`
ConcordMA.info What to See Walking Tours Transportation Outdoors Search

Patriots Day

April 19th: the most important day of the year in Concord, Massachusetts. Events in Concord include a parade with lots of fife-and-drum bands and groups of Minutemen from surrounding towns and as far away as Michigan. The battle at the North Bridge is reenacted.

On and around April 19, 2025, Concord will commemorate the 250th anniversary of "the shot heard 'round the world" (April 19th, 1775) with special programs and events.

For full info, see my NewEnglandTravelPlanner.com.

Patriots Day parade in Concord
Patriots Day parade in Concord.

On April 19, 1775, the American Revolutionary War began with the battles at Lexington and Concord between British Regulr troops—“Redcoats”—and colonial Minutemen and militias.

Redcoat column advances from Lexington to Concord
Redcoat column advances from Lexington to Concord.

Patriots Day, the Monday nearest April 19th, is a public holiday in Massachusetts and Maine. All Massachusetts state, county and town government offices, libraries, and some local businesses close, though federal government offices, post offices, offices of large interstate and international companies, and most shops remain open.

Loading the brass cannon
Loading the brass cannon...

The parade is followed by a re-enactment of the battle at Old North Bridge, commemorative ceremonies, and the repeated firing of brass cannons by the Concord Independent Battery.

Redcoats retreat across Old North Bridge
The Redcoats retreat across Old North Bridge.

Minutemen cross Old North Bridge
The Minutemen pursue them.

Musket smoke on Old North Bridge
Everybody fires!

Brass cannon fires
Brass cannon fires! Babies cry! Adults cheer!

Pancakes at the Colonial Inn

Pancakes for the multitudes!

Novels by Tom Brosnahan