Patriots’ Day 2025
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 21st in 2025, although this year most events will take place Saturday, April 19th, on the true anniversary).
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. Visit www.lex250.org for more information on outside events. You can find Lexington History Museums’ offerings below!
Patriots’ Day Week Open Hours at the Museums
Lexington Depot
Grand Opening April 12, 12:00 PM
April 13 - April 27: Open 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wednesday - Monday
Saturday, April 19: Open 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Buckman Tavern
April 13 - April 27: Open 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Wednesday - Monday
Saturday, April 19: Walk-through tours 6:00 - 8:00 AM, regular audio tours with access to second floor Swept Up In Revolution exhibition 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Hancock-Clarke House
April 13 - April 27: Open 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wednesday - Monday
Monday, April 14: Closing at 2:00 PM
Friday, April 18: Closing at 3:00 PM
Saturday, April 19: Open 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Munroe Tavern
April 13 - April 27: Open 12:00 - 4:00 PM Wednesday - Monday
Saturday, April 19: Open 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Special Giveaway - Ring The Alarm With Us On April 19th!
Before dawn, on April 19, 1775, the Belfry rang out an alarm, summoning members of the local militia to Lexington Common. British regulars were on the march! Now you can be a part of history, and ring the alarm bell for the reenactment of the Battle of Lexington, exactly 250 years after that momentous day!
The winning party of up to four people will have two opportunities to ring the alarm bell, first at 5:15am, and again about a half hour later. Bell ringers should arrive at the Belfry at 5:00am.
Please note that it will be dark at 5:00am, and access to the Belfry is a rocky path that can be slippery when wet. Also note that you cannot see the Battle Green from the Belfry.
The deadline to enter is Tuesday, April 15 at 8pm. The lucky winner will be notified by email on Wednesday, April 16!
2025 Lexington History Museums Events
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
2025 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 as April 19th falls on a Saturday in 2025, almost all events normally scheduled for Monday will be taking place on Saturday, April 19th.
Battle of Lexington Reenactment
Saturday, April 19th, 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 militia mustering at 5:00 am, the bell in the Belfry ringing at 5:15 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 between 3:00 - 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 19th, 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.
Lexington Parade
Saturday, April 19th, 2:00 PM
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
Saturday, April 19th, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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. Major viewing points include a 11:45 AM demonstration at Hartwell Tavern, and a 1:00 PM demonstration behind the Minuteman Visitors Center. This section of the park preserves the site of Parker’s Revenge, a skirmish that took place on the afternoon of April 19th, in which Captain John Parker’s militia rallied to attack His Majesty’s troops on their way back from Concord. Minuteman National Park will also host several open houses and events the weekend of April 12th. More information about the full schedule can be found at www.nps.gov/mima.
Visitor Information
April 19th, 2025, is expected to be the busiest day in Lexington since the Bicentennial, so we encourage our visitors to plan accordingly.
Parking and Transportation:
To ensure safety in Lexington center, Massachusetts Avenue from Waltham Street to Forest Street will be closed beginning at 8:00 PM on Friday, April 18th until 6:00 PM on Saturday, April 19th. This area will expand to Pleasant Street beginning at 12:00 PM on April 19th to accommodate the afternoon parade. Further road closures along side streets will direct traffic around this area. For a full map of road closures, please consult this interactive town map.
Satellite parking lots are available at multiple locations on Hartwell Avenue and Maguire Road. Shuttles will be running from these locations to the town center. Please consult this interactive town map for exact locations.
The town map also provides information on the parade route, alternate parking locations, and locations of water, restrooms, and first aid stations.
Shuttles are scheduled to run between Lexington and Concord, stopping at Lexington High School, Minuteman National Park Visitors Center, Hartwell Tavern in Minuteman National Park in Lincoln, and the Concord Museum. Please consult the town website 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. 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.
