The events of April 19, 1775, when militia and British Regulars first clashed at Lexington and Concord, ignited the struggle that became the American Revolution. Each year, Concord and the surrounding communities honor that pivotal moment with ceremonies, living history, and commemorative programs that bring the story to life. From lantern-lit reflections and dawn salutes to immersive battle walks and historic house tours, we invite you to step into the places where the fight for liberty began and to remember the courage of those who stood their ground.
Friday, April 17
Patriot Vigil: 7:30 – 9:00 pm
North Bridge Visitor Center,
174 Liberty Street, Concord
As darkness descends, reflect on the events of April 19, 1775, and the meaning of liberty. The evening ceremony will feature a lantern-light procession, poetry, music, and a recitation of the names of those who gave their lives on April 19, 1775.
Saturday, April 18
Dawn Salute: 5:45 am
Buttrick Hillside
Rise early for this inspiring event as “Dr. Prescott” arrives at the North Bridge after riding across the fields calling out the warning to towns and villages that the Regulars were on the march and that their destination was Concord. The Concord Minute Men fire salutes and the Concord Independent Battery fire several volleys from the field at the Old Manse. Church bells ring out from First Parish to sound the alarm. A truly awe-inspiring start to your day.
Witness Houses of 1775:
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Minute Man National Historical Park
Explore the interiors of Hartwell Tavern, the William Smith House, and the Colonel James Barrett House. Talk with living history interpreters dressed in 18th century attire
and learn about Massachusetts on the brink of war in 1774 and 1775.
The King of Battle — Artillery Demonstration: 11:00 – 11:30 am
and 1:00 – 1:30 pm
North Bridge Visitor Center,
174 Liberty Street, Concord
Between September 1774 and April 1775, the people of Massachusetts raced British soldiers to secure large quantities of artillery and ammunition. Overall, the Patriot forces moved scores of cannon from the coast of Massachusetts to inland stockpiles, including one located in Concord. Experience the devastating power of artillery in 1775 and learn why the threat of Patriot cannon ultimately spurred the British Army into action.
Preparing for War 1775: 2:00 – 2:45 pm
Hartwell Tavern, 112 North Great Road, Lincoln
In the lead up to the American Revolution, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress called for the creation of a provincial army to oppose British Regular forces in Boston. The Provincial Congress knew that a successful army required not just men, but an incredible amount of supplies. Join park staff and living history interpreters as they talk through the impressive efforts of the people to build a Massachusetts Army in 1775.
Neighbors in Arms — Immersive Militia Program: 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Hartwell Tavern, 112 North Great Road, Lincoln
Join a park ranger to learn about the Massachusetts Militia of 1775 and see if you have what it takes to be an 18th century militia soldier.
Sunday, April 19
North Bridge Real Time Battle Walk:
8:30 – 9:30 am
North Bridge Visitor Center,
174 Liberty Street, Concord
Commemorate the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” in real time during this one-hour ranger-led battle walk. Explore the story of the North Bridge and the soldiers who fought and died on this ground 251 years ago.
Witness Houses of 1775:
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Minute Man National Historical Park
Explore the interiors of Hartwell Tavern, the William Smith House, and the Nathan Meriam House. Talk with living history interpreters dressed in 18th century attire and learn about Massachusetts on
the brink of war in 1774 and 1775.
British Army Camp Followers:
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Minute Man Visitor Center,
210 North Great Road, Lincoln
When British soldiers arrived in Boston during the summer of 1774, they brought hundreds of civilians and the families of soldiers stationed in North America. Join living history volunteers as they discuss the experiences of civilians following the British Army during its campaigns in North America.
Caught in the Storm of War — The Civilian Experience: 10:00 – 10:45 am
William Smith House,
136 North Great Road, Lincoln
Learn about the experiences of non-combatants on April 19, 1775, and the incredible stories of those who struggled to protect their families from the horrors of war.
Elm Brook Hill Immersive Battle Walk:
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Hartwell Tavern, 112 North Great Road, Lincoln
Experience an immersive battle walk through the fighting around Elm Brook Hill on April 19, 1775. Participate in the experience as you walk the Battle Road and learn about the recent archaeological investigations that unlocked the stories of soldiers who fought and died across this battlefield.
Care of the Wounded: 1:30 – 2:00 pm
Hartwell Tavern, 112 North Great Road, Lincoln
When the fighting ended on April 19, 1775, a road of carnage stretched over 16 miles from Concord to Boston. Join park staff to learn the harrowing stories of those who cared for the wounded and faced an uncertain world in the days following.
Parker’s Revenge Immersive Battle Walk:
2:30 – 3:30 pm
Minute Man Visitor Center,
210 North Great Road, Lincoln
Visit the site of Parker’s Revenge on April 19, 1775, and learn about the running battle that took place
at this historic site.
Royal Artillery Firing Demonstration:
4:00 – 4:30 pm
Trainor Field near Minute Man Visitor Center
On the afternoon of April 19, 1775, a reinforcement column led by British Brigadier General Hugh Percy arrived in Lexington to rescue the battered British soldiers retreating from Concord. As militia soldiers swarmed through Lexington, the boom of two
six-pounder British artillery pieces echoed across the town and sent the militiamen scattering for cover. Join park rangers and volunteers as they discuss the key role British artillery played during the afternoon of April 19, 1775. This program will include an artillery firing demonstration from park volunteers portraying Royal Artillery.
Monday, April 20
Patriots’ Day Parade and Block Party:
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Concord Center
The Concord Patriots’ Day Parade is one of the nation’s oldest celebrations of our American Revolutionary history, attracting visitors from around the world. Join family, friends, and visitors for the annual festivities.
All images © Jennifer Schünemann
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National Park Service staff will be on hand to help guide you to parking, but please plan well ahead for these enormously popular events.
Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Restrooms are available, but could be spaced far apart.
Please stay behind the rope lines. While all reenactors are firing blanks, it is still dangerous to step into an active reenactment site. If park staff see a person cross the ropes, they will stop the entire scene to keep people safe. Please respect the hard work that goes into preparing these events, and abide by the rules.
Muskets and cannon fire are loud. Those with sensitive hearing and small children may be more comfortable watching from a distance. And while your trusted furry friend may THINK he wants to come along, many dogs are frightened by loud noises. They might be more comfortable at home.
The Patriot Vigil allows candle lanterns only. No flashlights or LED lighting please, out of respect for those who passed on this important day in our nation’s history.
For updates on events – including what to do in the event of inclement weather – visit the National Park Service website at Nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/special-event.htm.
