News Summary
Central Kentucky is set to host a diverse range of events in August, including live concerts, art fairs, and community festivals. Highlights feature a concert by renowned saxophonist Dave Koz, the Woodland Art Fair, and the grand opening of Gatton Park. Various cultural activities, such as film screenings and a reptile expo, also promise to engage attendees. Additionally, community initiatives and recreational events enrich the month, ensuring a vibrant array of experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Central Kentucky Welcomes a Variety of Events This August
Central Kentucky is gearing up for an exciting lineup of events this August, featuring everything from live music to art fairs, local festivals, and recreational activities. Highlights include a concert by Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz, the much-anticipated Woodland Art Fair, and the opening of Gatton Park.
Live Music and Arts
On August 8, fans can enjoy a concert at the Lexington Opera House as Dave Koz and Friends embark on the “Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party” tour. Koz, a celebrated musician known for his smooth saxophone skills, will share the stage with esteemed artists Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor, and Marcel Anderson. Tickets for this musical event start at $76.75.
Later in the month, on August 15, the Lexington Philharmonic is set to host a “Back to the 80s” picnic concert, aiming to celebrate the iconic music of the decade while also supporting local small businesses.
Classic film enthusiasts can take part in screenings every Wednesday throughout August at the Kentucky Theatre, with notable films like “Notorious” on August 6 and “Blade Runner” on August 20. Tickets for these screenings are priced at $6.50.
Art and Culture Events
The Woodland Art Fair, taking place at Woodland Park on August 16-17, will feature nearly 200 artists and is expected to draw over 70,000 attendees. Entry to the fair is free, making it an accessible event for the community to enjoy various artistic creations.
On the same day, the Kentucky Reptile Expo will return to the Central Bank Center, showcasing pet reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. General admission tickets for this expo are priced at $10.
Parks, Festivals, and Community Engagement
As part of a community development initiative, Gatton Park will officially open on August 23, featuring an amphitheater, playground, and walking trails. The grand opening ceremony will start at noon. The park is a result of over $55 million raised through private funding, and it is designed to be self-sustaining.
Also on August 23, the Manchester Music Hall will host its annual beer festival, featuring over 40 breweries and food trucks, with tickets available for $52.15. Additionally, the Chevy Chase Street Fair will take place, offering local vendors and live music free for all attendees. Moreover, Chaotic Good, a coffee and games shop, will be organizing a Renaissance fair featuring performances, arts and crafts, and a costume contest.
For coffee lovers, the Cold Brew Coffee Festival is set to take place on August 23 next to the Lexington Farmers’ Market, allowing attendees to sample an array of cold brews.
Equestrian and End-of-Month Events
As the month progresses, the 12th annual Battle in the Saddle Team Penning event is slated for August 29 at the Kentucky Horse Park, where general admission will be free, providing an opportunity for families and friends to gather and enjoy this equestrian event.
On August 30, the Water Lantern Festival will also take place at the Kentucky Horse Park, where attendees can decorate and float water lanterns, with early bird tickets available for $30.99 until August 15.
Finally, the University of Kentucky football team will launch its 2025 season with a game against Toledo on August 30 at Kroger Field, starting at 12:45 p.m. Tickets for the game are priced from $26.91.
With this array of events, Central Kentucky is poised for a vibrant August filled with culture, entertainment, and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Sports Article
- Wikipedia: Live Music
- Kentucky Entertainment Article
- Google Search: Art Fairs
- Summer Fun Guide
- Google Scholar: Community Events
- Know Your Kentucky Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
- Kentucky Sports Article 2
- Google News: Events in Kentucky
- Kentucky Entertainment Article 2
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
