Breeders’ Cup weekend: What to do, watch parties, live music and more Lexington events

The Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships are riding into town this weekend and there will be plenty of activities in Lexington.

Here’s what will be happening and how you can watch.

If you’re still hoping to go to the actual races, go to breederscup.com to buy tickets. Friday tickets might be available but Saturday and two-day tickets are already sold out.

For a complete guide, information and list of events going on this weekend, go to Breederscupfestival.com.

▪ A history exhibit, with items loaned by the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Kentucky Horse Park, will be at the Lyric Theater, 300 E. Third St., all week long for free.

▪ While not officially part of the Breeders’ Cup Festival, seven local restaurants are part of “Dine Out for Charity” for the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, which raises money for equine medical research. The event runs through Nov. 29 at Azur, Bru Burger, Dudley’s, J. Render’s and Lexington Diner in Lexington and Lil’s Coffee House and Trackside at the Depot in Paris.

▪ Live music will continue through Nov. 5 every evening from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at Tandy Park on Main Street. Acts will include Honeychild and Tee Dee Young on Nov. 4; and The Ranahans and the Lauren Mink Band on Nov. 5.

▪ The Equine Film Festival runs Nov. 1-4 at the Kentucky Theatre on Main Street. This historic movie house, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, will show horse-related films including “Seabiscuit” and “Secretariat” and more. Check the theater site, kentuckytheatre.org, for the full schedule.

▪ Through Nov. 5, the Breeders’ Cup will have a video projection and light show on the front facade of the Old Courthouse on Main Street, next to Tandy Park. The projection on the building will include race and event footage, and more. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m.and repeat every half hour.

▪ Through Nov. 4 the Kentucky Bourbon Showcase will show off the state’s “other” signature industry. Tickets for the event at Clerestory in Greyline Station, 101 W. Loudon Ave., are $50 and limited to 250 people. More than 20 distilleries will have bourbon tastings, plus food and musical entertainment from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Go to eventbrite.com to purchase.

▪ Breeders’ Cup Watch Party at Tandy Park will have large video screens and lots of TVs so you can watch the races live Nov. 4-5. Food trucks and outdoor bars will sell refreshments.

▪ International Block Party at Greyline Station on Nov. 4 will feature special food, cocktails and music from around the world of racing beginning at 5 p.m. Parking will be available at Legends Ball Park with free shuttle service to Greyline Station.

▪ On Nov. 4, rub shoulders with other racing fans at the Thoroughbred Charities of America will host the Bash at the Breeders’ Cup in the Grand Reserve at 903 Manchester St. in the Distillery District. The event will include specialty cocktails, food and live music plus a live auction. Tickets are available tca.org.

▪ Kick off the second day of the championships with Breakfast at the Breeders’ Cup, a special edition of Keeneland’s Breakfast with the Works. You can watch final preparations for the races and buy breakfast at the track (seriously, the track kitchen is amazing.)

▪ After the races, you can celebrate your winnings at the Breeders’ Cup Lounge at Grand Reserve on Nov. 5, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets start at $20, cash bar available. For tickets go to Eventbrite.com.

▪ And if you want to visit one of Kentucky’s famous horse farms, go to Visithorsecountry.com to schedule a tour at Spendthrift Farm, Three Chimneys, Taylor Made Farm, Denali Stud, WinStar and more.

This story was originally published November 3, 2022 at 7:00 PM.

Janet Patton

Lexington Herald-Leader

859-379-5233

Janet Patton covers restaurants, bars, food and bourbon for the Herald-Leader. She is an award-winning business reporter who also has covered agriculture, gambling, horses and hemp. Support my work with a digital subscription