How is Dr. King connected to the Bluegrass?

• In 1957, the 28-year-old Dr. King gave the commencement speech to graduates at Kentucky State University. The event had to be moved to Frankfort High School’s brand-new gymnasium because the crowd he drew was so large.
• In 1964, Dr. King spoke in Frankfort again — this time with friend and baseball legend Jackie Robinson. Together, the two men led 10,000 people to peacefully rally at the Kentucky State Capitol building — demanding an end to segregation + discrimination in stores, restaurants, theaters, and businesses.
• In 1987, the Martin Luther King Cultural Center officially opened at the University of Kentucky. Rooted in Dr. King’s philosophy, the center is a campus-wide safe space for civic dialogue + community building.

What can you do to celebrate?

• Peabo Bryson | Monday, Jan. 15 | 8 p.m. | Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington | $43-$203 | See this legendary R&B and soul singer-songwriter for an evening of meaningful melodic reflection.

• Carve + Print Workshop | Tuesday, Jan. 16 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Studio Mel, 309 N. Ashland Ave., Lexington | $85 | This two-part series will teach you carving techniques to design your own stamp.

• Tiny Tot Naturalist: Winter Animal Tracks | Wednesday, Jan. 17 | 10-11:30 a.m. | McConnell Springs Park, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | Free | Children 2-5 can join winter-themed arts, crafts, and more fun — registration is required.

• Candle Pour Bar + Cocktail Lounge | Thursday, Jan. 18-Friday, Jan. 19 | Times vary | Wick + Mortar Studio / Poppy & Pomelo, 526 E. High St., Lexington | $38-$50 | It doesn’t have to be your birthday for you to choose from 50+ scents to create your own candle.

• The National Weather Service has placed Fayette County under a winter weather advisory until 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Current forecasts are projecting snow accumulations between one and three inches during this time. Stay updated on how to stay safe during winter storms.

• Get a taste of paradise with Playa Bowls, coming to 3900 Fountainblue Ln. later this spring. The New Jersey-based acai shop is opening its first Lexington location at The Fountains at Palomar, bringing us a menu full of customizable plant-based bowls, juices, and smoothies.

• Kentucky Tourism has released its 2024 Kentucky Visitor’s Guide. The cover features the Natural Arch in Daniel Boone National Forest, but there are plenty of LEX spots featured throughout, including the Legacy Trail and the Kentucky Horse Park. Flip through it virtually.

• In honor of its 50th anniversary, the Lexington Ballet Company is bringing us a sweet Valentine’s collaboration. “Love Stories” will hit the Lexington Opera House stage Friday, Feb. 9 + Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. with live music from Ben Sollee.

• Submissions for our 2023 LEXtoday Picture of the Year contest close Wednesday, Jan. 17. Submit a local photo that you took in 2023 + we’ll give you a discount code to shop at our online marketplace, Six & Main. Plus, the contest winner will receive a $25 Six & Main gift card.

• Make a donation towards veterans’ and children’s charities + you could win a RAM 3500 HD truck in the Big Diesel Truck Dream Giveaway. Double your entries with code 6AMCITY.*