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
Cold temperatures have you hibernating? Check out Lexington’s favorite running groups to get outside and get moving.
Check out these 13 yoga studios around the Horse Capital of the World, which offer everything from hot power classes to beginner sessions.
It’s not easy being green. Here’s what to keep in mind as you recycle across the county.
Looking for a booze-free drink? No problem. Here are five spots in Lexington to grab non-alcoholic sips and mocktails.
Becoming a new Lexingtonian is easy with our LEX 101 guide.
Let’s take a look at Lexington’s prestigious accolades.
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
Feeling curious this year? These hands-on classes around Lexington are perfect for picking up a new skill or hobby.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Countdown to 2026 with live music, drinks, and unforgettable parties across Lexington and beyond.