Lexington Patriots’ Day 2026

A tribute to the Patriots who fell on Lexington Green,

April 19, 1775

Since 1971, the Lexington Minute Men have recreated the birth of American liberty on Lexington Common, also known as the Lexington Battle Green, at 6 AM on Patriots’ Day. First proclaimed as a public holiday in Massachusetts in 1894, Patriots’ Day commemorates the start of the American Revolution at the Battle of Lexington. The Battle of Lexington is commemorated every year on the third Monday in April. We pay tribute to those patriots who fell on Lexington Green on the morning of April 19, 1775, and to the courage and fortitude of those who continued the fight throughout the day. The celebration usually spans an entire weekend culminating with the annual parade through Lexington Center.

After dawn on Patriots’ Day, spectators ring the Common watching the huddled group of Minute Men- “The Alarm” at the Old Belfry. Soon they hear the steady pounding of drums and marching feet as column upon column of red-coated Regulars come into view.

On the morning of April 19, 1775, seventy-seven members of Lexington’s town militia faced down eight hundred British troops on the Lexington Battle Green. The British Regulars were marching to Concord, where they expected to confiscate a stockpile of weapons intended to be used for rebellion. A shot was fired on the Green. Nobody knows who fired that shot, but with it and with the ensuing musket fire, the American Revolution began.

Volley after volley of musket fire follows. Seven men fall. The Regulars shout a triumphant “huzza” and continue on to Concord. Despite losing close friends and family members, the Minute Men soon follow them to Concord, where they have their revenge. This is the historic reenactment of the beginning of the War for American Independence.

Patriots’ Day Weekend 2026 Schedule

This schedule is subject to change.

More details to follow!

7:00 PM – Patriots’ Day Awards Ceremony at Cary Memorial Hall

Community awards to recognize the recipients of the Lexington Minute Men Scholarship, White Tricorne Hat, Minuteman Cane and Pat Flynn Outstanding Youth

Please join us to light more bulbs on the VO250 Arch in recognition of community-wide volunteer service.

9:00 PM – Paul Revere’s Ride

Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock Street. Real horses.
Lexington History Museum’s Website

Saturday, April 18

5:15 AM – Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington

Lexington Battle Green – Massachusetts Avenue at Bedford Street.
Lexington Minutemen Website

5:30 AM to 10:00 AM – Pancake Breakfasts

- 5:30 AM – Boy Scout Troop 160 at St. Brigid’s Parish, 1981 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington
- 6:00 AM – First Baptist Church of Lexington, 1580 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington (diagonally across from Cary Hall)
- 6:00 AM – The Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam Street, Lexington