VisitLex.com/Event/Cocktail-Class/21253/.

All White Affair at The Grand Reserve

Enjoy live entertainment from DJ Smooth, DJ Knockout and Honeychild during the annual All White Affair at The Grand Reserve on July 2 at 9 p.m. All white attire and ID proof of being 30 or older is required for entry. Tickets are $25. 903 Manchester St. Eventbrite.com.

The annual Patriotic Concert on Morrison Lawn at Transylvania University is a popular July 4th Lexington tradition.
The annual Patriotic Concert on Morrison Lawn at Transylvania University is a popular July 4th Lexington tradition.

Patriotic Concert at Transylvania University

Enjoy patriotic music from the Young At Heart Big Band and the Lexington Philharmonic on the grounds of Transylvania University on July 3 from 5-9 p.m. The event is free to attend. 300 N Broadway. facebook.com/events/983020445734672.

Trapt concert at Manchester Music Hall

Alt-rock band Trapt will celebrate their 20 year anniversary with a show at Manchester Music Hall on July 3 at 8 p.m. with support from HaNNaN, Voice of Reason and All Saints Fade. Tickets are $20. 899 Manchester St. ManchesterMusicHall.com.

Bluegrass 10,000 and Fun Run in downtown Lexington

The Bluegrass 10,000 and Fun Run will take place at the corner of Main and North Limestone Streets in downtown Lexington on July 3 at 7:25 a.m. Registration is $40 for the 10,000 and $25 for the one mile fun run. N Limestone at Main St. LexingtonKy.gov/Bluegrass-10-000-And-Fun-Run.

Fourth of July Festival and Parade in downtown Lexington

A Fourth of July festival with food trucks and live music from Boogie G. & The Titanics will take place at the courthouse plaza in downtown Lexington on July 4 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The plaza will be a prime spot to watch the city’s Fourth of July parade from, which will kick off at 11:30 a.m. moving down Main Street from Midland to Mill Street. Both events are free to attend. 120 N Limestone. LexingtonKy.gov/FourthOfJuly.

Lexington Fourth of July Fireworks

The city of Lexington’s Fourth of July fireworks spectacular will return on July 4 at 10 p.m. The event is free to attend and should be viewable from all over town. Main St at Oliver Lewis Way. LexingtonKy.gov/FourthOfJuly.

Matt Wickstrom is a freelancer covering food, music and more. You can follow him on Instagram at @WickstromWrites .

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