Lexington Plans Expanded Juneteenth Celebrations for 2025

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The city of Lexington is gearing up for its 2025 Juneteenth celebration, marking the 20th anniversary of its oldest Juneteenth event. Mayor Linda Gorton announced the plans in a news release, highlighting the significance of the holiday. Juneteenth has been recognized as a national holiday for five years, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Although the official holiday is on June 19, this year’s festivities will kick off on Saturday, June 14, and continue through Saturday, June 21. “Our Juneteenth celebrations in 2025 will be bigger and better than ever,” Gorton said. “There’s something for everyone! Thanks to all of the volunteers who make our Juneteenth really special.”

The celebration will include a variety of events, beginning with the 20th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee on June 14 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This year’s jubilee will focus on the spirit of freedom and honor the Civil War soldiers who fought for liberty. Sgt. Robert Bell of the 12th Heavy Artillery will deliver the keynote address on the evolution of the American flag, coinciding with National Flag Day.

Following the jubilee, the WiseGuys Juneteenth Father’s Day Celebration will take place on June 15 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 726 Georgetown Street. This community event aims to raise awareness of culture and history while promoting peace through food, music, and youth activities.

The “A Sense of Place” Juneteenth Celebration on June 19 will start at 11 a.m. at 705 Caden Lane. It will feature live music, cultural performances, food, and storytelling that highlight the community’s rich history and resilience, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated Cadentown Rosenwald School.

Later on the same day, the event “We Still Dance: A Juneteenth Celebration of Rhythm, Resilience and the American Spirit” will be hosted at The Lyric Theater and Cultural Arts Center starting at 4 p.m., inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem “And Still I Rise.”

On June 21, the Kentucky U.S. Freedmen Coalition will take place at Charles Young Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring entertainment, food, information booths, and vendors, aiming to celebrate Black American liberation. Additionally, Soulteenth Fest will also occur on June 21 at the Moondance Amphitheater from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., showcasing music, art, agriculture, and food, celebrating black innovation and culture.

Throughout the city, Juneteenth flags will adorn Main Street, with banners displayed along the Legacy Trail from Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden to the North Lexington YMCA.