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Patriots’ Day Award Ceremony & VO250 Arch Lighting

Join us for the Patriots' Day Award Ceremony recognizing recipients of the Lexington Minute Men Scholarship, White Tricorne Hat, Minuteman Cane, and Pat Flynn Outstanding Youth Award, followed by the lighting of the VO250 Arch in recognition of community-wide volunteer service. Kicks off a full weekend of Patriots' Day celebrations in Lexington.

Patriot Vigil at Old North Bridge

As darkness descends on the North Bridge battlefield, gather to reflect on the events of April 19, 1775 and the meaning of liberty. The evening ceremony features a lantern-light procession, poetry, music, and a recitation of the names of soldiers who gave their lives. The path from the North Bridge Visitor Center to the bridge will be lit with 122 luminaries. Participants wishing to join the procession should bring their own real candle lantern.

Paul Revere’s Ride Reenactment (VIP Available)

Hancock-Clarke House 36 Hancock Street, Lexington, United States

Witness the reenactment of Paul Revere's famous midnight ride at the historic Hancock-Clarke House. Real horses. In collaboration with the Lexington Minute Men, Lexington History Museums is offering a first-ever VIP experience for $250 (only 40 tickets available), including photo opportunities with Paul Revere, Sam Adams, and other reenactors, plus special merchandise.

2026 Patriot’s Day Re-enactment and Parade

Lexington Battle Green 1625 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, United States

Lexington's Patriots' Day celebration commemorates the start of the American Revolution with dawn reenactments of the Battle of Lexington on the Battle Green, featuring the Lexington Minute Men facing off […]

Battle of Lexington Reenactment

Lexington Battle Green 1625 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, United States

Experience the most dramatic moment of Patriots' Day weekend: the dawn reenactment of the opening skirmish of the American Revolution. The Battle Green comes alive as the Lexington Minute Men face off against British reenactors at the exact time and place the first shots were fired in 1775. Arrive by 4:00 AM for best viewing position. Civilian evacuation, alarm bells, and militia muster begin shortly after 5:00 AM; the battle follows at 6:00 AM. Ladders and stepstools are not permitted on the Green.

Patriots’ Day Pancake Breakfasts

Various Locations

Fuel up after the dawn reenactment at one of several community pancake breakfasts hosted by local churches and scout groups across Lexington. Options include St. Brigid Parish (1981 Massachusetts Ave), First Baptist Church (1580 Massachusetts Ave), and Church of Our Redeemer (6 Meriam St).

Lions Club 112th Patriots’ Day 5-Mile Road Race

Lace up for Lexington's annual Patriots' Day road race, now in its 112th year. The 5-mile course winds through historic Lexington as part of the broader Patriots' Day weekend celebration.

USS Lexington Ceremonies

Lexington Battle Green 1625 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, United States

Official ceremonies honoring the USS Lexington as part of Patriots' Day weekend.

Tower Park Battle Road Reenactment

Munroe Tavern 1332 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, United States

Watch a demonstration of the tactics used along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775. British and Militia reenactors spar in the natural amphitheater of Tower Park, with woods, hills, and stone walls. A vignette at Munroe Tavern precedes the battle. The event begins at Munroe Tavern at 10:30 AM with the battle at Tower Park at 11:15 AM. Parking bans will be in place; walking from town center is highly encouraged.

Hancock Church Patriots’ Day Bell Concert

Hancock Church Massachusetts Avenue 1912, Lexington, Massachusetts, United States

A community bell concert at Hancock Church as part of Lexington's Patriots' Day weekend celebration.

Patriots’ Day Parade

Celebrate Patriots' Day weekend and America 250 with Lexington's grand parade. A wide variety of groups, reenactors, marching bands, civic organizations, floats, antique cars, and more. Please note the new start time of 1:30 PM this year. Step-off point is at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue, proceeding through to Lexington Center and ending at Worthen Road.

Concord Dawn Salute & Muster at Buttrick Hillside

Begin Patriots' Day at dawn as the Concord Minutemen sound the alarm and muster at Buttrick Hillside overlooking the Old North Bridge. Muster begins at 5:45 AM with the Dawn Salute at 6:00 AM — the first stirrings of the day that commemorates the shot heard 'round the world.

Old North Bridge Battle Reenactment

Stand where the American Revolution began. Reenactors relive the dramatic confrontation at the Old North Bridge — the moment Minutemen from across the region pushed back British Regulars and fired the shot heard 'round the world. One of the most powerful and moving reenactments in New England. Plan to arrive early; parking is extremely limited. Public transit and shuttles are strongly encouraged.

Concord Museum Free Admission & Minutemen Encampment

Concord Museum Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Tpke, Concord, MA, United States

Visit the Concord Museum for free on the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The museum grounds will feature a Minutemen encampment with the Billerica Colonial Minutemen and Acton Minutemen, plus family activities for all ages. Free admission supported by Highland Street Foundation; family activities supported by the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati.

Concord Historic Homes Open for Patriots’ Day

Concord's historic homes open their doors for Patriots' Day weekend. Sites include Orchard House (home of Louisa May Alcott), Walden Woods, Wright Tavern (1747), and the Robbins House. Check individual websites for hours: louisamayalcott.org, thetrustees.org, walden.org, wrighttavern.org, robbinshouse.org.

Artillery Demonstration — North Bridge Visitor Center

Experience the devastating power of artillery in 1775 and learn why the threat of Patriot cannon ultimately spurred the British Army into action. Between September 1774 and April 1775, Massachusetts Patriots raced British soldiers to secure large quantities of artillery and ammunition. Programs offered at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Firing dependent on weather and cannon crew. Co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park.

Open House at Meriam’s Corner

Visit the Nathan Meriam witness house and learn about the Meriam family history and the importance of this crossroads on April 19, 1775 — where militia soldiers from Reading, Chelmsford, and Billerica attacked retreating British soldiers. Limited parking at the NPS Meriam's Corner Lot (751 Lexington Road) and Ripley School (120 Meriam Road). Carpooling strongly encouraged.

Concord Patriots’ Day Parade

One of the nation's oldest celebrations of the first shot of the American Revolution, the Concord Patriots' Day Parade draws visitors from around the world. Reenactors, fife and drum corps, civic organizations, and community groups march through Concord. A jumbotron on Stow Street will simulcast the parade live for overflow crowds. Public transit and shuttles strongly recommended due to road closures and limited parking.