Event Calendar

Experience the heartbeat of Africa right here in Lexington at Swahili Day, a one-day cultural celebration honoring the Swahili language — now the third most-spoken language in our city! Immerse yourself in a colorful blend of live music, traditional and modern dances, African drums, handmade crafts, fashion showcases, and a live band that will keep the energy flowing all day long. Savor the flavors of authentic African cuisine and explore a lively marketplace filled with art, goods, and cultural treasures. Whether you’re dancing to the beat, tasting something new, or simply soaking in the rich culture — Swahili Day is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Don’t miss this joyful celebration of language, culture, and community!

Ashland and the Lexington Bourbon Society invite the community to raise a glass in celebration of two historic milestones at Commonwealth Bash ‘25, taking place on the beautifully manicured grounds of Ashland. Guests can enjoy: signature bourbon cocktails and small plates created through exclusive pairings of top local restaurants and distilleries, tastings from premier Kentucky distilleries, each sharing stories and samples of their celebrated expressions, live music by Ben Lacy, plus emcee duties handled by none other than LEX18’s Bill Meck and barrel demonstrations, silent and live auctions, and more.

MY ANCESTRAL KENTUCKY HOME follows community activist James Sleet in the effort to research his personal African American and Native American heritage. Historical insight regarding Lexington neighborhood enclaves of Smithtown and Little Georgetown feature prominently. Remarkably, the Kentucky Historical Society has purchased the farm formerly owned by Mr. Sleet’s Great Grandfather in Perryville, Kentucky. Teachers who influenced Mr. Sleet’s lifelong community involvement evoke fond memories as do Sleet’s interest in gardening and education. 30-minute documentary presentations begin at 2:00 and 3:00 pm in the Large Meeting Room at Northside Branch with an additional, edited research interview showing at 2:30 pm.

The Appalachian Association of Sacred Harp Singers presents a shape-note singing performance. Join in or just listen. Part of 250Lex and the Central Library Gallery’s exhibit, “Collected Memory: Items and Artifacts from 250 Years of Lexington History.”

For the 250th anniversary of Lexington’s founding, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UK will discuss the actual founding and naming of Lexington in 1775 and the subsequent settlement of Lexington four years later. The city was named after the first battle of the American Revolution and Lexingtonians were involved in the last conflicts of the war. “Lexington was founded in the midst of a mighty revolution.” (History of Lexington, Kentucky by G.W. Ranck). We will put the events that were important to the founding of Lexington into context with the Revolution. We will also discuss the people who were important to the early development of our city – people like Daniel Boone, George Rogers Clark, the Todd brothers (John, Levi and Robert), the McConnell brothers, Robert Patterson and others. This event will be held at the Farish Theater inside the Lexingon Public Library, Central Branch.

Big Ass Bourbon Tasting at LexLive will happen on Wednesday, June 11 at 5 pm in downtown Lexington as part of the 250Lex year long celebration. The event will feature a flight of four bourbons, food, live music, giveaways and more!  

Join the Rotary Club of Lexington for our inaugural Around the World tasting event—a celebration of global flavors, local culture, and community connection. This international evening will feature tasting dishes from around the globe, prepared by some of Lexington’s most beloved restaurants, food trucks, and cultural organizations. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of dishes representing cuisines from multiple continents, along with live cultural performances, fellowship, and fun voting for The Best Food in the World. All proceeds benefit Rotary’s local service projects.

The 2025 Spirit in the Bluegrass Music Fest is scheduled for Thursday, June 12 through
Saturday, June 14, at the gorgeous Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
Featuring the best in bluegrass music, the event is organized by Sam Karr and Rick Greene, organizers of the IBMA award-winning SamJam Bluegrass Festival in Piketon, Ohio, and the 2025 show will mark the third bluegrass festival at the Kentucky Horse Park since the Festival of the Bluegrass was discontinued.

ATS Construction presents “Cheers to 250Lex, It’s Showtime!” an entertaining evening of choreography, music, fashion, and of course all things Lexington. Join us from 7:30-9 p.m. on Friday, June 13 at Central Bank Center for a spectacular evening celebrating Lexington’s 250th birthday.

Owned and directed by Mr. William Parris, Uniqueness Unlimited Productions & Entertainment, a local studio, has produced an exclusive 250Lex production with Uniqueness Unlimited models, talented local musicians, vocalists, and a choreographed cabaret-style show that celebrates Lexington.

WWE Friday Night SmackDown featuring: John Cena with undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton. The evening will also include United States Champion LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and Nia Jax.  

Free, family-friendly concert in the heart of Downtown Lexington featuring THE WANNABEATLES. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. This event will be held at the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Tandy Park. When it comes to recreating the music, the fun and excitement of the most popular band in music history, THE WANNABEATLES more than live up to their name. In addition to spot on covers of Fab Four favorites, these GRAMMY Award winning finalists will entertain you with inventive musical medleys, comedy, and hit songs by other groups from the '60s, 70s, and ‘80s. It’s a crowd-pleasing, DIFFERENT kind of Beatles experience.

Each summer, UK Opera Theatre puts on It’s a Grand Night for Singing!, a popular musical revue featuring the best of Broadway’s past and present, starring more than 100 UK Opera Theatre and community performers. In 2017, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Grand Night and won an Emmy for the KET broadcast of the production. What can you expect from Grand Night? A little of everything! From large dance numbers to heartfelt solos to a duet from Everett and Alicia Helm McCorvey. And, of course, a much-anticipated piano medley from Tedrin Blair Lindsay.

Experience the Magic of Fusion: An Unforgettable Evening of World Music Step into a world where the timeless essence of Indian classical music meets the pulse of contemporary global sound. This remarkable ensemble brings together versatile musicians from the East and West, rooted in the traditions of Indian classical music yet boldly exploring new sonic territories. Drawing from the depth and discipline of Indian classical forms — both melodic and rhythmic — and blending them with diverse world music influences, the group creates an immersive, soulful experience. Each performance is a curated celebration of tradition transformed, honoring the rich heritage of Indian classical music while pushing the boundaries through vibrant, cross-cultural collaboration. Prepare for an electrifying evening where rhythm, melody, and spirit transcend borders. This is more than a concert — it’s a transformative musical journey, featuring award winning, acclaimed musicians in the field and performing artist, Lakshmi Sriraman. For more information on the exciting and highly talented musicians in Gandharva, please go to GreenRoom Exchange at www.greenroomexchange.org. This is a 250Lex and Lex Arts grant supported organization.

Paint the Park is a free alfresco event designed to encourage people of all ages to be creative and channel their inner artist. For the week preceding Paint the Town, easels will be set up every morning in Thoroughbred Park and members of the public will be invited to paint or draw on the sketch pads provided, release their creativity and enjoy freedom of artistic expression.

A blunderbuss is a type of firearm that was popular from the 17th to the early 19th centuries. It is characterized by a wide, flared muzzle, designed to fire a spread of shot. Charlotte Mentelle carried a Blunderbuss to America in the 1790s. In 1820 Mademoiselle Mentelle opened a girl’s boarding school in Lexington. Charlotte’s blunderbuss is displayed at Waveland along with the portrait of her husband. 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.