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Massachusetts 250 Events Calendar

Welcome to our Massachusetts 250 Events Calendar! Explore can’t-miss events, historic experiences, and celebrations across the state. Plus, visit our Celebrate Massachusetts 250 page for additional information and tips.


Massachusetts 250th Celebration Events

Find the dates you plan to travel or simply search the full events list below.

Arts & Crafts Shows Children & Families Fairs & Festivals Guided Tours Historic Museums Outdoor Activities Parades Tours Workshops & Classes
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Arts & Crafts Shows

Special Exhibit: Mary Baker Eddy and Her Revolutionary Legacy

May 15, 2026 - May 15, 2026 Massachusetts Avenue 210, Boston, MA 02115

Explore2 the remarkable life and lasting legacy of Mary Baker Eddy in a special temporary exhibit at the Christian Science Plaza celebrating MA250: Mary Baker Eddy and Her Revolutionary Legacy.

Part of the immersive How Do You See the World?® experience, this free exhibit invites visitors to reflect on themes of hope, progress, and generosity through interactive storytelling and inspiring historical perspectives. Guests can also experience the iconic Mapparium — a breathtaking three-story stained-glass globe offering a unique view of the world from the inside out as it appeared in 1935.

Additional exhibits include Our World: Mapping Progress, featuring stories from The Christian Science Monitor, and Christian Science and Mary Baker Eddy, which highlights Eddy’s influence and the global movement she founded.

The exhibit will be open throughout spring and summer 2026 as part of the statewide MA250 celebrations. 

For more information and tickets, visit christianscience.com/howdoyouseetheworld
Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission to all exhibits is free, while Mapparium® tickets are $6 for adults and free for youth under 18.
617-450-7224

Myth and Memory: Stories of the American Revolution

May 15, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026 1424 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186

Explore the personal stories, memories, and myths behind the American Revolution in Myth and Memory: Stories of the American Revolution, a compelling exhibition from Historic New England.

Drawing from Historic New England’s extensive collection of artifacts and archival materials, the exhibit examines how the Revolution shaped the lives of everyday people across New England. Through objects connected to individuals, families, and communities, visitors gain an intimate look at the hopes, struggles, loyalties, and sacrifices experienced during the birth of a new nation.

Organized around the themes of Resistance, Loyalty, Liberty, and Memory, the exhibition invites audiences to reflect not only on the events of the Revolution itself, but also on how its stories have been remembered, interpreted, and woven into America’s collective identity over time.

By highlighting deeply personal experiences alongside broader historical narratives, Myth and Memory offers a thoughtful exploration of the Revolution’s enduring legacy and the many voices that helped shape the nation’s history.
Friday - May 15, 2026 - 11:00 am / Monday - November 16, 2026 - 5:00 pm

Children & Families

Calling All Kids, Patriots And Sailors: Revolutionary Summer Saturdays

Apr 4, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026 Custom House Maritime Museum, Water Street 25 Newburyport, MA 01950

Enjoy free indoor and outdoor fun for kids every Saturday through the end of September! Families can explore 15 hands-on activity stations, including crafts, water and sand tables, printmaking with Rolling River Printmakers of New England, a bouncy castle, pirate boat with water guns, and even rideable dolphin and elephant sculptures by local artist Jeff Briggs.

The museum’s popular Discovery Center experience will also expand onto the lawn, creating an exciting day of learning and play for children of all ages. This free program is made possible through the generous support of the Institution for Savings and the Local Cultural Council.

In September, the museum will also partner with Imagine Studios, Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag, and Jonathan Petty of the Aquinnah Wampanoag to create a traditional 20-foot mishoon (dugout canoe) over several weekends, with plans to launch it on Indigenous Peoples Day, October 11.
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
978-462-8681

Fairs & Festivals

Sudbury 250 Day

May 16, 2026 - May 16, 2026 Sudbury Town Center Concord Road 322, Sudbury, MA 01776

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at Sudbury 250 Day, a full-day community event taking place at the Sudbury Town Center.

This family-friendly celebration brings history to life with a vibrant mix of living history demonstrations, storytelling, and hands-on activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy performances by the Sudbury Minutemen, fife and drum music, historic dance demonstrations, and cannon firing displays.

The event also features guided tours of key historical sites such as the Revolutionary War Cemetery and Town Pound, along with open houses at the Hearse House and Hosmer House. Additional attractions include markets, food trucks, a quilt show, children’s activities, and interactive exhibits like Declaring Independence: Then & Now.

Blending education, entertainment, and heritage, Sudbury 250 Day offers an immersive way to experience the spirit and history of the American Revolution in a lively community setting.
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

75th Annual Flag Day

Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026 1259 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169

Save the date, Quincy!

Join us for Quincy’s beloved 75th Annual Flag Day Celebration — an evening filled with community spirit, tradition, and patriotic pride.

The festivities will feature a parade, flag-raising ceremony, and spectacular fireworks. Bring your friends, family, and Quincy spirit as the community comes together to celebrate this special tradition.
7:00PM

Guided Tours

Revolution 250 Salem Tour

May 15, 2026 - May 15, 2026 Central Street 8, Salem, MA 01970

While Salem is best known for the 1692 Witch Trials, the city also played a remarkable role in the American Revolution — one that helped shape the future of the United States.

As part of the Rev250 celebration, this engaging historical tour explores Salem’s revolutionary legacy, from the moment the “shot heard round the world” nearly took place there to the city’s famed privateers — legal pirates who became some of the most successful forces against the British Navy. Visitors will also discover how British military governor Thomas Gage faced some of his greatest resistance in Salem during the growing fight for independence.

Through fascinating stories, historic sites, and powerful local history, this experience reveals why Salem’s contributions to the Revolution were far more significant than many realize.

For tour details and additional information, visit Salem Revolution 250 Tour
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
978-745-0666

Historic

“Expansive Histories of the American Revolution” Free Virtual Lecture Series

Mar 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026 Memorial Street 16, Deerfield, MA 01342

Join Historic Deerfield for a free virtual Winter Lecture Series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. This series goes beyond battles and politics to explore the Revolution’s profound impact on Native nations, free and enslaved Black communities, and everyday life across the colonies—from labor and material culture to political and social change.

Lecture Schedule (all at 2 PM, via Zoom):
Jan 25: Dr. Woody Holton, Professor of History, University of South Carolina
Feb 22: Dr. Kathleen DuVal, Carl W. Ernst Distinguished Professor of History, University of North Carolina
Mar 29: Dr. Paul Staiti, Professor of Fine Arts, Mount Holyoke College

All lectures are free and presented virtually. Gain fresh insights into the global and often-overlooked dimensions of the American Revolution.
Sunday, March 22, 2026 - 2:00 pm / Sunday, May 24, 2026 - 2:00 pm
413-774-5588

Revolutionary Narratives: From Broadsides to Hollywood

May 13, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026 Massachusetts Historical Society Boylston Street 1154, Boston, MA 02215

Explore how the story of the American Revolution has been debated, interpreted, and reshaped across generations in this thought-provoking hybrid program featuring historians Jordan Taylor and Michael Hattem.

From Revolutionary-era newspapers and broadsides filled with competing opinions and misinformation to later reinterpretations shaped by events like the Civil War and Cold War, this discussion examines how Americans have continually revisited the nation’s founding to define what it means to be American.

Presented during the 250th anniversary of the Revolution, the program will explore how historical narratives evolve over time and how public understanding of independence continues to influence modern conversations about identity, politics, and national memory.

Hosted as a hybrid event, the program includes an in-person reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the discussion at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free for virtual attendees and Massachusetts Historical Society members, with additional accessibility options available through the Card to Culture program.

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
617-536-1608

Fireside Chat with Historian & Guide Daniel Berger-Jones

May 15, 2026 - May 15, 2026 776 boylston street Boylston Street 776, Boston, MA 02199

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an unforgettable evening of storytelling and history in the heart of Boston.

Join historian and reenactor Daniel Berger-Jones, founder of the Boston History Company, for a series of engaging fireside chats exploring the people and moments that shaped the American Revolution.

Through immersive storytelling, guests will revisit iconic events such as the Boston Tea Party and the midnight ride of Paul Revere while discovering the streets, stories, and revolutionary spirit that defined Boston’s role in the fight for independence.

Held in the hotel’s lobby lounge, this special event offers a unique opportunity to connect with Boston’s revolutionary past in the very city where history unfolded. The experience is complimentary for hotel guests, with food and beverages available for purchase. Advanced booking is encouraged due to limited availability.
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Women at War: Salem as the Home Front in 1776

May 16, 2026 - May 16, 2026 Pickering House Broad Street 18, Salem, MA 01970

Explore the often-overlooked experiences of women during the American Revolution at a special living history event hosted at the historic Pickering House in Salem.

Presented by the Salem Historical Society in partnership with the Ladies’ Association of Revolutionary America and the Pickering Foundation, this immersive program invites visitors to step into the daily lives of women in the months leading up to the Declaration of Independence.

Through storytelling and historical interpretation, the event highlights how women navigated a world at war—managing households, supporting communities, and shaping the Revolutionary era in ways often left out of traditional narratives.

This free, public event offers a meaningful opportunity to experience history from a new and essential perspective.
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
978-744-4777

Declaring Independence: Then & Now

May 16, 2026 - May 16, 2026 First Parish of Sudbury Concord Road 327, Sudbury, MA 01776

Experience the words and ideas of 1776 brought to life in Declaring Independence: Then and Now, a special performance by the Sudbury Historical Society in partnership with Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area.

Held at the historic First Parish of Sudbury—where the Declaration of Independence was originally read to local residents—this award-winning program uses dramatic readings and first-person interpretations to explore how Massachusetts communities debated the meaning of independence in 1776.

Audiences are invited to reflect on both historical and modern perspectives of freedom, making this a thought-provoking and immersive experience rooted in place and memory.

The performance is a free admission and no registration required, as part of the larger Sudbury 250 Day celebration featuring reenactments, colonial music, guided tours, food trucks, and more.

For the full schedule and parking information, visit Sudbury 250 Information
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
978-443-2043

Harbor of Courage

May 16, 2026 - May 17, 2026 Fort Phoenix, Fairhaven Fort Street 3, Fairhaven, MA 02719

Commemorate the first naval engagement of the American Revolution at MA250: Harbor of Courage, a waterfront living history event set in Fairhaven.

This immersive celebration brings the era of revolution to life with a full Revolutionary War encampment at Fort Phoenix, featuring period demonstrations, hands-on history experiences, and ongoing living history performances by the Fairhaven Village Militia.

Festival highlights include food trucks, interactive activities for all ages, cannon fire demonstrations, and a dramatic 10-gun salute recreating the intensity of the Revolutionary era. Additional programming takes place at nearby Grimshaw Park, creating a vibrant waterfront festival atmosphere.

Co-hosted by the Fairhaven Village Militia and Discover Fairhaven, this MA250 celebration offers a powerful and engaging way to experience the courage, strategy, and spirit of America’s earliest naval history.
Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 10:00 am - Sunday, May 17, 2026 - 3:00 pm

250th Anniversary of Captain James Mugford and the Battle of Shirley Gut

May 17, 2026 - May 17, 2026 Deane Winthrop House Shirley Street 34, Winthrop, MA 02152

Join the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for a special America 250! commemoration honoring Revolutionary War hero James Mugford and the Continental schooner Franklin.

This event commemorates Captain Mugford’s daring 1776 capture of the British powder ship Hope, which secured 1,500 barrels of gunpowder for the Continental Army. Just days later, Mugford led American forces during a British assault at Shirley Gut, where he became the only American casualty in a pivotal early naval conflict of the Revolution.

The day begins at noon with the rededication of the Mugford Monument at Beacon Circle on Shore Drive, followed by a commemorative ceremony at the historic Deane Winthrop House featuring the USS Constitution Color Guard and keynote speaker Eric Jay Dolan, author of Rebels at Sea.

The celebration concludes with music and refreshments in the garden. This free public event offers a meaningful opportunity to honor one of the Revolutionary War’s early naval victories and the courage of those who fought for independence.
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
617-846-8606

Museums

Untold Stories: The Battle of Menotomy, Voices of the Overlooked, & Centennial Commemorations At Arlington Historical Society

Apr 19, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026 7 Jason Street, Arlington, MA 02476

Our new “Untold Stories” exhibition explores the perspectives of often-overlooked communities involved and examines how the people of the Commonwealth commemorated, memorialized, and celebrated the important anniversaries of the first battle of the American Revolutionary War.
See website for more details.

Outdoor Activities

Second Annual Paul Revere’s Bike Ride

May 16, 2026 - May 16, 2026 Concord Museum 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA 01742

Experience Revolutionary history on two wheels during the second annual Paul Revere’s Bike Ride for the Concord Museum.

Beginning near Concord’s historic town center, this scenic cycling event takes riders through the historic Massachusetts towns of Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Bedford, and Carlisle.

Participants can choose between 19-mile and 32-mile routes along paved roads, passing iconic Revolutionary War landmarks including the North Bridge, Lexington Battle Green, and the Paul Revere Capture Site.

Blending outdoor adventure with American history, this unique ride offers cyclists an unforgettable journey through the landscapes that helped spark the Revolution.
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Parades

250th Anniversary Salute to Service Parade

May 17, 2026 - May 17, 2026 Coletti-Magni Park Watertown Street 386-390, Newton, MA 02458

Celebrate patriotism, history, and community spirit at the 250th Anniversary Salute to Service Parade in Newton.

Held during Armed Services Weekend, this year’s parade will honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with expanded festivities, including additional floats, special features, and new traditions celebrating America’s history and those who serve.

The parade begins at City Hall and travels through Newtonville along Walnut Street and Washington Street before concluding at Coletti-Magni Park in Nonantum.

This festive community event offers a memorable way for residents and visitors alike to come together in celebration of America’s enduring spirit and historic milestone.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tours

Colonial Homes of Plymouth: A Tour of Massachusetts Historic Interiors

May 16, 2026 - May 16, 2026 Plymouth, Massachusetts Plymouth, MA

Step inside centuries of history on this special one-day colonial homes tour in Plymouth, offered exclusively on May 16.

Known as one of America’s earliest colonial settlements, Plymouth is home to some of the region’s most remarkable historic architecture. This immersive tour takes visitors inside several preserved colonial-era homes while also showcasing additional historic properties from the comfort of a charter bus.

Along the way, guests will explore classic examples of early American architecture, including vernacular farmhouses, 17th- and 18th-century rowhouses, and traditional saltbox homes, while learning about the people and stories that shaped Plymouth’s history.

Featured interior stops include the historic Nathaniel Church House, dating back to 1684, and the late-18th century Richmond–Burgess House, along with other notable colonial-era properties.
9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Workshops & Classes

Each Hath a Hand: A Rebellion at Dawn, 1775

May 17, 2026 - May 17, 2026 Fairbank Community Center Fairbank Road 40, Sudbury, MA 01776

Step into the dramatic days leading to the American Revolution during this interactive history presentation and book talk with Peter Abair, author of Each Hath a Hand.

Through vivid storytelling and historical insight, Abair brings to life the tension, uncertainty, and human experiences that shaped the path to revolution — from marching British troops to villages awakened in the night and communities divided between loyalty and independence.

Blending literature with history, this engaging program explores the people and events that pushed both sides toward a conflict that would forever change the world. The presentation will be followed by an interactive question-and-answer session with the author.
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
978-639-3381