Stand where the American Revolution began. Each April, Concord commemorates the events of April 19, 1775, with ceremonies, reenactments, and traditions honoring the moment the fight for independence began at the Old North Bridge.
UPDATED! PARADE ROUTE – MONDAY, APRIL 20
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Free & open to all! Live music. Food trucks. Community booths. Pop-up activities for all ages.
All events are free and open to the public. No registration required!
Ceremony 7:45 pm – 8:30 pm
Luminaria 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm
North Bridge, Concord
As darkness descends upon the North Bridge battlefield we invite you to come and reflect on the events of April 19, 1775 and the meaning of liberty. The evening ceremony will feature a lantern-light procession, poetry, music, and a recitation of the names of the soldiers who gave their lives on that “ever-memorable” 19th of April.
The path from the North Bridge Visitor Center to the North Bridge will be lighted with 122 luminaries to honor those who lost their lives in the battle.
Lantern light procession* starts at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA
*To participate in the lantern-light procession, please provide your own REAL candle lantern. The procession will begin at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty Street, Concord Ma. From there we will march down the quarter-mile path to the North Bridge where the ceremony will take place. Participants are welcome to wear 18th century clothing if they choose, but please do not bring muskets.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
10:00 am until 4:30 pm
Hartwell Tavern
William Smith House
Colonel James Barrett House
Explore the interiors of Hartwell Tavern, the William Smith House, and the Colonel James Barrett House. Talk with living history interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire and learn about Massachusetts on the brink of war in 1774 & 1775.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
North Bridge Visitor Center
11:00 am & 1:00 pm (30 Minutes)
Between September 1774 and April 1775, the people of Massachusetts raced British soldiers to secure large quantities of artillery and ammunition. Overall, the Patriot forces moved scores of cannon from the coast of Massachusetts to inland stockpiles including one located in Concord. Come experience the devastating power of artillery in 1775 and learn why the threat of patriot cannon ultimately spurred the British Army into action.
Programs will be held at 11 am and 1 pm. Firing will be dependent on weather and cannon crew.
2:00 pm (45 Minutes)
Hartwell Tavern
In the lead up to the American Revolution, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress called for the creation of a provincial army to oppose British Regular forces in Boston. The Provincial Congress knew that a successful army required not just men, but an incredible amount of supplies. Join park staff and living history interpreters as they talk through the incredible efforts of the people to build a Massachusetts Army in 1775.
3:00 pm (1 Hour)
Hartwell Tavern
Join a Park Ranger to learn about the Massachusetts Militia of 1775 and. See if you have what it takes to be an 18th century militia soldier.
8:30 am (1 Hour)
North Bridge Visitor Center
Commemorate the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” in real time during this one hour Ranger led battle walk. Explore the story of the North Bridge and the soldiers who fought and died on this ground 251 years ago.
10:00 am until 4:30 pm
Hartwell Tavern
William Smith House
Nathan Meriam House
Explore the interiors of Hartwell Tavern, the William Smith House, and the Nathan Meriam House. Talk with living history interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire and learn about the fighting that swept through these houses on April 19, 1775.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Minute Man National Park
10:00 am until 4:30 pm
Minute Man Visitor Center
When British Regular Soldiers arrived in Boston during the summer of 1774, they brought hundreds of civilians and the families of soldiers stationed in North America. Join living history volunteers as they discuss the experiences of civilians following the British Army during its campaigns in North America.
10:00 am (45 Minutes)
William Smith House
Learn about the experiences of non-combatants on April 19, 1775 and the incredible stories of those who struggled to protect their families from the horrors of war.
11:00 am- 1:00 pm (2 Hours)
Hartwell Tavern
Join us for an immersive battle walk through the fighting around Elm Brook Hill on April 19, 1775. Participate in the experience as you walk the Battle Road and learn about the recent archaeological investigations that unlocked the stories of soldiers who fought and died across this battlefield.
This program will cover a loop of roughly 1 mile along the Battle Road Trail. At times it will include musket firing and require visitors to move briskly. Please bring water and study walking shoes.
1:30 pm (30 Minutes)
Hartwell Tavern
When the fighting ended on April 19, 1775 a road of carnage stretched over 16 miles from Concord to Boston. On the 250th Anniversary of the battle, join park staff at the historic Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln Ma, to learn the harrowing stories of those who cared for the wounded and faced an uncertain world in the days following.
Join us for an immersive battle walk at the site of Parker’s Revenge on April 19, 1775. Participate in the experience as you walk the Battle Road and learn about the recent archaeological investigations that unlocked the stories of soldiers who fought and died across this battlefield.
This program will cover a loop of roughly 0.5 miles along the Battle Road Trail. At times it will include musket firing and require visitors to move briskly. Please bring water and sturdy walking shoes.
4:00 pm (30 Minutes)
Trainor Field near Minute Man Visitor Center
On the afternoon of April 19, 1775 a reinforcement column led by British Brigadier General Hugh Percy arrived in Lexington to rescue the battered British Soldiers retreating from Concord. As Militia soldiers swarmed through Lexington the boom of two 6-pounder British Artillery pieces echoed across the town and sent the militiamen scattering for cover.
Join Park Rangers and Volunteers as they talk through the key role British Artillery played during the afternoon of April 19, 1775. This program will include an artillery firing demonstration from park volunteers portraying Royal Artillery.
4:30 pm
Patriots Day Battle CCHS/Lexington Baseball game at Emerson Field Monday, April 20, at 3 p.m. This game was a tradition back in the 40’s-early 70’s that has been revived of late. All are welcome!
