Weekender May 14 To 22: ATOM Fest And More
Five Below Band at ATOM Fest.
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]
It’s time for A Thing On Main Street, better known as ATOM Fest 2026, which happens Saturday, May 16,in front of the Mercer County Judicial Center (224 South Main Street). starting at 2 p.m. ATOM Fest features three live music acts, food trucks, drinks and a lot of fun. The all day event is free to the public, but donations will be accepted with proceeds going to Honor Flight Kentucky.
Good Thang Lisa and Monte at the ATOM Fest.
Live music kicks off with Good Thang Lisa and Monte at 2 p.m., the Leftovers at 4:30 p.m. and the Five Below Band at 7 p.m.
Vendors include Biscuits BBQ, Blackbird Bakery and Cafe, Casa Mobile, Grillin’ Good Eats, Lemons Mill Brewery, LoCo Wines of Logan Vineyards Winery, Old Style Kettle Korn, Sitbe Sider—Hard Cider House, Tasting Room and Pub, the Scoop, and the Vault. Bring a lawn chair if you wish to sit. Seating will be limited.
Have a great weekend, Mercer County!
Thursday, May 14
• Carnival Escape Room at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Step right up for a carnival-themed escape room experience. Teams of up to six people work together to solve riddles, crack codes and uncover clues while making their way through an abandoned carnival. Can your team solve the puzzles in time to escape? Participants must register in advance to secure a time slot for your team. Hours” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Teen Area. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• 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].
• 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.
• Karaoke at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street). Starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
Friday, May 15
• Carnival Escape Room at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Step right up for a carnival-themed escape room experience. Teams of up to six people work together to solve riddles, crack codes and uncover clues while making their way through an abandoned carnival. Can your team solve the puzzles in time to escape? Participants must register in advance to secure a time slot for your team. Hours” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Teen Area. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Dean Byrom 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 the Jenkins Twins at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by Biscuits BBQ. Starts 7 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.
• Trivia at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street).Starts 8 p.m. 859-605-2118 or Facebook @the Vault.
• Going Batty at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Enjoy a nighttime stroll through the fields and forests as we dispel myths and learn about habitat and food needs of bats, including special acoustic “bat boxes” to listen to ultrasonic squeaks bats use for navigation. Starts 8:30 p.m. Cost: $25. Annual passholders receive 20 percent discount. Intended for ages 16 and up. Dogs not permitted. Registered attendees who book an overnight stay receive a 30 percent discount. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
Saturday, May 16
• RBT Renegade Bass Tournament at Pandora Marina (125 Pandora Drive). Division 9 Herrington Lake Bass Tournament. Hours: 7 a.m. (or first light) to 3 p.m. Cost: $110 per boat includes boat launch, $30 per person one-time RBT Renegade membership. Director Chris Lasley at 859-494-3228 or [email protected] or Co-Director Everett Lasley at 859-881-8962 or [email protected].
• 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.
• Carnival Escape Room at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Step right up for a carnival-themed escape room experience. Teams of up to six people work together to solve riddles, crack codes and uncover clues while making their way through an abandoned carnival. Can your team solve the puzzles in time to escape? Participants must register in advance to secure a time slot for your team. Hours” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Teen Area. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Herrington Lake Conservation League Pancake Breakfast at Kamp Kennedy Marina (4646 Kennedy Bridge Road, Lancaster). Annual fundraiser. Hours: 9 a.m. to noon. hlcl.org or Facebook @Herrington Lake Conservation League or email Boursaw at [email protected].
• Stewardship Saturday at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Help battle erosion, clear invasive species and protect one of Central Kentucky’s most popular outdoor spaces. Starts 10 a.m. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers will use hand tools including shovels and loppers and should wear leather work gloves and sturdy, closed-toe shoes or work boots. Registered attendees who book an overnight stay receive a 30 percent discount applied at checkout. Volunteers will also receive a voucher for 20 percent off one meal. Reservations recommended. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Discovering Holy Sinai’s Plain at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Enjoy a special guided hike to “Holy Sinai’s Plain,” an outdoor worship space located south of the village. Starts 10 a.m. Cost: $25. Members receive a 20 percent discount. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• 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.
• Kids Kitchen at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Kids ages 8–12 are invited to create their own fruit pizzas. Participants will practice basic kitchen skills like cutting fruit and spreading sauce. Starts 11 a.m. in the Children’s Activity Room. RSVP required. 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 1:30 p.m. in Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
Nick Laymon was having a great ATOM Fest in 2022. File image.
• ATOM (A Thing On Main) Fest 2026 (Main Street Harrodsburg). Live music by Good Thang Lisa and Monte at 2 p.m., the Leftovers at 4:30 p.m. and the Five Below Band at 7 p.m. Local vendors, food and drink. 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. 859-613-1380 or Facebook @atomfesthburg.
• Herbal Tea Workshop at Herbal Kreations (120 South Main Street). Herbal Tea 101 Workshop with Mama’s Meadow. Discuss herbs commonly used in tea, taste the difference between hot and cold infusions, create your own custom blend to take home. No experience needed. Starts 2 p.m. mamas-meadow.square.site or [email protected] or Facebook @Mama’s Meadow.
• Wildflower Hike at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (3501 Lexington Road). Join Judson Collins for a hike to find late-spring wildflowers including Yellow Trout-lily (Erythronium americanum), Blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia verna) and Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata). Starts 2 p.m. Cost: $25. Annual passholders receive 20 percent discount. 859-734-5411 or shakervillageky.org.
• Music on the Lawn featuring Greg Schaber 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 Sticktight at Papa Smoke Pizza (112 South Main Street). Live music starts 7 p.m. 859-605-2232 or Facebook @papasmokepizzaharrodsburgky.
• Live music by Skinny Mulligan at Cummins Ferry RV Park and Campground (2558 Cummins Ferry Road, Salvisa). Food by Glorias Mexican. 859-865-2003 or cumminsferry.com or Facebook @Cummins Ferry RV Campground.
Sunday, May 17
• Steak and Seafood Extravaganza at Bluegrass Powersports (501 Joseph Drive). One day event hosted by J&S Fatdaddy Meats. All products sourced and processed in the USA. Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. rain or shine. Limited specials, including 20 ribeyes at $40 and buy one, get one deals on all family variety bundles. 859-205-1740 or bluegrasspowersportsky.com or Facebook @Bluegrass Powersports of HarrodsburgKY or 865-243-6973 or Facebook @ J&S Fatdaddy Meats.
• Trivia at Lemons Mill Brewery (166 Marimon Avenue). Food by Billy’s BBQ. Starts 5 p.m. 859-734-7791 or Facebook @Lemons Mill.
Monday, May 18
• Morning Chess at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). It’s checkmate time — chess is back at the library. Join fellow players in the Reading Room for relaxed games, friendly competition, and a welcoming space for all skill levels. All ages welcome. Starts 9:30 a.m. in the Reading Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Casa Grande Turns 10! at Casa Grande (145 Collin Drive). Help us celebrate 10 years of Casa with giveaways, tres leches and the Scoop will be here from 5 to 8 p.m. Everyone gets free ice cream with their meal purchase. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 859-613-5669 or casagrandeky.com or Facebook @casaGky.
Tuesday, May 19
• Chair Yoga at Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office (1007 Lexington Road). Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent Tara Duty teaches the basics of chair yoga starting at 1 p.m. 859-734-4378 or Facebook @mercercountyextension or [email protected].
• Teen Game Zone at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Game on. Board games, card games, video games—pick your favorite and challenge your friends. Enjoy snacks, laughs and friendly competition for ages 13 to 18 only. Starts 3:30 p.m. in Teen Area. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Cloverbud Cooking Club at Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office (1007 Lexington Road). Free club open to youth six to eight years old. Starts 5:30 p.m. 859-734-4378 or Facebook @mercercountyextension or [email protected].
• 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 20
• Jams, Jellies, Relish, Salsa and Chutneys at Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office (1007 Lexington Road). Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent Tara Duty teaches the basics of waterbath canning starting at 1 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 21
• 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.
• Stay Crafty: Flowerpots at Mercer County Public Library (109 West Lexington Street). Participants will decorate their own flowerpots using paints and simple craft materials. It’s a fun, hands-on way to relax, get creative and add a personal touch to your home or garden this season. Starts 5:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. 859-734-3680 or mercerpublic.org.
• Craft and Sip at Blackbird Bakery & Cafe (225 South Main Street Suite 100). Unleash your creatiwiby by making a flag door hanger with Blacketerbuilt Woodworking. Step-by–step instruction, all painting supplies provided. Fun, laughter and a masterpiece to take home. Sitbe Ciderhouse will be open for cocktails. Starts 6 p.m. Cost: $35 per person. [email protected] or blackbird.ky or cafeblackbird.com or Facebook @blackbirdcafeharrodsburg.
• 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 Damnit Sam 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 21
• Toddler Tales and Preschool Storytime 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.
Traveling Kentucky Vietnam Wall at Harrodsburg Christian Church Fellowship Hall.
• Traveling Kentucky Vietnam Wall at Harrodsburg Christian Church Fellowship Hall (305 South Main Street). Traveling Wall on display from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Display continues until Sunday, May 24, at 5 p.m. 859-734-3224 or [email protected] or Facebook @hccdoc.
• Trivia at the Vault—Harrodsburg (235 South Main Street).Starts 8 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].
