Boston is gearing up to commemorate 250 years since the American Revolution began on April 19, 1775. Anniversary events are scheduled to take place as early as this February and last through the end of April with big hurrahs like the reenactment of the rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes—which occur on a larger scale this year—to a chance to view Paul Revere’s lanterns that he used to light the way to Lexington on his nighttime journey. Here are some of the upcoming events in Boston and beyond to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution:
1. 250th American Revolution anniversary events in Boston
Every year on Patriot’s Day, the National Lancers reenact the historic rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes, due to the monumental anniversary, this year will feature a robust program of events on Friday, April 18 from 5:30-9:30 PM all throughout Boston at Paul Revere House, Old North Church, The Prado (Paul Revere Mall), Langone Park, Pier 1 of Charlestown Navy Yard, USS Constitution Museum, and Charlestown City Square. Find the full schedule of events below (all free and open to the public):
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Paul Revere Bids Farewell — Meet Paul and Rachel Revere and follow his departure on the Midnight Ride.
Paul Revere House, North Square, Boston | 5:30–7:30 PM Open House, 8:00 PM Departure (April 18) -
Revolution’s Edge & Boston 250 Kickoff — Enjoy a costumed play and official remarks to launch Boston’s 250th anniversary events.
Paul Revere Mall (The Prado), North End, Boston | 6:30–8:00 PM (April 18) -
Lantern Workshops — Create your own paper lantern and join the procession following Revere’s route.
Paul Revere Mall (The Prado), Boston & USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown | 6:30–8:00 PM (April 18) -
Lantern Service — Attend a special service and witness the iconic two-lantern signal lighting the steeple.
Old North Church, 193 Salem St, Boston | 7:00–8:00 PM (April 18) -
Public Viewing of Paul Revere’s Crossing — Watch a dramatic reenactment of Revere’s crossing with music and lantern displays.
Langone Park, Boston Harbor | 8:00–9:00 PM (April 18) -
Two if By Sea, Evening Harbor Cruise — Experience a narrated harbor cruise reenacting Revere’s midnight crossing.
Departs Long Wharf, Boston | 8:00–9:00 PM (April 18) -
Paul Revere: The Messenger and the Maker — Historian J.L. Bell discusses the significance of Revere’s Midnight Ride.
USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown | 8:00–8:30 PM (April 18) -
Unearthing the Untold Stories of Charlestown’s Sacrifice — Learn about Charlestown’s role in the Revolution before Revere’s dramatic departure.
City Square, Charlestown | 8:30–9:15 PM (April 18) -
Race to Tell the Minutemen — Watch Revere race down Main Street warning the Minutemen of the British advance.
Main Street, Charlestown | 9:00–9:30 PM (April 18) -
Bunker Hill Monument Illuminated — See the monument lit up with historic flags as a tribute to Revolutionary War heroes.
Bunker Hill Monument, Charlestown | 9:30 PM (April 18)
Friday, April 18
2. Old North Church & Historic Site’s ‘Lanterns & Luminaries’
This exclusive seated breakfast in Old North’s Washington Garden will honor filmmaker Ken Burns with the Third Lantern Award. The morning will include a dramatic reading of the poem “Paul Revere’s Ride”, remarks by Burns, and a preview of his upcoming PBS documentary, “The American Revolution,” slated to air this fall. Learn more about the ticketed event.
When: Wednesday, April 16 at 11 AM
Where: Old North Church
3. ‘One if by Land, Two if by Sea, Three If by Air’ Helicopter Journey
The Inn at Hastings Park in historic Lexington, MA is offering a unique “One If by Land, Two If by Sea, Three If by Air” helicopter package to commemorate Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride during the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington. The package includes a helicopter tour tracing Revere’s historic route from Boston to Lexington, highlighting key landmarks, as well as a one-night stay at Relais & Châteaux Inn, breakfast, and a food & beverage credit.
Ongoing
4. Revolution 250 ‘Footsteps of the Revolution’ Package
For those more inclined to stay on the ground, the Inn at Hastings Park is offering a “Revolution 250 ‘Footsteps of the Revolution” package that highlights pivotal locations that shaped the American Revolution. It includes a private tour with a guide who has lived in the Minuteman area of Massachusetts for more than 50 years, a chauffeured black car and an immersion of the rich histories of the towns of Lexington and Concord with visits to Lexington Battle Green, Hancock Clarke House, Paul Revere capture site and Hartwell Tavern to the Old North Bridge.
Ongoing
5. Paul Revere Midnight Ride Dinner & Candlelight Procession
To honor the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s historic ride, guests will enjoy a special four-course Colonial-themed feast created by Executive Chef Alissa Tsukakoshi in a communal dining setting in Town Meeting Bistro. As a nod to Paul Revere, a portrait of him on horseback is featured over the fireplace. Following dinner, guests gather in the foyer to receive a candle lit lantern and are guided on a 10-minute walk to the Hancock-Clarke House for a 30-minute theatrical reenactment of Paul Revere and William Dawes’ ride from Boston— arriving in Lexington just before midnight to warn Patriot leaders John Hancock and Samuel Adams, who were staying in town, of the impending British raid.
Friday, April 18 in Lexington, Massachusetts
6. Patriots’ Day Brunch at The Inn at Hastings Park
Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, the Inn at Hastings Park’s Town Meeting Bistro will be offering a special Patriot’s Day buffet and á la carte brunch. The event will be available after the Battle of Lexington reenactment and before the Town of Lexington’s Patriots’ Day parade, from 6 AM-12 PM.
Saturday, April 19 in Lexington, Massachusetts
7. Town of Lexington’s Patriots’ Day Parade
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and the beginning of the American Revolution, so Lexington is gearing up for its biggest parade yet. To commemorate this significant milestone, the town of Lexington will host the dawn reenactment of the battle on Lexington’s historic Battle Green, a 5-mile race, and a festive afternoon parade.
Saturday, April 19
8. Paul Revere’s Ride (Bike Edition)
Starting at the Concord Museum, cyclists can choose from a 21.3- or 32.4-mile loop along scenic, paved roads through historic towns including Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Bedford, and Carlisle. Riders will pass significant landmarks such as the North Bridge, Lexington Green, and the site of Paul Revere’s capture, bringing history to life with every mile. The event concludes with a post-ride celebration on the Concord Museum lawn featuring food, drinks, and entertainment. Registration is $50 and required to participate. Sign up here.
Ride begins at 10 AM on Saturday, May 17