Plus, a new bar opens in historic Short Street building.
 
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71º | 8% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:17 a.m. | Sunset 8:53 p.m.
 

Celebrate Kentucky’s oldest city

Harrodsburg, Kentucky’s oldest city, celebrates 250th birthday
Presented by a LEXtoday Partner
a sign that reads Harrodsburg celebrating 250 years on a lawn in front of a building
Kentuckians are invited to explore Kentucky’s original gem, which has been at the forefront of innovation since 1774. | Photo provided by Mercer County
Founded in 1774, Harrodsburg was at the forefront of innovation long before the state of Kentucky was formed and is now referred to as the “Birthplace of the West.” Now Kentuckians have the chance to celebrate the city’s history, heritage, and future — 250 years in the making.

The four-day birthday festival is happening from Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16, and, trust us, you don’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. So, what can visitors expect? We’re glad you asked. Here’s what to look forward to:

A look into the past

Historical re-enactments will take place throughout the weekend. During the Fort Harrod Settlement and Raid, settlers, natives, and traders will be encamped at Fort Harrod, with demonstrations going on during the celebration. A raid on the fort will take place on Saturday, June 15, at 3 p.m.

a mural depicting different parts of harrodsburg's history

Harrodsburg, the county seat of Mercer County, was founded in 1774 by a stalwart band of pioneers led by James Harrod, of Pennsylvania.

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Photo provided by Mercer County

Catch a concert

Don’t miss out on a free concert series during the celebration. The lineup includes:

Thursday, June 13
Friday, June 14
Saturday, June 15
Chayse Abrams, Katie Colosimo, and Daniel Cain will perform in Olde Town Park. All other performances will be on the Main Stage at the south end of Main Street.

Can’t make it that weekend? Just an hour away from Lexington, it’s easy to plan a day trip or a weekend getaway to Harrodsburg and Mercer County.
Explore more 250th-anniversary festivities
 
Events
Wednesday, May 29
  • Shala Unbound Book Club: “Women Rowing North” | Wednesday, May 29 | 7-8 p.m. | Lexington Writer’s Room, 343 E. High St., Ste. 1, Lexington | Free | Join this group for thoughtful + heartfelt discussion on Mary Pipher’s, “Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing As We Age.”
Thursday, May 30
  • Christian Johnson | Thursday, May 30 | 7 p.m. | Comedy Off Broadway, 161 Lexington Green Cir., Unit C4, Lexington | $25-$30 | See this standup comedian who’s amassed millions of followers online with his hilarious, clean takes on married life, parenting, and being Southern.
  • “Under the Southern Cross” Screening and Q+A | Thursday, May 30 | 7:15 p.m. | The Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St., Lexington | $16-$20 | Get a deep dive into the life + history of famed local artist Henry Faulkner, followed by a discussion with the film’s writer.
Friday, May 31
  • Bee Taylor | Friday, May 31 | 8 p.m. | Al’s Bar, 601 N. Limestone, Lexington | $18.92 | Kick off Railbird weekend with this crooning singer-songwriter.
Saturday, June 1
  • West Sixth Brewing Tour | Saturday, June 1 | 2 p.m. | West Sixth Brewing, 501 W. Sixth St., Lexington | $6 | Take a tour of this beloved brewery while learning about the building’s history and the brewing process.
Sunday, June 2
  • Local LEX Market Block Party | Sunday, June 2 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Local LEX Market, 439 Southland Dr., Lexington | Free | Peruse local crafters and artists at this monthly block party and market.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Open
  • High Proof Hideaway has opened at 249 W. Short St. in the former home of ELIXIR + Parlay Social. The new owner, Brandon Thurman, said that bar focuses on bourbon, live music, and will soon have late-night food.
Art
  • LexArts and Lexington’s Freedom Train Memorial committee have selected Basil Watson to create a sculpture dedicated to two famed local abolitionists, Lewis and Harriet Hayden. The design will be ~8 ft tall with a bronze finish base + feature the Haydens with their hands raised in triumph. (The Lane Report)
Sports
  • UK’s baseball team is the No. 2 seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament. This marks the first time in program history that the Wildcats are among the top eight seeds. Cheer on the Cats as they host Western Michigan at Kentucky Proud Park Friday, May 31 at 12 p.m. (UK Athletics)
Try This
  • The Void Sake Co. will host a Pride-themed edition of its Makers Market on Sunday, June 16. Head to National Avenue from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for bites from Biscuit Daddies, hand-crafted jewelry from Sweet Leaf, and flash tattoos from the folks at Keyhole Tattoo.
Outdoors
  • Summer is now officially here, LEX. Kentucky’s state park pools and beaches are now open for the season. Take a trip to one of the commonwealth’s 17 swimming locations for a dip in the blue waters of the Bluegrass State through Labor Day.
Kids
  • The Lexington Legends and YMCA are coming together for a night of family-friendly fun. Y Members can enjoy an evening of discounted seats, an opportunity for kids take the field during the national anthem, and a post-game fireworks show.
Seasonal
Announced
  • Heads up, Lexington: Farm to Feast has been rescheduled to July 13 (originally set for this Saturday, June 1). This event provides an exclusive opportunity to enjoy a three-course brunch at Chez Lyndon prepared by “America’s Test Kitchen” winner Chef Antoinette Johnson. Learn more.*
Home
  • Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*
Shop
  • Summer’s fast approaching — which means we’re hitting the Tory Burch sandal shop.*
 
Eat

🔥 Next stop, Flavortown

Where would you film an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in Lexington?
Two plates with burgers and cheese covered fries next to two milkshakes
Nothing says satisfying like a stop at Tolly Ho for some burgers and cheese-covered fries. | Photo by LEXtoday
If you’re a fan of Food Network or just a devotee of spiky-haired, goatee-clad television hosts, you’ve probably seen an episode or two of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”. It’s been a staple of the channel since 2007 and boasts more than 400 episodes, with restaurateur Guy Fieri traveling the country searching for casual spots with delicious food.

So we’d like to propose that the “King of Flavortown” make his triumphant return to Lexington and stop at these well-loved restaurants. If you’re reading this, Food Network, you’re welcome.

Tolly Ho

This late-night spot is a staple for college students and alumni looking to relive their glory days. Although many corners of town have served as home to Tolly Ho, its menu has stayed tried and true with its family of burgers: The Country Fried Ho, The Super Ho, and the Mega Ho. Plus, get that full diner experience with one of its loaded milkshakes — we love the banana pudding.
More Fieri-worthy restaurants
Asked

Which local restaurant(s) should be featured in an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and why?
Holy moly, Stromboli
The Buy
Handcrafted candles. Transport yourself to the breathtaking landscapes and scents of your favorite National Parks with scents from The Roosevelts Candle Co.
 
The Wrap
 
Aayat Ali

Today’s edition by:
Aayat
From the editor
Ah, yes. Music festival season is in the air, including LEX’s very own Railbird Music Festival. So we want to know: What do you want to know before heading to Red Mile this weekend? Drop us a line, and we’ll do the digging.
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