Special Events 2026

A small brass cannon firing with a large blast of flame coming from the front
Check out all of our special events from historic trades demonstrations to walking tours

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Check back often for summer 2025 special events as we enter the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution!
 
 

April 2026

 

Friday April 17, 2026

Patriot Vigil

Ceremony 7:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Luminaria 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm
North Bridge, Concord

As darkness descends upon the North Bridge battlefield we invite you to come and 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 the soldiers who gave their lives on that “ever-memorable” 19th of April.

The path from the North Bridge Visitor Center to the North Bridge will be lighted with 122 luminaries to honor those who lost their lives in the battle.

Lantern light procession* starts at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA
*To participate in the lantern-light procession, please provide your own REAL candle lantern. The procession will begin at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty Street, Concord Ma. From there we will march down the quarter-mile path to the North Bridge where the ceremony will take place. Participants are welcome to wear 18th century clothing if they choose, but please do not bring muskets.

This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park

Saturday April 18, 2026

Witness Houses Open

10:00 am until 4:30 pm
Hartwel Tavern
William Smith House
Colonel James Barrett House

Explore the interiors of Hartwell Tavern, the William Smith House, and the Colonel James Barrett House. Talk with living history interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire and learn about Massachusetts on the brink of war in 1774 & 1775.

This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park

The King of Battle: Artillery Demonstration

North Bridge Visitor Center
11:00 am & 1:00 pm (30 Minutes)

Betweeen 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. Come experience the devestating power of artillery in 1775 and learn why the threat of patriot cannon unltimately spurred the British Army into action.

Programs will be held at 11 am and 1 pm. Firing will be dependent on weather and cannon crew.

Preparing for war 1775

2:00 pm (45 Minutes)
Hartwell Tavern

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 incredible efforts of the people to build a Massachusetts Army in 1775.

Neighbors in Arms: Immersive militia program

3:00 pm (1 Hour)
Hartwell Tavern

Join a Park Ranger to learn about the Massacchusetts Militia of 1775 andSee if you have what it takes to be an 18th century militia soldier.

Historic houses and visitor centers close.

4:30 pm

Sunday April 19, 2026

North Bridge Real Time Battle Walk

8:30 am (1 Hour)
North Bridge Visitor Center

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 Open

10:00 am until 4:30 pm
Hartwel Tavern
William Smith House
Nathan Meriam House

Explore the interiors of Hartwell Tavern, the William Smith House, and the Nathan Meriam House. Talk with living history interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire and learn about the fighting that swept through these houses on April 19, 1775.

This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park

British Army Camp Followers Display Open

10:00 am until 4:30 pm
Minute Man Visitor Center

When British Regular 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 am (45 Minutes)
William Smith House

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 Hours)
Hartwell Tavern
Join us for an immerisve 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 soldies who fought and died across this battlefield.

This program will cover a loop of roughly 1 mile along the Battle Road Trail. At times it will include musket firing and require visitors to move briskly. Please bring water and study walking shoes.


Care of the Wounded

1:30 pm (30 Minutes)
Hartwell Tavern

When the fighting ended on April 19, 1775 a road of carnage stretched over 16 miles from Concord to Boston. On the 250th Anniversary of the battle, join park staff at the historic Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln Ma, 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 pm (1 Hour)
Minute Man Visitor center

Join us for an immerisve battle walk at the site of Parker's Revenge 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 soldies who fought and died across this battlefield.

This program will cover a loop of roughly 0.5 miles along the Battle Road Trail. At times it will include musket firing and require visitors to move briskly. Please bring water and study walking shoes.

Royal Artillery Firing Demonstration

Saturday, April 19, 2025
4:00 pm (30 Minutes)
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 6-pounder British Artillery pieces echoed across the town and sent the militiamen scattering for cover.

Join Park Rangers and Volunteers as they talk through 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.

Historic houses and visitor centers close.

4:30 pm

 
A bronze statue of a minute man sits atop a granite base. The man is walking and carrying a musket
250th of the American Revolution

Learn about the 250th commemoration of the American Revolution at Minute Man National Historical Park.

A group of minute men charge across an open field.
Patriots' Day (April Events)

Join us to commemorate the first battle of the American Revolution. Patriots' Day events occur annually during the month of April.

 

Learn More!

Last updated: March 3, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

North Bridge / Park Headquarters
174 Liberty St.
Concord, MA 01742

Phone:

978 369-6993

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