LEXINGTON — The Lex250 Commission and the Town of Lexington are very pleased to announce an historic slate of events on April 19, commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and the start of the American Revolution.
Saturday, April 19, 2025, will feature more than a dozen events from pre-dawn through the evening hours, including the Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington, a performance by an elite U.S. Army parachute team, and one of New England’s largest parades in the afternoon!
5:15 a.m. — Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington
Lexington begins the day, as it always does, with an historical Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington.
As dawn approached on April 19, British Regulars, dispatched to destroy a store of ammunition, encounter The Lexington Minute Men — determined yet apprehensive militia members standing in their way. Tension mounted, a shot rang out, and the British Regulars opened fire. When the smoke cleared, eight American patriots lay dead, 10 were wounded, and the Revolutionary War had begun.
The passionate and committed groups of reenactors muster around 5 a.m., the bell in the Belfry rings, and the Battle commences at 5:15 a.m.
Attendees should arrive early!
11 a.m. — Lex250 Rededication of the Battle Green and Army250 Patriotic Performance, featuring the Golden Knights Parachute Team
After the 250th Battle of Lexington Anniversary Reenactment, the morning will pivot to an exciting and never-before-seen Patriotic Performance and demonstration by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, in a stunning audio/visual event meant to pay homage to America’s fight for liberty from 1775 to the present day.
The event will begin at 11 a.m. with the rededication of the Lexington Battle Green, beginning with a speaking program featuring the Lex250 Commission, state and federal government leaders, and U.S. Army Major Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, Commander of U.S. Army Military District of Washington.
This will lead into a skydiving performance by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, which is scheduled to land directly on the Lexington Battle Green. This narrated event will feature a rededication of Army Combat Streamer #1, symbolizing America’s first combat engagement and the first shots fired in the American Revolution on April 19, 1775.
This will be followed by a performance by the U.S. Army Fife & Drum Corps and demonstrations by the U.S. Army Drill Team and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, a highly trained and skilled Special Ceremonial Unit, which harkens back to the Continental Army unit that personally protected Gen. George Washington during the Revolutionary War.
At the end of the event, the soldiers will disperse and mingle with the crowd for a meet and greet and photos with the public. This promises to be an exciting event for all ages!
Any media interested in interviewing Military District of Washington service members during Lex250, please reach out to usarmy.mcnair.mdw.mbx.mediadesk-omb@army.mil for scheduling.
2 p.m. — Lexington’s 2025 Patriots’ Day Parade
The afternoon features a 125-unit parade, marching over 2.5 miles along Massachusetts Avenue from Maple Street to Worthen Road.
There will be nearly 2,700 marchers, reenactors, and performers including (in no particular order):
- The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
- The West Point Band
- William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum
- The Spirit of ’76: Fifes and Drums
- U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
- Navy Band Northeast
- Ancient & Honorable Artillery Co. of Mass.
- The 6th Connecticut Regiment
- 1st Delaware Regiment
- Greater Boston Firefighters Pipes and Drums
- Marblehead Base U.S. Submarine Veterans
- Blues Brothers, the Next Generation
- National Lancers, ceremonial cavalry squadron
- Hobby Knoll Stable Clydesdales
- Aleppo Shriners
- Lexington Minute Men
- Bedford and Lincoln Minute Men
- Lexington Historical Society and Lexington Scout Troops 10, 119, and 160 with a historic pumper fire truck
- Lexington civic groups including Town Meeting members, Lexington Youth Commission and Lexington Visitors Center
- Dance performances by Artisan Dance Academy (ADA), Samskriti School of Dance, The Dance Inn and db studios
Additionally, numerous Lexington civic groups are joining the parade, including Lexington Lions, LexSeeHer Inc., Association of Black Citizens of Lexington (ABCL), Chinese American Association of Lexington (CAAL), Indian Americans of Lexington (IAL), Chinese Americans of Lexington (CALex), Korean-American Organization of Lexington (KoLex), LexFarm, Lexington Field & Garden Club, Lexington High School classes of 1965, 1975 and 1985, Lexington Goes Purple and many more!
Lineup subject to change.
7 p.m. — Patriots’ Day Concert at Cary Hall
The free Lexington Bicentennial Band Concert will be the culmination of the Patriots’ Day Celebration. The concert will feature music related to the time period of the Revolution, including works that have been commissioned by the band “Seeds of Revolution” by Daniel Lutz, originally commissioned for Lexington’s 300th anniversary, and the world premiere of Dr. Andrew Boysen’s Symphony #11 – The Year 1775. In each case, the composers will be conducting the band.
Ticketing information will be posted to lex250.org at a later date.
Additional Events
There will be a number of other events in Lexington throughout the day, including:
- 8 a.m. — The 111th Patriots’ Day 5-Mile Road Race
- 9 a.m. — USS Lexington Ceremony on the Visitor’s Center lawn
- 10 a.m. — Daughters of the American Revolution Elm Tree Dedication
Monday, April 21: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Lex250 Patriotic Picnic in the Park
Celebrate History, Community, and Freedom under the Open Sky at Hastings Park
Experience the power of history, music, and community at this once-in-a-lifetime signature event. Enjoy a world-class performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), rock out with singer-songwriter Malin, and witness special appearances by the Lexington Minute Men, the National Lancers, and more. Don’t miss a thrilling visit from the Lancers, featuring “Paul Revere” and “William Dawes” on horseback, bringing history to life before your eyes.
Plus, enjoy a lively Beer Garden! Raise a glass with friends as you soak in the spirit of 1775 and the celebrations of today.
Bring your picnic gear, enjoy incredible performances, and toast to history!
Transportation
If you are traveling to Lexington on April 19, 2025, public transit is highly recommended. Parking will be limited, and there will be significant road closures beginning on Friday, April 18.
Bus
Route 62/76 serves Lexington on Saturdays.
- On Saturday, April 19, 2025, extra service will operate between Lexington and Alewife on Route 62/76 via Arlington.
- From 5:10 a.m. until 7 p.m., service will run every 20-22 minutes or more.
- Detours will be in effect due to roadway closures.
Bus 1-Day passes purchased on CharlieTickets are valid from the date and time of purchase. Passes purchased on CharlieCards are valid from the first tap at a fare box or fare gate.
All MBTA buses are accessible. Check the bus access guide for more information.
Driving to Town
Satellite parking lots will be available for those driving to Lexington on Saturday for the Patriots’ Day Weekend events. However, parking is limited. A satellite parking shuttle will transport visitors from the satellite lots to designated locations in Lexington.
Shuttle Service
Shuttle bus service will run among Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln on April 19.
The shuttle will run from Park Drive in Lexington to the Minute Man National Historical Park Visitors Center, Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln, and the Concord Museum.
More details, including transit options and parking lot locations, will be updated on our website, Lex250.org in the coming weeks.
News Media Parking and Credentials
An authorized Lex250 media credential will be required to enter the media staging area for all events on Saturday, April 19. There are limited credentials, limited live truck parking, and limited reporter parking. Credentials are limited to authorized Lex250-credentialed working news media, on assignment.
Media credentialing is managed by John Guilfoil Public Relations (JGPR). To request a credential and/or parking pass, fill out this form.
The deadline to pre-register an RSVP request will be at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 7. There will be a limited opportunity for on-site registration. We ask that interested media outlets RSVP in advance to ensure the timely issuance of credentials on-site.
General Spectator Guidelines for 250 Events
Arlington, Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln
For the safety and enjoyment of all, visitors are asked to abide by these important health and safety guidelines:
- Congregate in designated viewing areas at all times during events. Pay attention to any instructions given by public safety personnel. Do not enter reenactment areas or parade routes or in any way interfere with events in progress.
- These events are family-friendly, inclusive and open to all. Be mindful that children will be present and refrain from using foul language. Please respect private property. Many of these events pass by or are located near private homes and businesses.
- Dispose of trash and recycling properly in the receptacles provided at event sites.
- Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Local smoking and vaping ordinances will be in effect.
- Spectators are asked not to bring weapons, flammable liquids, fireworks, tents, canopies, coolers, suitcases/rolling bags, ladders or step stools to any event.
- Spectators are encouraged to use clear bags at all events. Bags are subject to search at any time.
- Do not leave bags or other items unattended. Items left unattended are subject to removal by police.
- Drone/UAV flying is prohibited at all events. Temporary Flight Restrictions will be in place. Obey all posted flight restrictions.
There will be a significant police and public safety presence at all events. Guidelines are subject to change at any time. Safety updates or changes will be shared on event websites and social media.
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