The Lexington Lantern Festival isn’t just fun — it’s a reflection of our shared history and traditions. Lanterns symbolize hope, guidance, and community, from their use during the American Revolution to their central role in Chinese cultural celebrations.

Revolutionary War reenactor Charles Price shares the remarkable story of Prince Estabrook, a combatant at the Battle of Lexington. Learn how he served three years in the Continental Army and the complex history surrounding his service under his enslaver, Benjamin Estabrook.

🐴 Celebrate the Year of the Horse with vibrant cultural performances, music, dance, and storytelling — a beautiful evening honoring tradition and community in Lexington.

Explore the often-overlooked role that Black people played in the Battle of Lexington & the Revolutionary War, including enslaved soldiers.

Public historian Margaret Micholet and master weaver Michelle Parish explore the often-overlooked role of Black men and women like Cate and Prince Chester in the production of domestic linen — crucial to the boycotts against British goods following the Stamp Act of 1765. Discover how everyday skills contributed to the revolutionary cause in Lexington!

Join us for the Shadaj Music Festival — an all‑day celebration of Indian classical music on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Lexington High School. 🪕✨

Named after William Dawes — often overshadowed in popular memory by Paul Revere — Billie symbolizes the lesser-known but equally essential rides that alerted Lexington to the approaching British on April 18, 1775. The design features bright colors and detailed zentangle work, with community members of all ages helping paint segments that represent the diversity and unity of our town.

Lexington Lantern Festival returns on Sunday, March 1, 2026, bringing the community together for an afternoon and evening of light, creativity, and connection. The free, public event takes place at Cary Hall and marks both the seasonal transition from winter to spring and Lexington’s 250th anniversary.

The event will be held from 12-3 pm and include a short transcription tutorial, viewing of the national Douglass Day broadcast, several periods of transcription activity, displays, and short presentations by local historians on the Colored Conventions, Frederick Douglass’ visit to Lexington, Black women honored on the Women’s Monument, and more. We will also have a birthday cake to celebrate Frederick Douglass’ chosen birthday of February 14. We invite students and educators from local schools as well as the general public to attend. All are welcome.

This concert offers a culturally rich and exhilarating evening that you won’t want to miss!

Lexington was proud to kick off its count-up to the nation’s 250th birthday with the deeply meaningful MLK Week of Service — a powerful reminder of our shared values and community spirit. Thank you to the organizers and volunteers who made this past week unforgettable.

Join us as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through a full day of service, reflection, and community engagement. This all-day event offers opportunities to learn, serve, and connect with neighbors, while leaning into the difficult conversations necessary to build a more just and equitable community.

This afternoon we gather at Follen Community Church for the MLK Week Signature Concert — a celebration of community, creativity, and civic reflection. Music has always helped America wrestle with its ideals. Today is part of that tradition.

Take a photo with your community organization at the VO250 Arch and share it with Lex250! 

🙌 Celebrating Community & Service! CALex has been a cornerstone of Lexington’s community life, connecting people across generations through cultural programs, youth mentorship, and civic engagement.

CAAL (The Chinese American Association of Lexington) warmly invites the community to celebrate the Lunar New Year Gala 2026, honoring the Year of the Horse, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Cary Hall in Lexington.

Celebrate MLK Day 2026 by joining a full day of service, reflection, and community engagement!

The 4th Annual MLK Day Gospel Concert, a soulful celebration of community, resilience, and the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, will be held on Sunday, January 18 at 2:00 PM at Follen Community Church.

Join Lex250 and community partners for an evening highlighting the power of youth-led artistic expression and activism.

Join Lex250 and community partners for the third night of the MLK Week of Service (January 10 to January 19) for a critical discussion on Voting Rights. Explore the long struggle led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, the historic passage of the Voting Rights Act, and the ongoing work to ensure access to the ballot for all Americans.

Join Lex250 and Cary Library for an evening of storytelling that brings the Civil Rights Movement to life.

Kick off MLK Week 2026 with a thought-provoking screening of the documentary I Am MLK Jr., exploring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, civil rights leadership, and enduring impact on justice and equity today.

Join the community for the Munroe Center's Illumination Night, a magical winter evening of lantern light, interactive art, projection mapping, hot chocolate, campfire warmth, and a glowing procession through Lexington Center. Bring a lantern — or simply your phone or flashlight — and help light up the heart of town together.

As part of Lexington’s MLK Week of Service (January  10 to January 19), ABCL (Association of Black Citizens of Lexington) invites all to a signature concert on Sunday, January 18 — a celebration of music, reflection, and the ongoing work of building a more perfect union.

As Lexington enters 2026 and continues its participation in Lex250, MA250, and the national America250 commemoration, the community will observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Service with a focused series of events centered on democracy, civic responsibility, historical reckoning, and community dialogue. Taking place Jan. 12 through Jan. 19, 2026, this year’s MLK Week reflects a core truth of the American story: the work of building a more perfect union did not end with the first shot of the Revolution — and it remains unfinished today. Highlights of the week include: - Film Screening: "I Am MLK Jr." (Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m.) — documentary and discussion exploring Dr. King’s enduring impact - Storytelling Program (Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m.) — featuring Regie Gibson, Poet Laureate of Massachusetts, alongside community voices - Voting Rights Panel (Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m.) — examining the legacy of the Voting Rights Act and ongoing civic engagement challenges - Opening tribute to Dr. King, Community Acts of Service, Conversation on Race & Activators Fair (Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) — annual gathering for dialogue, connection, and service The 2026 theme, “The Dream at 60: Democracy, Justice, and Hope,” marks: - The 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 - The 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday - And Lexington’s ongoing role — past and present — in advancing civic participation and democratic ideals MLK Week of Service also serves as an early signature moment in Lexington’s 2026 programming, setting the tone for a year of community-led initiatives that celebrate diversity, confront history honestly, and invite civic engagement as an active practice.