The Patriots Day events schedule includes a big Patriots Day Parade in Boston plus dozens of major re-enactments of the first day of the American Revolution as local Militia and Minute Men companies commemorate the events of April 19, 1775 in Boston, Lexington, Lincoln, Arlington, Bedford, and Concord.

You'll be surprised by how realistic the reenactments feel as you relive the thrilling beginning of the Patriots' fight for freedom from British rule.

Although Massachusetts officially observes Patriots Day on the 3rd Monday in April (April 15 in 2024), commemorative ceremonies and re-enactments take place at multiple locations throughout the month. 

Thousands of members of local minute men companies, militias, and historical societies participate in the re-enactments in Boston, the Minute Man National Historical Park, Concord's Old North Bridge, Lexington's Battle Green, and other historic sites in the Boston area.

Our Patriots Day schedule highlights almost 60 key events.  In addition, many smaller local events, parades, and ceremonies take place beyond Boston on Patriots' Day weekend.

Find out more about what happened on Patriots Day, and why it mattered

Top Photo:  Reenactors marching toward Parker's Revenge site, (c) Boston Discovery Guide

Please note:  We do our best to verify accuracy for all dates, times, and locations, but last-minute changes do occur. Before heading out to any of these events, please be sure to use the links to information sources in the Parking, Hotels, Other Information section further down in this article to confirm dates/times, especially if the weather looks unfavorable.

Most dates and times for 2024 are still being confirmed


Boston Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more


Patriots' Day Schedule for Reenactments and Commemorations

Acton Minutemen in reenactment ceremony near Paul Revere Capture Site
Acton Minutemen in reenactment ceremony near Paul Revere Capture Site

Our Patriots' Day schedule lists events by in the order of when they take place during the reenactment - which is not necessarily the same as the original sequence back in 1775.

Lots of different organizations and communities stage the reenactments in a variety of locations including Boston, Cambridge, Arlington, Medford, Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln, plus a few others. 

To help you keep track of locations, we list the TOWN (in all caps) before each event.

Events on Saturday, March 30, 2024 (2 weeks before the official holiday weekend)

Reenactment of Paul Revere's stop in Medford on his ride to Concord
Reenactment of Paul Revere's stop in Medford on his ride to Concord

LEXINGTON:  2pm-4pm, Dress Rehearsal of the Lexington Skirmish on April 19, 1775

Location:  Battle Green, Lexington Center - The Lexington Minute Men hold their dress rehearsal for the Patriots Day (Monday, April 17) reenactment of the April 19, 1775 skirmish.  This is an excellent day to come if you want to see some action but avoid the bigger crowds on the holiday weekend. 

Plus, the actual event on Patriots Day takes place at 5:30am - so opt for the dress rehearsal if you prefer to relive the experience at a more civilized hour.  Rain date:  March 31 at 2pm.

Parking:  Limited street-side parking spaces may be available, but better:  Look for the parking signs as you drive through Lexington Center and follow them to the large municipal parking lot between Massachusetts Avenue and the train track (behind CVS).

Events on Saturday, April 6 (1 week before the official holiday weekend)

Lincoln Minute Men - Fife and Drum Corps
Lincoln Minute Men - Fife and Drum Corps

BEDFORD:  10:30am, Bedford Parade and Pole Capping

Location:  Wilson Park, 99 School Way, Bedford - Stow Minute Men, Acton Minutemen, Bedford Minuteman Company, and other Minute Men from throughout New England gather on the Town Common and march while playing fifes and drums down The Great Road to Wilson Mill Park, where a Minute Man will proclaim freedom by shinnying up a 25-foot pole and putting a red cap on top of it in defiance of King George.  You may get to see Redcoats attempt to arrest the pole climber - but chances are good they won't succeed!  The march ends about 11:30am.

CONCORD:  1pm, Meriam's Corner Exercise

Location:  Meriam's Corner on Lexington Road, Concord - Minute Men from local and regional minute companies, the Concord Independent Battery, and local fife and drum ensembles commemorate the fight at Meriam's Corner that began the Redcoats' 6-hour frantic running retreat back to Boston as they endured heavy fire from enraged Colonists along the way. 

Back in 1775, the British withdrew from the North Bridge in Concord where they had skirmished with over 400 Minutemen, but by the time they arrived here at about 12:30pm, more than 1,100 Minutemen from over a dozen towns had gathered in the vicinity, ambushing the British along the way.  By the end of that first day, 49 Colonials and 73 British had been killed, with 173 wounded and missing. 

In this reenactment, you'll hear musket and cannon fire, as well as fife and drum music.  The Nathan Miriam House may be open between 11am - 2pm. 
Parking: Meriam's Corner Lot, 751 Lexington Road, Concord

LINCOLN:  3pm-4pm, Paul Revere Capture Ceremony

Location: Paul Revere Capture Site on Rt 2A, Minute Man National Historical Park (MMNHP), Lincoln - The Lincoln Minute Men will march down Battle Road and will later do a dramatic reading of the poem written by Longfellow recounting the events of the night of April 19, 1775, when British troops captured Paul Revere in Lincoln after his midnight ride from Boston. 

Look for reenactors portraying Revere, Samuel Prescott, William Dawes, Mary Hartwell, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  You'll also hear fife and drum music and a musket fire salute.
Parking: Paul Revere Capture Site: 180 North Great Road, Lincoln, and Minute Man Visitor Center: 210 North Great Road, Lincoln

Events on Sunday, April 7 (1 week before the official holiday weekend)

CONCORD:  1:30pm-4:30pm, War Preparations at Barrett Farm

In the months leading up to the American Revolution, the Town of Concord's militia stored all of its gunpowder and weapons (include two prized bronze cannons) at Colonel James Barrett's farm in Concord as they prepared for possible war against the British.  At about 3pm, British soldiers arrive for the Search of the Barrett Property event.

In this fascinating glimpse into Colonel James Barrett's home, you'll be transported back to 1775 as you see the intense preparations as Colonel Barrett fulfilled his duties in safeguarding Concord's military supplies, even while the Redcoats searched his house. 

You can talk with the costumed Park Rangers and volunteers about Colonial military preparations during your visit.  British soldiers usually arrive at about 3pm. 

Barrett House location:  448 Barrett's Mill Road, Concord.

Monday, April 8 - Friday, April 19

LEXINGTON:  Alarm Letter at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

On view:  A 1775 copy of the original Lexington Alarm Letter written by Joseph Palmer, member of the Massachusetts Committee of Safety to alert the colonies about the conflict in Lexington shortly after it happened at 4:30am. 

Recipients copied the original (which is now believed to have been lost) and couriers delivered several copies of the letter as far away as Connecticut to spread the news.  This copy is believed to have been made on April 20, 1775.
Address:
  33 Marrett Road, Lexington; open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, closed on Patriots Day and weekends
Parking: Onsite parking lot next to the Museum; there's usually plenty of space


Explore Boston's Freedom Trail & See Real Sites Where Patriots Day Events Began

Costumed guides on several of these tours will transport you back to the 1700s:


Saturday, April 13 - Patriots Day Weekend

Reenactor dressed as a Colonial woman
Reenactor dressed as a Colonial woman

Events marked with an asterix (*) are still to be confirmed

LEXINGTON:  10:30am, Parker's Revenge Wreath Laying Ceremony

Lexington Minute Men lay a wreath at the site of the Parker’s Revenge skirmish to honor of two of Parker’s militia, Nathaniel Wyman and Jedediah Monroe, who were killed that afternoon.  Location:  Battle Road off of Airport Road near the Minute Man National Park Visitor Center, Route 2A, Lexington.  

LEXINGTON: Minute Men Gather on Lexington Green

Location: Lexington Green. - In this reenactment of an event that took place AFTER the Battle of Lexington was fought on the morning of April 19, 1775, Captain Parker calls the Lexington Minutemen to arms for a ceremony at noon on Lexington Green.  Then they march to the battle site for a salute near Fiske Hill (Lexington) at 1:30pm. 

LEXINGTON:  9am-5pm - Battle Green Guided Walking Tours & Trolley Tours, Lexington Green (Mass Ave, across from Town Library)

Guides in Colonial clothing provide fee-based 1-hour walking tours and information; check out the war memorial on the Green where 7 of the 8 Militia who died in battle on April 19th, 1775 are buried.  Get tickets for walking tours and also for the 90-minute Liberty Ride Guided Trolley Tours at the Lexington Visitors Center (1875 Mass Ave, next to the Buckman Tavern; 781-862-1450; you can also find public restrooms here).

LINCOLN:  10:45am-12 noon, Hartwell Tavern and Captain William Smith House, "Caught in the Storm of War: The Civilian Experience"

See where the Patriots spent their leisure time, and get a glimpse of what life was like in Massachusetts at the beginning of the American Revolution. 

Both the tavern and the house date back to before 1775.  Program (136 Great North Road, Lincoln) focuses on the experience of civilians on April 19, 1775. 

Once they leave the house (12:15pm), you'll probably see them on Battle Road Trail walking toward Lexington and the Minuteman Visitor Center, where they arrive right before the Parker's Revenge Battle Reenactment. 

The civilian evacuation scenario begins at the Hartwell Tavern at 11:45 and ends at the Parker's Revenge site, about 1.5 miles away.

LEXINGTON:  9:30am - 4pm, Tours of historic Lexington, Massachusetts sites

Buckman Tavern (1 Bedford Street; self-paced audio tours), Hancock-Clarke House (36 Hancock St; guide-led tours every half-hour starting at 10am), and Munroe Tavern (1332 Mass Ave, self-guided and guided tours starting at 12 noon) 

Admission fees apply; tickets available at each site.  Hours may vary slightly at each site.  See the Lexington History website for details.

*10am-12 noon, 2pm-5pm, Whittemore House (Behind Minute Man Visitor Center, Route 2A, Lexington) - Costumed park volunteers will show you what life was like in 1775. 

Kids can try on colonial children's clothing, gather ingredients for a meal, and listen to stories about the Whittemore family and their experience on April 19, 1775.

*10:30am - Explore the Elm Brook Hill Battle Site ("Bloody Angle") with Edmund Foster, Reading Massachusetts Volunteer - This fascinating reenactment portraying Edmund Foster, a 1775 volunteer from Reading Massachusetts, includes a tour of this key 1775 battle site (takes place at Hartwell Tavern, 136 North Great Road)

LINCOLN/LEXINGTON:  Battle Road Reenactments including Parker's Revenge: Minute Man National Historical Park; starts at about 12:45pm and lasts for several hours

Parker's Revenge Battle Reenactment is a major living history event at Minute Man National Historical Park featuring hundreds of volunteer reenactors wearing mostly hand-made historically accurate period clothing and uniforms as they portray British Regulars and the Colonial Militia as they engaged in the running battle near the Whittemore House that took place on April 19, 1775. 

The Parker's Revenge Reenactment is one of the largest of the Patriots Day events, with hundreds of reenactors, horses, lots of muskets being fired, and plenty of battle action (many of the photos of reenactors on horseback in this article were taken during this stirring event).

At 1pm, Captain Parker's Lexington militia recreates their ambush on a British column near the Lincoln/Lexington line conducted in revenge for their members who the British killed and wounded during the Battle on Lexington Green on the morning of April 19, 1775. 

You'll get to experience the events from a variety of viewpoints, and also get glimpses of Colonial domestic life during this tense period. 

The key event is a fast-paced tactical demonstration of the fight along a restored stretch of the original Battle Road which cuts through the park. 

You'll need to stand behind barriers in special viewing areas for safety reasons (there will be musket fire, smoke, and other immersive features; the musket fire feels quite realistic so please be advised that small children may find it scary).  After the demonstration, you'll have the chance to talk with the volunteer reenactors portraying colonial the civilians forced to leave their homes, minute men who answered the sudden call to arms, British soldiers fighting for king and country and Loyalists who saw the struggle differently from their neighbors. 

The Minute Man National Historical Park hosts some of the biggest events of the weekend, including the Hartwell Tavern tours, Smith House demonstrations, and Battle Road Tactical Demonstration

Parking:  Plenty of well-marked parking is available in lots around the park, especially at the Minute Man Visitor Center Parking Lot at 210 North Great Road and Hartwell Tavern Parking Area at 112 North Great Road in Lincoln.  Park Rangers will be on hand to direct you.  The walking distance between parking near Hartwell Tavern and the Minute Man Visitor Center where the tactical demonstrations take place is about 1.5 miiles each way.  Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots.  The ground is often muddy and squishy at this time of the year.  

"Seeing how the Minute Men hid behind a hill and ambushed the British brought this moment in history to life!  The British reenactors looked totally scared.  They tried to shoot back - and then they ran for their lives!  Our photos in this article will give you a small glimpse of this exciting event." 

      ~ Olivia


ARLINGTON:  1pm-4pm, Jason Russell House Tours

Location: 7 Jason Street (at Mass Ave), Arlington - Jason Russell House offers an exhibit and tours from 1pm-4pm.  Admission:  adults $8, children 6-18 $4, age 5 and under free.  Last tour starts at 3:30pm.

LEXINGTON:  3pm, Tower Park Tavern, British Troops Arrive

British troops retreating from Concord arrive and occupy the Tavern, tending to their wounded and planning their next steps.  The Tavern will be open for tours. - Location: Munroe Tavern, Mass Ave (opposite Pelham Road), Lexington.

LEXINGTON: 4pm-5pm, Tower Park Battle Demonstrations

Location:  Munroe Tavern and Tower Park, Mass Ave (opposite Pelham Road), Lexington - Lexington Minute Men, Acton Minutemen, Tenth Regiment of Foot, and other reenactors demonstrate American Revolution battle techniques, tactics, and weapons including a working reproduction cannon in the amphitheater area. 

Colonial Reenactors mingle with spectators during a reenactment of a battle with the British as they fled back to Boston
Colonial Reenactors mingle with spectators during a reenactment of a battle with the British as they fled back to Boston

Patriots Day Parking & Nearby Hotels

Parking:

  • Boston events - Parking garages near the North End - Better option: take the T to Haymarket
  • Concord, Lincoln, Lexington events - Parking areas are clearly marked near most of the major events. 

Where to stay near major events in Boston (close to North End events):         

Where to stay near major events in the Concord/Lincoln/Lexington area:         


Sunday, April 14 - Patriots Day Weekend

Reenactors portraying British Redcoats as they began their retreat back to Boston from Concord
Reenactors portraying British Redcoats as they began their retreat back to Boston from Concord

CONCORD:  7am - Tough Ruck

Military personnel in partnership with the Boston Athletic Association (Boston Marathon organizers) will march for 26.2 miles along the Battle Road Trail in memory of our fallen soldiers and as a fundraiser for the families of the fallen.  "Step off" is at the Fenn School at 516 Monument Street in Concord.  Come out and support them!  More info: Tough Ruck website

*9am-5pm - Battle Green Guided Walking Tours and Trolley Tours; Lexington Green (Mass Ave, across from Town Library) - See description for Friday.

9:30am - 4pm, Tours of historic Lexington sites:
Buckman Tavern (1 Bedford Street; self-paced audio tours), Hancock Clarke House (36 Hancock St; guide-led tours every half-hour starting at 10am), and Munroe Tavern (1332 Mass Ave, self-guided and guided tours starting at 12 noon)  Admission fees apply; tickets available at each site.  Hours may vary slightly at each site.

Reenactors taking part in Patriots Day ceremony in Arlington, formerly called Monotomy
Reenactors taking part in Patriots Day ceremony in Arlington, formerly called Menotomy, where the heaviest fighting and greatest number of casualties occurred on the first day of the Revolutionary War

ARLINGTON:  1pm - Battle at Menotomy (formerly "Battle at Jason Russell House")

Location: 7 Jason Street (at Mass Ave), Arlington

Menotomy Minutemen, Danvers Alarum Company and Gardner's Regiment, and Acton Minutemen will reenact the Jason Russell House battle at the historic Jason Russell House, built in the 1740s by Jason Russell, who used materials salvaged from his grandfather's home. 

This reenactment is being expanded in size and scope this year (2024).  We expect to have more details soon, and will add them here as soon as they are available.

This farmhouse, built by Jason Russell in the 1740s, was the site of the bloodiest fight of the first day of the American Revolution. Retreating Redcoats tried to ransack the house on their way back to Boston, and a fierce battle erupted. 

A dozen Colonials, including the house's owner, 59-year-old Jason Russell, and two British were killed during the ensuing battle.  You can still see bullet holes throughout the house. 

Jason Russell House continued to be occupied by members of the Russell family until 1896.  It is now onthe National Register of Historic Places, and will be open for tours from 10:30am - 4pm, except for when the battle takes place (to be confirmed).

ARLINGTON:  2pm - Arlington Patriots Day Parade - NOT in 2024

The parade will NOT take place again this year, but may resume in the future.

Normally (but not this year), the parade starts at Mass Ave and Brattle Street, and marches east along Mass Ave to Walgreens in East Arlington. Bands, fire engines, and many minute men, militia, and community groups march in the parade.

*LEXINGTON:  7pm, "House of Hancock" - Location:  Lexington Depot, 13 Depot Square - History at Play presents a revolutionary musical about the life of John Hancock and with the thrill of Broadway's Hamilton.  Admission tickets available at Buckman Tavern.

*7pm - 8pm, Alarm and Muster of Lincoln Minute Men - Location:  Lincoln Public Library, 3 Lincoln Road, Lincoln - The Lincoln Company of Minute Men reenact events that happened just after midnight in the early morning of April 19, 1775, including the arrival of Captain William Smith by horseback to ring the bell in the White Church to warn the Colonists that the British Regulars are coming.  The event includes historical explanations, period music, a musket salute, and of course, the reenactment. 

8pm, Lantern Lighting Service at Old North Church - Location:  Old North Church, Boston's North End - The Lantern Ceremony commemorates the hanging of lanterns to signal the British route to Concord, and includes a reading of Longfellow's poem Paul Revere's Ride, a recitation of Paul Revere's own account of the ride, fife and drum music, a Color Guard from the USS Constitution, and the commemorative hanging of two lanterns in the Old North Steeple.  The National Lancer Troops and reenactors portraying Paul Revere and William Dawes arrive at Old North Church at about 8:30pm and for the Lighting Ceremony.  Revere and Dawes ride on horseback by the Old North Church, and then begin their "midnight journey" with their warnings about the British.  Limited space - Tickets required: http://oldnorth.com, 617-523-6676 x105  

LEXINGTON:  11:30pm - Paul Revere Re-enactor arrives at Hancock-Clarke House

Location:  36 Hancock Street, Lexington.  A reenactment of the arrival of Paul Revere at the Hancock-Clarke House. Free.

British Reenactors firing their muskets after being ambushed by Colonials during a portrayal of the Redcoats' retreat back to Boston
British Reenactors firing their muskets after being ambushed by Colonials during a portrayal of the Redcoats' retreat back to Boston



Need a Refresher in Boston History?

Check out Boston Discovery Guide's articles about events leading up to the Revolutionary War:



Monday, April 15 - Official Patriots' Day Holiday

*4:30am, March to Concord from Stow Reenactment - The Stow Minute Men gather at Stow Shopping Plaza at 4:15 and then march at 4:30am from Stow Lower Common to Old North Bridge, firing muskets and playing fifes and drums along the way to awaken the townsfolk, arriving in Concord about 9am and then joining the parade.  The Stow Minute Men invite the public to join them on their march.  More about the Stow Minutemen

*4:45am, Colonel John Robinson Trail March Reenactment - The Westford Colonial Minutemen reenact the 10-mile march made by the Westford militia and minute companies from Westford Town Common to Old North Bridge, where they join the Patriots' Day Parade.  They invite the public to join them for the walk, which reaches Concord at about 8am-9am.  If you decide to do this, make sure you have a ride back, bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear appropriate clothing (does not have to be colonial), as this march occurs rain (except perhaps during torrential downpours) or shine.   Check the Westford Colonial Minutemen website for possible updates, especially in the case of heavy rain.

5:30am, "The Alarm" at the Old Belfry

Location: Mass Ave and Clarke Street next to Battle Green, Lexington - The Belfry that you can see today is an exact replica of the one that stood on Lexington Common in 1775 and that was rung at dawn on April 19 to alert to Minute Men to come to the Common because British troops were heading toward Concord.  Come ring the bell yourself to call the Minute Men from Buckman Tavern where they spent the night after hearing Paul Revere's warning about the approaching British.  This marks the start of Lexington's historic Patriots' Day reenactment each year.

5:30am, Battle on Lexington Green

Reenactment of the battle on Lexington Green (near Lexington Center) as the British Regulars passed through on their way to Concord, leaving dead and wounded behind on this first day of the American Revolution.  Eight members of the Colonial militia were killed on the Battle Green during the "skirmish," as the British called it.  Features the Lexington Militia and British regulars. Note:  The actual battle on April 19, 1775 started at 4:30 pm, but the reenactment is pushed back by an hour.  Arrive early (4am-5am) to get a good viewing location.  Please note:  If you attend this event, the Lexington Police Department requests you use clear or mesh bags to carry large personal items, and please limit the use of backpacks and large containers. 

At 5:45am on the Green, the Lexington Minute Men Company provides a 10-minute explanation about what you'll see as the battle unfolds.

At 6am, you'll begin to hear the Redcoats coming from the east side of the Green, and the Patriots coming from Buckman Tavern (that's the yellow building across the street from the Green).  Basically, the Patriots, led by Captain John Parker, block the path of the British.  Major Pitcairn, leader of the British troops, swings his sword and says, "Lay down your arms, you damned rebels" - and the war begins with the "shot heard 'round the world," - and many more following it, leaving 8 Minute Men dead and 10 wounded.  The British continue on toward Concord.

5:50am, Acton Minutemen March to Old North Bridge

The Acton Minutemen start their annual reenactment march from the Isaac Davis homestead at 39 Hayward Road in Acton to Concord's Old North Bridge, where the British troops shot and killed Acton Minutemen members Isaac Davis, Abner Hosmer, and company fifer Luther Blanchard on April 19, 1775.  The Minutemen will fire muskets at 6:20am as part of a ceremony at the Isaac Davis Monument across from Acton Town Hall, and then join other Minutemen companies and Militias in the 7-mile march to North Bridge, arriving about 9am for the battle reenactment.  The Acton Minutemen invite the public to join them in their march from Acton to Concord.  More about the Acton Minutemen

6am-10am - Pancake Breakfasts in Lexington

Locations:  St Brigid's Church (2001 Mass Ave), First Baptist Church (1580 Mass Ave), Church of Our Redeemer (6 Meriam St) - Like all important events in New England, the Battle of Lexington Reenactment will be followed by delicious reasonably-priced pancake breakfasts.  Whether you are a visitor or local, do not miss this quintessential New England experience.  *All proceeds go to benefit Lex-RAP (Lexington Refugee Assistance Program).

6am - 5pm - Lexington Visitor's Center

Location:  1875 Mass Ave, across from the town Library - The Visitor's Center will be open if you need a tour brochure, map, or directions to historical sites and events.  Public restrooms available.

7:30am - Sunrise Youth Parade

Mass Ave in Lexington, from Munroe Cemetery through Lexington Center to Battle Green (near the town Library).

8am - 2pm, Tours of historic Lexington sites

Buckman Tavern (1 Bedford Street; self-paced audio tours and guided tours, starts at 6am), Hancock Clarke House (36 Hancock St; guide-led tours every half-hour), and Munroe Tavern (1332 Mass Ave, self-guided and guided tours).  Admission fees apply; tickets available at each site. 

CONCORD:  Starts at about 8:00 - 8:45am and continues until about 9:25am - Commemoration of the Battle at North Bridge, Concord

British and Colonial reenactors from Acton and other local companies, park rangers, and volunteers converge and reenact the battle between the British and Colonial forces at Old North Bridge on April 19, 1775 followed by ceremonial volleys from 80+ muskets to commemorate the "shot heard round the world."  (Please note - different sources give different start times for this event - so to be safe, be there at 8am)
Parking: North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty Street, Concord, and North Bridge Parking Lot, 280 Monument Street, Concord
Please note: The streets in Concord close at around 8:30am and remain closed until the commemoration of the North Bridge fight and the Concord Patriots Day Parade conclude.

LEXINGTON:  8:15am - Patriots Day Ceremonies

Location:  Battle Green (Mass Ave at Bedford St), Lexington

*8:30am (approximately), British Mourn Arms Ceremony - Location: Old North Bridge, Concord - British reenactors representing British Regulars will conduct a moving "mourn arms" ceremony to commemorate the British soldiers from the King's Own 4th Regiment of Foot who died in the skirmish at Old North Bridge. The Acton Minutemen and other local companies will join them for a special commemoration with musket salutes, and at around 9:30am, the Concord Parade will arrive at Old North Bridge.

CONCORD:  8:30am - All vehicle traffic is banned on all roads in Concord Center

CONCORD CENTER:  9am, Concord's Patriots' Day Parade

Huge parade includes all the Minute Men and Militias from Concord, Wayland, Acton, Westford, Sudbury, Lincoln, and many other communities west of Boston that converged on Concord in 1775.  It also includes musicians, color guards, and visiting local, state, U.S., and foreign dignitaries with ties to Concord. 

The parade covers about 2.5 miles total, and occurs regardless of how bad the weather may be.  Begins in Concord Center, passes over North Bridge at about 9:30, and then heads back into town.  Times are always approximate, especially if the weather is bad. 

2024 marks the 249th Reenactment of the rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes, and the 248th anniversary of the actual event.

Read Longfellow's famous poem about Paul Revere's ride.

LEXINGTON:  9am - First Shot! The Day the Revolution Began

Location:  13 Depot Square, Lexington - Orientation film about the Battle of Lexington, followed by Q&A session with reenactors.  Tickets sold at door - $3 adults/$1 child; showings repeat each hour on the hour.

BOSTON:  9am - 12 noon, Patriots Day Parade in Boston featuring Paul Revere's Ride - City Hall Plaza to "The Prado" on Hanover Street in Boston's North End

Boston's Patriots Day Parade kicks off at Boston City Hall at 9am.  After a short flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, the parade stops at King's Chapel Burying Ground to lay a wreath on the tomb of Major William Dawes, who was a member of the Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company of the Massachusetts Militia, and continues to Granary Burying Ground to lay a wreath at the grave of Paul Revere. 

The parade continues to the Paul Revere Mall (aka "The Prado") in the North End at around 9:30am, where members of the National Lancers, a volunteer Massachusetts mounted cavalry squadron dating back to 1836 and today an official historical unit of the Massachusetts Militia (which anyone can join, with veterans especially encouraged), portraying Paul Revere and William Dawes begin their horseback rides through Boston and the countryside to Lexington Green.

(In case you're wondering:  the National Lancers is a volunteer mounted cavalry squadron in dating back to 1836.  Today, the organization is an official historical unit of the Massachusetts Militia.  Anyone can join the National Lancers, with veterans especially encouraged.  Don't know how to ride a horse?  No worries - they will teach you!  There's also a non-riding troop.  Check out their website.)


Boston's Patriots Day Parade Route:  Details

The Patriots Day Parade starts at Boston's City Hall Plaza, marches from Cambridge Street to Kings Chapel Burying Ground and Granary Burying Ground on Tremont Street, turns left onto Bromfield Street, makes another left onto Washington Street, and then turns right onto State Street.  The parade then turns left onto Congress Street, right onto Hanover, and proceeds to the Paul Revere Mall (famous for its magnificent of Paul Revere on horseback with the Old North Church in the background) in Boston's North End neighborhood.

Keep in mind that many streets will be closed and normal traffic patterns disrupted due to this parade as well as the Boston Marathon and other Patriots Day festivities - so take public transportation!  Find tips about taking public transportation on Patriots Day/Marathon Monday here.


BOSTON TO LEXINGTON:  9am - Paul Revere's and William Dawes' Ride to Warn "The British are Coming!"

9am, William Dawes' Ride - Eliot Square, Roxbury to Lexington - William Dawes, also portrayed by a Royal Lancer, arrives at John Eliot Square in Roxbury at 9:00am and leaves at 9:20am to warn the Colonists.  He arrives at Brookline's Devotion School (10:05am), Hill Memorial Church in Allston at 10:35am, arrives in Cambridge at 11:05am, and Arlington Town Hall on Mass Ave (12.05pm); arrives at Lexington Green at about 12:55pm.

10:20am, Paul Revere's Ride - North End, Boston to Lexington - Paul Revere leaves on horseback (around 10:20am) on a reenactment of his famous midnight horseback ride across the countryside to warn Samuel Adams and others that the British troops were on their way.  After joining the parade through Boston and stopping at Granary Burying Ground for the wreath-laying ceremony, he heads to Paul Revere Mall in the North End before beginning his ride to the Minute Men Statue at Lexington Green.  His ride includes stops at Charlestown's City Square (10:35am), Somerville's Foss Park (11:20am), and at Arlington Town Hall on horseback at 11:55pm.  He arrives at Gaffy Funeral Home in Medford at 12 noon, and to his final destination at Lexington Battle Green (Mass Ave) at about 12:45pm.  Please note:  the Arlington Historical Society places Dawes' and Revere's arrival at Arlington Town Hall at 11am.

Source for Paul Revere and William Dawes ride reenactments: National Lancers website - please note that times often vary due to conditions along the way.

CONCORD:  Patriots Day Minuteman Encampment at the Concord Museum

10:30am - 4pm - Stop by and see the Acton Minutemen company in an encampment outside the Concord Museum on Patriots’ Day.  You can watch them drilling with muskets to prepare for battle, cooking over a firepit, and demonstrating colonial spinning and sewing.
Address:   53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord

LEXINGTON:  10:15am, Lexington Minute Men/Daughters of the American Revolution 109th Wreath Laying Ceremony

Takes place at several of the war monuments scattered around Battle Green, Lexington.

LEXINGTON:  11:15am-Noon, Patriots' Day Handbell Concert of American Music at Hancock Church

Location:  1912 Mass Ave, Lexington - the stone church across from Battle Green.  Features upbeat American music rung on 5 octaves of English handbells.  Suggested donation of $3/person.  More info: 781-862-4220.

LEXINGTON:  Paul Revere Arrives at the Battle Green on Horseback

Greetings by the Select Board and the Lexington Minute Men.

*Not this year: 1pm-3pm, Jason Russell House Battle Open House - Location: 7 Jason Street (at Mass Ave), Arlington - The Menotomy Minutemen demonstrate drilling and musketry, and discuss their gear.  The house will be open for tours (donation requested).

LEXINGTON:  2pm, Town of Lexington Patriot's Day Parade

Location:  Starts at Massachusetts Avenue and Maple Street in East Lexington, proceeds through Lexington Center, and ends on Worthen Road by the town swimming pool parking lot.

Reenactor portraying a Colonial woman with two young daughters during Patriots Day celebration
Reenactor portraying a Colonial woman with two young daughters during Patriots Day celebration

Tuesday, April 16 -  In Commemoration of April 19, 1775

CONCORD:  7:50pm Patriot Vigil at North Bridge

Starting at about 7:30pm, a Lantern Light Procession from the North Bridge Visitors Center (174 Liberty Street in Concord) walks down a path (about 1/4 mile long) to the Minute Man National History Park in Concord to North Bridge. 

If you want to participate, please bring your own real enclosed candle lantern; flashlights are NOT allowed.)  You are welcome to wear 18th century clothing but please DO NOT bring muskets.

The Patriot Vigil Ceremony at North Bridge starts at about 8pm:  After the lantern-light procession, a reflection on the meaning of liberty features poetry, music, and a recitation of the names of the soldiers who gave their lives for American liberty on 19th of April, 1775.

Parking for the Patriot Vigil:  North Bridge Parking Lot, 280 Monument Street, Concord.

Thursday, April 18

BOSTON:  1pm-3pm, Patriot Fife and Drum

Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, North End, Boston - Enjoy a concert of the lively 18th century music that colonists marched to during the Revolutionary War.   Small admission fee applies.  See the Paul Revere House website for more events during school vacation week.  

Friday, April 19

These events almost always take place each year on April 19, regardless of the day of the week on which they fall, in commemoration of the events that occurred on April 19, 1775 - the first day of the American Revolution.

WAYLAND AND SUDBURY TO CONCORD:  Stepoff at 4:45am (Wayland Center) and 6:15am (Sudbury Center), March to Concord from Wayland Reenactment

The Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minutemen reenact the historic march on April 19, 1775, from Wayland (which used to be called Sudbury) and then from Sudbury to Old North Bridge in Concord, where they arrive at approximately 11:30am, fire a musket salute from the bridge as a soldierly salute in honor of their townsmen of 1775 who made a similar march on April 19, and participate in flag changing events at the Wayside Inn in Concord at 12:15pm. 

The Companies welcome you to join them or just watch them - but do note the times; also please note that you cannot fire your musket (or anything else) from North Bridge unless you've previously been vetted.  For more information including the exact route, check the Sudbury Minute Men website.

CONCORD:  6:00am, Dawn Salute at the North Bridge

Location:  North Bridge, Monument Street, Concord - Church bells at 1st Parish Church toll at 5:45 to sound the alarm, and a reenactor portraying 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. 

Concord Minute Men, Acton Minutemen, and Concord Independent Battery give a 21-gun musket and cannon salute, firing several volleys from the field at the Old Manse, to honor the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War.  Followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

LINCOLN: Battle Road Anniversary 5-Mile Hike

12pm - 5pm.  New this year.  Join the National Park Rangers in an immersive 5-mile guided trail hike along Battle Road where the ill-fated British column made its way two and from Concord.  The Rangers will bring the events to live with their guided interpretation along with some immersive elements, including loud musket fire. 

This event is free, but you must register in advance (look for the Patriots' Day link at the top) on the Friends of Minute Man National Park website (check out their other interesting events while you're there).

The expedition ends at Fiske Hill in Lexington, and limited seats are available on a shuttle bus back to the starting point; you must reserve a place when you register.

Please note:  Battle Road isn't really a "road" - it's a trail, and some of the terrain is rough, hilly, and/or uneven.  Wear sturdy, and ideally water-proof, shoes or boots.  Bug spray is also a good idea.  You should also bring water and a snack, along with weather-appropriate clothing and possibly a walking stick.  A few restrooms are available along the way.

Ages:  Teens and adults.  Dogs (or other animals) are not allowed. 

Weather:  This event may be cancelled if the weather is bad.  Check the "register" link above for any updates.


Patriots' Day Schedule FAQs

Question:  Are the Patriots Day Events always held "rain or shine"?

Answer:  It depends on the event. 

Some are always held, no matter how bad the weather might be (and it occasionally gets very bad - torrential downpours, hail, freezing rain or sleet, gale winds, thunderstorms with lightning, etc.) as a way to pay tribute to the hardships endured and the sacrifices made by the original participants on April 19, 1775. 

Other events may be cancelled out of a concern for public safety, and have a stated policy to make that clear.

A few have "rain dates" in case of cancellation on the original date.

We include any official cancellation policies (some events have them, some don't) in the above descriptions for each event.  If no policy is stated, just use your best judgment and common sense based on the predicted (or actual) weather.

Question:  Are the tickets required for the Patriots Day re-enactments and events?

Answer:  Most of the major events (parades, re-enactments, commemorations) are free, and no tickets are required. 

A few events, such as some of the tours of historical houses and taverns, do charge a small entrance fee, but you can pay that on the spot. 

In rare cases, such as getting a spot on a shuttle bus back from the Battle Road 5-Mile Hike, reservations might be required. 



Patriots Day Schedule:  Information Sources

Use these information sources for the Patriots' Day schedule to confirm dates/times (especially if you think weather conditions might cause last-minute changes):

  • Acton Historical Society - Information about the Spirit of Acton 1775 & 1861 events and trolley
  • Arlington Events - Partial list of Patriots' Day events in Arlington, MA:  www.arlingtonma.gov/parade
  • Battle Road Events - Good source of Patriots' Day schedule information around Lexington and Concord - plus, if you need information, perhaps for a school project, about authentic British or Colonial uniforms and other clothing worn at the time of the Revolutionary War, this website links to some excellent sources
  • Bedford Minutemen Company - Includes some useful historical information as well as event details
  • Concord events - Information from the Concord Chamber of Commerce
  • Jason Russell House (Arlington) events:  http://www.arlingtonhistorical.org
  • Minute Man National History Park reenactments - Comprehensive list of Minute Man Park events, plus others in Concord and Lexington:  http://www.nps.gov/mima/patriots-day.htm
  • Lexington events - Information from the Lexington Historical Society about events taking place in Lexington
  • Lexington Minute Men - Information from a volunteer group honoring America's Revolutionary history
  • Paul Revere House events - Many interesting demnstrations, story telling sessions, and reenactments
  • Paul Revere's ride re-enactment - Times and routes for the re-enactment of Paul Revere's ride by the National Lancers 183
  • Stow Minutemen - If you want to learn about what Minutemen companies do, or find out about becoming a Minuteman (or Minutewoman), joining the fife and drum corps, or becoming a reenactor, check out this interesting website!
  • Tough Ruck - Information about the Tough Ruck march along Battle Road

Key addresses:

Minute Man Visitor Center - GPS address: 3113 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA.  Please note:  you can also reach it by parking in the lot near the Paul Revere Capture site (which is on the Lincoln side of the Lincoln/Lexington border) on Route 2A (also known as North Great Road) and walking east about 500 feet along the Battle Road Trail.  During Patriots Day events, you'll see plenty of signs directing where to park.

Costs:  Most events are free, but there are a few exceptions, as noted in event listings.



More Things to Do in Boston in April

Events and things to do in Boston in April



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