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Celebrate Patriots Day at these events in and around Boston
From historical reenactments to parades to the Boston Marathon.
Patriots Day, a state holiday in Massachusetts commemorating the first battles of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775, takes place on April 21. This year is especially festive as Massachusetts marks the 250th anniversary. Here is a sampling of events taking place Patriots Day weekend in and around Boston, many of which are free.
See a historical reenactment, skydivers
The town of Lexington, where the Battle of Lexington took place, will host a variety of events between April 17 and April 22. Visitors can attend reenactments of Paul Revere’s Ride and the Battle of Lexington, a parade featuring U.S. military units and U.S. Army bands, and a Battle Green rededication ceremony complete with a skydiving performance from the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team onto the Lexington Green. Here is a full schedule of events. (Lexington Common, 1625 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington)
Follow Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride
On April 18, the anniversary of Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride will be reenacted on foot, by rowboat, and on horseback by costumed actors and guests can watch along the route between the North End and Charlestown. The free festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m. and the midnight ride will begin at 8 p.m. Participants will enjoy theatrical presentations, fife and drums, lantern making, and more. Events will take place at the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, The Prado, Langone Park, Pier 1 of Charlestown Navy Yard, USS Constitution, and Charlestown City Square. (Various locations in Boston and Charlestown)
Check out a museum, block party, drone show
The town of Concord, where the Battle of Concord took place, will celebrate on April 19 with a dawn salute, ceremony on Old North Bridge (the site of the “shot heard ’round the world”), a parade, block party, and free admission to the Concord Museum. More than 20 food trucks will feed visitors from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and a Jumbotron will simulcast the parade live on Stow Street. A block party will follow the parade and the day will conclude with a drone show over Monument Square. Here is a full schedule of events. (Various locations in Concord)
Experience a Battle Road tactical demonstration
At Minute Man National Historical Park, visitors can watch as hundreds of reenactors demonstrate the tactics used on April 19, 1775, by Militia Soldiers and British Regulars along the Battle Road. Visitors can also attend open houses and historic presentations at Hartwell Tavern and William Smith House. Here is the full schedule. (Minute Man Visitor Center, 210 N. Great Road, Lincoln)
Enjoy craft beer, tours, reenactments
Enjoy live music and craft brews named after those who served in Arlington on the first day of the American Revolution at Menotomy Beer Hall in Arlington on April 19. Visitors can tour the Jason Russell House on April 19 and April 21, and watch a reenactment of the Battle of Menotomy on April 20. Patriots Day events at the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum on April 21 include Paul Revere-inspired poems. There will be a reenactment of the ride of Paul Revere and Williams Dawes on horseback from Boston at Arlington Town Hall on April 21. View a full schedule of events. (Various locations in Arlington)
Watch the Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon, is held annually on Patriots Day. Tens of thousands of athletes from around the world will tackle the 26-mile route from Hopkinton to the finish line on Boston’s Boylston Street on April 21. Check out a map of the course and plan where you’ll take it all in. (Various locations)
Go to a Red Sox game
Head to Fenway Park, America’s oldest ballpark, for the annual Red Sox Patriots Day baseball game on April 21 against the Chicago White Sox. The first pitch is at 11:10 am. (Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St., Boston)
Attend a Patriots Day Parade
Boston’s Patriots Day Parade on April 21 begins at 9 a.m. at City Hall Plaza and ends at the Paul Revere Mall in the North End. The festivities run until noon and visitors will witness a reenactment by the National Lancers of Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride on the Paul Revere Mall in front of Old North Church. (City Hall Plaza, Boston)
Walk the Freedom Trail
Visitors can walk in the footsteps of America’s founding fathers on the famous 2 ½-mile brick path connecting 16 historical sites that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond. Book a tour or take a self-guided tour. (Various locations)
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