Come downtown to celebrate America’s independence! There will be a street festival, concerts, vendors, an ice-cream eating contest and a parade! The fireworks will be launched from the Lexington Financial Center. Following is a list of the events that will happen July 3rd and 4th!
Great American Pie Contest and Ice Cream Social
Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Cheapside Park (251 W. Main St.)
noon – 1 p.m.
This event kicks off the city’s Independence Day celebration. The best bakers in town will be competing to see who has the best pie in Lexington. The registration deadline is July 1. The public is encouraged to stop by Fifth Third Pavilion for a free pie slice and scoop of ice cream.
Patriotic Music Concert
Transylvania University, Morrison Lawn (250 W. Third St.)
8 p.m.
This year’s Patriotic Music Concert will feature the Lexington Philharmonic, performing an array of American classics. Patrons are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating, and outside food and beverages are permitted.
In the event of rain, the concert will be held at Transylvania University’s Mitchell Fine Arts Center. Space will be limited to the first 1,000 guests and food and beverages will not be allowed within the theatre.
Bluegrass 10,000 and Fun Run
Downtown Lexington
7:30 a.m.
The Bluegrass 10,000 is a certified 10,000 meter race through the main business and historic districts of downtown Lexington. New this year are early bird signup discounts, free race photo downloads, race pacers and a Bluegrass 10K training program.
Online registration is open through July 2 and the early bird registration ends June 15.
Downtown Street Festival
Downtown Lexington
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The street festival will feature arts and crafts, nonprofit organizations, concessions vendors and more. Entertainment begins at 11 a.m. and will feature various country, rock, R&B and Bluegrass bands on five stages.
The general vendor application deadline is June 15.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Main St., in front of the old historic courthouse
11 a.m.
Parade
Downtown Lexington (Midland Ave. to Mill St.)
2 p.m.
The annual Fourth of July parade down Main Street will feature traditional parade fair and is great event for the entire family.
The deadline for parade entries is Wednesday, June 30. The parade entry application provides complete registration details.
July Fourth Live!
Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Cheapside Park (251 W. Main St.)
7 – 9:30 p.m.
This pre-fireworks concert will feature the Lauren Mink Band, and is a fantastic event to attend between the festival and the fireworks finale.
Fireworks
Lexington Financial Center (aka “the big blue building”)
10 p.m.
The Fourth of July fireworks display will for the first time ever be launched downtown from the roof of the Lexington Financial Center. Viewers will need to be at least 2 – 3 blocks away from the building to see the show, and anyone in the city with a view of the top of “the big blue building” will be able to experience the show.
