Lexington has countless ways to commemorate Juneteenth this year. | Photo courtesy of SoulFeast Week
Monday, June 19 is Juneteenth, which marks the end of institutional slavery in the US. Also referred to as Emancipation Day, this is the third year Lexington will be officially recognizing it as a national holiday.
If you’ve been downtown, you may have noticed Main Street decorated with Juneteenth flags + banners to commemorate the holiday. Even more, the city and SoulFeast Week have created several opportunities to explore both educational and celebratory events. Pull out those calendars so you can plan ahead.
Saturday, June 10
18th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | African Cemetery No. 2, 419 E. 7th St. | Free | Honor + learn about the history of Black Civil War soldiers from local historian Yvonne Giles.
Friday, June 16
Sorel Diaspora Dinner | 6:30 p.m. | Harper Hall, 177 N. Upper St. | $50-$115 | Learn about the African Diaspora by trying cuisine from the Caribbean + West Africa paired with cocktails made from Sorel liqueur.
Saturday, June 17
SoulTeenth Fest | 12-6 p.m. | Moondance Amphitheatre, 1152 Monarch St. | Free | Grab your lawn chairs + blankets for a day of live music, food, and vendors from Black-owned businesses in the area.
Juneteenth Independence Day Celebration | 1-5 p.m. | Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. Third St. | Free | Celebrate the artistic contributions of the Black community with a variety of performances, including acting, dancing, rapping, and singing.
Hip-Hop Brunch is one of the many ways residents can gather for Juneteenth festivities. | Photo courtesy of SoulFeast Week
Sunday, June 18
Seventh Annual Juneteenth Celebration | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden, 577 E. Third St. | Free | Learn about Black hamlets from speaker Marvin Young presented by the US Freedmen Coalition.
Rabbit Hole Juneteenth Hip-Hop Brunch | 12-4 p.m. | The Grove, 109 S. Upper St. | $45-$50 | Luna and Black Soil KY are teaming up to bring fresh ingredients directly to your plate + cocktails from Rabbit Hole
Nature Crafts | Thursday, June 8 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Charles Young Park, 215 Midland Ave., Lexington | Free | Explore the natural world around you + make art from the colors you find in rocks, plants, and soil.
Bluegrass Fair | Thursday, June 8-Sunday, June 18 | Times vary | Masterson Station Park, 3051 Leestown Rd., Lexington | $8 | Embrace the summer season at the 62nd Bluegrass Fair, where you can enjoy classic fair foods and drinks, rides, and a brand new sea lion exhibit.
Friday, June 9
CREATE: Rainbow Mosaics | Friday, June 9 | 4-5 p.m. | Eastside Branch, 3000 Blake James Dr., Lexington | Free | Celebrate Pride by letting the kids exercise their creative muscles and create their own rainbow mosaics.
Friday Flicks | Friday, June 9-Friday, June 30 | 7-10 p.m. | Jacobson Park, 4001 Athens Boonesboro Rd., Lexington | Free | Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, get a bite from one of many food trucks, and enjoy a showing of “Lightyear.”
Red Bar Happy Hour | Friday, June 9-Saturday, Sept. 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Red Mile Gaming & Racing, 1101 Winbak Way, Lexington | Free | Check out Red Mile Racing & Gaming’s brand-new Red Bar, and snag a pint of their very own Red Bar IPA or Red Mile Lager for Happy Hour.*
Saturday, June 10
Mutt Strut | Saturday, June 10 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Coldstream Park, 1850 Pisacano Dr., Lexington | $20-$30 | Let your fur friend strut their stuff during this one-mile walk in support of the Lexington Humane Society.
Athens Schoolhouse Antiques Show | Saturday, June 10-Sunday, June 11 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Athens Schoolhouse Antiques Show, 6270 Athens Walnut Hill, Lexington | $2 | Pick through gadgets and gizmos aplenty at this massive antique show, featuring vintage furniture, pottery, clothing, and more.
Saturday, June 17
Vintage Dad’s Day at Shaker Village | Saturday, June 17 | 12-5 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg | $0-$16 | Celebrate dad with an 1860’s baseball game, classic car show + vintage tools — and maybe even make it a weekend with a stay at the Inn.*
Shop ‘til you drop, because Lexington Boutique Week is returning Monday, June 12-Saturday, June 17. Throughout the week, 25 boutiques around town will offer exclusive deals, like 20% off plants + clothing at The Black Market. Plus, you also have a chance to win a $20 gift certificate.
Sports
West Sixth Brewing has teamed up with the Lexington Sporting Club to make it the official craft beer of the team. Now, attendees can snag West Sixth beers in the VIP areas at all home games + attend various taproom events.
Art
Southland Drive is home to a brand new mural. Created by Louisville-based artist Casey McKinney, the piece has transformed the area underneath the train bridge by featuring colorful patterns, a cello player, and more musical-themed elements.
Plan Ahead
Already counting down the days to Keeneland? Experience the races in a new way by snagging tickets for the new Exhibit Dinner. On Wednesday, July 19, you can be immersed into what the racetrack looked like in the 1950s through a six-course meal.
Kids
Lexington Parks & Recreation announced its Summer Playground Days program. Every weekday through June and July, staff will host a variety of fun activities for children ages 5 and up, such as arts + crafts, STEM projects, and recreational sports.
Cause
Community Inspired Lexington — a nonprofit that uplifts youth in the Northside of town — will host its second annual fundraiser this Saturday, June 10. Here, you can enjoy cocktails, small bites, and a silent auction that will support the organization.
Drink
Struggle to drink enough water? (Same.) This brand can change that — for 45% off.*
Travel
Real flight deals Going members scored last month: A flight from Phoenix to Tokyo for $630 and a flight from NYC to Buenos Aires for $632. Sign up for free and see what crazy deals are offered on flights from your airport.*
Environment
🐝 Pollen in love
Lexington’s Inaugural Pollinator Week
Kentucky’s state butterfly may look like a monarch, but it’s actually a viceroy | Photo by Michul Photography
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