111th Patriots’ Day 5-Mile Road Race
2025-04-04 08:00 - 2025-04-19 12:00 (America/New_York) | Lexington Battle Green, 1625 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, 02420, United States
Be part of a historic tradition by registering for the 111th Lexington Lions Patriots Day 5 Mile Road Race! Set against the backdrop of scenic Lexington on April 19, 2025, this event not only marks a significant milestone but also embodies the spirit of Patriots Day, a day steeped in American history.
This isn’t just a race; it’s a journey through time, celebrating 111 years of running, community, and tradition. Embrace the opportunity to run where history was made, and contribute to a noble cause – the Lions Club Journey for Sight program. Your participation helps us continue a legacy of service and community engagement.
Don’t miss this milestone event. Join us as we celebrate 111 years of historic runs, community spirit, and charitable impact. Secure your spot at the starting line and be part of history in the making!

South Acton Tour with Amy Cole
2025-04-05 12:55 - 14:30 | Faulkner House, 5 High Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Faulkner House, 5 High Street, Acton starting at 1 PM (Arrival time is 12:55 PM)
Join tour guide Amy Cole to visit the Iron Work Farm sites and walk South Acton’s historic Mill Corner. You will learn about Acton’s earliest colonial settlement. Important Details: Registration is required. Details on parking and where to meet will be sent via email closer to the walk date. Register at tinyurl.com/Acton250-April5
Tour leader Amy Cole is an accomplished professional tour leader. She grew up near Acton Center and knows the town well. She has a wide- ranging interest in Acton’s unique history. This tour is sponsored by the Acton 250 Committee and the Iron Work Farm.

The Battles of Lexington & Concord, April 18-19, 1775. The Start of a Revolution
2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Westford Museum, 2 Boston Road, Westford, 01886, United States
“…before we had gone half a mile we were fired on from all sides”
Tom Tringale recounts the events of April 18 – 19, 1775 – the start of a revolution pitting the brave Massachusetts militia against the formidable British forces.
The Battles of Lexington and Concord erupted on April 19, 1775, pitting the brave Massachusetts militia against the formidable British forces. This confrontation followed the dramatic Midnight Rides and the urgent Lexington Alarm, which mobilized the countryside in preparation for the impending advance of British troops toward Concord. Tensions reached a breaking point when British soldiers opened fire on the steadfast Lexington militia, igniting the sparks of the American Revolutionary War and ushering in a new era of struggle for independence.
Tringale is a graduate of Salem State College with a degree in History. He has been involved in living History since 1995. He has helped organize numerous events around New England, including planning the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre, Battle Road, and the British raids in Bristol, Rhode Island (2028). He is a member of Claus’ Rangers, an American Loyalist living history group based in New York, and the 3rd Massachusetts Regiment, an American Continental Regiment living history group from Easthampton, MA. During Patriots’ Day weekend, Tommy and several friends and fellow history enthusiasts worked together to portray Captain Edward Farmer’s Billerica Company.

“Bedford Answers the Call” Exhibit Grand Opening
2025-04-12 08:00 - 14:00 | Bedford Historical Society, 16 South Road, Bedford, 01730, United States
Join us for the grand opening of “Bedford Answers the Call” at our Open House on April 12th from 8 – 10:15 a.m. and immediately following the Pole Capping Day parade and ceremony.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the first day of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775, we’ve created a collection of artifacts and stories specific to Bedford. Two rooms of the Historical Society Museum feature our town’s response to the urgent midnight call to arms: “The British are coming!”
Also, visit our satellite displays at the Bedford Free Public Library, 7 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA, to learn about the history of the present-day Bedford Minuteman Company.

Pole Capping Day - Patriots Day Reenactment of a Colonial Protest in Bedford
2025-04-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Bedford Town Common -75 Great Road, 75 Great Road, Bedford, MA, 01730, United States
The Opening battles of the American Revolution took place in Lexington in Concord on April 19th, 1775. This is the 250th anniversary of this monumental event. Before any shots were fired, so many events led up to the actual conflict to start the revolution. Cities and towns across New England were gearing up for what was to come.
One act of defiance, (which dates back to Roman times), was to place a red cap on a pole. This simple act of Pole Capping was a provocative move.
One tradition in Bedford that started back in 1965 was reenacting this show of defiance with their annual Pole Capping event. Reenactors in colonial costumes for both the Colonists as well the Red Coats march from the Bedford Common to Willson Park march to defy the British and climb a pole to lodge their grievances.
Minuteman reenactors from throughout the region come to Bedford to participate in this event that is kicked off with a festive parade from the Town Common.
Pole Capping Day is considered the start of the Patriots Day celebration in the region. Along with the event there is the traditional Pancake breakfast and other activities. While you’re here, you can also visit the Bedford Historical Society’s exhibit on its opening day:
The Bedford Historical Society will also open their exhibit, “Bedford Answers the Call.”
Bedford Town responded to the urgent alarm spread through Eastern Massachusetts on the night of April 18, 1775. They were one of the five towns involved in the exchange of fire at the North Bridge. To commemorate the 250 th anniversary of that day, the Bedford Historical Society is mounting an exhibition entitled “Bedford Answers the Call.” It will open on Pole Capping Day, April 12, 2025, and remain until January, 2026, highlighting Bedford’s participation in the first moments of the American Revolution. Visit the Bedford Historical Society at 16 South Road, rear door. Call for hours at 781-275-7276.
The exhibition is free.

Woburn Celebrates the American Revolution & Battle Road Memorial Celebration
2025-04-12 11:00 - 14:00 | Battle Road Memorial Area, 249 Russell Street, Woburn, MA, 01852, United States
Woburn played an important role in the battles of the American Revolution, and we invite you to help us commemorate the efforts of the Woburn militia men who bravely fought for our nation’s freedom, with an exciting and historic event as we unveil Woburn’s new Battle Road Memorial Area! This special occasion will commemorate our city’s rich Revolutionary War history with a brand-new monument, interpretive signage, and a thoughtfully designed seating area for visitors to reflect on our past.
Event Highlights:
– Monument Dedication – Honoring the legacy of Woburn’s role in the Revolutionary War
– Interpretive Signage – Learn about the historical significance of Battle Road
– Live Music & Entertainment – Featuring performances by local artists
– Colonial Games & Entertainment – Fun, interactive activities for all ages
– Food Trucks – Enjoy a variety of delicious offerings from local vendors
– Distinguished Speakers – Hear from local leaders, historians, and community members
This is a can’t-miss event for history enthusiasts, families, and community members alike. More details will be announced soon

Woburn 250- Battle Road Grand Opening Celebration
2025-04-12 11:00 - 14:00 | 249 Russell Street, 249 Russell Street, WOBURN, MA, 01801, United States
Join Us for a Day of History, Community, and Celebration!
Be part of a historic moment as we unveil Woburn’s new Battle Road Memorial Area! This special occasion commemorates our city’s rich Revolutionary War history with the dedication of a brand-new monument, interpretive signage, and a thoughtfully designed seating area where visitors can reflect on our past.
Saturday, April 12th, 2025
11 AM – 2 PM
Battle Road Memorial Area, 249 Russell Street, Woburn, MA (Former Site of the Tarky School)
What to Expect:
Live Entertainment – Enjoy performances that bring history to life!
Food & Refreshments – Delicious local offerings to keep you fueled for the festivities.
Guided Walking Tours – Explore the history of Woburn’s role in the Revolution with expert-led tours.
Meet a Revolutionary War Reenactor – Get up close with history as you talk with an 18th-century soldier!
Children’s Activities – Family-friendly fun, including hands-on crafts and interactive learning experiences.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor Woburn’s legacy and celebrate with the community!
Learn more about this exciting event!

Woburn 250- Battle Road Grand Opening Celebration
2025-04-12 11:00 - 14:00 | 249 Russell Street, 249 Russell Street, WOBURN, MA, 01801, United States
Join Us for a Day of History, Community, and Celebration!
Be part of a historic moment as we unveil Woburn’s new Battle Road Memorial Area! This special occasion commemorates our city’s rich Revolutionary War history with the dedication of a brand-new monument, interpretive signage, and a thoughtfully designed seating area where visitors can reflect on our past.
Saturday, April 12th, 2025
🕚 11 AM – 2 PM
📍 Battle Road Memorial Area, 249 Russell Street, Woburn, MA (Former Site of the Tarky School)
What to Expect:
Live Entertainment
Food & Refreshments
Guided Walking Tours
Meet a Revolutionary War Reenactor
Children’s Activities
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor Woburn’s legacy and celebrate with the community!
Learn more about this exciting event!

Concord’s Secret History (World Premiere Screening)
2025-04-12 20:00 - 21:30 | The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
April 12 – 8PM
April 14 – 2:30PM
World premiere of new documentary about the history of slavery in the region surrounding Concord, Massachusetts, in co-production by Kogainon Films (USA) and GTVdocs (UK). The documentary reveals a long-suppressed secret, set in Concord, Massachusetts—the birthplace of the American Revolution, where the first shots were fired on April 19, 1775. While Concord is often celebrated for its role in the fight for freedom, few are aware of the untold stories that extend beyond its borders. The film also explores hidden narratives from both Medford and Harvard University, offering a richer, more complete picture of the region’s colonial past.
The premiere will take place in Concord on April 12, 2025 at The Umbrella Arts Center, followed by distribution to over 500 PBS member stations across the United States via PBS+. After the screening, the filmmakers and historians involved in the project will participate in a facilitated talk-back, providing an opportunity for deeper engagement and discussion.
Partners: Concord250, Concord DEI, The Umbrella Arts Center

A Day for Doughnuts, April 19, 1775. A One-Act Play Presented by the Westford Girl Scout
2025-04-13 13:00 - 14:30 | Westford Museum, 2 Boston Road, Westford, 01886, United States
In this play, Col. John Robinson’s family makes dough-knots for the Westford men who headed to Concord on April 19, 1775.
Join us for “A Day for Doughnuts,” a one-act play set on April 19, 1775. This performance captures the last thing Colonel Robinson said before he left that morning: “Have the girls prepare dough knots and send them to the men for lunch.”
Olive Prescott, Lt. Col. John Robinson’s great-granddaughter, recounts the April 19, 1775 events, including her ancestor’s significant role on that celebrated day. In her narrative, Olive combines family memories, town records accounts, and local historians’ reports.
She describes how Huldah, Robinson’s wife, their three daughters, and their servant Anna prepared many doughnuts to feed over 100 men from Westford who were heading to fight in Concord.
Westford History proudly includes accounts of Lt. Col. John Robinson and the brave participation of the Westford Militia Companies in the colonial resistance and revolution on that important day in April 1775. The events at the North Bridge in Concord solidified Lt. Col. John Robinson’s status as a courageous American hero of liberty whose valiant actions contributed to securing our American freedom.

Le Chapître de la Naissance de la Révolution Exclusive Dinner
2025-04-13 18:00 - 21:30 | The Inn at Hastings Park, 2027 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
Embark on an exclusive culinary revolution! The Inn at Hastings Park, Boston area’s only Relais & Châteaux property located in historic Lexington, MA, and Executive Chef Alissa Tsukakoshi, in partnership with the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs of Boston present a modern eight-course paired menu inspired by Colonial flavors, honoring the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution
Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an International Association of Gastronomy with nearly 21,000 members from around the world that brings together foodie enthusiasts who share the same values of quality, fine dining, the encouragement of the culinary arts, and the pleasures of the table. The esteemed group, which rarely opens its dinners to the public, is providing this exclusive opportunity at The Inn at Hastings Park for one night only.
The Inn proudly boasts two Chaîne des Rôtisseurs professional members: Proprietor Maître Hôtelier Trisha Pérez Kennealy and Director of Sales & Marketing Maître de Table Hôtelier Shiobanne Karampekios.
The evening commences with a spirited cocktail reception, serenaded by fife and drum, before unveiling a clandestine (shhh…) 8-course paired menu. In true Chaîne des Rôtisseurs tradition, the gastronomic journey remains a secret until seating. However, guests can anticipate a masterclass in modern New England cuisine, as Executive Chef Tsukakoshi and her team present a menu brimming with artistry and a few revolutionary twists.
Begins at 6:00 pm. $250.00 per person for Boston Bailliage members (includes taxes/fees) / $275.00 per person non-members (includes taxes/fees). All guests attending must be 21 years of age or older.

"Weaving an Address" Exhibition
2025-04-15 - 2025-06-22 | The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Exhibition: April 14 – June 14, 2025
Opening Reception April 14, 6PM
The Umbrella Arts Center in historic Concord Center will commemorate the semiquincentennial of the American Revolution and “the shot heard round the world” with an ambitious outdoor/indoor public and gallery art exhibition, Weaving an Address, curated by artist Marla McLeod.
For the first time, Weaving an Address combines The Umbrella’s popular Art Ramble public art installation, on view April 15 through October 7 at Brister’s Hill in nearby Walden Woods, with an indoor exhibition (on view April 14 through June 14) in The Umbrella’s Allie Kussin Gallery. The exhibition features site-specific work by eight prominent Black artists combining sculpture, fiber art, installation and live performance inspired by little-known experiences of historical Black inhabitants of Concord and its Walden Woods.
Featured artists in the exhibition are Ifé Franklin, Stephen Hamilton, Whitney Harris, Ekua Holmes, Perla Mabel, Marla McLeod, Kimberly Love Radcliffe, and Anthony Peyton Young.
Outdoors, large-scale work will be installed on Brister’s Hill, named for Brister Freeman, an enslaved man who won his freedom by serving in the Revolutionary War and then bought the property and lived there along with other formerly enslaved.Indoors at The Umbrella, inter-related fiber artworks will weave narratives from fragmented pasts to offer a vision of how history shapes the present and influences the future.
Supporting community activities include an opening reception on April 14, monthly curator talks, a processional with artist Ifé Franklin, and participation in the town-wide Revolutionary Concordians Trading Card program.
This exhibition is presented as part of the Concord250 commemoration, in partnership with The Walden Woods Project and The Robbins House, in association with Gather 2025, a month-long exploration and celebration of fiber and textile art in Greater Boston, and with permission of Concord Natural Resources Division.
See https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Weaving for more information about special engagements, wayfinding, artist bios, and background to the exhibition.

Lex250 Patriots’ Day Weekend Kick Off Press Conference
2025-04-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Lexington Battle Green, 1625 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, 02420, United States
Join Lex250, Local and State Officials as they kick off the Patriots Day 2025 events with a press conference in front of the Captain Parker Statue on the Lexington Battle Green

Ken Burns, The American Revolution
2025-04-17 12:00 - 13:30 | Lexington’s Cary Memorial Hall, 1605 Mass Ave, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Ken Burns will visit Lexington and Concord on April 17 to discuss his new film, “The American Revolution,” timed to the start of the War of Independence on April 19, 1775.
Burns, who will be joined by co-directors Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, along with historian Rick Atkinson, author of “The British Are Coming,” will participate in two events with panel discussions that day: one from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Cary Memorial Hall in Lexington and another from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Concord-Carlisle High School in Concord.
The film discussion will be one of the first events to kick off the celebratory Patriots’ Day weekend of April 19. This weekend honors 250 years since the first armed conflicts of the American Revolution, including the iconic Battles of Lexington and Concord, with events and ceremonies taking place throughout the weekend.
“I could not be more excited to join people in Lexington and Concord to talk about how their ancestors contributed to this extraordinary moment in our history,” said Ken Burns. “We are honored and thrilled to share this early look at clips from the film as we continue our national tour around the country.”
Burns has produced some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made, with over 40 films ranging from topics such as Baseball, to The Civil War, to the life of Leonardo da Vinci. His films have been honored with dozens of major awards, including seventeen Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards, and two Oscar nominations.
Atkinson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian, is the author of seven narrative histories about five American wars. His most recent book, “The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777,” is the first volume in a planned trilogy on the American Revolution. The second volume, “The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780,” will be published on April 29 in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Atkinson also served as an advisor for Burns’s “The American Revolution.”
The much-anticipated series, which has been in production for eight years, was directed and produced by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt and written by long-time collaborator Geoffrey C. Ward. The filmmakers and PBS scheduled the broadcast for 2025, the 250th anniversary of the start of the war, which began in the spring of 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence.
“The American Revolution” examines how America’s creation turned the world upside-down. Thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, won their independence, and established a new form of government that radically reshaped the continent and inspired centuries of democratic movements around the globe. The film will premiere on Sunday, November 16 and air for six consecutive nights through Friday, November 21 at 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on GBH in the Boston metropolitan region and on PBS stations nationally. The full series will be available to stream beginning Sunday, November 16 at PBS.org and on the PBS App.
For the full calendar for all events, click here.

Friday, April 18 - Acton Minutemen Activities
2025-04-18 | 87 hayward rd, acton, ma
Isaac Davis Walk: Please join the Acton Minutemen from 6:30-10:30 AM or the Isaac Davis March (meet at Haartz Corp. parking lot, 87 Hayward Rd.)
Robbins Ride: Leaves at 5 PM from the soccer fields at the bottom of Concord Road.
The Acton Minutemen will be in Lexington, Concord and Arlington on the weekend. For further details see: actonminutemen.org/calendar/

Beer Garden Celebration and Wright Tavern Tours
2025-04-18 11:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-19 11:00 - 19:00 | Wright Tavern, 20 Lexington Rd, Concord, Massachusetts, 01742, United States
Food and beverages will be sold at the Beer Garden; tables will be out for resting and enjoying the day
Tours in the Wright Tavern are happening on the hour; reservations are recommended
Tickets are $10.00; children 10 or under are free
Come in, learn the stories and experience the space of this iconic, historic building
Guides/Docents will be in each room to share the stories and importance of this place
From 11:00 – 7:00

Paul Revere’s Ride Reenactment
2025-04-18 22:00 - 22:30 | Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock Street, Lexington, 02420, United States
Lexington was preparing for battle long before British soldiers arrived on April 19th, 1775. Paul Revere and William Dawes, fellow Sons of Liberty, rode hard from Boston, arriving in town just before midnight. Their destination: The home of Reverend Clarke. Their mission: To warn Patriot leaders John Hancock and Samuel Adams of the impending British raid.
Start your Patriots’ Day early as they arrive and raise the alarm in Lexington! Join us for a live reenactment, complete with real horses!
Please note that Hancock Street will be shut down ahead of this event and parking is not available on site. Parking in Lexington Center or at the lot behind the Lexington Depot at 13 Depot Square is highly recommended.
This reenactment generously sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
FREE and open to the public!

Reenactment of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride
2025-04-18 22:00 - 23:00 | Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock Street, Lexington, 02420, United States
Lexington was preparing for battle long before British soldiers arrived on April 19th, 1775. The day before, Paul Revere and William Dawes, fellow Sons of Liberty, rode hard from Boston, arriving in town just before midnight. Their destination: the home of Reverend Jonas Clarke, cousin to patriot leader John Hancock. Their mission: To warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams of the impending British raid. Their arrival would start the chain of events leading to armed rebellion on Lexington Green at dawn the next day.
Start your Patriots’ Day early to see the alarm raised in Lexington! Join Lexington Historical Society in partnership with the Lexington Minute Men for a live reenactment of the night’s events at the Hancock-Clarke House, complete with real horses!
FREE and open to the public!

Patriots' Day at the Concord Museum
2025-04-19 | Concord Museum, Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Tpke, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Free admission (9:00 am – 5:00 pm), including access to the immersive April 19, 1775 galleries to see the original lantern from Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride and the new special exhibition Whose Revolution.
A family-friendly encampment of Revolutionary Living History (10:00 am – 5:00 pm). Billerica Colonial Minutemen will drill with muskets, cook over an open firepit, and demonstrate colonial crafts.
Family drop-in activities (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) inspired by the American Revolution and the new Barefoot Books publication Rise Up!
A Forum with Doris Kearns Goodwin (6:00 – 7:00 pm) on the American Revolution and its legacy. Seating is limited and advanced registration is required. Register here.
An outdoor concert with the Goodwin Band (7:30 – 8:30 pm), finishing with a view of a town-wide drone show.
Food trucks, an ice cream truck, and a wine and beer truck all day and evening.
Free Museum admission is supported by Highland Street Foundation, and Patriots’ Day family activities are supported by the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati.

Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington - Lexington Patriots’ Day
2025-04-19 05:30 - 07:00 | Lexington Battle Green, 1625 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, 02420, United States
A tribute to those patriots who fell on Lexington Green on the morning of April 19, 1775.
Since 1971, the Lexington Minute Men have recreated the birth of American liberty on Lexington Common, also known as the Lexington Battle Green, at 6 AM on Patriots’ Day. First proclaimed as a public holiday in Massachusetts in 1894, Patriots’ Day commemorates the start of the American Revolution at the Battle of Lexington. The Battle of Lexington is commemorated every year on the third Monday in April. We pay tribute to those patriots who fell on Lexington Green on the morning of April 19, 1775, and to the courage and fortitude of those who continued the fight throughout the day. The celebration usually spans an entire weekend culminating with the annual parade through Lexington Center.
After dawn on Patriots’ Day, spectators ring the Common watching the huddled group of Minute Men- “The Alarm” at the Old Belfry. Soon they hear the steady pounding of drums and marching feet as column upon column of red-coated Regulars come into view. Angry words are spoken. Then a shot is fired. Volley after volley of musket fire follows. Seven men fall. The Regulars shout a triumphant “huzza” and continue on to Concord. Despite losing close friends and family members, the Minute Men soon follow them to Concord, where they have their revenge. This is the historic reenactment of the beginning of the War for American Independence
More events to spend your day in Lexington:
The Sunrise Youth Parade is organized annually as a part of Patriots’ Day celebrations. It provides younger members of the community the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of the weekend.
Lexington Lions Club Annual Five-Mile Road Race: Set against the backdrop of scenic Lexington, this event not only marks a significant milestone but also embodies the spirit of Patriots’ Day, a day steeped in American history.
USS Lexington Memorial Ceremonies: This ceremony commemorates the role played by the U.S.S. Lexington ships and honors those who served aboard the five vessels named U.S.S. Lexington.
Patriots’ Day Afternoon Parade: The most anticipated event of the weekend which is a two-hour parade starting from East Lexington to Worthen Road. This two-mile parade includes floats from many culturally diverse organizations displaying their work and art.
Plan your trip to this year’s Patriots’ Day Celebration.
250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington April 19th, 2025.

250th Anniversary Battle Road Tactical Demonstration
2025-04-19 06:00 - 19:00 | Minute Man National Historical Park, 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Welcome to the 250th Commemoration Saturday, April 19, 2025, will mark the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the opening battles of the American Revolutionary War. It was here that British Colonists bravely defended their ideals of liberty and self-determination. Join us for this momentous occasion, when many events are planned throughout the day at Minute Man National Historical Park and the surrounding towns of Lexington and Concord.

Concord250
2025-04-19 06:00 - 21:00 | Concord Visitor Center, Concord Visitor Center, 58 Main St, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
6:00AM: DAWN SALUTE
8:30AM: PARADE STEP OFF
9:30AM: OLD NORTH BRIDGE CEREMONY
MIDDAY: PARADE CONCLUDES
POST PARADE: ONGOING EVENTS IN TOWN
CONCORD MUSEUM: Free admission all day
7:30-8:45PM: CONCORD250 “PATRIOTS LIGHT, including DRONE SHOW at 8:15PM
Click here for info on April 19 Weekend road closures, parade maps, transportation, parking and FAQ.

USS Lexington Ceremony
2025-04-19 09:00 - 10:00 | USS Lexington Ceremony, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, 02420, United States
Join us for a special USS Lexington Ceremony commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, the historic clash that ignited the American Revolution​. On the morning of April 19, 1775, colonial militia and British Regulars exchanged the “shot heard ’round the world” on Lexington Green, marking the very beginning of America’s fight for independence​. This annual ceremony honors that legacy – not only remembering the patriots who fell in 1775, but also celebrating the enduring ties between the Town of Lexington and the five U.S. Navy vessels that proudly bore the name “USS Lexington” in later years​. In this Semiquincentennial year, the commemoration is especially meaningful, uniting historians, veterans, local residents, and visitors in tribute to 250 years of courage and sacrifice.
Hosted by:
The Lexington Lions Club, in partnership with the Town of Lexington. Veterans, Gold Star Mothers, and former crew member families of USS Lexington (CV-2 and CV-16) will be honored guests and participants​. Local dignitaries and officials will also be in attendance.
Location: USS Lexington Memorial – adjacent to the Lexington Visitors Center, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA​. (Ceremony will take place outdoors, next to the Visitors Center in Lexington Center.)
Admission: Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. No tickets or reservations required.
Accessibility: The memorial site is wheelchair accessible, and seating may be available for seniors/veterans. Visitors Center facilities (restrooms, information desk) will be open for attendees.
Ceremony Highlights
Commemorative Program: The ceremony will begin with a presentation of the colors and the National Anthem. A moment of silence will honor the patriots of 1775 and the naval service members connected to Lexington’s legacy.
Wreath-Laying: In a poignant tribute, wreaths will be laid at the USS Lexington Memorial to honor all who sacrificed – from the Lexington Minutemen who fell on the Green to the sailors who served on the five USS Lexington ships. This solemn wreath-laying is a central part of the observance each year, symbolizing our community’s respect and remembrance.
Guest Speakers: Attendees will hear brief remarks from invited speakers who bring personal and historical perspectives. Local historians will reflect on Lexington’s role at the dawn of the Revolution, while military veterans (including representatives of the USS Lexington CV-16 Association) will share what the name Lexington means to those who served at sea. Town officials and community leaders are also expected to speak, underscoring Lexington’s continued dedication to honoring its history.
Honoring the USS Lexington Legacy: A key theme of the ceremony is celebrating the service of the five naval vessels named Lexington​. The program will highlight stories from each ship’s history – for instance, noting the WW-II exploits of “Lady Lex” and the “Blue Ghost,” or recalling how the first Lexington was named for the very battle we commemorate​. By connecting these narratives, the ceremony paints a vivid picture of Lexington’s impact on American history both on land and at sea.
Community Involvement: The event will include patriotic music performed by the Lexington High School Band. Members of local organizations – from the Lexington Minute Men Company to the Lexington Veterans Association – will participate, standing alongside active-duty military representatives and public safety color guards. This joint involvement emphasizes the community-wide respect for those who defend our freedom.
As this is the Semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary, the 2025 ceremony may feature special recognitions. Keep an eye out for any historical reenactors or ceremonial salutes incorporated into the program to mark this once-in-a-generation milestone. The tone of the event will be both educational and commemorative – suitable for history enthusiasts and families alike. Attending the USS Lexington Ceremony is a chance to witness history come alive, and to be part of Lexington’s ongoing story of remembrance and patriotism.
Historical Background: Lexington’s Legacy from 1775 to WWII
The Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775 was the first battle of the American Revolution​. Facing a column of British Redcoats at dawn, Lexington’s minutemen bravely stood their ground; though outnumbered, their defiance sparked a war that would lead to American independence​. The heroism shown on Lexington Green resonated across the colonies and the world, embedding the town’s name in the annals of history. To honor that courageous stand, the young American navy christened one of its first warships USS Lexington in 1776, “renamed in honor of the courageous Lexington minutemen”​. This 16-gun brigantine captured multiple British ships before ultimately being overpowered off the French coast, demonstrating that the spirit of Lexington was present at sea in the Revolution’s earliest days​.
Over the next two centuries, five U.S. Navy ships would carry the name USS Lexington, each embodying the valor and fighting spirit of 1775. The second Lexington (a sloop-of-war launched in 1825) upheld American interests from the Falkland Islands to the coast of Japan in the 1800s​. The third, a Civil War timberclad gunboat, spearheaded Union river operations – fighting in key battles like Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and the Vicksburg campaign​. In the 20th century, the name Lexington reached new prominence with two famed aircraft carriers. USS Lexington (CV-2) – nicknamed “Lady Lex” – was built in Quincy, MA and became one of the U.S. Navy’s first fleet carriers​. In World War II, Lady Lex’s air squadrons scored a crucial victory by sinking the first Japanese aircraft carrier of the war (at the Battle of the Coral Sea), before Lexington (CV-2) was herself lost in that 1942 battle​. Her successor, USS Lexington (CV-16) – the “Blue Ghost” – was also built at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy and commissioned in Boston in 1943​. The Blue Ghost earned an illustrious combat record in the Pacific, participating in 35 engagements and earning 11 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for her service​. (In fact, more aircraft landed on Lexington (CV-16) than on any other carrier in history, a testament to her long service as a training carrier after the war​.) Through each of these vessels – from a Revolutionary War brigantine to a WW-II fleet carrier – the name Lexington has symbolized American perseverance. The annual USS Lexington Ceremony brings this remarkable legacy home, connecting the town’s pivotal Revolutionary moment with the bravery of sailors who served on the Lexington ships in later generations​.
The USS Lexington Memorial in Lexington
Located adjacent to the Lexington Visitors Center, the USS Lexington Memorial is a striking tribute that bridges local and naval history. The memorial consists of five granite markers, each dedicated to one of the five ships named Lexington, and “dedicated to the memory of those who served aboard” these Navy vessels​. Erected in 1988 through a joint effort by the Lexington Lions Club and veterans from USS Lexington (CV-2 and CV-16)​, the monument ensures that the service of all Lexington crews – from 1776 through World War II – is forever remembered in the heart of the town. Each stone marker bears a brief history of a USS Lexington, allowing visitors to reflect on the ships’ heroic exploits (for example, the Civil War gunboat’s valor at Shiloh, or the carriers’ Pacific triumphs) as they stroll through this small memorial park​. Fittingly, the USS Lexington ship’s bell is also on display at the Visitors Center next door, offering a tangible piece of naval history for visitors to see up close​. The memorial has become a beloved landmark—externally viewable year-round​—and a focal point for community remembrance. For decades, Lexington’s citizens and veterans have gathered at this memorial each Patriots’ Day to pay tribute. Every year on the Patriots’ Day holiday (the third Monday in April), the Lexington Lions Club joins forces with surviving crew members of USS Lexington (from the WWII-era carriers) to hold a remembrance ceremony​. This tradition carries on in 2025 with added significance, as the town marks 250 years since the battle that gave Lexington its name. The memorial stands not just as a record of naval history, but as a symbol of the town’s pride and the continuing bond between Lexington and the U.S. armed forces.

American Elm Tree Dedication in Honor of the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington
2025-04-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Buckman Tavern, 1 Bedford St, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Hosted by the Lexington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, this public ceremony will include a tree dedication service, U.S. Flag rituals, patriotic music by the William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps, and participation by the Lexington Minute Men.
The event will take place on the lawn behind Buckman tavern in Lexington Center.

Lexington’s 2025 Patriots’ Day Parade
2025-04-19 14:00 | Town of Lexington, United States
Lexington’s Patriots’ Day Parade honors Lexington’s history as the birthplace of liberty and provides a fun-filled afternoon for families of all ages. This year’s parade on Saturday, April 19, at 2 pm, will be bigger and more exciting than ever. It will include reenactors, marching bands, floats, fife & drums, clowns & jugglers, dancers, dignitaries, celebrities, and the Shriners.
The afternoon features a 125-unit parade, marching over 2.5 miles along Massachusetts Avenue from Maple Street to Worthen Road.
There will be nearly 2,700 marchers, reenactors, and performers including (in no particular order):
The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
The West Point Band
William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum
The Spirit of ’76: Fifes and Drums
U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
Navy Band Northeast
Ancient & Honorable Artillery Co. of Mass.
The 6th Connecticut Regiment
1st Delaware Regiment
Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes and Drums
Marblehead Base U.S. Submarine Veterans
Blues Brothers, the Next Generation
National Lancers, ceremonial cavalry squadron
Hobby Knoll Stable Clydesdales
Aleppo Shriners
Lexington Minute Men
Bedford and Lincoln Minute Men
Lexington Historical Society and Lexington Scout Troops 10, 119, and 160 with a historic pumper fire truck
Lexington civic groups including Town Meeting members, Lexington Youth Commission and Lexington Visitors Center
Dance performances by Artisan Dance Academy (ADA), Samskriti School of Dance, The Dance Inn and db studios
Additionally, numerous Lexington civic groups are joining the parade, including Lexington Lions, LexSeeHer Inc., Association of Black Citizens of Lexington (ABCL), Chinese American Association of Lexington (CAAL), Indian Americans of Lexington (IAL), Chinese Americans of Lexington (CALex), Korean-American Organization of Lexington (KoLex), LexFarm, Lexington Field & Garden Club, Lexington High School classes of 1965, 1975 and 1985, Lexington Goes Purple and many more!
Lineup subject to change.

Patriot's Day Candlelight Tour at Westlawn Cemetery with Dedication by Col. Johnson Robinson Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution
2025-04-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Westford Museum, 2 Boston Road, Westford, 01886, United States
We invite you to attend the Patriot’s Day Candlelight Tribute at Westlawn Cemetery on April 19! It’s an incredible opportunity to honor the brave men from Westford who served during the American Revolution. This year, we’re offering a unique experience with a self-guided stroll through the cemetery, allowing you to access the service records of our Revolutionary War Patriots right from your phone or tablet. It’s a great way to connect with history in a personal way! You’ll also have the chance to engage with colonial interpreters who will be stationed throughout the illuminated grounds, ready to answer any questions you may have.
Guest parking will be available on the Country Roadside of Westlawn Cemetery for your convenience.
Among those we honor is the esteemed Colonel John Robinson (1735-1805), Westford’s highest-ranking officer from the Revolutionary War. His legacy is marked by the prominent slate marker that stands proudly in the cemetery. Robinson was not just a military leader; he served as a town selectman and was a courageous commander who led three Westford Minutemen companies to the North Bridge in Concord on that fateful morning of April 19, 1775. It was here that his men bravely confronted British regulars, firing what would become known as “the shot heard ’round the world.” Colonel Robinson also fought alongside many of these men at the Battle of Bunker Hill, showcasing his valor and commitment to our freedom.
The cemetery is steeped in history, located at the intersection of Concord and Country roads. Originally, this land belonged to Deacon Joshua Fletcher, one of Westford’s first taxpayers. After his daughter married Samuel Parker, the property eventually passed to Nathan Proctor, who generously donated what was then called West Burying Ground to the town. When Westford formally took over the cemetery’s care in 1761, many founding citizens found their final resting place there, making it a significant site of remembrance
Colonel Robinson is interred alongside 18 of his fellow Revolutionary War veterans. In 1902, the Sons of the American Revolution paid homage to their sacrifices by placing iron Maltese crosses on their graves.

Lexington Bicentennial Band Concert
2025-04-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Lexington’s Cary Memorial Hall, 1605 Mass Ave, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
The Lexington Bicentennial Band Concert will be the culmination of the Patriot’s Day Celebration for the 250th Anniversary of the first battle of the American revolution in Lexington. It will feature music related to the time period of the revolution, including 2 works that have been commissioned by the Band: Seeds of Revolution by Daniel Lutz, originally commissioned for Lexington’s 300th anniversary, and the world premier of Dr. Andrew Boysen’s Symphony #11 – The Year 1775. In each case, the composers will be conducting the Band.
Tickets are free.

il Casale Lexington Live Jazz Brunch
2025-04-20 12:00 - 13:30 | il Casale, 1727 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, United States
Located in the heart of Lexington Center, il Casale Lexington will be offering its weekly live jazz brunch with Ethan K. Jazz Duo on Sunday

Alarm and Muster
2025-04-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Lincoln Public Library, 3 Bedford Road, lincoln, United States
Stand on the edges of time and watch a moving reenactment of the alarm and muster that took place in Lincoln 250 years ago.
All is quiet… then, in the distance, the steady rhythm of galloping hooves breaks the stillness. The sharp, urgent whinny of a horse cuts through the calm—something is amiss. A cry rises in the air: “Trouble! Trouble is near! Wake up! Wake Up! The British are coming!” And with that call, the peaceful tranquility of Lincoln is shattered as its brave patriots spring into action…
Each year, the Lincoln Minute Men bring this historic moment to life, but this year marks a very special anniversary—an opportunity to reflect on what it must have felt like for these local heroes as they rose up against tyranny in defense of their homes and families.
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we reenact the alarm and muster—the moment when Lincoln’s residents heard the call to arms and rushed to assemble. Feel the urgency of the moment as Minute Men gather, quickly donning their gear and preparing for the battle they know may soon come. The sound of drums and fife will echo through Lincoln’s historic town center as they answer the call for liberty.
After the reenactment, follow the fife players to Pierce Park, where you can enjoy music, mingle with fellow attendees, and participate in an informal Q & A with the Lincoln Minute Men about the history and significance of this pivotal moment in Lincoln’s past. This is a chance to connect with those who are passionate about preserving this story and learn more about the courage that defined these patriots.
It’s a time to reflect, to imagine, and to honor the men and women who stood ready to defend freedom at a moment’s notice. Come experience the spirit of the past, and see history come alive as we commemorate this important anniversary.
Presented by the Lincoln Minutemen
