The 12 best things to do in and around Lexington this weekend

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 from live music concerts, comedy shows, food truck locations, Kentucky Derby parties including at Keeneland and arts fairs like Mayfest at downtown’s Gratz Park.

Maddens’ Derby Eve parties exhibit at Kentucky Horse Park

The International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park has opened an exhibit on the Maddens’ Derby Eve parties, May Day Maddness, with objects on display on loan from Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Madden. The park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission to the museum is included. $16 for adults, $8 for children 6-12, $5 parking. 4089 Iron Works Pkwy. kyhorsepark.com

Food Truck Friday at Shillito Park

Lexington Parks & Recreation’s Food Truck Friday returns to Shillito Park on May 6 from 6-9 p.m. with everything from Japanese street food to taco trucks, Greek gyros, burgers, Italian ice, mini donuts, roasted corn, local brews and ciders; and more. The event is free to attend. 300 W Reynolds Rd. facebook.com/events/368864318475372.

First Friday Berea at The Lot

The second iteration of First Friday Berea at The Lot will take place on May 6 from 6-9 p.m. with a Moonflower Market, food from Nightjar and Peg + Awl Public House; and live music from jazz/funk/rock band The New Developments. The event is free to attend. 446 Chestnut St, Berea. facebook.com/events/1421058791687930/1421058801687929.

Comedian James Gregory at Comedy Off Broadway

Comedian James Gregory returns to Comedy Off Broadway for four shows on May 6 and 7. Show times are at 6 and 8:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $35. 161 Lexington Green Cir #C4. ComedyOffBroadway.com.

Bourby Derby at The Grand Reserve

Celebrate Derby Eve at “Bourby Derby,” a pre-party at The Grand Reserve with comedy from Etta May, music from Tee Dee Young and more on May 6 at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best Derby hats and attire, with the pick of Best Hat winning $200. Tickets start at $40 and also include two specialty cocktails and Derby-themed appetizers. 903 Manchester St. Eventbrite.com.

Gardening instruction: Fayette County Extension Expo

Learn about gardening during the Fayette County Extension Expo at the Fayette County Extension Office on May 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. Programming includes agriculture and natural resources, family consumer sciences, horticulture and 4-H youth development. There will also be free plants and giveaways while supplies last. The event is free to attend. 1140 Harry Sykes Way. Fayette.Ca.Uky.Edu.

Mayfest Arts Fair at Gratz Park

The Mayfest Arts Fair will return to in-person festivities in 2022 at Gratz Park on May 7 at 10 a.m. to May 8 at 5 p.m. The event will feature over 70 art and concession vendors, live music and more. Best of all, it’s free to attend. 250 W Third St. facebook.com/events/674632917155980.

Kentucky Derby celebration at Keeneland

With over 1,000 TVs and betting windows, the Lexington racetrack will open at 10 a.m. on May 7 for a day-long Kentucky Derby watch party before the race at 6:57 p.m. You can buy tickets online at Keeneland.com, including packages with food. General admission is $7 in advance, $10 on Saturday; children 12 and under free with adult. The Hill will be open for tailgating with live music, food trucks and betting windows. Premium tailgating packages available. 4201 Versailles Rd. Keeneland.com

Alpaca Derby at Wildcat Willy’s

The third annual Alpaca Derby will be 4 p.m. May 7 at Wildcat Willy’s Distillery & Restaurant. The alpaca derby will feature six alpacas including last year’s winner, Show Me the Stimmy. Bent Penny Band will perform at 7. Free. 31 E Broadway St., Winchester, wildcatwillysdistillery.com

Cole Chaney, Wolfpen Branch, Cody Lee Moomey concert at The Burl

Lexington based, Ashland raised singer-songwriter Cole Chaney will perform at The Burl on May 7 at 8 p.m. with support from bluegrass supergroup Wolfpen Branch and Southern Illinois based artist Cody Lee Moomey. Tickets are $20. TheBurlKy.com.

Horszowski Trio concert at the Singletary Center for the Arts

The Chamber Music Society of Central Kentucky will present a free concert with the New-York-based Horszowski Trio at the Singletary Center for the Arts’ Recital Hall on May 8 at 3 p.m. 405 Rose St. SingletaryCenter.com.

Nick Dittmeier concert at Goodwood Brewing in Frankfort

Southern Indiana based singer-songwriter Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters will perform at Goodwood Brewing in Frankfort on May 8 at 5 p.m. The country and southern rock outfit will perform songs old and new, including tracks from their forthcoming album “Heavy Denim” out July 15. The event is free to attend. 109 W Main St, Frankfort. facebook.com/events/730160657996416.