LEXINGTON, Ky. — It’s a busy weekend in Lexington, as the Railbird Music Festival returns to Red Mile June 3-4. On top of that high school and college baseball tournaments get into full swing Thursday and continue through the weekend.

What You Need To Know

  • Hotel rooms are completely booked in Lexington this weekend 

  • Lexington is hosting NCAA Baseball, KHSAA Baseball and the Railbird Music Festival  

  • $1.1 billion was spent by tourists in 2022 according to Visit LEX 

Between country music festival-goers and baseball fans, hotels in Lexington are at capacity this weekend and it’s forcing some tourists to stay over an hour away just to get a hotel room.

However, for hotels and the hospitality business in Lexington, busy weekends are best for business.

Marcelo Niebuhr is a front desk supervisor and enjoys working at Marriott City Centre and Residence Inn, but even more so during busy weekends like this one.

“The people come in and they’re always in a great mood. You bring a crowd of people that are ready to get out and explore,” Niebuhr said.

Niebuhr said this weekend rooms at the hotel are completely booked, with the main attraction being the Railbird Music Festival.

“I don’t know how busy it was last time because it was more centered on the Keeneland side. We must’ve been sold out but I think we’re going to feel it a lot more because it’s over at Red Mile,” Niebuhr said.

It’s a stark contrast from when Niebuhr first started just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Both hotels are connected, sharing a rooftop restaurant, pool and lobbies that are always bustling.

“We had the entire hotel on that side shutdown, so actually it’s nice to see the Residence Inn open,” Niebuhr said.

Hotel rooms this weekend all over the city are booked according to the city tourism office, Visit LEX. Vice President of Marketing for Visit LEX Leslie Miller said Lexington continues to be a growing destination, with over $1.1 billion spent by tourists in 2022.

“It’s just wonderful to see the vibrancy in town and the way that we’ve been able to bounce back after the pandemic, we’re very fortunate,” Miller said.

On top of Railbird, Lexington plays host to KHSAA high school baseball and track, and NCAA Baseball. Some visiting teams have to stay in UK dorms while others must seek accommodations elsewhere.

“I know it can be a headache for some folks. The demand just shows how vibrant our city is and how much we have to offer,” Miller said.

Niebuhr says bring on the tourists.

“We’re ready for it. It’s fun,” Niebuhr said.

The hotels and Visit LEX are already preparing for their next busy season — fall, when Keeneland hosts its annual fall meets.

Visit LEX says 40,000 tickets have been sold for each day of Railbird.

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