When Keeneland hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for the first time in 2015, the venerable racetrack and the city of Lexington, Ky., pulled out all the stops to create a memorable experience for thousands of attendees. Unfortunately, the return engagement in 2020 was severely constrained by the COVID-19 pandemic, and fans were prohibited from attending the two-day Breeders’ Cup while Lexington and the rest of the world still operated under many social restrictions.

Thoroughbred Park in Lexington. (Wikimedia Commons)

Two years later, however, the World Championships are set to return to the heart of horse country, and Keeneland, the Breeders’ Cup, VisitLEX, and all partners have created a sensational week of events leading up to the races on Nov. 4-5.

Here’s a guide to the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Festival for those coming in from out of town (or country) as well as locals who are ready to celebrate getting together for an extended good time that ideally will end with witnessing some historic performances on the racetrack and winning some money along the way.

The festival runs from Sunday, Oct. 30 to Breeders’ Cup Saturday, Nov. 5. The majority of events are free and open to the public. To check availability and purchase remaining tickets to the 2022 Breeders’ Cup, click here.

Sunday, Oct. 30 – Thursday, Nov. 3

Breakfast at the Breeders’ Cup

Central Kentucky residents know that there’s something special about visiting Keeneland during morning hours, and all week long Breeders’ Cup welcomes fans to the track to watch workouts, hang out with owners, trainers, and jockeys, and take in the resplendent grounds at the peak of fall foliage season. Attendance is free and food and beverages are available for purchase.

Sunday, Oct. 30-Monday, Nov. 7

Horse Country Tours

The Horse Country experience has been one of the biggest success stories in central Kentucky’s Thoroughbred industry over the past decade-plus. The organization, which offers tours of many of the area’s top breeding farms as well as other businesses and attractions, is operating throughout Breeders’ Cup week, with tours ending Nov. 7. A variety of tours are available via Horse Country; they range from meeting former Breeders’ Cup champions and other retired racehoreses to learning about equine medicine and about how the breeding sector operates. Click here to book a tour.

Sunday, Oct. 30

Isaac Murphy Art Garden Party and Family Stroll

This family-oriented walk honors pioneering African American jockeys Isaac Murphy and Oliver Lewis. It begins at the Isaac Murphy Art Garden downtown and continues to Oliver Lewis Way. After the walk, families can participate in kids’ activities and enjoy food trucks and live music back at the Art Garden. The event runs from 2-6 p.m. and the first 300 walkers get a free commemorative long-sleeve T-shirt.

Monday, Oct. 31

Breeders’ Cup Post-Position Draw at Rupp Arena

Fans enjoy free admission to the home of the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team to witness the post-position draw for the 39^th World Championships, starting at 3 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 31 – Saturday, Nov. 5

Tandy Park Takeover

Downtown’s Tandy Park is located on a block between Main and Short Streets next to the old Fayette Co. Courthouse (now the location of several businesses including the Breeders’ Cup). Tandy Park is a summerlong event space, hosting the popular Thursday Night Live concert series – and for Breeders’ Cup week, the energy returns each night, with free concerts lined up from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. plus food trucks, outdoor drink service, and large video boards to watch the races on Nov. 4-5.

Click here for the concert schedule.

ABR staff picks:

• Yacht Rock Revue on Tuesday, Nov. 1 for those old enough to remember the days when the Little River Band and Pablo Cruise were in heavy radio rotation
• Johnson Brothers on Thursday, Nov. 3, perhaps the best Boomer-era cover band in the region
• Honeychild on Friday, Nov. 4, purveyors of high-energy R&B and soul.

Monday, Oct. 31 – Friday, Nov. 4

Equine Film Festival

The historic Kentucky Theatre on Main Street reopened back in February after a lengthy shutdown due to COVID-19, and attending movies there remains a sublime experience. The Kentucky will host a mini-festival featuring some great horse-themed flicks for five nights, with $6.50 admission. The last in the series is the critically acclaimed 2021 indie film “Jockey” on Nov. 4, which will receive its Lexington premiere. Click here for the schedule and showtimes.

Tuesday, Nov. 1

Race Track Chaplaincy Night of Faith, Hope and Love

The Race Track Chaplaincy of America will hold an event celebrating its 50^th anniversary of service to the Thoroughbred industry starting with a free dinner at 5 p.m. followed by a ceremony at 5:45 that will include a worship service, celebrity speakers, and giveaways as well as the announcement of the 2022 White Horse Award. All backstretch workers and the general public are invited to this event, held at the Silks Lawn Chalet at Keeneland.

Wednesday, Nov. 2

Fashionable Fillies Luncheon

Proceeds from this event held downtown from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at top-ranked Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse will benefit the Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, which provides financial relief and assistance to those in need within the Thoroughbred industry. The luncheon, which honors Keeneland CEO Shannon Arvin and owner/breeder Helen Alexander, features food stations, cocktails, live music, and fashion shopping provided by local boutiques. Tickets start at $150 and can be purchased here.

Wednesday, Nov. 2 – Friday, Nov. 4

The Bourbon Showcase

For three nights, bourbon tastings from over 20 distilleries will be offered to a limit of 250 guests per night. Held at the Clerestory inside the hip new Greyline Station shopping hub in North Lexington, the Bourbon Showcase will also feature local food and musical entertainment. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Friday, Nov. 4

International Block Party at Greyline Station

This open-to-all event starts at 5 p.m. Friday as the Future Stars Friday card at the Breeders’ Cup is winding down. Greyline Station will be taken over by the spirit of international racing, featuring food, cocktails, and music from countries around the world. Parking is offered offsite at the nearby Legends Ball Park with free shuttle service to Greyline Station.

Friday, Nov. 4

Thoroughbred Charities Bash at the Breeders’ Cup

Wrap up the first day of Breeders’ Cup races with this fundraiser at the Grand Reserve on Manchester St. featuring specialty cocktails, food, and music plus a live auction. This event benefits Thoroughbred Charities of America and starts at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.

Saturday, Nov. 5

Breeders’ Cup Lounge at the Grand Reserve

Once the final World Championship races are official, close out an exciting week with a late-night afterparty back at the Grand Reserve, featuring a cash bar and music from DJ K-Dogg. The celebration goes from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. and admission is $20 for those 21 and older. Click here for tickets.