Patriots’ Day 2026
Patriots’ Day commemorates the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775. It has been celebrated as a state holiday since 1894, with Lexington Historical Society playing an instrumental role in persuading the Massachusetts Legislature to formally recognize it on a state level. Since 1969, it has been observed on the third Monday in April (April 20th in 2026, although this year most Lexington events will take place Saturday, April 18th).
Events and reenactments occur all weekend long in Lexington and the surrounding communities, and along the historic Battle Road in Minute Man National Historical Park. You can find our offerings below!
Patriots’ Day Week Open Hours at the Museums
Lexington Depot
Check back soon for 2026 hours
Buckman Tavern
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Hancock-Clarke House
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Munroe Tavern
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2026 Lexington History Museums Events
More information about 2026 events coming soon!
Throughout the week of Patriots Day, Lexington History Museums hosts events for all ages relating to the Battle of Lexington! Join us for a variety of family friendly activities: witness Paul Revere riding into town, participate in a reenactment, and more! For more town events and information please see lex250.org.
Lexington Town and Other Events
2026 EVENTS ARE STILL BEING PLANNED AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
There are many town-sponsored events in Lexington and beyond on Patriots' Day weekend. The following are some of the most popular. Check out www.lex250.org for further up-to-date information on town-specific activities, cancellations, and safety protocols. Please be aware that this year, many events normally scheduled for Monday will be taking place on Saturday, April 18th.
Battle of Lexington Reenactment
Saturday, April 18th, 2025 5:00 AM
Lexington Battle Green
This event recreates the historic skirmish in Lexington on the first day of the American Revolution, at the time and place it happened historically. As dawn approached on that fateful morning, the town militia of Lexington stood in anxious anticipation as over 700 British soldiers marched into town on their way to destroy ammunition in Concord. As the two groups squared off on the town common, a single, mysterious shot rang out, and the British soldiers opened fire. When the smoke cleared and the soldiers marched on to Concord, eight Americans lay dead, another ten were wounded, and a war for independence had begun.
VISITOR TIPS: The Battle Reenactment starts very early in the morning, with the with a prelude of the town’s civilian evacuation, alarm bells, and militia muster happening shortly after 5:00 am and the battle following at 6:00 am (the actual time the historic battle occurred). The crowd around the Green can be several people deep; plan to arrive early, at least by 4:00 AM, to pick a viewing spot. Ladders and stepstools are not allowed on the Green (please see the town website for other restrictions).
Pancake Breakfasts
Saturday, April 18th, 7:00 – 9:00 AM
Various Locations
Several churches and scout groups in Lexington host breakfasts following the battle. Options include St. Brigid Parish, 1981 Massachusetts Ave., First Baptist Church, 1580 Massachusetts Ave., and Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam St.
Tower Park Battle
Saturday, April 18th, Time TBD
Tower Park, 1265 Massachusetts Avenue
The battlefield of the Battle of Lexington and Concord is a quarter of a mile wide and 20 miles long, with fighting taking place continually along the road between Concord and Charlestown. Following the morning reenactment on the Green, watch a demonstration of the tactics used along the Battle Road that day. British and Militia reenactors will spar in a variety of terrain in Tower Park, a natural amphitheater with woods, hills, stone walls, and more. Please be advised that parking bans will be in place. Tower Park is located one mile from the town center, and walking is highly encouraged.
Lexington Parade
Saturday, April 18th, 2:00 PM (tentative)
Downtown Lexington
At 2:00 PM, Massachusetts Avenue hosts a large parade with civic organizations, bands, entertainers, floats, antique cars, and more. This event starts at 1095 Massachusetts Avenue and ends at 80 Worthen Road, with viewing areas all along the main road. Our museums will close at 2:00 PM due to the number of street closures involved.
Battle Road Reenactment
Sunday, April 20th, Time TBD
Minuteman National Historical Park
Minuteman National Historical Park hosts a day of living history across the park, as families pack to evacuate their homes and British soldiers march down the trail. The day’s festivities include tactical demonstrations of the warfare of April 19th. More information about the full schedule can be found at www.nps.gov/mima.
Visitor Information
Patriots’ Day is Lexington’s busiest weekend, so we encourage our visitors to plan accordingly. Municipal plans for the 2026 festivities are still being finalized; more information will be added here as it becomes available to us.
Parking and Transportation:
To ensure safety in Lexington center, extensive road closures will be in place beginning on Friday, April 17th. More information coming soon.
Satellite parking lots are being arranged by the town of Lexington; please keep an eye on this page for more information.
Information about public transit is located at the MBTA website here.
Due to road closures and increased staff, parking will be limited at our museums. All are within walking distance of the town center, with Munroe Tavern the farthest distance at about 1 mile. Handicapped parking will be available Munroe Tavern. Please see the map below for reference.
Health, Safety, and Accessibility:
Please note that restroom facilities at our museums are limited. Accessible portable toilets will be available at Buckman Tavern, Hancock-Clarke House, and Munroe Tavern.
Our museums are largely in historic homes; please be mindful of the spaces as you move through. Visitors with large bags may be asked to leave them at the front desk.
Hancock-Clarke House and Munroe Tavern are equipped with a designated handicap parking spot. Both Buckman Tavern and Munroe Tavern are fully accessible to most wheelchairs. We regret that only the first floor of the Hancock-Clarke House is accessible; a video tour of the second floor is available for visitors who cannot navigate stairs. Further information is available on our accessibility page. Please call our office at 781-862-1703 for any accessibility questions.
Further safety protocols for viewing the Battle of Lexington Reenactment are available at the town website.
