Patriots’ Day 2024 Lexington Schedule: Monday, April 15th
Specifically timed events:
Battle of Lexington Reenactment
This is my highlight of the year. Let’s set the scene: hundreds of people wake up before the sun to watch a reenactment of the battle that started our nation. I love to watch this reenactment because of how exciting it is. We recommend getting there a bit before 5:00 am, so you can get a great spot and grab coffee.
Time: 5:00 am
Location: Lexington Battle Green
Cost: Free!
Audience: History lovers ~3+! This might be overwhelming to some history nerds, because of the loud and sudden noises from muskets. I’ve been to this event many times, and it’s very fun to watch! Anyone who’s willing to wake up should come!
Pancake Breakfasts
There are many pancake breakfasts which happen this morning. Most have long lines that require waiting, but it’s really fun. There are many different places you can go to be a part of this tradition. The Church of Our Redeemer is collaborating with LexRAP to do one pancake breakfast. Then the Boy Scouts troop 160 is doing theirs at St. Brigid’s church, this one is always packed!! Then there’s also one at First Baptist Church which supports local charities.
Time: 6:00am (times vary but right after the reenactment ends)
Location: varies. First Baptist Church (1580 Mass Ave), St. Brigid’s (2001 Mass Ave), and The Church of Our Redeemer (6 Meriam St)
Cost: they vary, but bring cash since some are cash only.
Audience: All pancake lovers.
Sunrise Youth Parade
A parade through Lexington Center providing younger members of the community the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of the weekend. And sadly, we cannot make it to this event, but other friends of mine will!
Time: 7:30 am
Location: Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue. Route will proceed west on Mass Ave. through Lexington Center, ending at the Battle Green.
Cost: Free!
Audience: all young history lovers and parade enthusiasts!
Patriots’ Day Ceremonies
These are the award for the 2024 recipients. Such include the White Tricorne Hat Award from the Lexington Lions Club. Alongside the Minuteman Cane Award, Pat Flynn Outstanding Youth Award, and Lexington Minute Man Scholarships.
A public reception will be held to honor the recipients of the above awards on Sunday, April 21, inside the Depot building (13 Depot Sq.) from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All are welcome.
Time: 8:00 am
Location: Lexington Battle Green
Cost: Free!
Audience: History lovers looking to support their community.
First Shot!: The Day the Revolution Began.
Enjoy a film screening of Lexington Historical Society’s award-winning video along with a special Q & A session with British and Colonial reenactors and a sampling of Colonial Music. Tickets are available at the door.
Time: 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 am (3 different screenings)
Location: 13 Depot square (the Depot)
Cost: Adults $10, Kids (Age 6 to 16) $5, no admission fee for kids age 5 or younger
Audience: History lovers who want to learn about the revolution in film. Excellent video, it’s my favorite video of all time
Lexington Lions Club 110th Annual Five-Mile Road Race
Set against the backdrop of scenic Lexington on April 15, 2024, this event not only marks a significant milestone but also embodies the spirit of Patriots’ Day, a day steeped in American history. For more information, visit here.
Time: 9:00 am
Location: starts and ends at Lexington Battle Green.
Cost: Free to watch!
Audience: Runners, and other history enthusiasts
Lexington Minute Men (LMM) /Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) 114th Wreath-laying Ceremony
The LMM and DAR lay wreaths at several of the war monuments around the Battle Green, including the Revolutionary Monument, a burial site for the Lexington soldiers killed on April 19, 1775.
Time: 10:15 – 11:00 am
Location: Lexington Battle Green
Cost: Free!
Audience: All history lovers!
USS Lexington Memorial Ceremonies
This ceremony commemorates the role played by the U.S.S. Lexington ships and honors those who served aboard the five vessels named U.S.S. Lexington. For more information, visit here.
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Lexington Visitors’ Center (1875 Mass Ave)
Cost: Free!
Audience: All history lovers!
Annual Patriots’ Day Hand Bell Concert
The Handbell Choirs of Hancock Church present a family-friendly concert of American music rung on five octaves of handbells and chimes.
Time: 11:15 – 12:00
Location: Hancock Church, (1912 Massachusetts Ave)
Cost: Free!
Audience: All history and music lovers
Parade Float Judging
Time: 12:30 pm
Location: Sacred Heart Catholic Church (16 Follen Road)
Cost: Free!
Audience: Parade and float enthusiasts
Paul Revere Arrives at the Battle Green on Horseback
Greeted by the Select Board and the Lexington Minute Men.
Time: 1:00
Location: Lexington Battle Green
Cost: Free!
Audience: All history lovers and horse girls
The Patriots’ Day Parade
A favorite parade of the year. Everything from the Lexington Historical Society, William Diamond Fife and Drum Corp, and so many more. There will be many awesome floats to watch, and maybe a surprise or two…
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Starts at Mass Ave. and Maple Street, proceeding west down Mass Ave. into Lexington Center. Ends on Worthen Road at the Center Recreation Complex
Cost: Free!
Audience: History lovers, and everyone everywhere!
All day events
Battle Green Walking Tour
On the one-hour tour, you will explore this National Historic Landmark with our attired guide. You will learn about the notable sites and historic houses around Lexington Battle Green, where “the first blood was spilt in the dispute with Great Britain,” as George Washington wrote in his diary. It is considered consecrated ground, both for the blood that was shed on it and for the militiamen who are interred here.
Time: 6:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Lexington Battle Green/The Visitors’ Center
Cost: varies, learn more here.
Audience: All history lovers who would like to learn more with a tour!
Buckman Tavern
If you know me, then you’ve probably run into me at Buckman Tavern before. They have a brand new exhibit which just went on display last Thursday. Check it out, while you get a refresher to your colonist roots! Buckman Tavern was the meeting place for the Lexington Militia on April 19th, 1775. It also was the first post office, and was a meeting place for the people in town.
Time: 9:30 am-4:00 pm
Location: Buckman Tavern, 1 Bedford Street
Cost: (Only Buckman Tavern) Adults $14, Kids $8 (Hancock Clarke House, Buckman Tavern, and Munroe Tavern) Adults $28, Kids $14
Age: ~5+. It’s great because it’s self paced, and there are many activities. Might be a bit long, but it’s easy to skip around more than other houses.
Hancock-Clarke House
One of few places my love for history started. The Hancock-Clarke house was home to John Hancock’sgrandparents, then later on the Clarke family, which included Jonas Clarke (you can listen to his playlist here), the Reverend in 1775 Lexington. This was also the home where John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying the night of April 18th, 1775, and where Paul Revere and William Dawes rode to.
Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Location: Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock Street
Cost: (Only Hancock-Clarke House) Adults $14, Kids $8 (Hancock-Clarke House, Buckman Tavern, and Munroe Tavern) Adults $28, Kids $14
Age: ~7+. I love this house specifically for its kid centered nature, because this is where the most important kids in the town lived.
Munroe Tavern
Munroe Tavern was another tavern in Lexington, which later on turned into the field house for British soldiers on April 19th, 1775. George Washington and other important people came to stay at the Tavern throughout the colonial years. I love this house, and it gives the Parliament point of view.
Time: 12:00 pm -4:00 pm
Location: Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock Street
Cost: (Only Munroe Tavern) Adults $14, Kids $8 (Hancock-Clarke House, Buckman Tavern, and Munroe Tavern) Adults $28, Kids $14
Age: ~7+. I love this house for the gained perspective and for the added museum.
We hope you had a great Patriots’ Day and Patriots’ Day weekend. See you next year at 250, stay tuned to learn more, do more, and be a part of the American Revolution.
Sabrina Bhattacharjya