Patriots Day, April 19th

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:

Patriots Day Events

Here's the list of events for Minute Man National Historical Park.

Here's the Park's view of the significance of Patriots Day.

Here's the Town of Concord's schedule for Patriots Day.

Here's the Town of Lexington's schedule for Patriots Day.

Here's the Town of Concord's Visitor FAQ for Patriots Day.

Visiting Concord on Patriots Day

All roads in the town center will close on Friday, April 18th at 6:00pm, and will not re-open to traffic until late Saturday night, April 19th (11:00pm). Thus, the best way to come from Boston to Concord for Patriots Day is by MBTA Commuter Rail train. Additional trains will be added to the schedule on Saturday to serve the crowds.

Patriots Day parade in Concord.

About Patriots Day

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.

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...

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.

The Redcoats retreat across Old North Bridge.