Hayrides, crafts and culture: Check out these 15 Lexington-area fall festivals
The first day of fall is approaching, and festivities have already begun in the Lexington area and beyond. From celebrations of the arts, to literary events, to classic hayrides, the season is sure to be full of fun.
What better way to mix up your routine than by participating in a costume contest or entering your dog in a parade? Here are 15 upcoming fall festivals to check out in Fayette County and nearby.
Roots and Heritage Festival
The Roots and Heritage Festival is set to return in-person this year after a virtual celebration in 2021. Last year’s event was themed “Black Excellence: Still, Like Air I Rise.”
“For over 30 years the Roots and Heritage Festival has been a pinnacle of regional diversity providing entertainment & education for all ages. We invite you to join us and celebrate our rich heritage at our month-long events,” the event’s website reads.
When: Friday to Sunday, Sept. 9 to 11
Where: Elm Tree Lane, between Fourth Street and Short Street, Lexington, KY 40508
Festival of the Horse
Check out Georgetown’s Festival of the Horse for the Colt & Filly Review Children’s Parade, fireman’s chili cookoff, cornhole tournament and Toyota’a Grand Parade of Horses.
There’s a pet parade at 2 p.m. Sept. 11 where your dog or cat can enjoy the spotlight, too. The Scott County Humane Society asks you to email schscenter@yahoo.com to confirm your pet’s spot in the parade.
When: Friday to Sunday, Sept. 9 to 11
Where: Downtown Georgetown
LCTC Fall Fan Fest
This Lexington Comic and Toy Convention event will feature 125 vendor booths of comics, sports cards, toys and other collectibles. Admission is $12 at the door.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10
Where: Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington, KY 40507
Waveland Art Fair
Explore art demonstrations and handmade crafts from Kentucky artists in this historic setting. Local food trucks will also be onsite.
Tickets are $5 at the gate for adults, and children 12 years and younger get in free. Parking is free.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11
Where: Waveland State Historic Site, 225 Waveland Museum Lane, Lexington, KY 40514
LexArts HOP
Wander downtown Lexington on the third Friday every other month to explore dozens of venues that open their doors to visitors.
Galleries, museums, artists’ studios and other creative spaces participate, according to LexArts’ website, and exhibitions span a variety of genres. An event guide, with locations and hours, is available online.
When: Friday, Sept. 16 and Friday, Nov. 18
Where: Downtown Lexington
Kentucky Black Pride
This year’s Kentucky Black Pride Festival will showcase drag performances, music, guest speakers and local and national vendors. More information about 2022 headliners is available from the organization’s Facebook page.
When: Saturday, Sept. 17
Where: Woodland Park, 601 E High St., Lexington, KY 40502
Midway Fall Festival
The Midway Business Association’s 48th annual Midway Fall Festival will include arts, crafts and music. Participating businesses include Woodford County Farmers Market, Mezzo Italian Café, Bluegrass Distillers and more.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17 and 18
Where: Downtown Midway, Kentucky
Harvest Fest
Check out Harvest Fest at Shaker Village for pony rides, hayrides, pumpkin painting, a hay maze, games and more. You can also meet farm animals and press apples for cider.
Admission to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is required for this event.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25
Where: Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Advance Auto Fall Fest Car Show
This event benefits Toys for Tots and includes Hot Wheels races for children, food trucks, door prizes, music and vendors. There are several judging categories, including Best of Show, Best Motorcycle and more.
When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25
Where: 626 Maysville Road, Mt Sterling, KY 40353
Festival Latino de Lexington
This celebration of Latin American culture and art is hosted by Lexington Parks & Recreation and the Foundation for Latin American and Latino Culture and Arts.
Friday night will feature authentic Latino foods, live music and dancing, and you can also enjoy visual arts and more.
When: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 and 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Where: Downtown Lexington
Fallin Into Fun Festival
This fall event has a classic cars cruise-in, arts and crafts vendor village, live music, food truck alley and a children’s area with inflatables. Admission to the festival is free.
When: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Where: Jack Kain Ford, 3405 Lexington Road, Versailles, KY 40383
Fall Harvest and Trades Weekend
Visit the 2022 Fall Harvest and Trades Weekend to learn about ancient crafts like blacksmithing, woodworking, leather work and more.
Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2
Where: Fort Boonesborough State Park, 4375 Boonesboro Road, Richmond, KY 40475
South Elkhorn Christian Church Fall Festival
South Elkhorn Christian Church’s Fall Festival is held outdoors and features more than 150 booths, with handcrafted goods, food, a quilt raffle and live music. Admission and parking are free.
“Crafters represent the visual arts, woodworking, jewelry making, handwork like knitting and sewing, customization, both outdoor and indoor décor, seasonal items, and specialty food items to mention just a few,” the church’s website says.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8
Where: 4343 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY 40513
ScareFest
ScareFest weekend is jam-packed with activities like axe-throwing, a costume contest, scream queen bowling and a horror drag show. Sunday is Kids Day, and children 12 years and younger get free admission all weekend.
Tickets can be purchased online. Prices start at $25 (before fees and tax) for Friday admission.
When: Friday to Sunday, Oct. 21 to 23
Where: Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington, KY 40507
Kentucky Book Festival
More than 150 authors are set to participate in meet-and-greets and book signings at the 41st annual Kentucky Book Festival. The lineup includes Barbara Kingsolver, Jon Meacham, Wendell Berry, Crystal Wilkinson and Geraldine Brooks.
The literary celebration is family friendly, and you can check the event’s website for the full schedule closer to the date.
When: Saturday, Oct. 29
Where: Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 161 Lexington Green Circle #B, Lexington, KY 40503
This story may be updated.
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