Lex250

DPW Day
2024-05-23 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, 201 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Join us for a day of fun and activities, including viewing and sitting in equipment, operating a surveyor’s transit, using a metal detector, exploring the growth cycle of trees, and learning to compost in your backyard. Light refreshments will be served.
More information.

My American Story
2024-05-18 14:00 - 16:00 | The Depot, 13 Depot Square, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
This is an annual event to celebrate AAPI heritage month. We invite AAPI panelists from Lexington and the surrounding communities to share their personal stories to show the diversity and commonality within the AAPI community and what it means to be Americans of AAPI heritage. This event can help build connections between different ethnic groups within the AAP Community and between the AAPI and other communities.
Register here.
Panelists
Charles Inouye
A resident of Lexington and a third-generation Japanese American, Charles Inouye is a professor of Japanese literature and visual culture at Tufts University. For his life and spiritual journey, see zion earth zen sky, a haiku memoir, and Hymns of Silence, short stories mixed with haiku.
Weina Dai
Weina Dai Randel is the Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author of four historical novels, including The Last Rose of Shanghai, and The Empress of Bright Moon, a duology about Wu Zetian. Weina is the winner of the RWA RITA® Award. She also received the Mass Cultural Council’s art grant in 2023. She lives in Lexington.
Ye Zhang Pogue
Ye Zhang Pogue, Ph.D., is a health policy researcher and writer. She immigrated to the U.S. from China in 2011. She is active in public policy discussions that affect the AAPI community. She pursues her American Dream through civic engagement.
Leela Jia-Ling Basu
Leela Jia-Ling Basu is a Chinese Bengali American and a junior at Lexington High School. At LHS, Leela is a Head of Lighting and President of the Drama Company. Additionally, she is part of the Student Council and Global Mentor Alliance. Leela loves dancing with Legacy Dance Company.
Diya Nigam
A freshman at Lexington High School, Diya Nigam is passionate about Indian Culture from its history to Bollywood movies. She serves as the Student Liaison for Indian Americans of Lexington (IAL). She has trained in Kathak, North Indian classical dance, for eight years and performed extensively across Boston.

Festival of Colors
2024-05-18 13:00 - 17:00 | Hastings Park, 10 Lincoln St, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
Join us for a vibrant celebration of diversity at the Festival of Colors in Lexington, where the community comes together to revel in the richness of our multicultural heritage. Just as the colors of spring burst forth in nature, so too do the myriad hues of humanity shine in our town.
Event Highlights
21 Multicultural Performances: Experience a dazzling array of cultural expressions, including American, Chinese, Taiwanese, Sri Lankan, and Indian dances, as well as live musical performances by Italian and Indian bands.
Culinary Delights: Treat your taste buds to a variety of cuisines from around the world at our vegetarian food stalls and ice cream truck. Indulge in offerings from Honest, Bombay Brunch, Joy of Treats (sweets), Maitri Ice Cream, Szechuan Dumplings Restaurant, and more.
Community Booths and Vendors: Explore booths showcasing the rich tapestry of our community, with diverse products and services from different cultural backgrounds.
Entertainment for All Ages: Enjoy bouncy houses, henna, and face-painting booths, ensuring fun for the whole family.
Colorful Traditions: Participate in the lively tradition of playing with dry organic powdered colors, inspired by the Indian festival of Holi. Welcome spring and greet friends by applying colors on each other’s faces and throwing colors in the air.
To find more information or buy tickets, go to https://tinyurl.com/foc2024lex

LexSeeHer Dedication Day
2024-05-18 11:00 - 17:00 | LexSeeHer Monument Site, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Lexington women have been instrumental in the pursuit of liberty from the years preceding the Battle of Lexington, throughout the Revolution, and beyond. LexSeeHer will formally dedicate the new “Something Is Being Done” monument designed by artist Meredith Bergmann on May 18th. Visitors can help commemorate important women whose stories have otherwise been lost to time. This is the first monument to recognize women’s economic, political, intellectual, social, and cultural contributions to the Lexington community, Commonwealth, country, and beyond.
The monument will help restore our collective memory of 18th century women, including Phebe Banister Burdoo, Cate Chester, Abigail Harrington, Margaret Tulip, Ruth Buckman, and Anna Harrington. In addition, the monument celebrates their literal and figurative daughters and granddaughters, and other women and girls who continued blazing trails in the pursuit of liberty.
Lexington Children’s Chorus will perform, along with local dance groups.
This event, which is part of LexSeeHer’s “First Look” series is open to all ages, but people are encouraged to request tickets in advance through lexseeher.com.
Limited seating may be available, but as tickets are being scooped up very quickly, people should expect to either stand or find a place on the lawn nearby. People who need accommodations should email lexmonument@gmail.com so the team can help.
The event is free, but donations in support of the monument are encouraged and may be made at lexseeher.com.
There will be a marketplace area for those interested in purchasing souvenirs of the monument and an activity table for children.

AAPI 5K Run & Walk in Lexington
2024-05-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Lexington High School Field House, 251 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Join us for the AAPI 5K to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May! Come run or walk with us in this vibrant community event hosted by the Chinese American Association of Lexington (CAAL) and Hey Runners Club. Experience our newly certified USATF 5K course in historic Lexington—a perfect blend of challenge and fun.
Learn more and register.
Race Date/Time
In-Person: Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 10:30 AM
Children 10 years or under must be accomplished by an adult.
Race Location and Course
Start and finish in front of Lexington High School. Chip-timed Race.
The 5k course is USATF-certified.
Registration
Online Race Registration till May 17, 2024 – $35 (non-refundable)
Race Day Registration – $40 cash or checkRace T-Shirt is free for the first 300 registrants.
Bib Pickup
May 18 (Race-Day), 8:30a – 10:15a, Field House of Lexington High School

91st Annual Plant Sale
2024-05-18 08:00 - 11:30 | Lexington DPW, 201 Bedford St, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Once upon a time Lexington was a farming village. While that is not true today, it still has the oldest garden club in the nation’s history: Lexington Field & Garden Club.
The plants available for purchase at the Lexington Field & Garden’s plant sale are big and healthy. They have been grown by our gardeners, divided, lovingly potted and tended carefully. There are native plants, plants that we all love, a table of dahlias leafed out, and vegetables and herbs from LexFarm.

LexSeeHer Unveiling Day
2024-05-15 10:30 - 19:00 | LexSeeHer Monument Site, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Women have been instrumental in the pursuit of liberty from the years preceding the Battle of Lexington, throughout the Revolution, and beyond. LexSeeHer will formally dedicate the new “Something Is Being Done” monument designed by artist Meredith Bergmann on May 19th. Visitors can help commemorate important women whose stories have otherwise been lost to time. This is the first monument to recognize women’s economic, political, intellectual, social, and cultural contributions to the Lexington community, Commonwealth, country, and beyond.
The monument will help restore our collective memory of 18th century women, including Phebe Banister Burdoo, Cate Chester, Abigail Harrington, Margaret Tulip, Ruth Buckman, and Anna Harrington. In addition, the monument celebrates their literal and figurative daughters and granddaughters, and other women and girls who have continued blazing trails in the pursuit of liberty.
The LexSeeHer Chorus will perform. This event is part of LexSeeHer’s “First Look” series.
Due to limited space, tickets must be requested for this event, and there is currently a waitlist. If you receive a ticket from the waitlist, please anticipate standing or finding a place on the lawn nearby.
People who need accommodations should email lexmonument@gmail.com so the team can help.
The event is free, but donations in support of the monument are encouraged and may be made at lexseeher.com.
There will be a marketplace area for those interested in purchasing souvenirs of the monument and an activity table for children.
First Look Events Schedule:

10:00 am: Procession from the Depot
10:30 – 11:30 am: Unveiling Ceremony
2:00 pm & 4:00 pm: Guided Tours
3:00 – 4:30 pm: Children’s activities
7:30 pm: BOLD Women’s After Hours

Annual Lexington Tattoo & Muster
2024-05-04 12:00 - 15:00, 2024-05-03 18:00 - 20:30 | The Depot, 13 Depot Square, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
On Friday, four featured fife and drum corps, including the William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps, The Musick of Prescott’s Battalion, Connecticut Patriots Fife and Drum Corps and the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps will perform. The Lexington Minute Men will be Presenting Colors.
The corps will march from Depot Square in Lexington to the Battle Green. Once the corps arrive to the Green a military song performance, called a tattoo, will be held consisting of Revolution-era music by lantern light.
On Saturday, a total of 28 fife and drum corps from six states will march from Militia Drive along Worthen Road to Hastings Park. This will commence a free afternoon of fife and drum music from the 18th century and beyond. In addition to the parade, there will be ten vendors selling replica colonial-period goods as well as 18th-century encampment demonstrations.
Individual corps performances, called “Stand Pieces,” will begin at 12:30 p.m. and will continue throughout the afternoon.
Schedule
Tattoo | Friday, May 3, 2024 | Lexington Battle Green
6:15 PM – Performing Corps will gather at Depot Square, Lexington Center
6:30 PM – Corps Leaders and Majors meet with director Carmin Calabrese
6:50 PM – Parade from Depot Square to the Lexington Battle Green
7:00 PM – Tattoo commences on the Lexington Battle Green

Annual Muster | Saturday, May 4, 2024 | Hastings Park, Lexington
9:00 AM – Corps will check in at MC table and Vendor set-up begins
11:00 AM – Parade line-up on Lexington Battle Green. Any black powder weapons must be inspected by a Lexington Minutemen Safety Officer.
12:00 Noon – Parade steps off from Militia Drive to Hastings Park on Worthen Road
12:30 PM – Corps performances begin
1:00 to 3:00 PM – Muster Meal served at tent for ticketed participants
Jam follows last Corps Performance

Roads to Revolution: the Different Paths of Lexington and Concord
2024-04-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
This session will examine the similarities and differences between the two towns socially, economically and politically, and discuss how each came to play its signal part on April 19, 1775. We’ll also look at the long dispute between the two towns, starting in 1825, with who deserved credit for firing the first shots and starting the Revolutionary War – and why that once mattered.
About our speaker:
Robert A. Gross is James L. and Shirley A. Draper Professor of Early American History Emeritus at the University of Connecticut. A specialist in the social and cultural history of the United States from the Revolution to the Civil War, Gross focuses particularly on New England. His first book, The Minutemen and Their World (1976), presents a community study of Concord, Massachusetts, in the eighteenth century, portraying the lives and circumstances of inhabitants at all levels of the social order and tracing the internal conflicts that shaped the town’s participation in the mobilization against British rule. For this innovative interpretation of the American Revolution as a social movement, Minutemen received the Bancroft Prize in American History in 1977; it was reissued in a 25th anniversary edition by Hill & Wang in 2001. A revised and expanded edition appeared in 2022 from Picador books, in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. His studies of the Revolutionary period continued in the edited collection In Debt to Shays: The Bicentennial of an Agrarian Rebellion (1993).
This program is made possible by the generous donors to the Cary Library Foundation.

Launch of Lex250 Celebrations
2024-04-19
Join us on Friday, April 19, 2024 for the launch of the year-long celebrations leading up to the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington.
Commemorative Events Begin on Friday, April 19, 2024. Please note the latest traffic advisory for this event.

The launch will consist of three unique events:

Grand Unveiling of the Countdown Calendar

Time: 12:00 PM, Location: Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building (Cary Hall) – Front Steps, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420)

The countdown calendar – a monument counting down the days until next year’s anniversary – will be unveiled at a ceremony comprising of state and foreign dignitaries, the Lexington Minute Men, and the William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps. RSVP

British Tea & Colonial Talks

Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Location: Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420

Immerse yourself in history with reenactments and talks by experts on everything from British tea varieties to lesser-known stories of the American Revolution.

Countdown-to-250 Concert

Time: 7:00 PM, Location: Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building – Margery Milne Battin Auditorium, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420)

Enjoy a special performance by the Lexington Bicentennial Band featuring Wind Music from the British Empire.

Revolutionary Scavenger Hunt
2024-04-16 10:00 - 14:00 | The Depot, 13 Depot Square, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Where is the Parker boulder? Is there a weathervane on the Belfry? What happened at the Harrington House? No matter how long you’ve lived in Lexington, there is still plenty for your kids to discover! Have them test their clue-solving and observation skills with a Revolutionary-themed scavenger hunt that takes them to sites around the Lexington Green. Fun and an official completion certificate for all ages! ​Start and end at the Depot Building in Lexington Center.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult (the hunt is self guided). Free!

Patriots’ Day Afternoon Parade
2024-04-15 14:00 - 17:00
Starts at Mass Ave. and Maple Street, proceeding west down Mass Ave. into Lexington Center. Ends on Worthen Road at the Center Recreation Complex.

Munroe Tavern Tours
2024-04-15 12:00 - 16:00, 2024-04-14 12:00 - 16:00 | Munroe Tavern, 1332 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Self-guided tours available. Built in 1735, Munroe Tavern was commandeered by the British Redcoat troops on their retreat back to Boston on the afternoon of April 19, 1775. Downstairs, the Tavern illustrates the British perspective of the day’s events. Upstairs, the story’s focus shifts to what it was like to have a family home taken over by enemy soldiers. The final highlight is the chance to see where President Washington’s dined when he visited the Tavern in 1789. Tickets available online and on site. Advanced purchase not required.

Cost:
(Single house) Adults $14, Kids $8
(Three houses) Adults $28, Kids $14

Annual Patriots’ Day Hand Bell Concert
2024-04-15 11:15 - 12:00 | Hancock Church, 1912 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
The Handbell Choirs of Hancock Church present a family-friendly concert of American music rung on five octaves of handbells and chimes.

Film Screening: First Shot! The Day the Revolution Began
2024-04-15 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-04-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Lexington Depot, 13 Depot Square, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Enjoy a film screening of Lexington Historical Society’s award-winning video along with a special Q & A session with British and Colonial reenactors and a sampling of Colonial Music. Tickets available at the door.
Cost: Adults $10, Kids (Age 6 to 16) $5, no admission fee for kids age 5 or younger
Additional screenings will be held at 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Hancock-Clarke House Tours
2024-04-15 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-04-14 10:00 - 16:00 | Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Guided tours available every half hour. Built in 1737, Hancock-Clarke House was the parsonage for the town of Lexington during the 18th century. Reverend Jonas Clarke was hosting guests John Hancock and Samuel Adams when they were awakened by Paul Revere and his famous warning in the early hours of April 19, 1775. Thanks to generous grant funding, this site is also the location of new research and exhibitions related to the enslaved and indentured black populations of Lexington in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Tickets available online and on site. Advanced purchase not required.
Cost:
(Single house) Adults $14, Kids $8
(Three houses) Adults $28, Kids $14

Patriots' Day at the Concord Musuem
2024-04-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Tpke, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Enjoy free admission to the Museum and visit the immersive April 19, 1775 gallery to see the “One if by land, two if by sea” lantern hung in the North Church to signal Paul Revere on his midnight ride. During your visit, participate in drop-in activities to learn about life and craft in the colonies. Sponsored by the Highland Street Foundation.
Witness the brave Acton Minutemen company in an encampment outside the Museum as they drill with muskets to prepare for battle, cook over a firepit, and demonstrate colonial spinning and sewing. Supported by the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati.
Beware of a Red Coat from the British Army roaming the galleries looking for Provincial rebels. Talk with him about the experiences of the Red Coats on April 19, 1775. Supported by the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati.

Buckman Tavern Tours
2024-04-15 09:30 - 16:00, 2024-04-14 09:30 - 16:00 | Buckman Tavern, 1 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Self-paced audio tours available. Built in 1710, Buckman Tavern was a gathering place for both locals and travelers, and the site of many important town meetings. Captain Parker and his militia gathered in this tavern in the early morning hours of April 19, 1775 to await the oncoming British Redcoat troops. The upstairs of Buckman contains galleries for rotating, special temporary exhibitions. Tickets available online and on site. Advanced purchase not required.

Cost:
(Single house) Adults $14, Kids $8
(Three houses) Adults $28, Kids $14

Lexington Lions Club 110th Annual Five-Mile Road Race
2024-04-15 09:00 - 17:00 | Lexington Battle Green, Lexington Battle Green, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
Be part of a historic tradition by registering for the 110th Lexington Lions Patriots Day 5 Mile Road Race! Set against the backdrop of scenic Lexington on April 15, 2024, this event not only marks a significant milestone but also embodies the spirit of Patriots Day, a day steeped in American history.
This isn’t just a race; it’s a journey through time, celebrating 110 years of running, community, and tradition. With a new start time of 9AM, we ensure you can enjoy this historic event and still have time to support loved ones at the Boston Marathon.
Embrace the opportunity to run where history was made, and contribute to a noble cause – the Lions Club Journey for Sight program. Your participation helps us continue a legacy of service and community engagement.
Don’t miss this milestone event. Join us as we celebrate 110 years of historic runs, community spirit, and charitable impact. Secure your spot at the starting line and be part of history in the making!
Registration Details

Registration: Registration for the 5 Mile race is $25. Price increases to $30 after April 1st.
When to Register: Runners can preregister here anytime now through Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 9:00am.
On-site Registration will take place at 7:30a.m. – 8:45a.m. on Patriots Day, Monday, April 15, 2024.

Swag

T-shirts: All runners who preregister will receive an official Patriots Day Road Race 2024 t-shirt on a Bella Canvas high quality, soft cotton shirt.
Bib: When you register for the Patriots Day Race you will be assigned a number and your bib will be given to you on Race Day.

History of the Patriots Day Road Race

Battle Green Walking Tour
2024-04-15 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-04-14 09:00 - 16:00 | Lexington Visitor’s Center, 1875 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
On the one-hour tour, you will explore this National Historic Landmark with our costumed guide. You will learn about the notable sites and historic houses around Lexington Battle Green, where “the first blood was spilt in the dispute with Great Britain,” as George Washington wrote in his diary. It is considered consecrated ground, both for the blood that was shed on it and for the militiamen who are interred here.
Tours can be booked online or in-person at the Lexington Visitor’s Center (1875 Massachusetts Ave).

Patriots’ Day Ceremonies on the Battle Green
2024-04-15 08:00 - 11:00 | Lexington Battle Green, Lexington Battle Green, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
Ceremonies will include the announcement of the 2024 recipients of the:

White Tricorne Hat Award, Lexington Lions Club
Minuteman Cane Award
Pat Flynn Outstanding Youth Award
Lexington Minute Man Scholarships

Note: A public reception will be held to honor the recipients of the above awards on Sunday, April 21, inside the Depot building (13 Depot Sq.) from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All are welcome.

Sunrise Youth Parade
2024-04-15 07:30 - 09:30 | Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
A parade through Lexington Center providing younger members of the community the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of the weekend. Route will proceed west on Mass Ave. through Lexington Center, ending at the Battle Green.
Interested participants: Register here

Paul Revere's Ride Reenactment
2024-04-14 23:30 - 2024-04-15 00:30 | Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Lexington was preparing for battle long before British soldiers arrived on April 19th, 1775. Paul Revere and William Dawes, fellow Sons of Liberty, rode hard from Boston, arriving in town just before midnight. Their destination: The home of Reverend Clarke. Their mission: To warn Patriot leaders John Hancock and Samuel Adams of the impending British raid.

Start your Patriots’ Day early as they arrive and raise the alarm in Lexington! Join us for a live reenactment, complete with real horses!

Liberty Ride Guided Trolley Tour
2024-04-14 09:00 - 16:00
Visit the birthplaces of American liberty and 19th century literature! Board a classic trolley to ride along the historic Battle Road while your costumed guide recounts the exciting events of April 19, 1775, immersing you in the life of 18th and 19th century Americans, from farmers to literary giants to the heroes who would shape a new country.
Tours can be booked online or in-person at the Lexington Visitor’s Center (1875 Massachusetts Ave).
