Event Calendar

A live performance by local Hip Hop artists and an original live art piece that will be started at the 1st library location and continued in the next 2 locations. This program embodies what it means to be a connected and unified community through the love of musical and physical art.

StoryCorps is committed to the idea that everyone has an important story to tell and that everyone’s story matters. Our mission: to help us believe in each other by illuminating the humanity and possibility in us all — one story at a time. Since our founding in 2003, we’ve helped nearly 700,000 people across the country have meaningful conversations about their lives. These recordings are collected in the U.S. Library of Congress and in our online archive which is now the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered. And while our stories are broadcast weekly on NPR to over 12 million listeners, StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit, sharing select stories with the public through our podcast, animated shorts, digital platforms, and best-selling books. Lexington, what stories are you going to share?

Burn the Mic is a vibrant platform amplifying the voices and creativity of writers and spoken word artists in the heart of Kentucky. This dynamic series provides a welcoming space for poets, storytellers, and wordsmiths to share their narratives, fostering a sense of community and celebration. The Carnegie Center is a recipient of a 250LEX Community Grant, supporting several new and expanded literary programs.

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Tyler Childers will perform “On The Road” in the University of Kentucky‘s Kroger Field in Lexington, KY on  April 19, 2025. The Lexington show will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, with special guest Kentucky icon Wynonna Judd and Kentucky’s own S.B. Goodman.

Kentucky Writer’s Day is held on the birthday of KY Native, Robert Penn Warren. On this day, Kentucky’s new Poet Laureate is announced.

Downtown walking tour, led by Tom Eblen, highlighting more than two centuries of this city’s literary giants. The Carnegie Center is a recipient of a 250LEX Community Grant, supporting several new and expanded literary programs.

Come dream with us! “First You Dream” is a special cabaret concert to raise funds for and celebrate the dream of the future of the Alex Theatre. Come enjoy performances by our talented LexFam and ADP Teaching Artists. All proceeds will benefit our Comprehensive Campaign – transforming 2323 Alexandria Drive and The Alex Theatre into its fullest potential!

The Kentucky State Poetry Society invites you to an eclectic and dynamic poetry reading. Members and nonmembers alike, come, mingle, share a poem, and celebrate our literary community, National Poetry Month and Lexington’s 250th anniversary!

We’re excited to invite you to an exclusive sneak peek at FoodChain’s Neighborhood Green Grocery! This community grocery store, located alongside FoodChain’s teaching kitchen and indoor farm, will provide fresh, local and affordable food options—ensuring everyone, no matter their income, has access to high-quality ingredients and prepared meals.
Slated to open in early 2026, you’ll get an early look at the space and learn how this innovative project is tackling food insecurity, supporting local farmers and creating a sustainable, zero-waste shopping experience. Join us on April 29 for a tour, delicious bites and a chance to hear from FoodChain’s team about the impact of this initiative. Space is limited! RSVP by Thursday, April 24.

The Fayette County Public Schools family welcomes you all as we gather to celebrate the Lexingtonian experience as seen through our students’ eyes! Join us at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center for a student-presented poetry reading from 6 PM to 8 PM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Enjoy the creative efforts of our great city’s youth. Admission is free; light refreshments will be available during the reception.

LexPhil’s 2024/25 Season finale concert bursts forth into spring with Hector Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture followed by the evocative Cyber Bird Concerto by Takashi Yoshimatsu. The three movement work follows “an imaginary bird in the realm of electronic cyberspace”. Described as a ‘triple concerto’ the piece features saxophonist Jichen Zhang, pianist Meng Liu and percussionist Ben Stone. The concert reaches its climactic finale with Igor Stravinsky’s formidable work, The Rite of Spring, originally a ballet but performed most often as a stand alone orchestral tour de force. Stravinsky’s angular motifs and furious rhythmic writing exemplifies the pagan rituals depicted in the ballet. The haunting opening bassoon solo is a foreboding beginning to the tumultuous journey that unfolds. The Rite of Spring is a wildly electric apex to the season that deserves to be experienced.

Lexington Black Prosperity Initiative, a community-advised committee at Blue Grass Community Foundation, will be celebrating the 2025 Grassroots Black Leadership Awards Winners on May 13 at DV8 Kitchen’s East End location. Launched in 2021, this award honors and supports individuals at the forefront of addressing racial equity, disparities in the Black community, and social justice throughout Lexington.

The setting of a historical marker at Gratz Park in Lexington, formerly the location of Transylvania University, which hosted LaFayette upon his arrival in Lexington, and salute to LaFayette as the namesake of Fayette County in the Lexington-Fayette County Urban Government Center in Lexington.

The celebration of America’s esteemed French hero, the Marquis de Lafayette, continues into the evening with a grand finale you won’t want to miss. Join us for the splendid conclusion of Frankfort’s Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration, where elegance and history come together in a spectacular event! Step back in time and experience a recreation of Lafayette’s 1825 Ball, filled with enchanting period music, lively dancing, and a delightful selection of hors d’oeuvres and specialty drinks, all designed to elevate your evening as we toast to Lafayette’s lasting legacy. While period attire is encouraged to fully immerse yourself in the era, it is not required—feel free to express your own personal style. Be inspired by a Revolutionary Salute, performed by the Gov. Isaac Shelby Chapter Kentucky Society Sons of the American Revolution, and a captivating historical address from Lafayette expert and historian Julien Icher, shedding light on the hero’s remarkable contributions. Marvel at Lafayette artifacts from the Kentucky Historical Society, offering a rare glimpse into his life and times, and learn the art of historical dance from the talented Capitol City Historic Dancers and Musicians. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening—a magical tribute to a true American hero! Register by April 14 to make sure you get a spot.

The Kentucky Local Food System Summit X FEAST 2025 is a three day celebration of local food, farms, and chefs in Lexington, Kentucky. This collaboration between the University of Kentucky, Holly Hill & Co, and FoodChain is the culmination of seven years of food system development, bringing national talent to join Kentucky changemakers in crafting incredible farm to table tasting menus while inviting conversation, knowledge sharing, and real time solution building across food system sectors. This is a time for sharing best practices, networking, and cultivating a thoughtful food system for all, expertly accompanied by the bounty of Kentucky farms, culinary acumen, and musical talent. **Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit is held May 21 and 22, FEAST is held May 23