Fill your summer with art, theater, music, and dance at Woodland Park with Lexington Parks & Recreation. From the return of Shakespeare to annual favorites Ballet Under the Stars and Woodland Art Fair, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“Woodland Park is not only one of the oldest parks in Lexington but has become known for its diverse events and recreation offerings,” said Monica Conrad, Director of Lexington Parks & Recreation. “We’re looking forward to bringing back our annual favorites of Ballet Under the Stars and Woodland Art Fair and are extremely excited for the return of Shakespeare performances in Woodland Park. The stage is set for an amazing summer!”
This month, EKU’s Appalachian Shakespeare Center will present William Shakespeare’s ambiguous comedy Measure for Measure. The center promotes agency and citizenship by engaging audiences with the works of William Shakespeare. The performances run for two weekends, Thursday through Sunday, July 14 – 16 and July 21 – 23, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at the gate, costing $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors. Patrons should bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating.
The 32nd annual Ballet Under the Stars runs Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 7. The children’s ballet pre-show, A Night at the Circus, featuring music from The Greatest Showman movie, begins at 8 p.m. and is comprised of local dancers ages 7 – 18. The main show follows at 9:15 p.m. and showcases professional dancers from Kentucky Ballet Theatre. Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. Admission is $8 with free admission for children 3 years old and younger. Patrons should bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating.
Toward the end of August, the nationally renowned 46th annual Woodland Art Fair returns with more than 180 artists’ booths – including ceramics, fiber, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, wood and other mediums. Live performances will be held on the gazebo stage throughout both days. The art fair will take place Saturday, August 20, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday, August 21, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and admission is free.
Food and beverage vendors will be onsite for all three events.
EVENT SCHEDULE
William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure
Presented by: Appalachian Shakespeare Center
July 14 – 16 and July 21 – 23 | 7:30 p.m.
Woodland Park
Ballet Under the Stars
Presented by: Lexington Parks & Recreation
August 4 – 7 | 8 p.m.
Woodland Park
Woodland Art Fair
Presented by: Lexington Parks & Recreation and Lexington Art League
August 20 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
August 21 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Woodland Park
Parks & Recreation, a division of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, oversees the programming, maintenance, and development of over 100 city parks and natural areas, six pools, five golf courses, community centers, recreational programs, and three arts venues. To find out more, follow @LexKYParks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or sign up for the email newsletter.
