A number of events have been scheduled for 2026 in Boyle County to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, culminating with several activities on the Fourth of July. The following are events scheduled so far (though more may be added in the coming weeks).
Our Civil Wars
The Civil War and the Black Kentucky experience through the lens of Frank X Walker’s new book of poetry Load in Nine Times. Walker will discuss his book on Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m. at Danville High School.
The Shot Heard Round the World viewing
This is the first event in Boyle County to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There will be a showing of the film “The Shot Heard Round the World”: The Battles of Lexington and Concord. The free showing will be held Tuesday, March 17 at 7 p.m. at the Boyle County Performing Arts Center in Danville. Though the viewing is free, tickets need to be reserved online, which you can do by clicking here.
An Evening with Abraham Lincoln
As part of the Boyle County America’s 250 events in 2026, “Honest Abe” Lincoln will be coming to the Forkland Community Center for “An Evening With Abraham Lincoln”. Lincoln presenter Jacob Truax will deliver a 75 minute solo performance “that illuminates one of America’s most iconic leaders through humor, humanity, and unforgettable oratory. Event is free, but seating will be limited to the building’s capacity. This will take place Saturday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Forkland Community Center.
McDowell Night at the Norton Center
This special evening will include a chautauqua performance highlighting the significant impact of early American statesman and Revolutionary War officer Samuel McDowell, known as the “Son of Virginia, Father of Kentucky.” McDowell presided over nine of the 10 constitutional conventions held in Danville from 1784-1792, leading to Kentucky’s separation from Virginia. He was also the father of Dr. Ephraim McDowell, a pioneering surgeon who performed the first successful ovariotomy in 1809 in Danville.
During the McDowell Night events, the original copy of Kentucky’s constitution will be on display, along with historic political papers and meeting minutes from the constitutional conventions. In addition, the Norton Center’s own exhibit – titled “Be The People” – will also be on display. This event will be held Saturday, May 9 from 7-10 p.m. at the Norton Center for the Arts at Centre College.
Tea In The Time of Liberty, An American 250 Commemorative Tea
Honoring tea’s role in the history of Colonial America and Kentucky, this teatime celebration will feature recipes from the archives of Elmwood Inn and a talk by Bruce Richardson, the tea master for the Boston Tea Party Ships Museum.
The America 250 Tea Menu includes: benedictine tea sandwiches, country ham spread angel biscuits, cheddar cheese wafers, Elmwood Inn scones, Devonshire cream, butterscotch muffins, blueberry bars, Elmwood Inn lemon squares, and chocolate mocha cake.
This event will be held Sunday, May 31, from 2-4 p.m. at Historic Arcadia Farm. It is $50 to attend. Information and limited reservations available by emailing stasaphdar2023@gmail.com
Sponsored and hosted by the St. Asaph Chapter, NSDAR.
Iron Baby Angel Performances
As part of the Boyle County’s America 250 celebration, Pioneer Playhouse will present a theatre adaptation of the book “The Iron Baby Angel,” which is set in Danville. Performances will be nightly at 8 p.m. – Tuesday-Saturday – from June 30-July 18.
Montgomery Gentry Concert Featuring Eddie Montgomery
To kick off the July 4th weekend, there will be a free concert in Danville by Montgomery Gentry featuring Danville’s own Eddie Montgomery.
Montgomery—one of the most recognizable voices in country music—returns home to perform the hits fans know and love. As part of Montgomery Gentry, he’s earned five No. 1 country radio hits, Grand Ole Opry membership, and induction into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
Bring your friends, bring your chairs, and get ready for a high-energy night of live music as we celebrate Fourth of July weekend in Danville. Concert will be Friday, July 3 at 7 p.m. at Millennium Park.
Danville Fourth of July Parade
Let your patriotism shine during the July 4 parade on Main Street in downtown Danville. This military-themed parade will honor service members and different military branches from the course of the United States’ 250 years of history. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 4 in downtown Danville.
Fireworks Show at Millennium Park
A 250th anniversary celebration of the United States’ founding wouldn’t be complete without a fireworks show. Come to Millennium Park on Saturday, July 4, for family events leading up to the fireworks show at dusk, including:
9 a.m –1 p.m. Paint the Park sponsored by the Art Center of the Bluegrass
3 p.m.- Bounce Houses, Face Painting, Food Trucks
5 p.m.- CornHole Tournament
6 p.m. – Jazz combo “Blue Groove” on the Main Stage
7 p.m. – Micheal Fly and the Sound on the Main Stage
9:30 p.m.- Fireworks
Soul of Second Street
The Soul of Second Street Festival on Aug. 7&8 honors the city’s African American heritage and cultural legacy, especially remembering the historic Second Street district — once a vibrant center of Black business, entertainment, and community life in Danville.
Balloons Over the Bluegrass Hot Air Balloon Festival
In conjunction with the America 250th Celebration, the annual Balloons Over the Bluegrass Hot Air Balloon Festival – coordinated by Junction City and Junction City Matters – will be held at the Danville-Boyle County Airport on Sunday, August 9 from 4-9 p.m. This will be a free event to attend and will include other activities, as well as food and drink vendors.