Event Calendar

The five groups of photographers in this exhibition worked collectively to capture the unique people, landscapes, and pace of life that distinguish Lexington, Kentucky. Maurice Strider collaborated with his students at Dunbar High School between 1934 and 1966 to create a rich archive of Black Lexington. Ida Nelson and Robert J. Long established Lafayette Studios in downtown Lexington to produce images for a range of commercial purposes between 1923 and 1959. The Lexington Camera Club was founded in 1936 and met regularly, often in room 208 at the UK Fine Arts Building, to encourage amateur photographers to develop more subjective uses for the medium. Their meetings continued for over thirty years with more than fifty members, and the club made its mark on photographic history with images that blend memory and imagination. In 2004, Marcie Crim, Jonathan Rodgers, David Schankula, and Richie Wireman began the Lexicon Project, a documentation of diverse communities in the city. Kurt Gohde and Kremena Todorova posted photographs and narratives on Facebook between 2020 and 2021 to facilitate connection in a time of social distancing. This exhibition is presented in honor of Lexington’s 250th birthday celebration and features work from our Museum collection, University of Kentucky Special Collections, and the Kentucky Room at the Lexington Public Library.

Created in 1937, to help fund the Junior League’s community works project, the horse show has grown to be the world’s largest outdoor American Saddlebred show and the first leg of the Saddlebred “Triple Crown”.  Today, the show attracts approximately 1,000 world recognized competitors from the U.S. and Canada, has raised over four million dollars for charitable and civic organizations in Central Kentucky and generates over five million dollars in revenue for local merchants each summer.  The Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show has truly made a tremendous impact in the Saddlebred industry as well as in our local community. We are proud to be the UPHA Show of the Year Winner for 2018 and the UPHA Chapter 9 Show of the Year for 2022.

A local history exhibit commemorating 250Lex from March 21 to July 13 at the Central Library Gallery, 140 East Main Street. The exhibit includes items from the library’s own Kentucky Room collection as well as loans from the Lexington History Museum, Keeneland, the University of Kentucky, and local residents.

For almost three decades, The Kentucky Theatre has screened classic films every Wednesday (matinee and evening) from late May until early September. Over the years, this summer series has proved to be a perennial favorite. From film noir standards like The Lady from Shanghai to classic Disney animation like One Hundred and One Dalmatians and more recent classics like Do the Right Thing, the SUMMER CLASSICS offer something for every film fan. Come see movies from your youth, introduce your kids and grandkids to the stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, or discover a new personal favorite.

Art at the Cathedral is pleased to host “Lex250” an exhibit celebrating the 250th anniversary of Lexington’s founding in 1775. The exhibit features paintings, photos and fabrics highlighting our favorite Lexington places, characters, heroes, villains, beasts and events. Please join us for Gallery Hop 5-8pm on Friday May 16, 2025, to meet the artists and enjoy music and refreshments. At 7:30pm you can also catch a Choral Concert by the talented SCAPA Madrigal Singers playing in the Nave. Lex250 will be on display through July 7, 2025.

“Come and meet those dancing feet,” as we bring back the tap-dancing extravaganza that kicked it all off for The Lexington Theatre Company. Follow starry-eyed Peggy Sawyer’s big dreams of the spotlight, in this love letter to Broadway and “the most glorious words in the English language” – musical comedy! The Lexington Theatre Company combines Broadway veterans, rising stars, and local professionals for a production that feels just like Broadway, crafted right here in Lexington.

African Seeds :: Bluegrass Roots explores the pulse of African music and its journey from Accra to Lexington, from jazz to hip hop in a 90-minute experience of drum, dance, song and spoken word co-produced by Tripp Bratton and Aminata Cairo. Powered by young artists, guided by professional artist mentors, and rooted in community, the production features local and international, multi-generational performers ages 10 to 70-plus! Thank You to 250Lex for including us in the anniversary year festivities!

Lexington Restaurant Week, July 17-27, 2025. The best 10 days to go out on the town! See the link below for more information on participating restaurants.

On HOP night dozens of galleries, museums, artists’ studios, and creative spaces collectively throw open their doors for anyone and everyone to enjoy. LexArts HOP has something for locals and visitors alike. A chance to roam and explore Lexington while being introduced to diverse art and artists. Spend the evening hopping from location to location taking in galleries, artist studios, and supporting venues exhibits. Take this chance to socialize with friends, strangers, and art lovers galore. Many pieces will be for sale by the artists if you’re looking to start a new collection or add the perfect piece to an existing one. Some HOP sites are pop-ups, but many have regular hours that you can find in the OFFICIAL HOP GUIDE. Official HOP Guides will be available at LexArts on Mill, 161 N. Mill and at all participating sites.

In 1825, General Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution, made a visit to Lexington as a part of his U.S.A. tour. The townspeople, eager to honor the revolutionary icon, greeted him with parades, speeches, and an overwhelming display of admiration for his role in securing American independence. Lafayette’s visit sparked a sense of pride and nostalgia, and in a celebration of the shared history between France and the United States. At a “Tea and Talk” Waveland serves Solomon’s Porch savories, scones and sweets and Elmwood Inn tea. Enjoy a special presentation! Cost is $40 per person. Limit 20 guests. Call 859-272-3611 for reservations.

Join us for the R.J. Corman Tour de Lex, a casual, family-friendly bike ride that celebrates Lexington’s 250th anniversary! Starting at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park, riders of all ages will enjoy a scenic journey along the Legacy Trail, one of the region’s most beloved greenways, ending at the North Lexington YMCA. Traffic control will be provided by the Lexington Police Department. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just out for a leisurely ride, this event is the perfect way to explore the natural beauty of Lexington while honoring its rich history. Bring your family, your friends, and your love for the Bluegrass – and help us make history on two wheels!

Stay tuned for more information.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fabulous musical based on the biblical tale of Joseph’s “coat of many colors” is fun for the whole family! The whimsical and entertaining score features genres from country to disco to 50’s pop while the heart-warming story teaches important life-lessons of perseverance, forgiveness and love. The Lexington Theatre Company combines Broadway veterans, rising stars, and local professionals for a production that feels just like Broadway, crafted right here in Lexington.