Valley Forge, PA

Local Events

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

Upcoming This Year

Dec

CeremonyFeatured

March-In Anniversary Commemoration

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Annual ceremony and living history program commemorating the Continental Army's arrival at Valley Forge on December 19, 1777. Park rangers and reenactors in period uniforms lead guided walks, musket demonstrations, and interpretive talks about the hardships soldiers faced during the encampment. Wreath-laying ceremonies honor the approximately 2,000 soldiers who perished during the winter.

FreeHeld on or near December 19; exact programming varies by year. Check NPS website for details.More info →

Jun

Ceremony

March Out / Alliance Day Celebration

Valley Forge National Historical Park, Grand Parade Ground

Annual program celebrating the pivotal moment when news of the French Alliance reached Valley Forge in May 1778, and the subsequent June departure of a revitalized Continental Army. Programs include musket salutes, feux de joie firing demonstrations recreating the original celebration ordered by Washington, ranger-led talks on the diplomatic triumph, and interpretive programs about how Baron von Steuben's training transformed the army.

FreeHeld on or near June 19, the anniversary of the army's departure. Check NPS event calendar for exact date.More info →

Jul

Festival

Independence Day at Valley Forge

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Annual Fourth of July observance featuring patriotic ceremonies, musket and cannon demonstrations, readings of the Declaration of Independence, ranger-led tours of the encampment grounds and soldier hut reconstructions, and family programming. The event connects the sacrifices made at Valley Forge to the broader cause of American independence celebrated on July 4th.

FreeHeld on or near July 4; programming may shift to the nearest weekend. Check NPS event listings.More info →

Earlier This Year

Feb

Reenactment

Valley Forge Revolutionary War Reenactment and Living History Weekend

Valley Forge National Historical Park, Grand Parade Ground and Muhlenberg Brigade area

Large-scale living history encampment featuring hundreds of Continental Army and British reenactors demonstrating camp life, military drilling in the style of Baron von Steuben, musket and artillery firing, period cooking, and civilian trades. Visitors can tour reconstructed soldier huts and interact with costumed interpreters portraying historical figures from the 1777–1778 encampment.

FreeTypically held on a weekend in February or early spring to coincide with the encampment period. Contact Valley Forge National Historical Park to confirm dates.

Feb

Guided Tour

Washington's Birthday Celebration at Valley Forge

Washington's Headquarters (Isaac Potts House), Valley Forge National Historical Park

Special programs at Washington's Headquarters (the Isaac Potts House) honoring George Washington's leadership during the Valley Forge encampment. Events typically include ranger-guided tours of the headquarters, living history interpreters portraying Washington and his staff, readings from Washington's wartime correspondence, and family-friendly activities exploring 18th-century military leadership.

FreeHeld on Presidents' Day weekend, near Washington's February 22 birthday. Contact the park for specific programming.More info →