The Breeders’ Cup Host Committee has organized a weeklong, citywide festival leading up to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, with multiple events at various venues taking place Oct. 24-31.
While some events are ticketed, many of the downtown festivities are free and open to the public. Visit www.breederscupfestival.com for more details on these and other festival-related events, which include horse farm tours, sunrise breakfasts at Keeneland, draw parties, dedications and more.
Here is information on a handful of the offerings:
Saturday, Oct. 24
Feeders’ Cup. Breeders’ Cup Festival week kicks off with this inaugural food truck competition and tasting event (operated by Smiley Pete Publishing, parent company of Business Lexington) spotlighting local and regional food trucks. Admission includes live music from Johnny Conqueroo, Coralee and the Townies and Sheisty Khrist, as well as unlimited tastings from 20 food trucks. The truck with the most votes wins a prime downtown location later in the week during the Breeders’ Cup Festival festivities. 3-11 p.m., Whitaker Bank Ballpark, 207 Legends Lane.
“I Dedicate This Ride: The Life and Times of Isaac Murphy.” This powerful play written by Frank X. Walker and performed by Message Theatre follows the life of Lexington Thoroughbred racing legend and African-American jockey Isaac Murphy (1861-1896). 7 p.m., Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. 3rd Street.
Sunday, Oct. 25
Kentucky for Kentucky 25 Furlong Fun Run. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite Kentuckian – from Abraham Lincoln to Kim Davis – and compete for a $1,000 best-costume prize for this familyfriendly 5K “fun run” hosted by Kentucky for Kentucky. 2 p.m., Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy.
Thriller Parade. Under the direction of Mecca Live Studio and other partnering organizations, more than 1,500 zombies and ghouls dance along to the world’s largest re-enactment of Michael Jackson’s epic “Thriller” video for this annual downtown Lexington tradition. The Lexington Halloween Parade begins at 8 p.m., with “Thriller” set for 8:30 p.m. Downtown.
Here Come the Mummies at the Kentucky Ale Stage. The Nashville-based funk band known for performing in full-blown mummy costumes kicks off a week’s worth of free live shows from regional and touring bands on the Breeders’ Cup Festival main stage, located on the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza at 8 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 26
Tim Talbert Project. Downtown’s 5/3 Pavilion at Cheapside Park will host local music acts nightly throughout the week, kicking off Monday with the high-energy jazz outfi t Tim Talbert Project. 6 p.m., 5/3 Pavilion at Cheapside Park.
Tee Dee Young and Ben Lacy. Two of Lexington’s fi nest guitar aces make a rare joint appearance. 6:45 p.m., Courthouse Plaza.
Tuesday, Oct. 27
Ralph Curtis and the Nashville Imposters. Enjoy tributes to some of the great country singers with this local outfi t. 6 p.m., 5/3 Pavilion at Cheapside Park.
The Suffers. This Houston, Texas-based soul act combines classic and contemporary sounds with a rocking rhythm and blues backbeat. With opening act The Trendells. 6:45 p.m., Courthouse Plaza, downtown.
Wednesday, Oct. 28
Kentucky Crafted. Fine art and crafts from some of Kentucky’s best artists will be available in a convenient and rustic setting for this curated shopping event. Noon-6 p.m. at The Livery, 238 E. Main St.
Bourbon Backstretch: Master Distillers’ Night. The top Kentucky master distillers associated with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail unite under one roof to taste some of the best of “America’s Native Spirit.” Patrons can enjoy nearly 40 whiskeys poured by the master distillers themselves, plus, food and live entertainment. 6-10 p.m., The Livery, 238 E. Main St.
Coralee and the Townies. These local favorites play roadhouse rock ’n’ roll with honky-tonk soul. 6 p.m. 5/3 Pavilion at Cheapside Park.
Travelin’ McCourys and Town Mountain. The Travelin’ McCoury blend Bluegrass and R&B while Town Mountain is an acoustic Bluegrass outfit from Asheville, North Carolina. With local support from The Wooks. 6:45 p.m., Courthouse Plaza, downtown.
“Dreamer” screening. Inspired by a true story, this 2005 equestrian-themed movie stars Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning and Kris Kristoff erson. 7:15 p.m., Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St.
Oliver Lewis Way Bridge Lighting and Fireworks. A celebration of the unveiling of a public art project along the key entryway to downtown. 7:30 p.m., Newtown Pike at Main Street.
Thursday, Oct. 29
Kentucky Crafted. Fine art and crafts from some of Kentucky’s best artists will be available in a convenient and rustic setting for this curated shopping event. Noon-6 p.m. at The Livery, 238 E. Main St.
Swing Street. This six-piece variety dance band boasts four distinctive vocalists. 6 p.m., 5/3 Pavilion at Cheapside Park.
Stooges Brass Band. This high-energy New Orleans-based ensemble blends traditional brass with hip-hop. With opening act The Big Maracas. 6:45 p.m. Courthouse Plaza, downtown.
“Secretariat” screening. This well-received 2010 fi lm tells the true story of one of horse racing’s legends, the 1973 Triple Crown-winner that broke a 25-year drought. 7:15 p.m., Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St.
Friday, Oct. 30
Breeders’ Cup Bash at Red Mile. The newly renovated historic track in downtown Lexington provides an alternative place to watch, wager and celebrate all of the Breeders’ Cup races. 10 a.m., 1200 Red Mile Road.
Bourbon Backstretch: Tasting Night. Attendees will have the chance to sample the top whiskeys associated with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Tickets also include food and live entertainment. 6-10 p.m., at The Livery, 238 E. Main St.
Zeb Harrison and the Sound of Praise; Kenny Owens and Group Therapy. Zeb Harrison and the Sound of Praise provides blasts of brass and Kenny Owens and Group Therapy will bring the classic alternative ’80s and ’90s rock. 6 p.m., 5/3 Pavilion at Cheapside Park.
JD McPherson. Oklahoma guitarist JD McPherson and his band play rock and R&B. With opening act The Johnson Brothers Band. 6:45 p.m., Courthouse Plaza, downtown.
Guest Chef Night featuring Matt Lambert, Aarón Sánchez and Janine Booth. Three celebrity chefs each will prepare a course for this special ticketed meal, which is open to Spindletop members and non-members alike. Seatings at 7 and 7:30 p.m., The Club at Spindletop.
Saturday, Oct. 31
Kentucky Crafted. Fine art and crafts from some of Kentucky’s best artists will be available in a convenient and rustic setting for this curated shopping event. Noon-6 p.m. at The Livery, 238 E. Main St.
Breeders’ Cup Bash at Red Mile. The newly renovated historic track in downtown Lexington provides an alternative place to watch, wager and celebrate all of the Breeders’ Cup races. 10 a.m., 1200 Red Mile Road.
Bourbon Backstretch: Tasting Night. Attendees will have the chance to sample the top whiskeys associated with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Tickets also include food and live entertainment. 6-10 p.m., The Livery, 238 E. Main St.
The Swells. Chris Sullivan, Warren Byrom and Andy Mason front this Lexington-based outfit known for its mix of jazz, swing and traditional country blues. 6 p.m., 5/3 Pavilion at Cheapside Park.
The Wags. Local supergroup The Wags will kick out their “gloriously skewed golden pop” on the big stage, with opening act The Twiggenburys. 6:45 p.m., Courthouse Plaza, downtown.