BEREA, Ky. — In the wake of the January 2026 winter storm that blanketed the Commonwealth with snow, ice, and power outages, Kentucky residents have entered a new phase of the weather emergency: the aftermath. While snow and ice have largely moved out of the state, dangerously frigid conditions remain—and returning to a regular schedule…

Berea’s Valentine weekend calendar is getting a twist of suspense this year — and it comes with dinner. The Spotlight Playhouse will stage “The Tomb,” a murder mystery dinner show presented by The Bluegrass Players, running Feb. 13–15, 2026 at the Playhouse on 214 Richmond Road. 🏺 The Setup: Pure Escapism The story drops the…

BEREA, Ky. — Berea’s winter calendar has no shortage of ways to get out of the house, but some nights do double duty—fun for you, and meaningful for the town. One of the biggest is coming up on Saturday, Feb. 21: the Berea Arts Council is bringing back “A Chili Night Out,” a benefit concert…

If winter has you itching to do something that isn’t another errand or another screen, the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center has a solid answer: a full Saturday of free programs at the Pinnacles area on Saturday, Feb. 7—including guided quiet time, outdoor art, and a group hike. 🗓️ A Feb. 7 Schedule You Can…

On winter afternoons when kids have energy to burn and parents are looking for something that doesn’t involve another screen, the Madison County Public Library’s Berea Branch has a simple answer: LEGO Club+. The weekly program meets in the Berea branch Community Room on Thursdays from 4:00–5:00 p.m.—and the library’s pitch is exactly what it…

If you were planning to catch “Lil Willy’s Panto-Loons” in Richmond on the originally advertised Jan. 23–24 weekend, the key change is this:the show is no longer listed on the EKU Center for the Arts’ main public events calendar/show listings. (Several readers have also reported the same after checking the EKU Center site directly.) At…

For a lot of Berea businesses, Richmond isn’t “another market” — it’s part of the weekly routine. Insurance agencies write policies on both sides of Madison County. Real estate professionals meet clients wherever the listings are. Contractors, health providers, and service businesses follow the work. That’s why the Richmond Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Chamber Kickoff…

If you’ve ever walked past a glowing studio furnace and wondered what it would be like to create something with your own hands, Berea has a winter answer: Fire & Fern Glass Studio’s Glass Snowman Workshop. Listed on the Berea Tourism calendar for Saturday, January 24 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.), the workshop invites participants to design…

If Berea Online looks a little different today, that’s intentional. As we head into 2026, BereaOnline.com is unveiling a new logo and visual identity—one designed to better reflect what the site has become and where it’s headed next. The update isn’t about chasing trends or reinventing ourselves for the sake of change. Instead, it’s about…

Berea doesn’t just host music — it grows it.On Friday, January 23, Berea College’s Department of Music lists Songwriters Night at 7:30 p.m. at the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center, and the best part is the simplest: it’s free. For locals who’ve never been, Songwriters Night is one of those events that quietly says a lot…

Berea is set for a warm-up from the winter chill with an evening of unplugged music in the heart of Old Town.Friday, January 23, Top Drawer Gallery hosts “3 Men & A Banjo” from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. as part of the gallery’s ongoing Acoustic Nights series.Admission is free, with donations encouraged. 🎨 Top Drawer…

The stage is set for a magical run as Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr. comes to The Spotlight Playhouse in Berea, January 9–18, 2026. This beloved musical brings the classic tale of Pinocchio to life, offering families and theater fans a heartwarming journey filled with memorable songs, colorful characters, and important life lessons. ✨ About…

Celebrate Creativity, Community, and Connection at the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center The Red Oaks Art Club invites the Berea community to an inclusive art event on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center (2047 Big Hill Road, Berea, KY 40403). This event celebrates creativity, diversity,…

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, 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…