Your MKY 2025 Bucketlist
Happy New Year! Whether you’re adopting a New Year resolution or feeling extra adventurous at the start of the year, we’ve compiled a bucket list of all the must-do, must-see, and must-eats of Murray.
Events and Festivals
Participate in Racer Athletics
There’s nothing like watching the clock tick down the final seconds of a tense game, surrounded by fans who wait in tense silence and suddenly break into celebration when the team takes victory. Racer games are the perfect place to cheer, scream, laugh, and get adrenaline pumping this year. From men and women’s basketball to baseball and softball, Racer sports bring fans tense match-ups and triumphant victories. Brighten up your night and join hundreds of other fans filling the stands to cheer on the town’s favorite team. For a complete list of sports, games, and times, check out Racer Athletics.
Attend shows at Playhouse in the Park
Support local talent and transport yourself into a new world at one of Playhouse in the Park’s performances. From the streets of London with Mary Poppins to SpongeBob’s home, Bikini Bottom, the 2025 season is packed with great shows to see solo or with friends. Immerse yourself in a new adventure and see all the talent the people of Murray have to showcase! For information about tickets or auditions, visit Playhouse in the Park.
Freedom Fest
Ring in Independence Day the MKY way at our annual Freedom Fest! Freedom Fest is a jam-packed celebration taking place all day on the 4th of July. From parades to giveaways and live music, the Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau collaborates with sponsors to create a full-day celebration. As streets are filled with locals and visitors, Freedom Fest brings the whole community together to celebrate the red, white, and blue. And be sure to watch the day end with a bang at the Murray Bank Fireworks Extravaganza!
Citywide Yard Sale
The Murray, Kentucky Citywide Yard Sale offers the chance to embrace 'out with the old, in with the new' — find something fresh while clearing out what no longer serves you! Overflowing tables line the streets, and passerby can’t help but browse as the whole community gets together on a bright spring weekend. Held the first weekend of May, the city of Murray comes together to provide plenty of options to buy and sell affordable, unique pieces and take advantage of warm spring days.
Embrace Local Events and Music
Here in Murray, Kentucky, there is almost always a community event for everyone! Third Street Beerfest brings together brew lovers from far and wide, while Sigma Alpha Iota’s All Campus Sing at Murray State University showcases student talent to raise money for a good cause. For a full list of all types of events in Murray, visit our event calendar.
Outdoor Adventures
Walk Through the Doran Arboretum
No matter the season, the Doran Arboretum has beautiful foliage and a serene atmosphere that makes it easy to stay active along the 0.8-mile walking loop. Picturesque views line the walking trail, making it a great spot to decompress and reconnect with nature when the year gets stressful. In the springtime, the pollinator garden, filled with bright-colored blooms and striking butterflies, provides a gorgeous spot for pictures. As the leaves turn in the fall, deep reds, yellows, and oranges dot the small hill on the trail. At the very top is a perfect view of the arboretum’s small lake, and the best place to watch the sunset on a chilly afternoon.
Explore LBL
Nothing brings out your inner adventurer like a trip to explore Land Between the Lakes! Located right outside Murray, Lake Barkley is a great place to get outside and soak in beautiful Western Kentucky weather. Between biking trails, kayak rentals, fishing, and, of course, plenty of hiking trails, there are endless ways to chase your bliss. Exploring LBL and Lake Barkley provides stunning, can’t miss views, and non-stop opportunities for adventure.
Head to the Farmers Market in downtown Murray (May-October)
Murray’s Downtown Farmers Market is a community favorite event for good reason. Providing the opportunity to explore Downtown Murray and shop for unique local products, the Farmer’s Market is a must-do for any summer weekend. Held on Saturdays starting in May and running through October, the market brings the community together to buy and sell. From fresh produce to meat and baked goods, the Downtown Farmer’s Market is the perfect place to spend a Saturday morning and a great spot to find your new favorite small business.
Drive the Calloway County Barn Quilt Trail
The Calloway County Barn Quilt Trail is a great way to wind down after a day of adventuring. This drive-thru tour with over 60 quilt squares connects art with Murray/ Calloway County history and can be experienced from the comfort of a car. As patrons drive through the scenic countryside, quilt squares tell the stories- of local families and history. The Calloway County Barn Quilt Trail provides amazing scenic views accompanied by intricate quilt art and connects viewers with community members from years past.
Cultural and Historical Highlights
Learn the history of Murray State at Wrather Museum
Located right on Murray State’s campus, the Wrather Museum is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Western Kentucky history, free of charge. The Wrather Museum’s permanent fixtures highlight the impact of the Jackson Purchase and take viewers through Western Kentucky’s cultural, social, and economic evolution. The Wrather also features limited exhibits and programming, so there is always something new to see!
Participate in Workshops at the MAG
If you’re looking to pick up a new artisanal hobby this new year, Murray Art Guild’s classes are a great place to start. With classes taught by local professionals, the Murray Art Guild provides all the resources you need to hone in a new skill. Whether it’s pottery throwing, artistic journaling, weaving, or painting, there are events for every artistic interest or skill level. MAG events are a great chance to let out your creative side and maybe discover a new hobby for the new year!
Go on the Historic Downtown Walking Tour
Connect with the local history of Downtown Murray while exploring the area and staying active on the Historic Downtown Walking Tour. The self-paced walking tour, accompanied by an audio narration and a map of downtown, is a relaxing way to get some steps in and immerse yourself in Murray’s history. While the buildings have been updated to house some of our favorite local businesses, Western Kentucky history is still etched into every brick. The twelve-stop tour guide can be picked up at the Murray CVB, and be sure to grab some stickers when you stop in!
Clara M Eagle Gallery
The Clara M. Eagle Gallery, located in the Fine Arts Building on Murray State’s campus, is the perfect showcase of contemporary student art. As you loop through the layers of the gallery, there is always a new angle to see and experience each piece. With constantly rotating displays and new pieces. The Clara M. Eagle Gallery is a must-see for the best contemporary art, photography, and creative media from student artists.
Something Romantic
Romantic dinner at one of Murray’s upscale restaurants
Trying new restaurants with a partner is the perfect date to expand your palette this new year. Murray has plenty of upscale restaurants to fit whatever cuisine you and your special someone want to try. Stephano’s Trattoria, located right off Murray State’s campus, has a great selection of traditional Italian dishes, and right next door, Willow Bistro offers international cuisines with a homemade flair. For sushi lovers or those looking to try something new, Jasmine Thai Cuisine and Sushi Bar is the perfect upscale dinner spot.
Spend the day thrifting and boutique shopping
Murray has no shortage of unique shopping opportunities, whether you’re looking for exclusive boutique styles or searching for pre-loved treasures. Spend a few hours with your partner walking through the stalls of one of Murray’s Peddler’s Malls or sifting through curated consignment stores like A Good Thing. If you’re looking to upgrade your space this new year, check out creative home decor or specialized ingredients at Intuition and Main Street Market. Clothing boutiques like Ribbon Chix and Roosters Supply Company are the perfect place for you and your partner to upgrade your style for the new year.
For more date ideas and Valentine’s Day plans in Murray, Kentucky, stay on the lookout for our Valentine’s Day Blog!
