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After pared back events during the pandemic, Lexington is setting the stage for a full slate of Fourth of July festivities

Fourth of July fireworks July 3, 2021. Photo by Amy Wallot
Amy Wallot/Amy Wallot/LFUCG
Fourth of July fireworks July 3, 2021. Photo by Amy Wallot

Lexington is prepping for the return of some Fourth of July favorites – along with new activities – this year.

Lexington is touting a full return of its July 4th events this year for the first time in three years, with a parade, festival, and concerts as part of the lineup.

The holiday weekend will start with an Ice Cream Social downtown on July 1st, followed by a new event dubbed Red, White, and Blues on Saturday at Moondance Amphitheater. Sunday, July 3rd, will see the revival of the popular patriotic concert at Transylvania University with the Young at Heart Big Band and the Lexington Philharmonic.

As for the big day, expect the Annual Bluegrass 10,000 race, the Fourth of July Festival, and a night capped off with the city’s fireworks display.

The full schedule is below:

Ice Cream Social

Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park
Friday, July 1 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Kick-off the holiday weekend with a cool treat and music provided by the Young at Heart Dixieland Band.

Red, White & Blues

Moondance Amphitheater
Saturday, July 2 | 5 – 9 p.m.

Spend a beautiful summer night with family and friends enjoying great American food, drinks and music by local legend TeeDee Young!

Patriotic Concert

Transylvania University and Gratz Park
Sunday, July 3
Preshow: 5 – 6:30 p.m. | Young at Heart Big Band
Main show: 7:30 – 9 p.m. | Lexington Philharmonic

Spend the evening before the Fourth of July with the Lexington Philharmonic on the grounds of historic Transylvania University and Gratz Park.

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic or enjoy dinner from various food trucks.

Bluegrass 10,000 and Fun Run

Corner of Main St. and North Limestone St. 
Monday, July 4 | 7:25 a.m.

Ready, set, sign up! Kick off the Fourth of July at the 46th annual Bluegrass 10,000 and Fun Run. Cheer on the runners or get in on the action by running the 10K or 1-mile Fun Run. You can still register for the wheelchair, 10K, Fun Run or virtual race options.

Learn more and register

Fourth of July Festival

Courthouse Plaza
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Food trucks and live music performance by Boogie G. Come down early for lunch and a good spot to watch the parade.

Food vendor application

Fourth of July Parade

Main St. (downtown)
Monday, July 4 |11:30 a.m.

The Fourth of July parade steps off at 11:30 a.m. and will move down Main Street from Midland to Mill Street. There will be plenty of red, white and blue to get everyone in the patriotic spirit. Prizes will be awarded.

Enjoy the parade from the sideline or register ahead of time if you wish to participate.

Participation registration

Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular

Main St. and Oliver Lewis Way
Monday, July 4 | 10 p.m.

End your Fourth of July celebration with a bang! The fireworks spectacular will start at approximately 10 p.m.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.