Join us for a spooktacular weekend of theatre with The Addams Family! This comical musical celebrates the wackiness of every family through an original story: Wednesday Addams, the princess of darkness, has fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family—much to her parents’ dismay. To complicate things further, she confides in her father, Gomez, and begs him not to tell Morticia, forcing him to keep a secret for the first time. Chaos and hilarity unfold when the Addamses host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Come dressed in your Halloween costume and enjoy free candy while experiencing this delightfully spooky show!

Generously Sponsored by Walmart

Join us for a spooktacular weekend of theatre with The Addams Family! This comical musical celebrates the wackiness of every family through an original story: Wednesday Addams, the princess of darkness, has fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family—much to her parents’ dismay. To complicate things further, she confides in her father, Gomez, and begs him not to tell Morticia, forcing him to keep a secret for the first time. Chaos and hilarity unfold when the Addamses host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Come dressed in your Halloween costume and enjoy free candy while experiencing this delightfully spooky show!

Generously Sponsored by Walmart

Join us for a spooktacular weekend of theatre with The Addams Family! This comical musical celebrates the wackiness of every family through an original story: Wednesday Addams, the princess of darkness, has fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family—much to her parents’ dismay. To complicate things further, she confides in her father, Gomez, and begs him not to tell Morticia, forcing him to keep a secret for the first time. Chaos and hilarity unfold when the Addamses host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Come dressed in your Halloween costume and enjoy free candy while experiencing this delightfully spooky show!

Generously Sponsored by Walmart

Dearest Gentle Reader,
Prepare your finest gowns and polish your manners, for society is abuzz with the most enchanting affair of the season—the Bluegrass Bridgerton Ball, the annual Gala of the Gateway Regional Arts Center.
Step into an evening of elegance and intrigue, where Regency-era charm meets Kentucky hospitality. Guests will delight in live music, ballroom dance instruction, themed photo opportunities, and all manner of amusements most splendid.
Indulge in heavy hors d’oeuvres, sip on complimentary beer and wine, and raise a glass to the arts while supporting a cause most noble

Tickets are on sale now:
$65/Single
$500/Corporate Sponsorship (6 Tickets)
Join us, and let this gala be the talk of the season!

Step back in time and explore the rich history and community spirit of Mt. Sterling’s beloved Court Day tradition. A Little Bit of Heritage…A Little Bit of Hustle: The Mt. Sterling Court Day Experience brings together excerpts from the Mt. Sterling, KY Court Days Oral History Project, powerful historical photographs, and creative interpretations from local artists. Join us in the Gillie Frye Gallery and discover stories of heritage, hustle, and hometown pride woven into Kentucky’s most iconic festival. Featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.

Generously sponsored by Mac McCormick

Experience an unforgettable evening of music at the Strings in Harmony Salon. Set in an intimate home-style setting, this unique event brings together the soulful sounds of bluegrass and the elegance of classical guitar. Enjoy a night where two distinct styles intertwine, creating a warm, immersive performance that feels as personal as it is breathtaking. Featuring Anna Kline and John Hedger.

SOLD OUT

Don’t miss the 4th annual Tick Town Hoedown—a FREE, lively event perfect for all ages and skill levels! Led by a professional caller, you’ll learn the basics of line dancing, square dancing, and clogging while mingling with fellow dancers and making new friends. Enjoy an evening full of energy, laughter, and community!

Generously sponsored by Peoples Exchange Bank.

Join us for the 10th Annual Farm to Table! Sponsored by Peoples Bank of Kentucky, and CHI Saint Joseph Health, this community tradition will be a night to remember!

In addition to celebrating our local farm culture, all ticket proceeds go to arts outreach programming in the community.

Tickets are limited to 110 people. If this is your first time or your tenth, Farm to Table is always a magical evening. Come dine with us!

Tickets available here, or paper tickets are available at Ruth Hunt Candies.

Join us for a new gallery opening, The Howell Family: Cousins in Focus, a familial photography exhibit in the Kezele Cafe Gallery!

Free! With light appetizers and cash bar!

Thank you to our generous sponsors The Citizens Bank and Nestlé

Join us for a fun book discussion at Sterling Microbrew on Friday, August 29th at 6 PM—grab a pint and dive into Savory Memories, a heartfelt collection of essays and recipes celebrating Kentucky’s rich food traditions. We’re excited to welcome Jacquiline Hamilton back to lead the conversation! Only 9 books are available, so register soon and stop by to pick up your copy.

About the Book:
Edited by Linda LaPinta, Savory Memories: Kentucky Foodways features 22 Kentucky authors who blend storytelling with recipes, sharing personal moments tied to cherished dishes. It’s more than a cookbook—it’s a literary celebration of the people, places, and flavors that define Kentucky’s culinary identity.

Kentucky is taking center stage in New York City! From Broadway to the Bluegrass is an epic, once-in-a-lifetime benefit concert happening just steps from the glistening lights of Broadway.

On Thursday, August 28, some of the biggest stars of the Great White Way—Tony nominees, Broadway veterans, and rising Kentucky talent—will unite for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and celebration led by the indelible Kentuckian and Broadway Music Director Jacob Yates!

This glittering evening is Kentuckians on Broadway’s way of saying thank you to the incredible arts scene back home. Proceeds will benefit the Gateway Regional Arts Center and Kentuckians for the Arts, ensuring that arts education and advocacy continue to thrive across the commonwealth. This is your chance to be part of an extraordinary night supporting Kentucky’s arts community from the very heart of Broadway! See you in NYC!

Gateway Regional Arts Center presents an unforgettable evening with Grammy-winning folk artist Dom Flemons, The American Songster©, the American roots icon and founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Audiences in Central and Eastern Kentucky will experience a rare and intimate performance weaving music, history, and storytelling by one of America’s most celebrated cultural ambassadors. Known for his revival of African American folk traditions and his boundary-crossing blend of old-time, blues, spirituals, and early country, Flemons brings authenticity, warmth, and a deep sense of legacy to the stage.

This event—part concert, part conversation—offers more than just a performance: it's a journey through the roots of American music, guided by a master storyteller. A special VIP reception follows the show, featuring a meet-and-greet, photo opportunity, and curated wine and beer selections. Hosted by GRAC in celebration of its 15th anniversary, this event underscores the center’s ongoing mission to connect rural Kentucky with world-class artistry and cultural dialogue.

This event is presented by Drs. Ellen & Edward Roberts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kentucky Arts Council.

Divorced, beheaded… LIVE! Join us at the Gateway Regional Arts Center for the regional premiere of SIX: Teen Edition — the electrifying musical phenomenon that’s rewriting HERstory! This fierce, feminist pop concert brings the six wives of Henry VIII to the mic to reclaim their crowns and tell their sides of the story. With a powerhouse score, witty lyrics, and show-stopping performances by our incredibly talented young cast, SIX: Teen Edition is a royal experience you won’t want to miss. Get ready to laugh, cry, and rock out with these queens — because one thing’s for sure: girl power has never sounded this good.

Doors open at 6:30pm for 7pm shows and at 1:30pm for 2pm show. All seats are reserved, and we are expected to sell out all three public performances. ALL audience members age 2+ will need a ticket. Lap sitters under age 2 do not require a ticket, but will not have a reserved seat. Arts for All Pricing available.

Brought to you with generous support from our Premier Sponsor CHI Saint Joseph Health

Divorced, beheaded… LIVE! Join us at the Gateway Regional Arts Center for the regional premiere of SIX: Teen Edition — the electrifying musical phenomenon that’s rewriting HERstory! This fierce, feminist pop concert brings the six wives of Henry VIII to the mic to reclaim their crowns and tell their sides of the story. With a powerhouse score, witty lyrics, and show-stopping performances by our incredibly talented young cast, SIX: Teen Edition is a royal experience you won’t want to miss. Get ready to laugh, cry, and rock out with these queens — because one thing’s for sure: girl power has never sounded this good.

Doors open at 6:30pm for 7pm shows and at 1:30pm for 2pm show. All seats are reserved, and we are expected to sell out all three public performances. ALL audience members age 2+ will need a ticket. Lap sitters under age 2 do not require a ticket, but will not have a reserved seat. Arts for All Pricing available.

Brought to you with generous support from our Premier Sponsor CHI Saint Joseph Health

Divorced, beheaded… LIVE! Join us at the Gateway Regional Arts Center for the regional premiere of SIX: Teen Edition — the electrifying musical phenomenon that’s rewriting HERstory! This fierce, feminist pop concert brings the six wives of Henry VIII to the mic to reclaim their crowns and tell their sides of the story. With a powerhouse score, witty lyrics, and show-stopping performances by our incredibly talented young cast, SIX: Teen Edition is a royal experience you won’t want to miss. Get ready to laugh, cry, and rock out with these queens — because one thing’s for sure: girl power has never sounded this good.

Doors open at 6:30pm for 7pm shows and at 1:30pm for 2pm show. All seats are reserved, and we are expected to sell out all three public performances. ALL audience members age 2+ will need a ticket. Lap sitters under age 2 do not require a ticket, but will not have a reserved seat. Arts for All Pricing available.

Brought to you with generous support from our Premier Sponsor CHI Saint Joseph Health

Join us for Paint the Small Town, an exciting en plein air painting event happening during the Small Town America Festival in downtown Mt. Sterling! Artist check-in will take place from 8:00–9:00 AM at the Gateway Regional Arts Center, and the creative fun runs from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM. Grab your brushes, pencils, pens, or markers—whatever tools bring your vision to life—and claim your perfect downtown spot to create a masterpiece inspired by the charm of small-town Kentucky. The first 10 artists to register will receive a $25 stipend!

This event is open to all artists—not just plein air painters—so bring your unique style and join in the celebration of creativity. In the evening, return to GRAC for a public reception and awards ceremony from 5:30–7:00 PM, where all submitted works will be showcased and available for purchase. Cash prizes will be awarded to winning artists, so don’t miss your chance to make art, make memories, and maybe even take home a prize!

You're Invited to the GRAC Annual Board Meeting on Tuesday, August 5th at 6pm!

Come celebrate a year of creativity, connection, and community and hear highlights from the past year! Get a first look at exciting plans for the future, and meet the dedicated members of our Board of Directors.

This event is free and open to the public—plus, FREE FOOD!

We’d love to see you there!

Celebrate the life and work of beloved local artist Ray Beam at a special gallery reception on August 1st. Enjoy light bites, a cash bar, and reflections from Ray’s family, who will share stories and memories that bring new life to his enduring work. Held in the Gillie Frye Gallery, this event offers a meaningful tribute to an artist whose creative spirit helped shape our community. Free and open to the public, generously sponsored by the City of Camargo.

Join us for an unforgettable journey across the ages of theatre!

The GRAC Summer Stock Theatre Camp proudly presents Stages Through Time: Theatre of the Past, Present, and Future — a dynamic showcase featuring scenes and musical numbers spanning from Shakespeare to modern-day Broadway.

Throughout the week, our talented young performers are exploring the rich history and evolution of theatre through workshops in improvisation, auditioning, puppetry, stage movement, music, costumes, makeup, sets, lighting, and more. This culminating performance is a celebration of their creativity, growth, and passion for the stage!

We will also be collecting donations for the Sterling Community Food Coalition—currently in need of shelf-stable breakfast items and condiments—so please consider bringing something to contribute and help support our local community.

Doors Open at 5:15pm. $5/Person. Door Sales Only.

Generously Sponsored by Nestle

Join us for a heartwarming evening in the Hundred Acre Wood!

The GRAC Summer Playhouse Theatre Camp proudly presents Winnie the Pooh — a delightful performance that showcases all our young actors have learned throughout their fun-filled week of theatre exploration. Campers have spent their days discovering the magic of puppetry, improvisation, spatial awareness, auditioning, music, costumes, makeup, sets, lighting, and more!

You’ll also see classic Playhouse traditions come to life, including “Boa Constrictor”, heartfelt “personals,” and the finale songs everyone knows and loves. Don’t miss this celebration of creativity, courage, and community!

Doors Open at 5:15pm. $5/Person. Door Sales Only.

Get ready for a show stopping evening of Broadway hits and musical magic! Join us for Broadway Serenade with The Kings—featuring the dynamic father/daughter duo Tim & Sara King!

From timeless classics to crowd favorites, this powerhouse pair will light up the stage with unforgettable performances!

Celebrating the Black Experience is a powerful traveling exhibit honoring the legacy, creativity, and impact of Black artists.

Now in its fourth year, the show features diverse works by artists from Kentucky and beyond—exploring themes of joy, sorrow, resistance, and identity through textiles, sculpture, painting, and mixed media.

Presented by the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage in partnership with the Kentucky Arts Council, this compelling collection invites audiences to reflect, connect, and celebrate the richness of the Black experience

Join us in the Kezele Cafe Gallery on July 10th for the Gallery Reception featuring free food and a cash bar.

Join us for a free book launch event celebrating Yearnings: A Memoir in Prose & Poetry by playwright, poet, and essayist William H. McCann, Jr. Hear from the author, explore themes of memory and reflection, and enjoy an evening of literature and conversation.

Free and open to the public — all are welcome!

Adapted from Tina Fey's 2004 blockbuster film and the Broadway smash hit, join us at the Gateway Regional Arts Center for our totally fetch production of Mean Girls Jr.! Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. Cady and her friends devise a "Revenge Party" to end Regina’s reign with Cady going undercover as an aspiring Plastic. When the lines between the real Cady and her Plastic self get blurred, she must find her way back to herself and her true friends.

Doors open at 6:30pm for 7pm shows and at 1:30pm for 2pm show. All seats are reserved, and we are expected to sell out all three public performances. ALL audience members age 2+ will need a ticket. Lap sitters under age 2 do not require a ticket, but will not have a reserved seat. Arts for All Pricing available.

Brought to you with generous support from our Premier Sponsor, Brittany Smith - State Farm Agent

Adapted from Tina Fey's 2004 blockbuster film and the Broadway smash hit, join us at the Gateway Regional Arts Center for our totally fetch production of Mean Girls Jr.! Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. Cady and her friends devise a "Revenge Party" to end Regina’s reign with Cady going undercover as an aspiring Plastic. When the lines between the real Cady and her Plastic self get blurred, she must find her way back to herself and her true friends.

Doors open at 6:30pm for 7pm shows and at 1:30pm for 2pm show. All seats are reserved, and we are expected to sell out all three public performances. ALL audience members age 2+ will need a ticket. Lap sitters under age 2 do not require a ticket, but will not have a reserved seat. Arts for All Pricing available.

Brought to you with generous support from our Premier Sponsor, Brittany Smith - State Farm Agent

Adapted from Tina Fey's 2004 blockbuster film and the Broadway smash hit, join us at the Gateway Regional Arts Center for our totally fetch production of Mean Girls Jr.! Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. Cady and her friends devise a "Revenge Party" to end Regina’s reign with Cady going undercover as an aspiring Plastic. When the lines between the real Cady and her Plastic self get blurred, she must find her way back to herself and her true friends.

Doors open at 6:30pm for 7pm shows and at 1:30pm for 2pm show. All seats are reserved, and we are expected to sell out all three public performances. ALL audience members age 2+ will need a ticket. Lap sitters under age 2 do not require a ticket, but will not have a reserved seat. Arts for All Pricing available.

Brought to you with generous support from our Premier Sponsor, Brittany Smith - State Farm Agent

GRAC is the Charity Spotlight of the Night at the Lexington Legends game!

Enjoy free art activities, a performance by the Mean Girls Jr. cast, and special moments as GRAC throws the first pitch and sings the anthem.

Tickets are just $10 — and 50% goes to support the arts at GRAC! Don’t miss this grand slam night—get your tickets today!