Patriots Day Schedule: 2024 Events | Boston Discovery Guide

The Patriots Day events schedule includes a big Patriots Day Parade in Boston plus dozens of major reenactments of the first day of the American Revolution as local Militia and Minute Men members wearing period clothing 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.

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

Our Patriots Day schedule highlights around 70 key events on multiple dates and in multiple communities - so you'll find lots going on.

So keeping track of what happens, when it happens, and where it happens quickly gets confusing.

Use the following links to quickly find events for the date you're interested in. Then look for your location, and check the events.

Saturday, April 6
Sunday, April 7
Tuesday, April 9 - Saturday, April 27
Thursday, April 11
Saturday, April 13 - Patriots Day Weekend
Sunday, April 14 - Patriots Day Weekend
Monday, April 15 - Official Patriots' Day Holiday
Friday, April 19

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.

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

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.

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

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 disrupt the event and arrest the pole climber - but chances are good they won't succeed! The march ends about 11:30am.

CONCORD

11am - 2pm, Open House at Meriam's Corner

Location: Meriam's Corner on Lexington Road, Concord - Minute Men from local and regional minute companies, the Concord Independent Battery, and local fife

Parking: Meriam's Corner Parking Lot: 751 Lexington Road, Concord, with overflow parking nearby (look for the signs)

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

LEXINGTON - RESCHEDULED TO SUNDAY, APRIL 7 2-4PM DUE TO WEATHER

(In case you're not local and wondering: the end of the nor'easter delivered an icy mix of rain and sleet)

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 at 2pm if you prefer to relive the experience at a more civilized hour. Rain date: Sunday, April 7 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).

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

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

CONCORD

1:30pm-4:30pm, War Preparations at Barrett Farm, Including a Search by the British - CANCELLED DUE TO FLOODING (the aftermath of the nor'easter that hit on the 3rd)

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 by costumed reenactors including Rebeckah Barrett 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

Tuesday, April 9 - Saturday, April 27

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 - so it's still very old, authentic (for its time), and cool to see.

Address: 33 Marrett Road, Lexington; open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, closed on Patriots Day and most weekends, but open on the last Saturday of each month from 9am-4pm
Admission: Free
More information: Website
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:

Thursday, April 11

BOSTON

Lantern Lighting at Old North Church

6:30 - 9:30pm, Lanterns & Luminaries - 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

Address: Old North Church, 193 Salem Street, Boston's North End
Admission: Tickets start at $60; this is an annual fundraiser to support Old North Illuminated, a foundation that helps preserve the Old North Church & Historic Site
More information: Website
Closest T station: Haymarket/Orange Line

Saturday, April 13 - Patriots Day Weekend

LEXINGTON

9am, 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 on Lexington Green for a ceremony at noon on at the Parker's Revenge Site.

Then they march up Mass Ave to the battle site for a salute near Fiske Hill (Lexington). After that, they continue on to the Parker's revenge site in Minute Man National Park and join the skirmish reenactment at around 1pm.

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 (fees are charged) 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).

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; reenactors portraying British troops stop here during their retreat from Concord and tend to their wounded while plotting their next moves).

Admission fees apply; tickets available at each site. Hours may vary slightly at each site. See the Lexington Historical Society 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. Please note: This does not appear to be happening in 2024.

12 noon, 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 on the afternoon of April 19, 1775.

Location: Battle Road off of Airport Road near the Minute Man National Park Visitor Center, Route 2A, Lexington.

1 pm, Third US Infantry Regiment, Old Guard/CINC Guard Demonstration

This is a demonstration of Revolutionary War weapons and tactics.

Location: Tower Park (Mass Ave. between Pelham Road and Marrett Road)

Parking: Scottish Rite Museum (33 Marrett Road), Lexington Children's Place (20 Pelham Road)

2:30 pm, Fife & Drum Corps Performance

The William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps plays traditionals tunes.

Location: Tower Park (Mass Ave. between Pelham Road and Marrett Road)

Parking: Scottish Rite Museum (33 Marrett Road), Lexington Children's Place (20 Pelham Road)

3pm, Munroe Tavern, British Troops Arrive

British troops retreating from Concord arrive and occupy the Munroe 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.

4pm-5pm, Tower Park Battle Demonstrations

Lexington Minute Men, Acton Minutemen, Stow Minutemen, Tenth Regiment of Foot, and other reenactors demonstrate American Revolution battle techniques, tactics, and weapons including the highlight: a working reproduction cannon.

This event is partly a demonstration of battle tactics used by Colonial militias along Battle Road on April 19, 1775 and partly a reenactment of the battle that took place at Tower Hill when the Colonial Militia ambushed the retreating Redcoats.

Location: Munroe Tavern and Tower Park, Mass Ave (between Pelham Road and Marrett Road), Lexington

Parking: Scottish Rite Museum (33 Marrett Road), Lexington Children's Place (20 Pelham Road)

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 garage s 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):

Battery Wharf Hotel - Stay right in the North End
Bostonian Boston Hotel - A 5-minute walk to Boston's North End
Marriott Long Wharf - Next to the North End, and a big favorite with families

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

Colonial Inn - 48 Monument Square, Concord Center
Concord Best Western - 740 Elm Street - couple of miles from Concord Center
Lexington Hotels

LINCOLN

Reenactors portraying 18th century Colonial women near Smith House

9:30am-11:30am, Hartwell Tavern Open House (112 North Great Road)

Talk with living history interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire. Learn about the experiences of the Hartwell Family on April 19, 1775 or talk about the civilian evacuation that preceded fighting along the Battle Road.

9:30am-11:30am, Smith House Open House (185 North Great Road)

Talk with living history interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire. Learn about the experiences of civilians caught in the storm of war on April 19, 1775.

11am-11:20 noon, Smith House, "Caught in the Storm of War: The Civilian Evacuation"

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. The program 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.

11:30am, Hartwell Tavern, Civilian Evacuation & Tactical Demonstration

The civilian evacuation scenario begins at the Hartwell Tavern at 11:45 and ends at the Parker's Revenge site, about 1.7 miles away.

In the tactical demonstration, hundreds of volunteer reenactors demonstrate the complex tactics used by Militia Soldiers and British Regulars along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775. This program includes musket firing demonstrations, which are quite loud and can be upsetting to young children.

LINCOLN / LEXINGTON

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

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.

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 John Parker's Lexington Minute Men recreate the ambush on a British column near the Lincoln/Lexington line conducted in revenge for their members killed or wounded by the British 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. This event includes musket fire, smoke, and other immersive features. The musket fire feels quite realistic so please be advised that small children may find it scary, especially since it is very loud..

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.

Parking: The largest parking area is in the lot behind Minuteman High School. Additional accessible parking at the Minute Man Visitor Center Parking Lot at 210 North Great Road. Although Hartwell Tavern has a small parking area at 112 North Great Road in Lincoln, it usually fills up quickly. Park Rangers will be on hand to direct you.

Map showing Patriots Day reenactment parking areas near Hartwell House and Minute Man Visitor Center - Courtesy of National Park Service

The walking distance between parking near Hartwell Tavern and the Minute Man Visitor Center is about 1.7 miiles each way. No shuttles are available. Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots because the ground is often muddy and squishy (and occasionally somewhat icy) at this time of the year, and it is also uneven in some areas.

"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! "

~ Olivia

ARLINGTON

12 noon-4pm, Jason Russell House Tours

Location: 7 Jason Street (at Mass Ave), Arlington - Jason Russell House, which was the scene of the deadliest fighting on the first day of the American Revolution, offers tours focused on Jason Russell and his family, including the "clash" between the retreating British Regulars and the local Minutemen in the Battle of Menotomy.

Admission: Tours are free this year, courtesy of Leader Bank. Last tour starts at 3:30pm.

Find out more about what happened at the Battle of Menotomy

BOSTON

1pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm - A Visit with Paul Revere

Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, North End, Boston - Reenactor Michael Lepage brings Paul Revere to life as you learn about his Midnight Ride, his many children, and his work as a gold and silversmith. Small admission fee applies. See the Paul Revere House website for more events during school vacation week.

Sunday, April 14 - Patriots Day Weekend

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

CONCORD TO LEXINGTON

5:30am - 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 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

ARLINGTON

2pm - Battle at Menotomy

Location: Along an almost mile-long stretch of Massachusetts Avenue, starting at Grove Street and ending at Medford Street, Arlington

Menotomy Minutemen, Danvers Alarum Company and Gardner's Regiment, Acton Minutemen, and reenactors portraying British troops will reenact the Battle of Menotomy along Massachusetts Avenue from the "Foot of the Rocks" area (now known as Arlington Heights to the historic Jason Russell House, built in the 1740s by Jason Russell from materials salvaged from his grandfather's home.

The Battle at Menotomy is significant because it was the bloodiest and most deadly battle on Day 1 of the Revolutionary War.

The battle happened as British troops headed back to Boston after failing to find they munitions they'd sought in Concord.

Word of the "skirmishes" and deaths on Lexington Green and Old North Bridge had spread through the countryside and Colonial militias and Minutemen from 13 towns converged at the crossroads in Menotomy.

A running battle ensued as the Colonials ambushed the Redcoats, who in turn, burned the farmhouses and barns.

The reenactment this year will be the largest to ever take place here. Reenactors will be wearing colonial-style clothing and will be firing muskets.

If you're planning to attend with babies or young children, please be aware that the muskets make a lot of loud noise and may seem scarey.

Streets around the reenactment site will be closed to traffic from 12pm to 5pm.

The battle will start at about 2pm, and is expected to last about 2 hours.

Spectators are asked to view the action from the north side of Mass Ave. Please note that Mass Ave will be blocked off between Grove Street and Medford Street, and you will not be able to cross the blocked off area. This map shows the details:

Map showing route and other details for the Battle of Menotomy Reenactment - Courtesy of Town of Arlington

Jason Russell House continued to be occupied by members of the Russell family until 1896. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places, and will be open for tours from 12 noon- 4pm on Saturday and Monday.

Arlington Patriots Day Parade - NOT Happening in 2024

The parade will NOT take place 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

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.

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.

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.

11:30pm - 12:15am - Paul Revere's Ride Reenactment: Arrival at Hancock-Clarke House

This is a dramatic reenactment of Paul Revere's and William Dawes' arrival on horseback just before midnight on April 18, 1775 at the home of Reverend Clark (now the Hancock-Clarke House) to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams about the planned British raid on the coming day.

Location: 36 Hancock Street, Lexington

Worth noting: You can see another reenactment on this famous event by the National Lancers as they recreate Revere's and Dawes' ride from Boston to Concord arrive in Lexington at around noon on Monday.

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:

Colonial Tax Revolts & the Boston Massacre
Boston Tea Party - What really happened
The Revolution Begins - Shots ring out on Lexington Green

Monday, April 15 - Official Patriots' Day Holiday

As you will soon see, a large variety of reenactments take place on this day, and keeping track of what's going on in different locations can be confusing.

You should consider all times to be approximate because in some cases, reenactors march for as much as 10 miles and converge from multiple starting points, so not everything goes according to the plan.

STOW TO CONCORD

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 almost 10-mile route 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. This is a rain-or-shine event.

More about the Stow Minutemen

WESTFORD TO CONCORD

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 need 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.

ACTON TO CONCORD

5:30am, Acton Minutemen March from Isaac Davis Homestead 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 8:30am - 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

LEXINGTON

5:05am - Captain John Parker Order a Drill on Lexington Green & Civilians Evacuate

Captain Parker orders Lieutenant Tidd to drill some of his Lexington Militia company to prepare for the arrival of the British. Historically, Lt Tidd did these drills near his house on the northeast corner of the Battle Green near Harrington Road.

At about 5:15am, you'll hear an audio that recreates the civilian evacuation of women, children, and older men from the Battle Green to wait in a safer area on the other side of Harrington Road until after the British column marches through town.

Location: Lexington Battle Green

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

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.

The ringing of the bell calls 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.

Location: Mass Ave and Clarke Street next to Battle Green, Lexington

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.

Also 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.

By 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).

As the events unfold, 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."

Although it is not clear which side fired the first shot, many more followed it, leaving 8 Minute Men dead and 10 wounded.

The British continue on their march toward Concord.

6am-10am - Pancake Breakfasts in Lexington

Locations: St Brigid's Church (2001 Mass Ave), First Baptist Church (1580 Mass Ave) - 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 a local charitible organization.

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.

8am - Patriots Day Ceremonies

These ceremonies honor the recipients of a number of local awards, including the White Tricorne Hat Award, Minuteman Cane Award, Pat flynn Outstanding Youth Award, and Lexington Minute Man Scholarships.

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

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.

12:45pm, Paul Revere Arrives at the Battle Green on Horseback

Greetings by the Select Board and the Lexington Minute Men. (We are seeing two different times for this, 12:45pm and 1pm - so be there at 12:45 to make sure you don't miss it.)

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

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

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.

2pm, Town of Lexington Patriot's Day Parade

Location: Starts at Massachusetts Avenue and Maple Street in East Lexington, proceeds west 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

CONCORD

7am-11am - Patriots Day Pancake Breakfast

Enjoy this New England tradition with hot-from-the griddle pancakes, sausage, coffee, tea and juice hosted at First Parish Church. $12 adults, $6 children 5-10, free for 4 and under.

First Parish Church, 20 Lexington Road, Concord

8am - Commemoration of the Battle at North Bridge, Concord

British and Colonial reenactors from 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: Start time is approximate because local Militias and Minute Men arrive on foot from various locations.

Parking: North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty Street, Concord, and North Bridge Parking Lot, 280 Monument Street, Concord

Also 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.

8:30am, British Mourn Arms Ceremony at the British Graves

Marker in a stone wall at North Bridge marking the burial site of British soldiers killed in battle

British Regulars from the King's Own 4th Regiment of Foot, Tenth Regiment of Foot, and First Foot Guards will conduct a moving "mourn arms" ceremony to commemorate the British soldiers from the 4th who died in the skirmish at 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 North Bridge.

Location: North Bridge, Concord

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

9am, Concord's Patriots' Day Parade

Concord's 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. Musicians, color guards, and visiting local, state, U.S., and foreign dignitaries with ties to Concord also participate.

The parade covers about 3.5 miles total, and lasts around 3 hours. It occurs regardless of how bad the weather may be (and some years, it's been very bad).

The parade begins in Concord Center, passes over North Bridge at about 9:30 and then pauses for a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the original event. It then turns and heads back into Concord Center.

Times are always approximate, especially if the weather is bad.

10am - 4pm - Concord Museum Encampment

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.

Also enjoy free admission to the museum on Patriots Day

Address: 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord

7:30pm 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 takes place from about 7:45pm to 8:45pm: 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. The path to the bridge will be lit with 122 luminaries to honor those who lost their lives in the battle.

Parking for the Patriot Vigil: North Bridge Parking Lot, 280 Monument Street, Concord, and also behind the North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty Street, Concord

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.

9:30am - Paul Revere's & William Dawes' Famous Ride from Boston to Concord

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

The Patriots Day Parade starts at Boston's City Hall Plaza after a short ceremony, marches from Cambridge Street to Kings Chapel Burying Ground and Granary Burying Ground on Tremont Street, turns left onto Winter Street, makes another left onto Washington Street, and then turns right onto State Street.

From 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, parking restrictions will be in place along every street in the parade route, and normal traffic patterns will be severely disrupted due to this parade as well as the Boston Marathon and other Patriots Day festivities - so take public transportation! (Although, some T stations will also be closed due to the Marathon.)

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!"

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

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.

ARLINGTON

Cyrus Dallin's sculpture of Paul Revere in Boston's North End

10:00am, Patriots Day Celebration at Cyrus Dallin Museum

A free, family-friendly program features live readings of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere,and another Revere-inspired poem by sculptor Cyrus Dallin. Learn about the Battle of Menotomy, and hear the story of Dallin’s battle to complete his famous monument to Paul Revere in Boston’s North End.

You can also view the Dallin Museum’s newest addition, a rare prototype of the Paul Revere Monument.

Location: 611 Mass Ave

11:00am - 11:55am - Awaiting the Arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes

Family-friendly activities and light refreshments will be available at Town Hall in anticipation of the arrival of Paul Revere & William Dawes on horseback.

11:55am - Arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes

Reenactors portraying Revere andDawes arrive on horseback at Town Hall.

12 noon-4pm, Jason Russell House Tours

Admission: Tours are free this year, courtesy of Leader Bank. Last tour starts at 3:30pm.

Find out more about what happened at the Battle of Menotomy

LINCOLN

6:40am - Lincoln Minute Men Dawn Tribute & March to Concord

Lincoln Minute Men salute the patriots buried in the Old Meetinghouse Cemetery. Roll call is read, fifers play a lament, Minute Men mysteriously emerge from the morning mists in the cemetery, and a musket salute is fired.

Location: Outside Bemis Hall, 15 Bedford Road, Lincoln

After this tribute to those who gathered at this hour on April 19, 1775, the Minute Men begin their march along Sandy Pond Road toward Concord with Colonial music and musket fire. All ages are welcome to walk along with them.

12:30pm - 5:30pm - Battle Road Anniversary 5-Mile Hike to Fiske Hill

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 to 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. Even if you the weather has been dry, some parts of the trail can still be soggy.

Bug spray is also a good idea, even in mid-April. 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.

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

March to Concord from Wayland Reenactment

4:45am, Step-off at Wayland Center

6:15am, Step-off at 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.