Wednesday, June 19 is Juneteenth. The holiday celebrates the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, which liberated + freed the remainder of enslaved peoples throughout the US. Also referred to as Emancipation Day, this is the fourth year Lexington will be officially recognizing it as a national holiday.
The city and organizers behind SoulFeast Week have created several opportunities to participate in both educational and celebratory events. Pull out those calendars so you can plan ahead.
Friday, June 14
Farm Dinner and Tour | Coleman Crest Farm, 3723 Royster Rd.
Tour Kentucky’s first African American-owned USDA Certified Organic Produce Farm, then try a curated meal from James Beard Award semifinalist, Chef Isaiah Screech, 6-8:30. p.m.
Saturday, June 15
SoulTeenth Fest | Moondance Amphitheatre, 1152 Monarch St.
Bring your lawn chairs + blankets, 12-6 p.m., for a day of live music, food, and vendors from Black-owned businesses in the area.
Juneteenth Jubilee | African Cemetery No. 2, 419 E. 7th St.
Honor + learn about the history of Black Civil War soldiers starting at 7 p.m.
Cocktails & Cigars | The Void Sake Co., 819 National Ave., Ste. 120
Spend the evening of indulgence and relaxation by puffing on cigars and sipping on cocktails + sake specials, 8-11 p.m.
Sunday, June 16
Rabbit Hole Juneteenth Hip-Hop Brunch | Lost Palm, 941 Manchester St.
Join community members at noon to take in those LEX views and enjoy brunch bites made with ingredients sourced from Black Soil KY + sip cocktails from Rabbit Hole.
Juneteenth Freedom Day | Douglass Park, 726 Georgetown St.
Get together and recognize the contributions of the Black community at this family-friendly event, 2-8 p.m.
Monday, June 17
Lexington Black Restaurant Week | Locations vary
Kick off this week-long event featuring $12 meals from local Black-owned restaurants.
Wednesday, June 19
“A Sense of Place” | Cadentown Missionary Baptist Church, 2950 Cadentown Rd.
Starting at 11 a.m., hear about this organization that aims to preserve historical Black hamlets, such as Cadentown.
Juneteenth Independence Day Celebration | Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. Third St.
Celebrate the artistic contributions of the Black community, 1-5 p.m., with a variety of performances, including acting, dancing, rapping, and singing.
Saturday, June 22
Juneteenth Celebration | Charles Young Park, 215 Midland Ave.
Celebrate and commemorate the holiday with live entertainment, local bites, and community-building from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 23
Soulful Sunday Gospel Brunch | La Brasa Event Venue, 903 Manchester St.
Close out SoulFeast Week at 10:30 a.m. with brunch eats from Chef Antoinette Johnson + UK Athletics Chef Danielle Connor, mimosas, and a live gospel performance from Courtney Moriah and Friends.
