Shaker Village announces fall events, exhibit opening, music

Published 5:24 pm Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is ready to kick off a new season of special events and programming. As fall rolls in the Village transforms into a  festive autumn escape with pumpkins and fodder shocks lining the historic turnpike. Those  looking to experience fall fun can plan to head out to the Village every weekend in September.

Celebrate the Season

• Hay Wagon Rides – Hop on a hayride and discover how the Shakers’ beliefs defined their  community. Every Friday and Saturday, September-October at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $5  for ages six and up and free for children under five.

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• Spirit Strolls – Take a guided lantern lit stroll to the 1811 Shaker Cemetery. Along the  way you’ll learn about some of Pleasant Hill’s darker moments, and learn about the  burial traditions of this now departed community. Every Friday and Saturday,  September-October at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Annual Passholders and  $15 for Non-Annual Passholders.

• Harvest Fest – A weekend of all things fall. Enjoy sorghum processing, apple pressing,  pumpkin painting, hayrides, pony rides, demonstrations and farm animals. Shop the  harvest market, check out live music and grab something from the food trucks and  outdoor bar. September 24-25 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. sponsored by Lexington Clinic  and Mercer County Tourism. Admission ranges from free-$16.

Exhibit Opening

• The Believers Grand Opening – A new permanent exhibit will open in the 1820 Meeting  House on Friday, September 22 with a reception and guided tours. The Believers explores the theology and worship practices of the Shakers taking a deep dive into  Shaker music, architecture and how the faith was manifested through art. Tickets to the  opening event are available online for $15.

Music at Shaker Village

• Community Sing – Join us for the sixth annual Community Sing event and experience the  Meeting House as the Shakers would have, through song. Music including Shaker  hymns, traditional gospel and folk will be included in the session. Come out on Saturday,  September 9 from 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Admission fees are waived, but donations will be  accepted.

• Kentucky Heritage Jazz Festival – Enjoy world-class jazz performances in the iconic  setting of Shaker Village. Bring a lawn chair and check out exhibits, guided tours, food  trucks and an outdoor bar. Saturday, September 16 from noon-10:00 p.m., and Sunday,  September 17 from Noon-6:00 p.m. Through the generous sponsorship of Family  Wealth Group, admission is free to all visitors.

• Music on the Lawn – The Trustees’ Lawn is the place to be every Friday and Saturday  evening from 5:30-8:30 p.m., September-October. Grab a drink from the outdoor bar,  gather around the fire pit and settle in for an outdoor concert from local and regional  musicians. Admission is free.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is located in Harrodsburg. To plan your visit to Shaker Village of Pleasant  Hill, or to learn more, visit shakervillageky.org or call 859.734.5411.