It’s hard to believe that summer is already here. Temperatures are starting to climb, flowers have bloomed, and now it’s time to make plans for the Fourth of July!
Celebrate America’s Independence in Downtown Lexington with two full days of patriotic events. Downtown Lex is the best place to spend the holiday with more than 100 restaurants, 50 bars, and 40 places to shop. From the Distillery District to Woodland/Chevy Chase, the opportunities for a good time are endless.
Be sure to check out Lexington’s Fourth of July Festival Presented by Ball Homes and Central Bank.
July 3rd
Great American Pie Contest and Ice Cream Social
Where: Fifth Third Bank Pavilion
When: 12:00 p.m.
Description: The annual kick-off event starts the festival off right with delicious desserts! Mayor Linda Gorton will speak, the Dixie Land Jazz Band will perform, and most importantly, you can come enjoy home-made pie and ice cream from Sav’s Chill.
Contestants can enter home-made pies to be judged by a surprise panel. Awards are given for several categories, including the best semi-homemade pie, the best made-from-scratch pie, and of course the prettiest pie. New rules and regulations have been established by the health department, so be sure to check them out if you plan on entering. Click here, to learn more about the new regulations!
The deadline to submit your entry is Monday, July 1! Find the application here: https://www.downtownlex.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Pie-Contest-Application.pdf
Patriotic Concert
Where: Morrison Lawn at Transylvania University and Gratz Park
When: 8:00 p.m.
Description: Gather with thousands of Lexingtonians to enjoy a concert celebrating our country’s independence! The Patriotic Concert will feature the Kentucky National Guard’s 202nd U.S. Army Band, the Lexington Singers and various soloists, including world-renowned singer Gregory Turay. The concert will take place at Morrison Lawn, located on Transylvania University’s campus. In addition to great music there will be several local vendors in attendance such as: West Sixth Brewing, Red State BBQ, and Bluegrass Kettle Masters.
Make sure to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets so you can be sure to have a comfy seat!
July 4th
Bluegrass 10,000
Where: Throughout downtown. For the course map, click here.
When: 7:30 a.m.
Description: Start your Independence Day cheering on the runners in the 10k footrace through Downtown Lexington! In the run’s 43rd year, this tradition lives on as a great start to the Fourth of July Festival every year! Come out and get your patriotic blood pumping!
Sign Up: https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Lexington/Bluegrass10000
Unfortunately, no pets are allowed in the Fun Run, but they are more than welcome to watch their owners from the sidelines.
Downtown Street Festival
Where: Entertainment sites include the lower Courthouse Plaza, Phoenix Park, the corner of Short and Upper Streets, and the Fifth Third Bank Pavilion.
When: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Description: With events ranging from art, music, personal health, home treatments, and simple entertainment, there will be something for everyone! From kettle corn to palm reading, there will be a wide variety of fun things to do. In-between all the activities you can check out other events nearby, like the parade and reading of the Declaration of Independence!
Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Where: Main Street at Courthouse Square
When: 11:00 a.m.
Description: Find out what makes America special with the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence! This year’s reading will be done by the Fayette County Democratic Party at the review stand in front of the Lexington Financial Center.
Independence Day Parade
Where: Main St. from Midland to Mill St.
When: 2:00 p.m.
Description: This year’s Fourth of July Parade will feature bands and floats that will be fun for everyone! We also have the honor of hosting representatives from our sister city in Japan this year. Lexington has enjoyed 30 years of friendship with Shinhidaka, Japan. To celebrate this relationship’s milestone, Mr. Takashi Shibata and Deputy Consul General Jiro Nishimura will be leading the procession along with the mayor! The parade will march straight down Main Street playing music and throwing out candy and beads to spectators. A beautiful representation of Lexington’s spirit and pride, this parade will truly celebrate America’s independence!
July 4th Live
Where: Fifth Third Bank Pavilion
When: 7:00 p.m.
Description: Come out and enjoy a special Thursday night featuring live music by The Ranahans! Vendors at the pavilion will be Ginnochios Inc, West Sixth Brewing, Repicci’s Italian ice, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, Sav’s Chill, Bluegrass Kettle Masters and SKYBAR Lexington!
Fireworks Display
Where: Launched from R.J. Corman Railyard
When: 10:00 p.m.
Description: There is no better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than with fireworks! This year, the fireworks show will move back to the R.J. Corman Railyard, a proven launch location from 2015 and previous years. The RJ Corman launch site will avoid logistical challenges that were experienced last year. Main Street between Broadway and Jefferson will be closed off to traffic to serve as the primary viewing area for the general public. Come join us for a brilliant display of patriotic pyrotechnics!
