Spotlight Playhouse: The Adventure of the Clutching Claw Runs Jan 9–18
Bluegrass Players Bring Classic Melodrama to the Stage The Bluegrass Players are kicking off 2026 with their new production, The Adventure of the Clutching Claw, running January 9–18 at The Spotlight Playhouse in Berea. This show is a classic melodrama—a theatrical genre known for its exaggerated characters, clear distinction between good and evil, and plenty…
Richmond Regional Sports Complex: December 2025 Progress Report
RICHMOND, Ky. — Richmond’s new Regional Sports Complex is steadily taking shape as one of the city’s largest public recreation projects to date. Located near Goggins Lane and Tates Creek Road, this multimillion-dollar development aims to serve local athletes, families, and visiting teams from across the region. Construction Milestones & Current Status Community Impact Once…
Lil Willy’s Panto-Loons Brings Shakespearean Comedy to EKU Center for the Arts
RICHMOND, KY — Audiences looking for laughter and something delightfully offbeat will find it at the EKU Center for the Arts on January 23 and 24, 2026, as the Appalachian Shakespeare Center at EKU presents “Lil Willy’s Panto-Loons.” This original sketch comedy show takes the stage at 7:30 PM both nights, promising a blend of…
It’s Not Too Late for Your Flu Shot
Flu season is still in full swing, and it’s definitely not too late to protect yourself and your community with a flu shot. With winter bringing more indoor gatherings—from local ball games to Spotlight Playhouse shows and other community events—the risk of catching and spreading the flu increases. Getting vaccinated now can help keep these…
A Merry Mishap: Christmas Showcase Dinner Show Recap
BEREA, KY – If you’re searching for the best Berea KY dinner theater experience, look no further than The Spotlight Playhouse. This December, the Playhouse was alive with holiday spirit as the Bluegrass Players brought “A Merry Mishap” to the stage—a brand-new Christmas dinner show Berea residents will remember for years to come. Directed and…
Spotlight Acting School Makes a Splash with Finding Nemo Kids Auditions
BEREA, KY — It’s been a “Finding Nemo” weekend in Madison County! While Madison Southern High School wowed audiences with their acclaimed production of “Finding Nemo Jr.”—complete with creative puppetry and glowing reviews in The Real Citizen—Spotlight Acting School joined the excitement by holding auditions for “Finding Nemo Kids” on Saturday, December 13. As proud…
I-75 Construction Wrap-Up: Full Lanes Reopen in Madison County, Final Work Continues
BEREA, KY — I-75 construction in Madison County, KY has finally reached completion, bringing relief to drivers as all lanes are now open. This milestone wraps up years of lane closures and slowdowns, and marks a major improvement for local commuters and businesses. What Drivers Need to Know The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) project included…
Melodrama Rides Again: From Frontier Stages to Berea’s Spotlight Playhouse
Before Netflix, before radio—even before motion pictures—there was melodrama. With caped villains, valiant heroes, and a call for audience cheers and boos, this theatrical genre swept across America in the 19th century. Today, that same spirit is alive and well in Berea, where The Spotlight Playhouse is reviving a tradition of laughter, suspense, and shared…
BEREA — A Festive Weekend of Christmas Entertainment Awaits in Berea
Three distinct holiday experiences will transform Berea into a Christmas celebration hub the weekend of December 19-21, offering residents and visitors a variety of ways to enjoy the season. The Berea Arts Council kicks off the weekend with a Christmas concert featuring Liza & A.J. on Friday, December 19, at 7:00 PM. The musical duo…
Berea United Methodist Church Hosts Annual Christmas Bazaar Saturday
BEREA — Berea United Methodist Church will host its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 6, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall at 101 Fee Street. The event features homemade baked goods, handmade crafts, artisan pieces, Christmas decorations, gifts, and the annual favorite “Choose Your Own Dozen Cookie Tables.” Church organizers…
First Christian Church Hosts Christmas Concert and Community Caroling
BEREA — First Christian Church is inviting the community to celebrate the Christmas season with a special joint choir concert and an evening of caroling through Berea neighborhoods on December 14. The day begins at 10:00 a.m. with a unique musical collaboration between two of Berea’s historic congregations. The combined choirs of First Christian Church…
Berea College’s Annual Celebration of Christmas Concert
BEREA — Berea College will present its annual Celebration of Christmas concert Friday and Saturday evenings at Union Church, marking a significant change for the traditionally ticketed event: this year’s performances are completely free and open to the public. The concerts, featuring Berea College’s instrumental and vocal ensembles, will begin at 7:30 p.m. both nights,…
First Annual Winter Night Market Brings Holiday Shopping to Berea Friends Meeting House
BEREA — More than 30 small businesses and artisans will gather Friday evening for the first annual Winter Night Market, an indoor holiday shopping event hosted by Berea Creekside Co-op at Berea Friends Meeting House. The market runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, offering handcrafted and curated items in a festive atmosphere…
Appalachian Flatfooting Frolic Brings Mountain Dance Tradition to Berea College
BEREA — Dancers of all skill levels will gather at Berea College Dec. 5-7 for the fourth annual Appalachian Flatfooting Frolic, a weekend celebration of mountain dance, music, food, and Appalachian culture. The three-day event, hosted by Kentucky dance instructor Carla Gover and flatfoot dance instructor Rebecca Stout, who divides her time between Alabama and…
Harlem Wizards Bring Basketball Wizardry to Madison Southern Thursday
BEREA — The world-famous Harlem Wizards will face off against Team Madison in a high-energy exhibition game Thursday, Dec. 4, at Madison Southern High School, bringing more than 60 years of basketball entertainment to the local community. The event, a fundraiser for Madison Southern High School cheerleading, promises an evening of trick shots, comedy routines,…
BLUEGRASS PLAYERS BRING “LITTLE WOMEN: CHRISTMAS AT THE MARCH HOUSE” TO SPOTLIGHT PLAYHOUSE
BEREA — The Spotlight Playhouse will present “Little Women: Christmas at the March House,” an original adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, for five performances December 5-13. Written by Chad Hembree and directed by Dana Hendren, the Bluegrass Players production offers audiences an intimate look at the March family on Christmas Eve, as sisters…
39th Annual Berea Christmas Parade Returns Saturday with “Joy of Christmas” Theme
BEREA — The Berea Chamber of Commerce will host the 39th Annual Berea Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6, bringing festive floats, twinkling lights, and community cheer to downtown Berea. The evening celebration begins with Christmas on Main Street from 3 to 6 p.m., featuring food and craft vendors, live music, street performances, and inflatables…
Wine Down Wednesday: A Midweek Breather at Boone Tavern
BEREA, KY – By Wednesday, the week is starting to feel long. The weekend still seems far away, and the to-do list keeps growing. That’s when Boone Tavern opens its doors—and its wine list—for Wine Down Wednesday. Every Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m., the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant offers $2 off glasses…
Supporting Veterans During the Holidays: How Berea Can Give Back
As Veterans Day ceremonies remind us of sacrifice, local and national organizations offer ways to help year-round BEREA, KY — Veterans Day ceremonies across Berea earlier this month honored the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Now, as the holiday season approaches, community members have numerous opportunities to extend…
Countdown to the Mayor’s Merry Mingling & Tree Lighting
BEREA, KY – The holiday season officially arrives in Berea on Saturday, November 29, when the Old Town Artisan Village lights up for the annual Mayor’s Merry Mingling and Christmas Tree Lighting. The beloved community tradition, now in its fifth year, brings families together for an evening of campfires, caroling, hot cocoa, marshmallow roasting, and…