LEXINGTON — Recent flooding and unsafe conditions at Lexington Community Park have forced the cancellation of the 2026 Lexington Blueberry Festival, scheduled for Thursday through Sunday.

According to a social media post, the decision was made jointly by the village of Lexington and the Festival Committee after evaluating the park’s grounds, citing safety as the top priority for guests, volunteers, vendors, performers and participants.

Organizers expressed disappointment, noting the extensive preparation by volunteers for the annual event, which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year.

“We know how much the Lexington Blueberry Festival means to our community. It is more than four days of activities, it is a tradition that brings families, friends, neighbors, local businesses, volunteers, and visitors together every summer,” organizers said in a Facebook post

“Our volunteers have spent countless hours preparing for this year’s celebration, and we share the disappointment of everyone who was looking forward to joining us.”

Despite the main festival’s cancellation, several key traditions will proceed at alternate locations:

  • Miss Blueberry Pageant Crownings: Scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Heartland Church in Lexington.
  • 9th Annual Queen’s Luncheon: Scheduled Sunday morning, Aug. 23, at The Blueberry Patch. This is a ticketed event for invited guests and the newly crowned titleholders.
  • Sunday Funday Parade: Set for Sunday, Aug. 23, at 2 p.m. through the streets of Lexington.

Festival officials thanked sponsors, entertainers, community partners and volunteers for their understanding and support, urging residents to attend the remaining events ahead of next year’s milestone celebration.

“This may not be the Blueberry Festival weekend we planned, but the heart of the Lexington Blueberry Festival has always been our community and that spirit is still very much alive,” organizers said.

“We look forward to celebrating the traditions we can still share together and to welcoming everyone back for an even sweeter and the biggest festival yet in the future next year as we celebrate our 25th,” organizers said.