Lexington will turn 250 next year, and the city announced 2025 will be a year filled with anniversary celebrations.

At last week's announcement event, city officials expressed excitement for the semiquincentennial, dubbed 250Lex. Mayor Linda Gorton introduced the 250Lex Commission — the committee appointed to plan the year-long celebration.

“We’re counting down the days,” Gorton said. "We just can’t wait until we get to 250."

Lexington was founded in 1775, a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed. This means Lexington will celebrate its quarter millennial birthday one year before the US does.

Mayor Linda Gorton announces the 250Lex celebration. | Photo via City of Lexington

250Lex celebration events

The full 250Lex events calendar is still in the works, but the 250Lex Commission did share some insights on what to expect. The celebration will begin on Tuesday, Dec. 31 with a free, downtown New Year’s Eve party that's open to the public.

In 2025, each month will have a theme that embraces a different aspect of life in Lexington. January will be centered around wellness and February will focus on history. A new aspect will be celebrated each month until December's "future of Lexington" theme.

The commission also shared a glimpse at some of the major happenings during the 250Lex celebration, including:

A new public art unveiling for the 250th anniversary in the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza
The “Big Ass Bourbon Tasting”
A production by the Lexington Children’s Theatre
Basketball week
An original orchestral piece performed by the Lexington Philharmonic

Lexington has contributed $250,000 to this celebration, but it is largely funded by sponsors and partners. The city also hopes the events will highlight Lexington's culture + boost the tourism industry, benefiting local businesses and encouraging repeat visitors.