About Picnic with the Pops

The Picnic with the Pops Commission is comprised of:

Linda Gorton, Mayor

Deborah Holland Tudor, Chairperson

Penny Ebel, Vice Chair

Kip Cornett, Treasurer

Sharon Reed, Secretary

Jared Lee, Event Director

Commission Members: Frances E. Elsen, John Kiebler, Heather Lyons, Everett McCorvey, Hannah Sawyer, Adrienne Thakur, Sarah Thrall.

Supporting Staff: Saraya Brewer, Seth Murphy

One of Lexington’s favorite summer traditions, Picnic with the Pops is an annual outdoor musical event held each August. Featuring a fun and light-hearted atmosphere with picnic dinners, a table decorating contest and an idyllic Kentucky setting, the event started in 1980 by a group that included Lexington’s mayor at the time, Jim Amato, and Thomas Minter, who served as the chairman of the event until 2012. The event is now run by a city-appointed commission of volunteers.

The event features live orchestra music by the Lexington Philharmonic and a special guest artist each year. Formerly taking place at The Kentucky Horse Park, the event moved into a new home at the beautiful Keene Meadow at Keeneland in 2010, where it still operates today.

Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic dinners and beverage of their choice. Table seating is available, as well as general admission (blanket) seating.

All tickets are sold in advance and no tickets will be sold at the gate.

For more information, email lexpops79@gmail.com