Plus, the city's effort to improve public spaces.
 
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59º | 1% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:46 a.m. | Sunset 7 p.m.
 

🎂 The 859 is turning 250
A blue flag with the "250Lex" logo outlines in green and red.
Lexington is reaching a 250-year milestone. | Photo via @250lexingtonky
Lexington will turn 250 next year, and the city announced 2025 will be a year filled with anniversary celebrations.

At last week’s announcement event, city officials expressed excitement for the semiquincentennial, dubbed 250Lex. Mayor Linda Gorton introduced the 250Lex Commission — the committee appointed to plan the year-long celebration.

“We’re counting down the days,” Gorton said. “We just can’t wait until we get to 250.”

Lexington was founded in 1775, a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed. This means Lexington will celebrate its quarter millennial birthday one year before the US does.

Mayor Linda Gorton standing at a podium adorned with the "250Lex" logo with baskets of purple flowers in front of her.

Mayor Linda Gorton announces the 250Lex celebration.

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Photo via City of Lexington

250Lex celebration events

The full 250Lex events calendar is still in the works, but the 250Lex Commission did share some insights on what to expect. The celebration will begin on Tuesday, Dec. 31 with a free, downtown New Year’s Eve party that’s open to the public.

In 2025, each month will have a theme that embraces a different aspect of life in Lexington. January will be centered around wellness and February will focus on history. A new aspect will be celebrated each month until December’s “future of Lexington” theme.

The commission also shared a glimpse at some of the major happenings during the 250Lex celebration, including:
  • A new public art unveiling for the 250th anniversary in the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza
  • The “Big Ass Bourbon Tasting”
  • A production by the Lexington Children’s Theatre
  • Basketball week
  • An original orchestral piece performed by the Lexington Philharmonic
Lexington has contributed $250,000 to this celebration, but it is largely funded by sponsors and partners. The city also hopes the events will highlight Lexington’s culture + boost the tourism industry, benefiting local businesses and encouraging repeat visitors.
UK Federal Credit Union
 
Events
 
Monday, Oct. 14
  • Poetry in the Trees | Monday, Oct. 14 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Gaines Center Lawn at the Bingham Davis House | Free | This Tree Week program features poetry readings and an opportunity to create blackout poetry.
  • Salsa + Cha Cha Class | Monday, Oct. 14 | 7:15-8:15 p.m. | Bluegrass Ballroom | $12 | Get moving with this fun and easy class that’s perfect for beginners.
Tuesday, Oct. 15
  • The Manchester Jazz Club | Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 7-10 p.m. | Granddam Lounge | Free | Indulge in creative culinary dishes + cocktails while enjoying timeless jazz courtesy of Clarice Taylor and Byron McChord.
  • “Ace in the Hole” | Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 7:15 p.m. | Kentucky Theatre | $8 | Watch the 1951 film directed by Billy Wilder followed by a Q+A with UK assistant English professor Jordan Brower.
Wednesday, Oct. 16
  • Cameron Whitcomb | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 8 p.m. | The Burl | $17+ | The country performer — and former “American Idol” contestant — takes the stage with guest Christian Beck.
Thursday, Oct. 17
  • The Alchemist Series | Thursday, Oct. 17-Thursday, Nov. 21 | Times vary | Bespoken Spirits | Experience a new, innovative spirit flavor each Thursday, exclusively at The Greyline Station tasting room — a limited number of bottles will be available for purchase.*
Click here to have your event featured.
 
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Seasonal
 

🍂 Don’t miss out on Poppy & Pomelo’s frighteningly fun fall happenings
a gif of fall happenings at Poppy & Pomelo
Pro tip: Host your next event at Poppy & Pomelo’s Wick + Mortar Studio. | Photos courtesy of Poppy & Pomelo; LEXtoday
The frights and delights are in full swing at Poppy & Pomelo | Wick + Mortar Studio.

This fall, visitors can experience the carefully curated shop in a few different ways. Here are our top recs:
  • Take a class: Whip up a wickedly delicious cocktail during an upcoming workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 23 + Thursday, Oct. 24.
  • Book an event: Consider the venue search for your upcoming holiday gathering, company party, or gift exchange over.
  • Go shopping: Get a headstart on your holiday shopping. From champagne flutes to one-of-a-kind jewelry, there’s something for everyone on your list. Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the chance to shop new brands and exclusive inventory arriving weekly.
  • Sip while you explore: Gather your gals and enjoy Poppy & Pomelo’s new bar menu.
Savor the rest of autumn in Lexington with a visit to Poppy & Pomelo. Pro tip: Follow them on social media for the latest store updates.
 
News Notes
Today Is
  • Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day all about honoring our Native communities. Though not a federal holiday, the Kentucky House and Senate adopted a resolution in 2021 that declared the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day annually. (Lex 18)
Outdoors
  • The leaves are starting to fall and city waste collection has a plan to pick them up. Starting Monday, Oct. 28 locals can dispose leaves in their gray bins. Once those are full, they may use paper yard waste bags — no plastic bags or unpacked leaves will be accepted.
Development
  • Six years after its initial approval, demolition has begun on the former state office building on the corner of High + South Upper streets. Deconstruction was delayed to determine if the property should receive historic preservation. The site was originally planned to be transformed into apartments, but that project remains unconfirmed. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Sports
  • Score — UK men’s basketball has finalized their 2024-2025 season calendar with times and the TV networks that will air the games. Check out the full schedule to start preparing your game day plans. Plus, single-game tickets go on sale tonight at 5 p.m. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Concert
  • Tomorrow, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m., The Burl will host its Blue Ridge Benefit, a show to support people impacted by flooding in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. All donations and profits from ticket sales go to nonprofit Beloved Asheville’s relief efforts.
Edu
  • University of Kentucky was rated a top 500 university on Times Higher Education’s “World University Rankings 2025" — not bad considering the list evaluated 2,000+ schools across the globe. The study also provided subject-specific rankings, and UK received especially high marks for its law program.
Mansion Monday
  • Want to take a peek inside a $6 million home for sale in Lexington? This 5 BD, 7 BA home sits on a 10-acre lot and offers 11,083 sqft of living space. You’ll also find a handcrafted marble staircase, heated saltwater pool, and a gourmet kitchen with SMART connectivity.
Eat
Biz
  • No need to turn into a Grinch this holiday season. Field & Main Bank is here to help get your small business ready with their suite of business products + services. From tailored financial solutions to expert advice, their team can help you make this holiday season your best.*†
Stat
  • 22%. That’s how much car insurance prices are expected to increase by the end of the year. The average premium is expected to reach $2,469. Are you prepared? View Money’s “Best Car Insurance” list to shop around + see if you could save.*
Wellness
  • Meet Calmind, a groundbreaking mental wellness app that transforms your phone into a tool for better sleep. For a limited time, get a lifetime subscription at 83% off.*
†Member FDIC
 
Civic

💭 Reimagining public spaces

Lexington receives a $750,000 grant to improve urban development
a photo of the skyline
The Lexington Skyline | Photo by Jeff Rogers
Lexington has received a major investment that could change how locals use public spaces. National initiative Reimagining the Civic Commons awarded the city $750,000 that will be used to develop and test policies around public space usage over the next three years.

Only 10 US cities were selected to receive the investment, and it will benefit Lexington’s urban development by creating vibrant, walkable, and inclusive public spaces. While it’s exact use has not been determined, it will be decided by a team that includes local leaders from organizations like CivicLex, Mayor Linda Gorton’s Office + the Division of Parks and Recreation.

What could progress look like? Likely it will support initiatives that were included in the 2045 Comprehensive Plan, like making sidewalks safer, restoring and building green spaces, or improving bike lanes. Reimagining the Civic Commons hopes these efforts will address harmful trends in the US, like social isolation and climate change.
The Buy
 
The cutest oversized plaid chunky scarf, available in any + every color pattern to complement your fall and winter wardrobe.
 
 
The Wrap
 
Michael Beausoleil

Today’s edition by:
Michael
From the editor
It’s hard to imagine what life was like in Lexington when it was founded in 1775 — but some things have really deep roots in local history. Take this as a reminder that it’s Tree Week, bringing plenty of eco-friendly events to the city.
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