Princeton, NJ

Local Events

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

Upcoming This Year

Jul

Festival

Princeton Revolutionary War Discovery Day

Princeton Battlefield State Park, Princeton, NJ

A family-friendly living history and heritage event at Princeton Battlefield State Park featuring demonstrations of 18th-century military drills, colonial crafts, period cooking, and guided walks of the battlefield. Interpreters in period dress explain the events of January 3, 1777, and the broader Ten Crucial Days campaign. Activities often include hands-on experiences for children and talks by historians at the Thomas Clarke House.

FreeTypically held around Independence Day weekend or in the fall. Contact the Princeton Battlefield Society or NJ State Parks to confirm dates, as scheduling may vary.

Date

TBD

Lecture

Morven Museum Revolutionary Princeton Programs

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ

Morven Museum & Garden, a National Historic Landmark that served as the home of Richard Stockton (a signer of the Declaration of Independence) and was occupied by British troops during the Revolution, hosts seasonal educational programs, lectures, and special tours focused on Princeton's Revolutionary War history. Programs often explore the Stockton family's role, the British occupation of the house, and life in wartime Princeton.

Varies; museum admission typically $10 adultsVarious dates throughout the year, often in connection with Independence Day or the battle anniversary. Check Morven's event calendar for specific programming.More info →

Date

TBD

Guided Tour

Nassau Hall Revolutionary War Tours

Nassau Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Special guided tours of Nassau Hall on the Princeton University campus highlighting its dramatic role in the American Revolution, including the 1777 battle when American artillery bombarded British soldiers barricaded inside, and its service as the seat of the Continental Congress in 1783 when the Treaty of Paris ending the war was announced here. Tours explore battle damage, the Congress's residency, and the building's significance as a briefly serving national capital.

Free or by donationOffered periodically, especially during the Historical Society of Princeton's events and Princeton University reunions. Contact the Historical Society of Princeton to confirm dates and availability.

Earlier This Year

Jan

ReenactmentFeatured

Battle of Princeton Reenactment

Princeton Battlefield State Park, Princeton, NJ

Annual living history reenactment of the January 3, 1777 Battle of Princeton, featuring hundreds of costumed Continental and British soldiers recreating the pivotal clash on the historic battlefield. The event includes musket and artillery demonstrations, period camp life displays, and a dramatic portrayal of Washington rallying his troops. Held at Princeton Battlefield State Park near the Thomas Clarke House.

FreeTypically held on the first Saturday in January, closest to the January 3 anniversary; exact date varies by year. Organized by the Princeton Battlefield Society.More info →

Jan

Ceremony

Princeton Battlefield Society Annual Commemoration Ceremony

Princeton Battlefield State Park, Princeton, NJ

A solemn anniversary ceremony honoring those who fought and died at the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777, with particular tribute to General Hugh Mercer and other fallen soldiers. The event typically includes wreath-laying at the battlefield monument, musket salutes, remarks by historians and dignitaries, and a reading of historical accounts from the battle. Often held in conjunction with the reenactment weekend.

FreeHeld on or near January 3 each year; sometimes combined with the reenactment weekend. Contact the Princeton Battlefield Society to confirm.More info →