The mayor and city officials cutting the ribbon for rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of North Limestone and Short Streets in 2021. | Photo by Amy Wallot, LFUCG
The Human Rights Campaign released the 2024 Municipal Equality Index, and Lexington is at the top of the list. How’d we score?
Each year, the Human Rights Campaign releases a Municipal Equality Index which takes a deep dive into municipal laws, policies, and services and how inclusive they are of LGBTQ+ people.
This year’s edition scored 506 cities across five categories — non-discrimination laws, municipality as employer, services and programs, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
Based on these criteria, Lexington earned a perfect score of 100 out of 100.Here’s a breakdown of how we got here.
Poetry at the Table | 6-9 p.m. | Kenwick Table | Free | Head to this monthly showcase of spoken word to brave the mic or listen to some of Lexington’s rising stars + poetry pros.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Jingle & Mingle with BGCF365 | 5-7 p.m. | Georgie’s Social House | Free | Stop by for a happy hour of connection, cheer, and holiday spirit while learning more about the Blue Grass Community Foundation.
Friday, Dec. 6
Art and Stuff Holiday Market | 6 p.m. | Luigart Studios | Price of purchase | With nearly 20 of Lexington’s best artists in attendance, you’re sure to find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.
A 2000’s Pop Diva Dance Party | 7 p.m. | The Burl | $15+ | Oops, they did it again — throw it back to the early 2000s at this ultimate pop princess dance party.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Third Annual Ho Ho Ho Down | Saturday, Dec. 7-Sunday, Dec. 8 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Wise Bird Cider Co. | Free | Enjoy a family-friendly day filled with holiday fun including crafts, ornament painting, photos with Santa + more.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Slay Bells – A Holiday Drag & Variety Show Spectacular | 4-8 p.m. | Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center | $40 | Featuring a performance by Lexington luminary Wylie Caudill, this drag + variety show benefits Moveable Feast, so you can feel fabulous as you support a worthy cause.
Azur Restaurant and Patio announced via Facebook that it is closing its kitchen after 20 years of operation. The final dinner service from this Beaumont staple will be Tuesday, Dec. 31. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Sports
The UK men’s basketball team is ranked No. 4 in the AP Top 25 Men’s College Basketball Teams. This is the first time in over two years the Cats were able to crack the top five. The team started this season ranked No. 23. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Cause
Lexington American Legion Post 313 is requesting donations to support regional recovery efforts from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Visit their Facebook page for more information on what items they are collecting. (LEX18)
Feel Good
Lexington Missionary of Mercy Father Jim Sichko donated two bottles of rare bourbon signed by Pope Francis to be auctioned off for charities, including Paws 4 the Cause and Maxwell Street Legal Immigration Clinic. Sotheby’s is currently accepting silent bids. The auction concludes Saturday, Dec. 7 with live bidding. (FOX56)
Edu
Give your favorite public school teacher a special shout-out by nominating them for the 2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year award. Don’t let the dog eat your homework, nominations are due Friday, Jan. 3. (WKYT)
State
The Kentucky chapter of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library recently accepted a $100,000 donation from the Kentucky Association of Health Plans. The Library provides free books to children from birth to 5 years old + is available in all of Kentucky’s 120 counties. (WEKU)
Shop
Have a holly, jolly holiday season with the help of Cornbread Hemp. Their CBD and THC gummies are the first-ever USDA-certified organic gummies in America. See what’s on our wish list, and start shopping.*†
Tech
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Wellness
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Travel
Planning to take your RV on the open road in 2025? Buy coverage online in minutes with Roamly, rated five stars by thousands of RV owners.*
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Category
History
Put Lexington on the map
Put Lexington history on the map — literally. | Map via Proxi
You’ve submitted your favorites, now it’s time for us to reveal the finalists for the LEXtoday historical marker contest. Check out the nominations below, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite.
Chevy Chase Inn
Lexington’s ultimate local spot first opened its doors in 1933 as The Blue Goose. Now, 91 years later, reader Chas J. has declared that the “oldest bar in Lexington” deserves the honor of an historical marker.
Oliver Lewis Way
Reader Carol G. submitted the Newtown Pike Extension which got its name from a citywide contest. Oliver Lewis was the jockey who rode Aristides and won the first Kentucky Derby. It was such an iconic win that Aristides also has a road named after him.
The Big Blue Building
Also known as the tallest building in the world, the Lexington Financial Center was originally meant to be a 26-story skyscraper. Now it boasts 31 floors, and it’s that commitment to going big that makes it deserve a historical marker.
It doesn’t stop there — we got more submissions than these. Just check out our map of unofficial historical locations — both locally and across the nation.
Voting closes Wednesday, Dec. 11 — so be sure to vote for the historical location you’d love to see recognized for its significance.
Need stocking stuffers for everyone on your list? We’ve got you covered.
🎁 For the skincare aficionado: Laneige’s No. 1 bestselling lip mask in the candy cane flavor. 🎁 For those who eat, sleep, and breath organization: A mini label maker with creative functions and templates. 🎁 For the jewelry-obsessed: A stackable 18K gold plated necklace that you can customize with their initial. 🎁 For those who love to hit the trails: A classic knit beanie to keep their noggin warm while hiking. 🎁 For someone who’s always on the go: A magnetic portable charger that can charge up to four devices at once.
As someone who loves to write it’s important to keep my skills sharp with classes and workshops at The Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning. Winter enrollment is now open + features online classes as well as in-person events at this historic landmark in the heart of Gratz Park.
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