Arts & Culture

The artistic pulse beats strong in Greater LEX, resonating through a network of art galleries, craft centers and captivating public installations. Lexington serves as a cultural epicenter, propelled by organizations like LexArts, which nurtures the city’s vibrant art community through advocacy and fundraising efforts. One easy way to become acquainted with the city’s art is through LexART HOP — an event that takes place every third Friday of every other month and spans dozens of galleries, museums, artists’ studios and creative spaces.

From the thought-provoking exhibitions of the Lexington Arts League to a diverse array of performances at the historic Lyric Theatre, creativity thrives in the Horse Capital of the World. Walk in the footprints of musical luminaries like Duke Ellington, Mercer Ellington and James Brown — all of whom performed at the Lyric Theatre in the mid-1950s. The Lyric Theatre now showcases exhibits by local, regional and national Black creators while serving as a vibrant community event and performance center.

Experience the craft of glassblowing first hand at the Trifecta Glass Art Lounge, a studio and speakeasy, or take a walk and enjoy the more than 15 murals that line the streets of the city. The University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts further enriches the cultural landscape, inviting visitors of the UK Art Museum to explore its exhibitions, events and collections through its commitment to free admission. The Singletary Center for the Arts also offers a range of events and programming throughout the year.

Lose yourself against a rich tapestry of theaters, playhouses, diverse cultural centers and museums in Greater LEX. Start your journey at the historic Lexington Opera House — an architectural gem listed on the National Register of Historic Places which serves as a cultural hub, with performances ranging from ballet to opera to comedy and national Broadway tours.

Your next stop is the Bluegrass Theatre Guild in Frankfort, which enthralls audiences with a diverse repertoire of Broadway and off-Broadway productions throughout the year. Skip across the region and you’ll find the Leeds Center for the Arts in Winchester, with a rich history of delivering dynamic musical and dramatic performances. The Woodford County Theatre also provides more than 100 mainstage productions each year.

For those seeking a deeper dive into Greater LEX, the region is home to museums that offer fascinating insights into Kentucky’s people, places and stories. From Frankfort’s Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History (a Smithsonian affiliate) to smaller gems like the Georgetown and Scott County Museum, Ward Hall in Georgetown and the Mary Todd Lincoln House in Lexington, the Bluegrass Region preserves and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Kentucky.

Greater LEX offers a vibrant array of art, music and cultural events that captivate audiences year-round. The Berea Arts Fest has stood as a testament to the region’s commitment to the arts for over three decades, attracting over 11,000 enthusiasts annually to its free one-day invitational multi-arts festival.

Meanwhile, the Woodland Art Fair reigns as a premier destination for art and craft aficionados, drawing over 70,000 to downtown Lexington annually for more than 40 years. Consistently ranked among the top fairs nationwide, Woodland Art Fair comprises more than 180 artists showcasing their talents, epitomizing the city’s rich cultural tapestry and enduring passion for artistic expression.

For music enthusiasts, Central Kentucky also offers an eclectic array of signature events that cater to diverse tastes. Railbird, a two-day country and folk music festival held in the heart of the region, serves as a mecca for music lovers, drawing close to 40,000 attendees eager to soak in the sounds of their favorite artists.

Looking for a smaller, more intimate music venue? Diverse options like The Burl, the Manchester Music Hall, the New Orleans-inspired Creaux cocktail bar, and local blues legend Tee Dee Young’s lounge create unforgettable concert-going experiences on a nightly basis.

Whether you find yourself immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the Berea Arts Fest, exploring the artistic wonders at the Woodland Art Fair, or swaying to the melodies of Railbird, you’re sure to discover unforgettable experiences at the intersection of art, music and culture in Greater LEX.