Danbury, CT

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

List Calendar

Upcoming This Year

Apr

– 27

CeremonyFeatured

Burning of Danbury Anniversary Commemoration

Danbury Museum and Historical Society, 43 Main Street, Danbury, CT

Annual ceremony and living history program commemorating the British raid on Danbury on April 26, 1777, when Royal forces destroyed the Continental Army's supply depot. The event typically includes wreath-laying at historical markers, musket and cannon demonstrations, period-costumed interpreters, and talks about the raid's significance to the American Revolution.

FreeHeld on or near the anniversary of the April 26, 1777 raid; exact weekend may vary. Contact the Danbury Museum and Historical Society to confirm dates.More info →

Apr

Ceremony

Sybil Ludington Ride Commemoration

Danbury Museum and Historical Society / Ludington statue area, Danbury, CT and Carmel, NY

Annual event honoring the legendary midnight ride of 16-year-old Sybil Ludington, who rode approximately 40 miles on the night of April 26, 1777 to rally her father's militia regiment in response to the British burning of Danbury. Programs may include a ceremonial ride or run along her route, historical talks, and family activities. Events are coordinated between communities in Connecticut and Putnam County, New York.

FreeTypically held on or near April 26; some years a commemorative run/ride takes place on a nearby weekend. Contact Danbury Museum or Putnam County historical organizations to confirm.

Apr

Ceremony

General Wooster Memorial Day Ceremony

General David Wooster Monument, Wooster Cemetery, Danbury, CT

Annual memorial tribute to Major General David Wooster, the highest-ranking Continental officer killed during the fighting that followed the British raid on Danbury. Wooster was mortally wounded at the Battle of Ridgefield on April 27, 1777. The ceremony includes wreath-laying, musket salutes, and remarks by local historians at the Wooster Monument in Danbury or at related memorial sites.

FreeOften combined with the Burning of Danbury weekend events in late April. Contact Danbury Museum and Historical Society to confirm dates.

Apr

Guided Tour

Revolutionary War Walking Tours of Danbury

Danbury Museum and Historical Society, 43 Main Street, Danbury, CT

Guided walking tours offered by the Danbury Museum and Historical Society that trace the path of the 1777 British raid through downtown Danbury. Stops include sites of destroyed storehouses, the route of the British advance, period homes that survived the burning, and historical markers. Tours are led by costumed docents or local historians and are offered seasonally.

Suggested donationTours offered in spring and summer months, often coinciding with April anniversary events and continuing through fall. Contact Danbury Museum and Historical Society for schedule.More info →

Apr

Reenactment

Battle of Ridgefield Reenactment and Living History

Battle of Ridgefield site / Keeler Tavern Museum, 152 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT

Annual reenactment and living history event at or near the Battle of Ridgefield site, commemorating the April 27, 1777 engagement in which Patriot forces under Generals Benedict Arnold, David Wooster, and Gold Selleck Silliman attempted to block the British retreat from Danbury. Features musket and cannon firing demonstrations, encampment displays, and historical interpretation of one of the few Revolutionary War battles fought in Connecticut.

Varies; some portions freeTypically held on a weekend near the April 27 anniversary. Contact the Keeler Tavern Museum or Ridgefield Historical Society to confirm dates and location.More info →