Kentucky Derby Weekender April 30 To May 8: Burgin Yard Sale, Kentucky Dogby, Farmers Market, Health Fair And More
Image: kentuckyderby.com.
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]
We’re racing into a busy Derby weekend, with the return of the Mercer County Farmers Market on Saturday as well as season opening events like the Kentucky Dogby at Dark K9 as well as Derby Parties at Kamp Kennedy Marina, the Lodge at Logan Vineyards and the Vault.
Have a great weekend, Mercer County!
Thursday, April 30
• Burgin Community Yard Sale (308 East Main Street, Burgin). Find everything from vintage items to furniture, clothing, household goods, tools, toys, books and much more. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday though Sunday. 859-748-9223 or Facebook @City of Burgin.
• Baby Tumble Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). For children aged 6 months to 18 months to develop their large motor skills, gain social interactions and enhance their cognitive development. Kid friendly climbing mats, sensory pads, a tunnel and more. A free play, come and go as you can program. No registration is required. Starts 10 a.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• 4-H Natural Resources Club at Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office (1007 Lexington Road). Youth will focus on forestry project—leaf prints, leaf collections, compass and pacing, etc. Starts 6 p.m. 859-734-4378 or Facebook @mercercountyextension or [email protected].
Lil Jimmy Ritchey at Papa Smoke’s.
• Live music by Lil’ Jimmy Ritchey at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Live music starts 6 p.m. 859-605-2232 or Facebook @papasmokepizzaharrodsburgky.
• Karaoke with DJ Jay Iacona at Nan’s Olde Town Grill and Game Room (110 West Broadway). Karaoke from 6 to 10 p.m. each Thursday. 859-605-2234 or Facebook @Olde Town Grill.
• Live music by Eric Poore at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by Miss Steaks. Starts 7 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.
• Karaoke at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Friday, May 1
• Burgin Community Yard Sale (308 East Main Street, Burgin). Find everything from vintage items to furniture, clothing, household goods, tools, toys, books and much more. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday though Sunday. 859-748-9223 or Facebook @City of Burgin.
• Special Derby Storytimes at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Enjoy stories, songs, and Derby Day fun at special Derby Storytime. Toddler Tales (9:30 a.m.) is for ages 18 months to 3 years old, and Preschool Storytime (11 a.m.) is for ages 3-5. Children’s Story Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Birds of the Palisades at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Learn how to identify grassland songbirds by sight, sound, behavior and habitat. This program takes place during peak migration in converted native prairie and adjoining forest edges. Participants will gain training for Global Big Day and other citizen science birding programs. Program offered in partnership with Floracliff Nature Sanctuary. Hours: 1 to 3:30 p.m. program. Cost: $15. Registered attendees who book an overnight stay receive 30 percent discount. Overnight stay must be for the date immediately preceding or succeeding the program. Discount applies to one night. Cannot be combined with other offers. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
Kentucky Dogby at Dark K9. (Image: Dark K9).
• Kentucky Dogby at Dark K9 (572 Ison Lane). Three-day Kentucky Derby-themed North American Diving Dogs (NADD) event runs through Sunday, May3 with personal best ribbons, NADD qualifying and title ribbons and H.A.R.D Charger awards. AR/HD starts 5 p.m. 859-221-0885 or [email protected] or darkk9.com or Facebook @DarkK9.
• Derby Classic Horse Show at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Event hosted by the by KY Walking Racking Trainers. Starts 6 p.m. Facebook.com/events/mercer-county-fair-grounds/2026-derby-classic-horse-show or Facebook @ky.walking.racking.trainers.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Katie Souder at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Live music, outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit between the historic 1839 Trustees Office and garden. Music starts 6:30 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Live music by Chris Linton at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Live music starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2232 or Facebook @papasmokepizzaharrodsburgky.
• Trivia at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Saturday, May 2
• Kentucky Dogby at Dark K9 (572 Ison Lane). Three-day Kentucky Derby-themed North American Diving Dogs (NADD) event with personal best ribbons, NADD qualifying and title ribbons and H.A.R.D Charger awards. Evaluators from Cramer Canine Consulting LLC and Mikscellaneous Pawsibilities will conducti CGC, CGCA, Fetch Novice and Trick Novice testing as well as providing forms and verifying AKC Fit Dog activities starting 8 a.m. Saturday. AR/HD at noon and 5 p.m. 859-221-0885 or [email protected] or darkk9.com or Facebook @DarkK9.
• Burgin Community Yard Sale (308 East Main Street, Burgin). Find everything from vintage items to furniture, clothing, household goods, tools, toys, books and much more. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday though Sunday. 859-748-9223 or Facebook @City of Burgin.
• Mercer County Farmers Market at the Stable at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Local vendors providing locally raised produce, meats and eggs, baked goods and handmade crafts from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. [email protected] or farmersmarketmercer.square.site or Facebook @Mercer County Farmers Market.
• Baby Tumble Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). For children aged 6 months to 18 months to develop their large motor skills, gain social interactions and enhance their cognitive development. Kid friendly climbing mats, sensory pads, a tunnel and more. A free play, come and go as you can program. No registration is required. Starts 10 a.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Run for the Roses and Your Health Community Health Fair at Mercer County Health Department (900 North College Street). Kicks off with a 1K run/walk, with live demos, health screenings and kids activities. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 859-734-4522 or mercerkyhd.org or Facebook.com/MercerHDKY.
• Hand-Tied Hawk Tail Broom at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Returning to the Shaker craft tradition and learn to make hand-tied “hawk tail” brooms from hemp cord and natural broomcorn. Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Cost: $65. Annual passholders receive 20 percent discount. 859-734-5411 or sshakervillageky.org.
• Monthly Nature Walk at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Enjoy a gentle walk while learning about the native flora and fauna starting 3 p.m. Cost: $10. Registered attendees who book an overnight stay receive 30 percent discount. Overnight stay must be for the date immediately preceding or succeeding the program. Discount applies to one night. Cannot be combined with other offers. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Kentucky Derby Party at the Lodge at Logan Vineyards Winery (254 Hopewell Road). Live music by the Boone Creek Duo, delicious wine and the Run for the Roses. Starts 4 p.m. 502-783-6604 or [email protected] or LoganVineyards.com or Facebook @LoganVineyards.
• Cruz on Chiles at Auto Kustoms (123 South Chiles Street). Monthly auto show returns. Open to all makes and models vehicles. Family fun atmosphere. Music, food trucks and more from 5 to 8 p.m. Facebook @cruzonchiles.
• Unbelievable Ghost Stories and More at Storm Crow Gaming (124 South Main Street). Tell us about your paranormal encounters or share a weird story you heard. Snacks and drinks provided. Starts 5 p.m. 859-605-6050 or [email protected] or Facebook @StormCrowCuriosities.
• Derby Day at Kamp Kennedy Marina (4646 Kennedy Bridge Road, Lancaster). Live music with Kris Carey and Lexy Clark. Hours: 6 to 9 p.m. 859-548-2002 or kampkennedymarina.com or Facebook @Kamp Kennedy Marina.
• Gospel Concert with Eighteen Mile at by Bruner’s Chapel Baptist Church (5346 Mackville Road). family friendly night of gospel music starts at 6 p.m. 203-768-7827 or brunerschapel.com or Facebook.com/BrunersChapelChurch.
• Derby Classic Horse Show at Mercer County Fairgrounds (560 Linden Avenue). Event hosted by the by KY Walking Racking Trainers. Starts 6 p.m. Facebook.com/events/mercer-county-fair-grounds/2026-derby-classic-horse-show or Facebook @ky.walking.racking.trainers.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Cotter Hill at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Live music, outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit between the historic 1839 Trustees Office and garden. Music starts 6:30 p.m. 859-734-5411 or sshakervillageky.org.
Vudu Childe at the Vault.
• Derby Party featuring live music by Vudu Childe at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Party starts 6 p.m., music starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Sunday, May 3
• Burgin Community Yard Sale (308 East Main Street, Burgin). Find everything from vintage items to furniture, clothing, household goods, tools, toys, books and much more. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday though Sunday. 859-748-9223 or Facebook @City of Burgin.
• Kentucky Dogby at Dark K9 (572 Ison Lane). Three-day Kentucky Derby-themed North American Diving Dogs (NADD) event with personal best ribbons, NADD qualifying and title ribbons and H.A.R.D Charger awards. AR/HD at noon and 5 p.m. 859-221-0885 or [email protected] or darkk9.com or Facebook @DarkK9.
• Trivia at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by Billy’s BBQ. Starts 5 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.
• Sunday Commander at Storm Crow Gaming (124 South Main Street). Games start 6 p.m. 859-605-6050 or [email protected] or Facebook @StormCrowCuriosities.
Monday, May 4
• Makerspace and Take: Tote Bags at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Design, create, and take home a custom tote bag made using the Cricut and heat press. No prior experience needed. Starts at noon. Registration required, makerspace limited to eight adult participants. Library card in good standing required. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• 4-H Outdoor Explorers Club at Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office (1007 Lexington Road). Hiking, tours, cooking, challenges and more. Open to all 4-H ages! Six- to eight-year-olds must have adult present. Starts 3:30 p.m. 859-734-4378 or Facebook @mercercountyextension or [email protected].
Tuesday, May 5
• Cloverbuds Afterschool Club at Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office (1007 Lexington Road). For kindergarten to third grade. Snack provided. Starts 3:30 p.m. Must RSVP. 859-734-4378 or Facebook @mercercountyextension or [email protected].
• Teen Craft Corner at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Teens aged 13 to 18 can choose from a variety of crafts from painting to beading to button making and more. Starts 3:30 p.m. in Teen Area. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Gentle Yoga at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Enjoy a gentle, calming session designed to help you relax, stretch, and unwind. Perfect for beginners and all experience levels. Starts 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
Wednesday, May 6
• 4-H Teen Club at Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office (1007 Lexington Road). Open to any youth in middle school and high school Starts 3:30 p.m. 859-734-4378 or Facebook @mercercountyextension or [email protected].
• Sing-O at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Thursday, May 7
• Baby Tumble Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). For children aged 6 months to 18 months to develop their large motor skills, gain social interactions and enhance their cognitive development. Kid friendly climbing mats, sensory pads, a tunnel and more. A free play, come and go as you can program. No registration is required. Starts 10 a.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Lunch and Learn: Propagation at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Hands-on program teaches how to grow new plants from plant cuttings. Presented by the Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office. Starts at noon in the Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• 4-H Cat Club at Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office (1007 Lexington Road). Learn all about our feline friends and their “wild” cousins. Open to Cloverbuds and regular 4-H members. Starts 6 p.m. 859-734-4378 or Facebook @mercercountyextension or [email protected].
• Karaoke with DJ Jay Iacona at Nan’s Olde Town Grill and Game Room (110 West Broadway). Karaoke from 6 to 10 p.m. each Thursday. 859-605-2234 or Facebook @Olde Town Grill.
• Live music at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Starts 7 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.
• Karaoke at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Friday, May 8
• Sensory Garden Story Time at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Enjoy stories, songs and more during. Toddler Tales (9:30 a.m.) is for ages 18 months to 3 years old and Preschool Storytime (11 a.m.) is for ages 3-5. Children’s Story Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Senior Social Hour at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Stay connected and engaged at Senior Social Hour, designed for adults 55 and up. This program—hosted by Bluegrass Community Action Partnership—offers a fun and friendly space to meet new people, access valuable resources and build community. Starts 11 a.m. in the Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
Katie Souder and Ethan Blackburn at Friday Night on Main.
• Friday Night On Main featuring live music by Katie Souder and Ethan Blackburn and Men of a Certain Age at Olde Town Park (126 South Main Street). Gather your friends, bring your lawn chairs, grab dinner downtown and enjoy live music with Souder and Blackburn kick at 6 p.m. and Men of a Certain Age play at 8 p.m. Event organized by the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourist Commission. [email protected] or Facebook @Friday Nights on Main.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Chris Weiss at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Live music, outdoor dining, drinks and specialty cocktails around the fire pit between the historic 1839 Trustees Office and garden. Music starts 6:30 p.m. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Movie Night at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Have any events planned? Let everyone know by posting it on the Weekender. Email events to [email protected].
