Support Us Button Widget

City announces year-long birthday celebration in 2025

Let the party planning commence.

The former Lexington courthouse with a 250 birthday banner

Get ready for a lot of Lexington-focused celebrations next year. | Photo by Amy Wallot

Amy Wallot/LFUCG/LFUCG

In just about 15 months, Lexington will celebrate its semiquincentennialaka its 250th birthday. To commemorate the occasion, city officials and the planning committee announced they are organizing a year-long party.

“Thanks to the work of this commission and with the input from our residents, 2025 will be a year full of events and programs celebrating our rich history. It will take time to organize, but this group will do a great job in making sure our residents and visitors have opportunities to learn and discover all that has made, and still makes, Lexington a great city,” said Mayor Linda Gorton.

Mayor Linda Gorton, Eunice Beatty, and Kip Cornett standing outside the old courthouse

Mayor Linda Gorton with event co-chairs Eunice Beatty + Kip Cornett. | Photo by Amy Wallot

Amy Wallot/LFUCG/LFUCG

The commission is led by co-chairs Eunice Beatty and Kip Cornett and includes a committee of members from organizations including VisitLex, LexArts, UK, and Casa de la Cultura de Kentucky.

There will be extra emphasis on the month of June, which organizers said will be dubbed “Come Home” month. Why June? This is when Lexington was believed to be named by William McConnell and other explorers who set up camp at what is known today as McConnell Springs.

“We’re inviting anyone who has lived here, has family here, or would like to see all we have to offer to travel here for a month-long cultural experience,” said Mayor Gorton.

Like any well-organized birthday party, we can’t start without a theme and invitations — and this is where you come in.

Residents are encouraged to partake in the 250th birthday branding competition by submitting designs for the “official 250 Lex brand logo.” Read the expectations and send your submissions via email.

More from LEXtoday
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
Whether you opt for a live tree each year, or want to start a new treedition, this list of local spots can help kickstart your search.
Take the stress out of holiday decorating this year. Let Lexington’s local experts bring your home to life with festive lights and decor.
Shop local at these holiday markets showcasing Lexington-based vendors, Kentucky businesses, artists, and craftspeople.
Three Lexington-area residents tested their wits and nerves on Netflix’s global competition. From the casting process to the games themselves, the experience challenged them in unexpected ways.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in the Horse Capital of the World.
Our favorite dine-in and carry-out options for Thanksgiving dinner in Lexington this year, plus local ingredients.
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.
Potholes happen, but fixing them starts with a simple report. Here’s how to alert the right team and keep Lexington’s streets in better shape.
Explore these dog-friendly places in LEX — from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, swim, and stay the night with your four-legged friends.