Life-size Secretariat statue highlights best weekend events in, around Lexington

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 including family-friendly events, theatre plays, live music concerts, comedy shows, musicals, free events, bourbon tastings, classical music concerts, University of Kentucky sports, holiday craft fairs and shopping events, 10K benefits and foodie events.

Unveiling of Secretariat Park, statue at Legends Of Bourbon Country Festival in Paris

Celebrate the 50 year anniversary of Secretariat’s 1973 Triple Crown victory during the Legends of Bourbon County Festival in Paris from Nov. 10-12. After 14 months of planning and fundraising, a life-size bronze of Secretariat will be officially dedicated and unveiled noon, Nov. 11, on the 50th anniversary of the great horse arriving at Claiborne Farm to retire to stud. Besides the unveiling of Secretariat Park at 525 Main St., Paris, other weekend activities include a bourbon focused gala, the Secretariat equine parade, Claiborne Farm tours, live music, a 10k and 2 miler run/walk and more. LegendsOfBourbonCountyFestival.com.

Sam Gleaves concert at the John Jacob Niles Gallery

Virginia based bluegrass musician and Berea College graduate Sam Gleaves and the Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble will perform at the John Jacob Niles Gallery on Nov. 10 at noon as part of UK’s Appalachia in the Bluegrass Series. Free. 160 Patterson Dr. FineArts.uky.edu.

Harstad Fine Arts Series concert at Faith Lutheran Church

The Bi-Okoto Drum and Dance Theatre will transport listeners to West Africa during the Harstad Fine Arts Series’ concert “Rhythms Of Our Land” at Faith Lutheran Church on Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. Free. 1000 Tates Creek Rd. HarstadArts.com.

BIG Bourbon Night at The Heartwood

Sip on top shelf bourbons, bid in a silent auction benefiting the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots and more when the inaugural BIG Bourbon Night comes to The Heartwood on Nov. 10 from 6-10 p.m. $150. 1195 Versailles Rd. #110. WhiskeyAmbitions.com.

Comedian Brian Bates at Comedy Off Broadway

Nashville based comedian Brian Bates will perform at Comedy Off Broadway on Nov. 10 at 6:30 and 9 p.m. and Nov. 11 at 6 and 8:30 p.m. $15-18. 161 Lexington Green Cir #C4. ComedyOffBroadway.com.

Theatre: ‘Elf The Musical Jr.’ at the Spotlight Playhouse

The Spotlight Acting School will present “Elf The Musical Jr.” at the Spotlight Playhouse in Berea on Nov. 10 and 11 at 6:30 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. $7-17. 214 Richmond Rd N, Berea. TheSpotlightPlayhouse.com.

UK men’s basketball vs Texas A&M-Commerce at Rupp Arena

Coach John Calipari and the UK Men’s Basketball team will take the court against the University of Texas A&M-Commerce at Rupp Arena on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. From $29. 430 W Vine St. UkAthletics.com.

Musical: ‘Singin’ In The Rain Jr.’ at the Leeds Center

The Leeds Center for the Arts in Winchester will present the classic musical “Singin’ In The Rain Jr.” on Nov. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m. $15-18. 37 N Main St, Winchester. LeedsCenter.org.

Theatre play: ‘A Visit from Scarface’ at the Carriage House Theatre

The Studio Players will perform “A Visit From Scarface” at the Carriage House Theatre on Nov. 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m. $15-22. 154 W Bell Ct. StudioPlayers.org.

Drama play: ‘Good’ at The Guignol Theatre

The UK Department of Theatre and Dance will host performances of “Good” at the Guignol Theatre on Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 11 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. $14.40-20.59. 465 Rose St. FineArts.uky.edu.

Gaelic Storm concert at Manchester Music Hall

Chart-topping Celtic band Gaelic Storm will perform at Manchester Music Hall on Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. $15. 899 Manchester St. ManchesterMusicHall.com.

Holly Day Market at the Central Bank Center

Shop a variety of gifts and holiday accessories when the Holly Day Market comes to the Central Bank Center on Nov. 11 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Nov. 12 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 with children 10 and under free. Pre-market festivities will begin on Friday night with a fashion show, a performance by the full cast of “White Christmas” and more. $25. 430 W Vine St. CentralBankCenter.com.

UK football vs. Alabama at Kroger Field

The Kentucky football team will look to defeat Alabama for the first time in 26 years when the Crimson Tide rolls into Kroger Field on Nov. 11 at 12 p.m. From $125. 1540 University Dr. UkAthletics.com.

Play: ‘The Reluctant Dragon’ at the Lexington Children’s Theatre

The Lexington Children’s Theatre will present “The Reluctant Dragon”, a world-premiere adaptation by Producing Artistic Director Jeremy Kisling, for one night only on Nov. 11. Showtimes include a 2:30 p.m. sensory friendly show and a 7 p.m. pay what you will performance. $15-20. 418 W Short St. LctOnStage.org.

West Sixth Farm 10K Trail Run

The 3rd annual West Sixth Farm 10K Trail Run benefiting the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association and Kentucky Resources Council will take place on the brewery’s Frankfort based farm on Nov. 11 at 3:15 p.m. $55. 4495 Shadrick Ferry Rd, Frankfort. RunSignUp.com.

UK Women’s basketball vs. USC Upstate at Rupp Arena

The UK Women’s Basketball team will host the University of South Carolina Upstate during its “Salute to Veterans Night” at Rupp Arena on Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. 430 W Vine St. UkAthletics.com.

Lexington Chamber Orchestra concert at Centenary United Methodist Church

The Lexington Chamber Orchestra will host its next concert featuring Josef Suk, Caroline Shaw and others at Centenary United Methodist Church on Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. $20 suggested donation with children 12 and under free. 2800 Tates Creek Rd. ChamberMusicLex.org/lco.

Justin Wells concert at The Burl

Singer-songwriter Justin Wells will perform at The Burl on Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. with support from Middlesboro’s Jordan Lee King and Prestonsburg’s Emily Jamerson. $20. 375 Thompson Rd. TheBurlKy.com.

UK volleyball vs. Georgia at Rupp Arena

UK Volleyball will face off against the University of Georgia Bulldogs at Rupp Arena on Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. $5-10 . 430 W Vine St. UkAthletics.com.

Chili Cook-Off at Country Boy Brewing in Georgetown

Country Boy Brewing will host a Chili Cook-Off benefiting God’s Pantry Food Bank at its Georgetown taproom on Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. Free for tasters or $25 for chili participants. 101 Innovation Way, Georgetown. Eventbrite.com.

Wreath Charcuterie & Wine Class at Harkness Edwards Vineyards

Learn the art of wreath charcuterie during a workshop and wine tasting class at Harkness Edwards Vineyards on Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m. $57. 5199 Combs Ferry Rd, Winchester. facebook.com/events/7022984224380272.

Comedian Nurse Blake at the Singletary Center for the Arts

Comedian Nurse Blake will bring his “Shock Advised Tour” to the Singletary Center for the Arts on Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. $39.50-79.50. 405 Rose St. FineArts.uky.edu.

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