Patriots’ Day

Join us for Patriots’ Day 2024! Minute Man National Historical Park will offer an array of free in-person Patriots’ Day events with support from the Friends of Minute Man National Park. Please consult the Minute Man National Historical Park Patriots Day event listings for more information on each event. To help find your way, please visit the park Directions page for maps and GPS coordinates. For accessibility information, please visit the Accessibility page.

Support Patriots’ Day 2024!

  • Individuals: Patriots’ Day Fund, please donate today – your support makes Patriots’ Day possible.
  • Businesses: Become a Sponsor, support Patriots’ Day 2024 by becoming a sponsor!

Thank you to our 2024 Patriots’ Day sponsors: Tauck, Tough Ruck, Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, and Middlesex Savings Bank. Patriots’ Day is supported in part by a Festival Grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

Saturday, April 6, 2024

“Open House at Meriam’s Corner”
Nathan Meriam House, 24 Old Bedford Road, Concord, MA
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Free

Visit the Nathan Meriam witness house and talk with costumed park staff about the Meriam family and the importance of the crossroad near their home on April 19, 1775. Parking is available at the Meriam’s Corner Lot at 751 Lexington Road, Concord, MA. Please refer to the park event listing for any updates. This event is organized by Minute Man National Historical Park and co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Historical Park, Tauck, Tough Ruck, Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, and Middlesex Savings Bank. Patriots’ Day events are supported in part by a Festival Grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

“Meriam’s Corner Exercise”
Meriam’s Corner, 24 Old Bedford Road, Concord, MA
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Free

Partner event hosted by the Town of Concord. Local fife and drum ensembles, minute men, and the Concord Independent Battery commemorate the fighting that occurred at Meriam’s Corner in Concord on April 19, 1775 that marked the start of the running battle back to Boston. Parking is available at the Meriam’s Corner Lot at 751 Lexington Road, Concord, MA. Please refer to the Town of Concord website for any updates.

“Paul Revere Capture Ceremony”
Paul Revere Capture Site, 180 North Great Rd, Lincoln, MA
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Free

Partner event hosted by the Lincoln Minute Men. Observe the historic capture of Paul Revere with fife and drum music, a theatrical performance, and a musket fire salute. Parking is available at the Paul Revere Capture Site, 180 North Great Road, Lincoln, Ma, and the Minute Man Visitor Center at 210 North Great Road, Lincoln, MA. Please refer to the Lincoln Minute Men website for any updates.

Saturday, April 7, 2024

“The Search of the Barrett Farm”
Colonel James Barrett House, 448 Barrett’s Mill Rd, Concord, MA
1:30 p.m – 4:30 p.m.
Free

On April 19th, 1775 a contingent of about 120 British Soldiers marched over the North Bridge to Barrett’s farm in search of military arms and supplies. During this open house program, explore the interior of this 319-year-old home, talk with costumed park staff about military preparations in 1775, and learn the story of Rebeckah Barrett, who went toe to toe with the British Soldiers searching her home. Parking is available at the Barret House at 448 Barrett’s Mill Road, Concord, MA. Please refer to the park event listing for any updates.

This event is organized by Minute Man National Historical Park and co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Historical Park, Tauck, Tough Ruck, Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, and Middlesex Savings Bank. Patriots’ Day events are supported in part by a Festival Grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

“Battle Road Tactical Demonstration”
Various locations along Battle Road in Concord, Lincoln, and Lexington, MA
See times below
Free

This is the signature living history event at Minute Man National Historical Park, featuring hundreds of volunteer reenactors. Throughout the day learn about the events of April 19, 1775 from many points of view. Enjoy a full schedule of living history programs and demonstrations, including a fast-paced tactical demonstration along a restored stretch of the original Battle Road! Talk with volunteers portraying colonial 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 information will be updated soon, please check back here for more details. Please refer to the park event listing for any updates.

This event is organized by Minute Man National Historical Park and co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Historical Park, Tauck, Tough Ruck, Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, and Middlesex Savings Bank. Patriots’ Day events are supported in part by a Festival Grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

Battle Road Special Program Schedule

“Hartwell Tavern Open House”
Hartwell Tavern, 112 North Great Rd, Lincoln, MA
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Explore the interior of Hartwell Tavern and 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.

“Smith House Open House”
185 North Great Road, Lincoln, MA
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Explore the interior of the William Smith House and 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.

“Caught in the Storm of War: The Civilian Evacuation”
Check back soon for more details!

“Friends of Minute Man Welcome Tent”
Battle Road, near Jacob Whittemore House, Airport Rd, Lexington, MA
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Make new friends! Stop by to chat with the Friends of Minute Man, pick up a free 250th Anniversary sticker, and learn how we support the park. Look for our blue tent along the rope line opposite the Jacob Whittemore House.

“Parkers Revenge Tactical Demonstration”
Parkers Revenge Battle Site, near Minute Man Visitor Center, 210 North Great Road, Lincoln, MA
1:00 p.m.

Watch as 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. Visitors with hearing concerns should exercise caution.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

“12th Annual “Tough Ruck Marathon” – Honor America’s Fallen Military & First Responders
Start/Finish at the Fenn School, 516 Monument St, Concord, MA
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Please register with Tough Ruck

Partner event organized by the Military Friends Foundation. On April 15, 2013, Tough Ruckers were at the finish line of the Boston Marathon and joined the first responders to help those that were injured by the horrific blasts. Today the Tough Ruck is held in partnership with the Boston Athletic Association/Boston Marathon and takes place the day before Marathon Monday in Concord. 1000 athletes will gather at dawn to march 26.2 miles carrying a weighted ruck with ribbons for their fallen comrades. Finishers are awarded the first of the official Boston Marathon Medals & receive recognition from the Boston Athletic Association. The community is invited to help cheer the athletes along the course and at the start/finish. To register or learn more visit the Tough Ruck website.

Monday, April 15, 2024

“North Bridge Fight Commemoration”
North Bridge, Monument St, Concord, MA
8:30 a.m.
Free

Commemorate Patriots’ Day with a dramatic battle demonstration involving Colonial minute men, British regulars, and musket fire, marking the “shot heard round the world.” Viewing areas are available near the Monument Street entrance of the North Bridge and on the high ground near Liberty Street. During the tactical demonstration, movement between the viewing areas will be restricted for visitor safety. This event is followed by the Town of Concord Parade; come for the North Bridge Fight Commemoration and stay for the parade!

Please note that the roads in Concord close at 8:30 a.m. so plan to arrive early. Parking is available at the North Bridge Visitor Center at 174 Liberty Street, Concord, MA and the North Bridge Parking Lot at 280 Monument Street, Concord, MA. Alternate parking suggestions are Concord Court House, Concord Carlisle High School, and Thoreau Street. Please refer to the park event listing for any updates on the North Bridge Fight Commemoration. For updates on parade, please visit the Town of Concord website.

This event is organized by Minute Man National Historical Park and co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Historical Park, Tauck, Tough Ruck, Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, and Middlesex Savings Bank. Patriots’ Day events are supported in part by a Festival Grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

“Friends of Minute Man Welcome Tent”
North Bridge Path, below North Bridge Visitor Center, Concord, MA
8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Make new friends! Stop by to chat with the Friends of Minute Man, pick up a free 250th Anniversary sticker, and learn how we support the park. Look for our blue tent along the path down to the North Bridge from the North Bridge Visitor Center.

“Battle Road Anniversary Hike
Battle Road in Concord, Lincoln, and Lexington, MA
12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Free, Registration opens on March 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Join National Park Rangers for an immersive 4-mile guided Battle Road trail hike to Fiske Hill and follow in the footsteps of the ill-fated British column during the Concord expedition. This experiential program will bring the stories of the battle road to life through guided interpretation and immersive Living History elements. Learn about the trials and triumphs of those who experienced the bloody events of April 19, 1775. Due to ongoing trail restoration work, the 2024 program will be slightly shorter in length than previous years. After the program concludes, a shuttle bus will transport registered participants back to the parking area.

Click here to register. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required and will open on March 23 at 10:00. Register early as this program will likely sell out. Due to the popularity of this event, we are allowing people to secure two tickets per registration. If your party is larger, you will want to register separately, so please plan accordingly. We’ll provide the starting location, parking passes, and additional details to registered participants via email. Sorry, we are not able to accommodate non-registered participants for this event. 

Click here to join our monthly email newsletter for updates on registration. Please refer to the park event listing for any updates.

This event is organized by Minute Man National Historical Park and co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Historical Park, Tauck, Tough Ruck, Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, and Middlesex Savings Bank. Patriots’ Day events are supported in part by a Festival Grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

“Patriot Vigil”
North Bridge, Monument St, Concord, MA
Luminaria 7:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Ceremony 7:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Free

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.

If you would like to participate in the procession, please bring your own enclosed candle lantern – real candles only – no flashlights or LED lights in the procession, please. Gather at 7:30 pm in front of North Bridge Visitor Center to join in the lantern light procession, 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA. From there, we will march down the quarter-mile path to the North Bridge, where the ceremony will occur. Participants are welcome to wear 18th-century clothing if they choose, but please do not bring muskets. Parking is available at the North Bridge Visitor Center at 174 Liberty Street, Concord, MA and the North Bridge Parking Lot at 280 Monument Street, Concord, MA. Please refer to the park event listing for any updates.

This event is organized by Minute Man National Historical Park and co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Historical Park, Tauck, Tough Ruck, Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, and Middlesex Savings Bank. Patriots’ Day events are supported in part by a Festival Grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

April 19, 2024

“Hartwell Tavern Open House”
Hartwell Tavern, 112 North Great Rd, Lincoln, MA
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Free

Hartwell Tavern is a restored 18th-century home on the Battle Road in Minute Man National Historical Park. On the 249th Anniversary of the battle, you will have an opportunity to explore the interior of Hartwell Tavern and talk with interpreters dressed in eighteenth-century attire. Learn about the experiences of the Hartwell Family on April 19, 1775, or talk about popular drinks consumed in the 18th-century tavern room!

Visit the Hartwell Tavern anytime from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and enjoy the free special programs listed below. Parking is available at the Hartwell Parking Lot at 112 North Great Road, Lincoln, MA. Please refer to the park event listing for any updates.

This event is organized by Minute Man National Historical Park and co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Historical Park, Tauck, Tough Ruck, Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, and Middlesex Savings Bank. Patriots’ Day events are supported in part by a Festival Grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

Hartwell Tavern Open House Special Program Schedule

“The Minute Men: Neighbors In Arms”
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

What did it mean to be a minute man in 1775? How were they trained and armed? Join a park ranger at the historic Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln, MA, where John and Isaac Hartwell, minute men from the town of Lincoln, lived. Discover the motivations and realities faced by those who volunteered to be “ready at a minute’s warning.” This program includes a musket firing demonstration. Visitors with hearing concerns should exercise caution. Meet outside the Hartwell Tavern.

“The Aftermath of Battle”
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

When the fighting ended on April 19, 1775 a road of carnage stretched over 16 miles from Concord to Boston. On the 249th Anniversary of the battle, join a park ranger at the historic Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln Ma, to learn the harrowing stories of those who buried the dead, cared for the wounded and faced an uncertain world in the days following. Meet outside the Hartwell Tavern.


Support Patriots’ Day at Minute Man

Give $250 for the 250th Anniversary!

The 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution is coming up on April 19, 2025 and the Semiquincentennial events kick off with Patriots’ Day 2024. We need your support! Donate to the Friends of Minute Man National Park Patriots’ Day Fund today. Your gift will ensure that Patriots’ Day activities at Minute Man National Historical Park continue to flourish and expand as we enter the 250th anniversary years of 2024-2033.

Your gift provides critical assistance to the park and provides transportation, training, and supplies to volunteer reenactors who make these living history events come to life. Your donation also ensures the historical accuracy of the event by funding black powder for the popular tactical demonstrations and the transportation of horses and oxen to the Battle Road event. Please help us defray the significant costs of these activities.

Patriots’ Day activities at the park occur over one-two weeks and are free to the public. Each year thousands of visitors come to enjoy the battle demonstrations, living history, guided walks, vigils, and educational events available at the park. We expect record-breaking attendance in the coming years and the park needs your support more than ever.

Please consider giving $250 for the 250th! Your gift will support the park, volunteer reenactors, and Patriots’ Day activities now through the 250th anniversary.

Make a secure donation through Paypal:

Or, send a check to:
Friends of Minute Man National Park
174 Liberty Street
Concord, MA 01742

Thank You!


Patriots’ Day Sponsors

Friends of Minute Man is pleased to thank our generous 2024 Patriots’ Day sponsors.