On Friday nights, MoonDance Amphitheater will be hosting live music in the Beaumont Centre. Patrons can spread out blankets or set up their lawn chairs before the event to enjoy a picnic dinner or local food truck treats
with family and friends on the amphitheater’s expanse of lawn. This summer concert series will include jazz, bluegrass, indie rock, big band and folk genres. Just because you’re in the center of suburbia doesn’t mean you can’t hear great music and have a little fun! Shows take place from 7-9 pm every Friday night through September 4th. For detailed information as well as a performance schedule, please visit
moondancelex.com.
Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show | July 6th - 11th
Created in 1937 to help fund the Junior League’s community works project, the horse show has grown to be the world’s largest outdoor American Saddlebred show and the first leg of the Saddlebred “Triple Crown”. Today, the show attracts approximately 1,000 world recognized competitors from the U.S. and Canada. It has raised over four million dollars for charitable and civic organizations in Central Kentucky, and generates over five million dollars revenue for local merchants each summer. The Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show has truly made a tremendous impact in the Saddlebred industry as well as in our local community. Competitions run July 6th-11th at The Red Mile. General admission tickets may be purchased at the door for $5 Monday through Thursday, and $10 Friday and Saturday. Children under six are admitted free. Morning Sessions are free to the public. Proceeds benefit local and regional charitable organizations sponsored by the Junior League of Lexington. For more information visit lexjrleague.com.
Fountain Films on Friday | July 10th - August 14th
For a perfect night of summer fun and cinematic charm, the team at Downtown Lex have put together a collection of films to make your warm weather nights a little more entertaining. A clever alternative to the drive-in, Fountain Films offers time-honored movie viewing in beautiful Triangle Park. The films start at dusk (which is typically around 9 pm). Food and drink will be available for purchase from Double H BBQ, located in the park. This year’s films range from Tim Burton’s dark tale of “Beetlejuice” to cult classic “Grease”, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Guests will want to bring a blanket or lawn chair for an enjoyable evening under the stars! For more information visit downtownlex.com.
LexEffect presents Chew Dinner Series with Chef Mark Wombles | July 16th
In this quarterly dinner series presented by LexEffect, the menu will be presented by Chef Mark Wombles of Distilled and Heirloom, featuring local craft beer. Partial proceeds from the event will go to the LexEffect Giving Fund, which accepts applications from local non-profit organizations to support special projects, operating costs, equipment, and more. The event takes place on July 16th from 7:30-9 pm at Gratz Park. Tickets are $40 per person and
can be purchased at lexeffectky.com.
The Forecastle Festival | July 17th -19th
For music fans who weren’t able to make the trip to California for Coachella, The Forecastle Festival will be right up your alley. Founded in 2002 by Louisville native JK McKnight and taking place this year on July 17th-19th, Forecastle has grown from a neighborhood event to one of the country’s most anticipated summer festivals, drawing tens of thousands of fans from across the world to Louisville’s scenic 85-acre Waterfront Park. Labeled by Rolling Stone magazine as “one of the coolest festivals in America”, Forecastle is the place to be for music fans. The festival has showcased over 500 bands and a diverse number of musical genres, from rock to hip-hop, and bluegrass to electronica. This year’s lineup will feature bands like My Morning Jacket and Modest Mouse, and even everyone’s favorite new artist, the amazingly talented Sam Smith. The festival will also offer food and drinks from local favorites as well as a Bourbon Lounge. For the full lineup and to purchase tickets, visit forecastlefest.com.
Ariana Grande “The Honeymoon Tour” | July 23th
There are few young musicians experiencing as much success and popularity as Ariana Grande at the moment. The twenty-two year old two time Grammy nominee will hit the stage at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville on July 23rd with special guest Prince Royce. You can plan on lots of glitz, glam, and of course glittery kitty handbands as the former Disney star belts out hits like “Love Me Harder”, “Bang Bang”, and “Problem”. The show starts at 7:30 pm and seats are still available through Ticketmaster with prices ranging from $29.50-$79.50 at ticketmaster.com.
“Paper Towns” Theatrical Release | July 24th
Fans of John Green are in for a treat this month as the author’s “Paper Towns” hits the big screen on the 24th. After massive success at the box office with “The Fault In Our Stars”, Green is the executive producer on the film starring supermodel Cara Delevingne and Nat Wolff (who you may remember as “Issac” in “TFOS”). The story follows two Florida teens, Quentin “Q” Jacobsen and Margo Roth Spiegelman, who grew up as childhood friends and neighbors, who have now drifted apart. So one day, when Margo climbs through his window and summons him on an all-night road trip of revenge, he cannot help but follow her lead. The next day, however, Margo doesn’t come to school, and after a few days it becomes apparent she is missing. Q soon learns that there are clues in her disappearance that seem meant for him. But as he gets deeper into the mystery and discovers more about the person Margo actually is, he becomes less sure of who and what for which he is looking. papertownsmovie.com
Shania Twain “Rock This Country” | August 3rd
Putting on her first North American tour in 11 years, Shania Twain is back and she’s ready to rock this country! Shania hasn’t released a full new album since 2002’s widely popular “Up”, which went an impressive 11x platinum. But with unforgettable hits like “Man! I Feel Like A Woman”, “Any Man of Mine”, and “Honey I’m Home”, the crowds will be more than pumped to sing along and take a trip down musical memory lane. The tour will precede the release of Shania’s 5th studio album (date TBA). Sadly the tour will mark a farewell to the road for Shania, the singer stated in a press release: “It’s a Shania they’ve never seen before. A lot of years have gone by and I’ve got a lot more to share.” Gavin DeGraw will also be on deck at the Louisville show as Shania’s special guest and opening act. The show will take place on August 3rd at the KFC Yum! Center at 7:30 pm, tickets range from $46-$136 and are still available through ticketmaster.com
Diamond Rings & Pretty Things Bridal Show | August 9th
Michelle Landers has been holding the Diamond Rings & Pretty Things Bridal show since 2004, offering brides a variety of ideas and services provided by professional wedding vendors for their upcoming nuptials. Originally held at Embassy Suites, the event has grown so popular it has now moved to the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Exhibit Hall. Check out local photographers, caterers, D.J. services, plus much more. Every Bride receives $1,000 in Bridal Bucks to spend with participating vendors at the show. The show will also be featuring a runway show in August showcasing wedding gowns and formal wear from area shops. Admission and parking are free. Attendees are asked to bring one non-perishable food item appropriate for donation to God’s Pantry Food Bank. The January show had over 600 pounds of food donated and hopes to top that in August. The exhibit is
11 am to 4 pm on Sunday, August 9th. Brides are encouraged to register online for the show at lexingtonbridalshows.com.