Marblehead, MA

Local Events

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

Upcoming This Year

Dec

ReenactmentFeatured

Glover's Regiment Marblehead to Trenton March

Abbot Hall and historic Marblehead streets

Annual commemorative march organized by Glover's Marblehead Regiment living history group, honoring Colonel John Glover and the Marblehead mariners who rowed Washington's army across the Delaware River on December 25–26, 1776. Participants in Continental Army uniforms march through Marblehead's historic streets, often culminating at Abbot Hall, home of Archibald Willard's famous painting 'The Spirit of '76.'

FreeTypically held in mid-to-late December near the anniversary of the Delaware Crossing (Dec. 25–26). Contact Glover's Marblehead Regiment living history group to confirm exact date.

Apr

Ceremony

Patriots' Day Observance at Old Town House

Old Town House, Marblehead

Annual Patriots' Day observance in Marblehead commemorating the April 19, 1775 alarm that sent Marblehead's militia companies marching toward Lexington and Concord. The ceremony at the Old Town House — one of the oldest town halls in continuous use in the United States — features readings of historical accounts, musket salutes, and tributes to Marblehead's role in the opening days of the Revolution.

FreeObserved on or near Patriots' Day (third Monday in April). Contact Marblehead's Veterans/Memorial Day committee or historical society to confirm.

Jun

Guided Tour

Marblehead Museum – Revolutionary War Walking Tours

Marblehead Museum & Historical Society / Old Burial Hill / Jeremiah Lee Mansion

Seasonal guided walking tours offered by the Marblehead Museum exploring the town's pivotal role in the American Revolution. Tours visit Old Burial Hill (where Revolutionary War veterans are interred), the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, Fort Sewall, and other historic sites associated with Glover's Regiment and the maritime community that supported the Continental cause.

Varies; some tours are free, others require a small feeTours typically run from June through October on scheduled weekends. Check Marblehead Museum for current schedule.More info →

Jul

Festival

Marblehead Fourth of July Celebration and Horribles Parade

Fort Sewall, Old Town House, and various locations throughout Marblehead

Marblehead's longstanding Fourth of July celebration includes the famous 'Horribles Parade,' a tradition dating back to the 19th century in which participants don satirical and patriotic costumes. The festivities include readings of the Declaration of Independence at Old Town House, ceremonies at Fort Sewall overlooking the harbor, and community events that honor the town's deep Revolutionary War heritage.

FreeJuly 4th; some events may shift to adjacent days depending on the yearMore info →

Sep

Reenactment

Fort Sewall Heritage Day and Garrison Reenactment

Fort Sewall, Marblehead

Living history program held at Fort Sewall, the colonial-era coastal fortification that guarded Marblehead Harbor during the Revolution and later conflicts. Reenactors demonstrate 18th-century military life, artillery drills, and colonial camp activities at the fort, which played a role in harbor defense during the Revolutionary period.

FreeTypically held on a Saturday in September during Marblehead Festival of Arts or Heritage Days. Contact Marblehead Museum or Fort Sewall Oversight Committee to confirm dates.