Lexington has big plans for its 250th birthday in 2025

Lexington is preparing to celebrate a special birthday. In 2025, the central Kentucky city turns 250 with events planned throughout the year.

It was the last Thursday Night Live in downtown Lexington, but that didn’t quell the excitement of the announcement just before the weekly social gathering in Tandy Centennial Park. Mayor Linda Gorton was there to talk about her city’s milestone birthday celebration.

“The big deal is we’re turning 250 years old and think about it. There was almost nothing west of us. And we were a year before our country became, you know 1776, became free from Great Britain,” said Gorton.

The recognition begins with a downtown New Year’s Eve bash and then monthly special events with themes like history, education. culinary, sports, equine, and the future of Lexington. Other monthly themes include music, diversity, business, arts, and “come home” in June.

“Every month has a theme and so we have an ambassador for each month. And so that ambassador will kind of guide the activities for that month. There’s going to be a lot of activities. So, take your vitamins,” said Gorton.

250Lex Commission Co-Chair Kip Cornett said the project is about growth; economic, educational, and personal growth. Commission Co-Chair Eunice Beatty said from a diverse range of cultural community grants to partnerships with schools, businesses, and non-profits, the 250th anniversary will be visible in every corner of Lexington.

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