The week ahead: events to watch out for Feb. 8-14

Mimi Bates served up food to hungry customers at Bourbon 'nToulouse in Lexington, Ky., on Feb. 17, 2015.The cajun restaurant was serving up snowed in customers celebrating Fat Tuesday. Photo by Pablo Alcala | Staff Lexington Herald-Leader

Fat Tuesday

Eat, drink and be merry

Because it’s Mardi Gras, and the season of Lent begins Wednesday.

Thursday

Visions of spring will be dancing in our heads

A visit to the Kentucky Sport, Boat and Recreation Show, running through Sunday, will provide a look at the latest in outdoor living and sports equipment. Among the activities: precision shooting and fishing seminars, plus a zip line across Rupp Arena. Lexington Center Heritage Hall and Rupp Arena. 2-9 p.m. Thu., Fri.; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. $10 single-day pass, $5 ages 3-13. Tickets available at the door.(Lexingtonboatshow.com)

Saturday

Kick off Valentine’s weekend with Lexington Ballet’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Shakespeare’s tragic tale of young love is brought to the stage as a ballet complete with sword fights and romance. Performances are at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Lexington Opera House, 401 West Short Street. Tickets are $20.75 to $40.75. Call 859-233-3535 or go to Lexingtonoperahouse.com.

Search for Salamanders at Raven Run

Raven Run is home to several different salamanders, and late winter is the time to try to find the stream-side salamander in the creeks at the park. The free 90-minute program/hike will start at 1 p.m. at the nature center. Be sure to bring wear waterproof boots. (RavenRun.org)

Ex-Cats in the NBA spotlight

Several former UK basketball stars will be looking to leave their mark during NBA All-Star Weekend. On Friday (9 p.m., TNT) Karl-Anthony Towns, Nerlens Noel and Trey Lyles will play in the Rising Stars Challenge. On Saturday (8 p.m., TNT), Devin Booker will take aim in the three-point contest, while Towns, DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis will show off their all-around gifts during the Skills Challenge. On Sunday (8:30 p.m., TNT) John Wall will join Davis and Cousins for the All-Star Game. Get updates on how each former Wildcat does from @ExCats on Twitter.

Looking for something else to do?

Our calendar on LexGo.com has more events.

This story was originally published February 7, 2016 at 4:31 PM with the headline "The week ahead: events to watch out for Feb. 8-14."