Join us for Patriots’ Day 2023! Minute Man National Historical Park will offer an array of free in-person Patriots’ Day with support from the Friends of Minute Man National Park. Please consult the Minute Man National Historical Park Calendar of Events for more information on each event. To help find your way, please visit the park Directions page for maps and GPS coordinates.

Patriots’ Day Fund: please donate today, your support makes Patriots’ Day possible.

Thank you to our 2023 Patriots’ Day sponsors: Tough Ruck, Middlesex Savings Bank, and Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Patriots’ Day was supported in part by a Festival Grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

Saturday, April 8, 2023

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

The Nathan Meriam House will be open 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 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.

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

The Town of Concord, joined by 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 park event listing 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

The Lincoln Minute Men, joined by other reenactment units, 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 park event listing for any updates.

Saturday, April 15, 2023 – Battle Road

“Hartwell Tavern and Smith Open House”
Hartwell Tavern open 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Captain William Smith House open 9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
North Great Rd, Lincoln, MA
Free

If you had to leave your home in a hurry, uncertain of your return, what would you take with you? Learn about the local civilians who struggled to save their families and belongings from the path of war on April 19, 1775.

Parking is available at the Hartwell Tavern Parking Area, 112 North Great Road, Lincoln, MA and the Minute Man Visitor Center Parking Lot, 210 North Great Road, Lincoln, MA. Those who park near Hartwell Tavern should anticipate a one-way walk of 1.5 Miles to reach Minute Man Visitor Center and the tactical demonstration area. Please refer to the park event listing for any updates.

“Trepidation, Fever and Rushing to Arms”
Captain William Smith House, North Great Rd, Lincoln, MA
11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Free

Join living historians at the Captain William Smith house for a program about the civilian experience of April 19, 1775. See alarm riders in action, militia marching to the scene of battle, and civilians preparing to leave home. During this 30-minute program, the Ladies Association of Revolutionary America will tell the stories of the common people who experienced the horrors of war first-hand.

“Battle Road Tactical Demonstration”
Meet at Minute Man Visitor Center, North Great Rd, Lexington, MA
12:45 p.m.
Free

Join us for the park’s signature Patriots’ Day event. Watch hundreds of British and Colonial Reenactors who will engage in a battle demonstration showing the running fight that took place along this deadly stretch of road on the border of Lincoln and Lexington. After the demonstration, you will have the opportunity to get up close and talk with these amazing volunteers and learn about British regulars and Colonial militiamen in great detail.

“Left Behind: British Prisoners of War on the Battle Road”
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Jacob Whittemore House, Lexington, MA
1:20 p.m.
Free

The fighting along the Battle Road was intense; and that intensity only grew, mile after mile, hour after hour. While many British soldiers fought on grimly, others, exhausted, simply laid down their arms and surrendered themselves to the rebels. What happened to them after that? Reenactors portraying British soldiers and colonial militiamen will talk about the experience of these unfortunate men.

“Explore the Elm Brook Hill (Bloody Angle) Battle Site with Edmund Foster”
Meet at Hartwell Tavern, 136 North Great Rd, Lincoln, MA
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Free

Edmund Foster, a militiaman from Reading, Massachusetts (portrayed by park volunteer, Ed Hurley) will lead a tour to this key battle site where he fought on April 19, 1775. He will be joined by Lincoln historian and author Don Hafner. Parking is available at the Hartwell Tavern Parking Area, 112 North Great Road, Lincoln, MA. Please refer to the park event listing for any updates.

Sunday, April 16, 2023

“Tough Ruck”
Begins at the Fenn School, 516 Monument St, Concord, MA
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Please register with Tough Ruck

Tough Ruck 26.2 mile is a ruck march to honor Fallen Military and First Responders. Military Friends Foundation is the official charity of Tough Ruck Nation and organizes this event. Registration is required and there is a fee for participants. Please visit the Tough Ruck website to register or if you have any questions.

“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

Visit the home of Colonel James Barrett and talk with costumed park rangers and volunteers about colonial military preparations. Around 3:30 p.m. British soldiers will arrive and conduct a search of the property, looking for supplies. 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.

Monday, April 17, 2023

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

Commemorate Patriot’s Day with a dramatic Battle demonstration involving Colonial minute men, British regulars, and musket fire, marking the “shot heard round the world.” Please note that the roads in Concord close at 8:00 a.m. this year 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. Please refer to the park event listing for any updates.

Road Closure Update: On Monday, April 17th, road closures will be from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. surrounding Concord Center. Alternate parking suggestions are Concord Court House, Concord Carlisle High School, and Thoreau Street.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

“Patriot Vigil”
Lantern light procession starts at North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA
Ceremony at North Bridge, Monument St, Concord, MA
7:45 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.

If you would like to participate in the procession we ask you to bring your own enclosed candle lantern – real candles only – no flashlights or LED lights in the procession, please. 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 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.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

“Battle Road Anniversary Hike“
Battle Road, Minute Man National Historical Park
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free, registration required

On April 19, 2023, join National Park Rangers for an immersive five-mile guided Battle Road trail hike at Minute Man National Historical Park. Follow in the footsteps of the ill-fated British Column during the 248th anniversary of 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.

After the program concludes at Fiske Hill, a pre-arranged shuttle bus will transport registered participants back to the parking area.

This program is free and open to the public; registration is required to reserve a seat on the post-program shuttle bus returning participants to their vehicles. Space is limited, so register early to reserve your spot on the shuttle bus! We’ll provide the starting location, parking information, and additional details to registered participants via email. Please refer to the park event listing for any updates.

This event is now SOLD OUT. Please click here to join the waitlist. 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 note that the five-hour program is an expansive hike over 5 miles of Battle Road Trail on undulating terrain. This program will feature loud musket fire and other immersive living history elements
and is appropriate for teens and adults; dogs are not allowed on this tour. Please bring water, snacks, sturdy walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, equipment, and bug spray. Park restrooms will be open at Meriam’s Corner, Hartwell Tavern, and the Minute Man Visitor Center. The event is subject to cancellation in the event of adverse weather.

Support Patriots’ Day at Minute Man

Please support Patriots’ Day by donating to the Friends of Minute Man National Park. Your donation will ensure that today’s and future generations will continue to enjoy Patriots’ Day at Minute Man National Historical Park.

Patriots’ Day commemorates the battles at Lexington and Concord that occurred on April 19, 1775. These battles marked the beginning of the American Revolution and Minute Man National Historical Park is dedicated to protecting and preserving the sites, battlefields, structures, and landscapes associated with April 19, 1775.

Patriots’ Day activities at the park occur over one week 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. The Friends of the Minute Man National Park is committed to helping to defray the significant costs of these activities. Your donation supports the park and Patriots’ Day activities.

Please consider joining the Patriots’ Day 250th Anniversary Leadership Circle with a donation of $500 or more. Your gift will support and enhance Patriots’ Day activities now through the 250th anniversary in 2025.

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 2023 Patriots’ Day sponsors.

This program is supported in part by a Festival Grant from the Mass Cultural Council.