Happy Independence Day: Here’s how Lexington will celebrate Fourth of July
Lexington is gearing up to mark Independence Day with a week-long celebration.
Whether you want to run a race, shop local artisans, listen to music or just sit back and enjoy some fireworks, there is a way for you to celebrate.
“Our Fourth of July celebration is rooted in tradition. This year, our celebration will be bigger than ever before,” Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said.
“We are celebrating our independence with a bang.”
Tuesday, July 1
Big Band and BOOM, 7-8:30 p.m.
Enjoy some big band jazz and get some fresh air. Lexington Parks and Recreation will kick off the week with a patriotic summer concert at Moondance Amphitheater, near Beaumont.
The performer has yet to be announced.
Wednesday, July 2
Ice cream social, 5-8 p.m.
Head downtown to Tandy Park for free ice cream, family activities and music.
Dixie Land South will open up the evening with a set from 5-6 p.m., followed by Boogie G and the Titanics from 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, July 3
Patriotic Concert, 5-9 p.m.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets down to Gratz Park, near Transylvania University, for the city’s annual patriotic concert, headlined this year by the Lexington Philharmonic.
Food trucks will be on site.
The pre-show, featuring Young Heart, starts at 5 p.m., with the Philharmonic playing at 7 p.m.
Friday, July 4
Bluegrass 10,000 and Fun Run, 7:25 a.m.
Lexington’s annual Bluegrass 10k race kicks off bright and early on July 4. Wheelchair racers take the starting line at 7:25 a.m., followed by runners who will begin at 7:30 a.m.
The race starts and finishes at the intersection of Main Street and South Limestone.
The first male and female finishers for both the foot and wheelchair divisions will receive a $500 check.
This year marks the 49th annual Bluegrass 10k.
The Fun Run, a mile-long trail, will follow, beginning at 8:30 a.m. It also starts and ends at the intersection of Main and Limestone.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence, 10 a.m.
Gather around the Lexington Courthouse Plaza to read a short portion of the Declaration of Independence. This year marks the 249th anniversary of America’s freedom.
Fourth of July Festival and Market, 10 a.m.-3p.m.
Head over to Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park in downtown Lexington for the annual Independence Day festival and craft fair.
Enjoy live music, children’s activities, shop for arts and crafts or get a good spot to watch the parade.
Food and beverage vendors will be on site throughout the festival.
Vendor applications are still open.
July 4 Parade, noon
The annual parade will move along Main Street, from Midland Avenue to Mill Street.
Grab a seat along Main Street to watch the annual march, or register now to walk in the parade yourself.
Fireworks, 10 p.m.
Closing out day-of celebrations with a bang, as the city launches fireworks from the RJ Corman railyard.
Saturday, July 5
Summer Nights: Red, White and Blues, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Lexington ends its Fourth of July celebrations just as it begins: with music.
Head back down to the Moondance Amphitheater for the Red, White and Blues rhythm and soul concert.
Treyvon King starts the night at 5:30 p.m., and will be joined by Tee Dee Young at 7 p.m.
Food trucks will be on site, and cold drinks will be available for purchase.
This story was originally published June 6, 2025 at 4:53 PM.