Top 3 Reasons to Celebrate Lex250 with Lexington

April 19, 2025, marks a special day in Lexington as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington. Here are three reasons why you should visit Lexington for Lex250.

Where the American Revolution Began

In the late hours of April 18, 1775, patriot leader Joseph Warren sent two riders, Paul Revere and William Dawes, on horseback to warn colonial militia leaders of the arrival of British troops. On April 19, 1775, the British Regulars marched through Lexington, where they were met by the local Lexington militia and their leader, Captain John Parker. Then, the first shot of the American Revolution was fired (historians still don’t agree on who was responsible), and the battle began. During the Battle of Lexington, eight colonists were killed, while ten were wounded.

While the British marched on towards Concord, they were met with around 400 Minutemen and militiamen and were forced to retreat to Boston. And on their journey, they passed through Lexington again, where they were ambushed by even more Lexington militiamen. This ambush is known in history as Parker’s Revenge, the second engagement between the British Regulars and the Lexington militia on April 19, 1775.

A Unique Battle That Still Secured American Victory

One of the reasons the Battle of Lexington is so different from other battles during the Revolutionary War is that it was not a strong win for the colonists in a traditional sense. When the British left Lexington after the first battle on the morning of April 19, 1775, the Lexington militiamen suffered eight casualties. Hear Lexington Reenactor and Fife player Amelia Settembre explain that even though the Battle of Lexington was not a “win” for the colonists, it did act as a testament to their strength and endurance, marking a pivotal moment for the American Revolution.

This tenacity (and more support from American colonists) helped the Patriots win future battles, which led them to gain their independence from British rule.

Many Fun Lex250 Events Happening In Lexington

On Saturday, April 19, 2025, the Lexington Minute Men will conduct the famous reenactment of the Battle of Lexington on the Lexington Battle Green. And this year, the reenactment takes place on the 250th anniversary of the battle! Reenactors will arrive on the Battle Green at 5 a.m., the Belfry will ring its bell at 5:15 a.m., and the battle reenactment will commence afterward. Once the battle ends, you can head over to St. Brigid Church’s Keilty Hall at 2001 Massachusetts Avenue for a pancake breakfast. The Inn at Hastings Park will also be hosting its own brunch event following the reenactment from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.  At 2 p.m., the Patriots’ Day Parade will start on the corner of Massachusetts Ave. and Maple St.

On April 21 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., enjoy a Revolutionary family-friendly event at Hastings Park with Lexington’s Patriotic Picnic in the Park. Listen to live music, witness special appearances by The Lexington Minute Men and Paul Revere, try a picnic lunch from local restaurants, and visit the beer garden. Attendance is free for all, but reserved seats under the tent cost $5 to support the Fund for Lexington. Choose from a variety of picnic lunch options which include the following: 

• Reserve a seat without ordering a meal
• Order a meal without reserving a seat
• Reserve a seat and order a meal
• Come with your own picnic

There are plenty more events in Lexington leading up to April 19, 2025, and beyond. Find out more about our Lex250 celebrations, from events, general spectator guidelines, public transportation resources, and places to stay near Lexington. Plus, discover how Lexington has been featured in the news for Lex250.