Voices of a Revolution

Visitors will step into a rural Massachusetts community and meet six Revolutionary-era residents—a printer, housemaid, lawyer, shopkeeper, tavern keeper, and farmer’s wife—each navigating the growing conflict in their own way. To make the experience even more immersive, guests will have an opportunity to learn about a specific person and build their own character, allowing them to move through the Village as active participants in the unfolding story and decide whether it is in their best interest to fight for independence or remain loyal to The British Crown. Voices of a Revolution is produced in partnership with ClockJack Productions.&nbsp;

Old Sturbridge Village

Songs of Liberty

This 25-minute live performance explores how music carried revolutionary ideas through taverns, homes, and meetinghouses across New England—often faster and with greater impact than the written word. A cast of musicians, joined by a Massachusetts Minuteman storyteller, will perform songs from the Revolutionary era with a contemporary folk-rock twist, highlighting enduring themes of liberty, resistance, and unity. The Songs of Liberty is produced in partnership with ClockJack Productions.

Independence Celebration

Join us in celebration of Independence Day! Experience fife and drum music, cannon demonstrations (weather permitting), performances, and a parade. Make a tri-corner hat, hear special readings of poetry and the Declaration of Independence, play games, marvel at the work of our skilled artisans and tradespeople, and more! Also, be sure to visit the Richardson House, where our costumed historians are reproducing a unique thirteen-star flag based on a c. 1820 artifact in the OSV Museum Collection. Check back closer to the event for a schedule of activities. During Independence Celebration, the Village will host a Citizen Naturalization Ceremony. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will present candidates to the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and they will pledge their Oath of Allegiance to the United States for the very first time.

Redcoats and Rebels

Step back in time as hundreds of reenactors portraying soldiers, artisans, and civilian camp followers recreate the sights, sounds, and stories of the American Revolution. Watch thrilling drills, musket and cannon demonstrations, and battles, chat with artisan craftspeople, tour the military encampments, listen to fife and drum music, and chat with both reenactors and Old Sturbridge Village's costumed historians. Don't miss this immersive, two-day event, perfect for families, history buffs, and curious minds of all ages.

Summer, Sounds & Sparks

This August for one night only, join us for a dazzling display of colorful fireworks during Summer, Sounds &amp; Sparks, an all-new evening event in celebration of America's 250th Birthday. Guests can enjoy the sounds of fife and drum music, performances by the Village's own singers, cannon and musket demonstrations, and stay for a grand fireworks finale, honoring the spirit of independence and the shared history that united Americans 250 years ago. A variety of food will be available for guests to purchase while you watch the show! Menus will be available soon.

Kids Free April 

Time Travel Savings: Kids Free Admission! Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of early spring as you explore the rich history of 19th-century New England. Explore the Village and enjoy the unique blend of hands-on learning, participatory demonstrations, and engaging conversation. Chat with our costumed historians, step inside historic homes and shops, meet our heritage breed animals, and so much more. From Wednesday, April 1, through Thursday, April 30, 2026, enjoy FREE admission* for up to two kids (ages 17 and under) with the purchase of an adult or senior general daytime admission ticket using code KID26 at checkout. Reserve your tickets online and save even more! Members can also bring up to two kids not already covered by their membership. Inspire Your Child’s Curiosity Wander through the recreated historical Village and chat with knowledgeable costumed historians who bring the past to life. Get out of the house and see our gardeners’ preparing fields and gardens for planting, meet the new lambs, and see sparks fly in the blacksmith shop. Every corner holds a new adventure, and no two visits to OSV are alike. Enjoy Outdoor Family Fun Create lasting memories together with friends and family. Wander our trails, see the buds on the trees and flowers blossom, make a craft together, and enjoy quality time surrounded by the wonders of history. Join us during Connecticut and Massachusetts school vacation weeks for Family Field Days. Engage the Senses From the smell of food cooking over the open hearth to watching traditional crafts such as pottery, and enjoying a tasty Joe Frogger or famous chocolate chip cookie, we make history an interactive and engaging experience. Step into the Stories of the Past This year, as part of the commemoration of America 250 at the Village, every day has special thematic demonstrations and performances focused on the first fifty years following the American Revolution. Daily schedules are posted on our website a few days in advance.

Family Field Days

Kick off April school vacation with a round of friendly family competition! For ten days this April, families of all ages, shapes, and sizes are welcome to join in a slate of 19th-century-inspired games, competitions, and feats of skill. Grab a scorecard and chart your progress as you see how far you can hit an 1830s baseball, how long you can balance on a set of stilts, and how many targets you can hit. Throughout the day, guests will be welcome to try out additional drop-in games and activities. Village staff will be in on the fun, too, as costumed historians participate in craft and trade-related competitions. As always, guests can also chat with our costumed historians, marvel at historical craft demonstrations, visit with our heritage breed animals, walk our nature trails, explore our gardens, and more! PLUS: This April, kids received FREE admission with the purchase of an adult general admission ticket using code KID26. Up to two kids, 17 years old or younger, are admitted for free per adult paying for full-price general daytime admission. Please note: Some activities may be weather-dependent. Schedules are subject to change without notice. Games &amp; Activities: Competitions ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Graces Toss ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Target Shoot with Rubber Band Rifles ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Egg and Spoon Race ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stilts Walk ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Milk Bucket Carry ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trundling Hoop Race ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jump Rope Challenge ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trap, Bat, and Ball – Baseball Drop-in Activities ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nature Scavenger Hunt ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Paradoxes and Puzzles, puns and riddles ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tug of War ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stories ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Marbles ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quoits ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9-pin

Celtic Celebration

Join us as we celebrate cultural heritage through music, dance, storytelling, and poetry during Celtic Celebration. Visitors to the Village will learn about Scottish and Irish heritage, and the ways it shaped 19th century New England. During this event, guests will have the opportunity to hear fiddle tunes, bagpipes, and music by Celtic musicians. Returning this year, Cate Mahoney and Shelley Otis will be performing on the harp. As you explore the historic Village, discover a variety of demonstrations and unique activities to participate in; play a game of Rounders, an Irish game similar to baseball, or see a character presentation about an immigrant’s experience in early 19th century Ireland and America. New this year, the Village is welcoming a team of guest Highland Cattle for visitors to meet and learn about this iconic cattle breed. Highlights include:<ul><li>Enjoy fiddle tunes, a demonstration of the bagpipes, and music by Celtic musicians.</li><li>Hear Irish poetry and stories</li><li>Learn about the Montgomery Guards, the first volunteer militia company in Massachusetts composed entirely of men of Irish decent</li><li>Watch a step dancing performance by the Inishfree Dance School</li><li>Listen to a performance on the harp by Cate Mahoney (Saturday) or Shelley Otis (Sunday)</li><li>See a Magic Show with Celtic Magician Daniel GreenWolf (Sunday)</li><li>Learn about the history of the Jack O' Lantern Tale</li><li>And more!</li></ul>

Maple Days

For many at Old Sturbridge Village, the first whiff of spring isn't the aroma of spring flowers - it's the smell of wood smoke and maple syrup, a sure sign that the sap is rising and spring is on the way. Join us for “Maple Days” on select dates in February and March, when the Village’s working sugar camp demonstrates maple sugaring as it was done in early 19th-century New England. See the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the trees to "sugaring off," and learn why maple sugar was more commonly used than maple syrup in early New England. Costumed historians will also cook period foods made with maple products and the tinner and cooper will make maple-related items.

Love History! Buy One, Get One Half Off General Daytime Admission

History is Better Together! Buy One, Get One Half Off General Daytime Admission Use Code LOVEHISTORY Fall in love with history this February at Old Sturbridge Village. During February school vacation week (Feb 14–22, 2026), buy one general daytime admission and get the second half off with code LOVEHISTORY. Bring someone you love and make it a day to remember. Explore 200+ scenic acres, step inside 40+ historic buildings, and meet costumed historians bringing early 19th‑century New England to life. Say hello to heritage breed farm animals, enjoy winter village views, and take a horse‑drawn carryall ride (weather permitting). See demonstrations of historical crafts like blacksmithing and pottery, smell the aroma of food cooking over the hearth, and catch a music or storytelling performance. PLUS, don’t miss:<ul><li><a href="https://www.osv.org/event/maple-days/">Maple Days</a> (starting Feb 18): Discover maple sugaring from sap to sugar</li><li><a href="https://www.osv.org/event/washington-remembered/ ">Washington Remembered</a> (Feb 21–22): Celebrate Washington’s birthday</li></ul>Old Sturbridge Village is the perfect place to love history together! Don’t miss out on this limited time offer and plan your February Vacation Week visit today.

Washington Remembered: Founding Father, Forever

Celebrate George Washington’s birthday and learn about how people in the early 19th century celebrated their favorite founding father and general. Learn to dance at a period ball and raise a glass in toast to Washington! Take a look at George Washington’s tour of New England in 1789 and learn about many of the ways that he became an American icon. Guests can interact with costumed historians as they explore the historic Village and learn about the daily lives of people in early New England. Highlights Include<ul><li>Participate in celebrations for General Washington’s Birthday</li><li>Learn to Dance at a Period Ball</li><li>Learn about how people celebrated their favorite founding father</li><li>Toasting Washington: Raise a glass to the memory of America’s first hero</li><li>Washington Slept Here; A look at George Washington’s 1789 tour of New England</li><li>Washington in Songs and Stories: Hear some of the many ways George Washington became an American Icon</li></ul>

Knox Train of Artillery

Visit Old Sturbridge Village this January for a unique event to start off America's 250th celebrations. In partnership with Fort Ticonderoga, this event commemorates the Knox Train as it moved through central Massachusetts. Follow Colonel Henry Knox’s journey from New York to Boston to deliver more than 50 cannons in the winter of 1776 and see reenactment group Knox’s Artillery as they interpret the history behind moving cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Dorchester Heights. Explore the historic Village and interact with costumed historians as they demonstrate the facets of daily life after the Revolution, hear stories from reenacted patriots who marched on the Trail, see cannon demonstrations, and learn about the impacts the Revolution had on people in the 1830s. More Highlights Include: ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;See Knox’s Artillery reenactment group interpret the history of moving guns from Fort Ticonderoga to Dorchester Heights. ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meet a team of guest oxen and learn about how they helped in the transport of artillery during Knox's journey. ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Watch cannon demonstrations and see 7 cannon brought by the staff of Fort Ticonderoga. ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Learn about American artillery of the Revolution compared to the Massachusetts Artillery of the 1830s. ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;See our cabinetmakers building a log sled based on one in our collection. ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Learn about using draft animals and their importance to early 19th-century farmers, featuring our ox teams. ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;See our blacksmiths forging wheels to be used to transport the cannons. ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hear stories from a recreated patriot who marched on the Knox Trail from Pittsfield to Cambridge in 1976.

Christmas by Candlelight

Come experience the history of Christmas festivities at Old Sturbridge Village. Relish old traditions and create new ones as you watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, stroll through the decorated Village and Christmas Tree Trail, listen to stories and live music, sample sweet treats, and more. We hope your family will join us, as we celebrate a very special time of year. Sparkling Sights &amp; Festive Decorations Come see the Village decorated for the season! Glowing lanterns and twinkling string lights will guide you as you stroll through dozens of historical buildings, along the Christmas Tree Trail, and across the Wish Bridge. Every night there will be a lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Plus, take a ride on the horse-drawn carryall while singing the songs of the season! Cozy Christmas Traditions Discover the origins and evolution of traditions like nutcrackers, Christmas stockings, Christmas gifts, toys, and more. Sample sweet treats like mulled cider and gingerbread.&nbsp;See a spectacular miniature nativity featuring 600+ pieces. Explore the history of other winter holidays as well! PLUS: One of the traditions of Christmas by Candlelight is exploring Christmas traditions from a different culture each year in one of our historical buildings, this year we will highlight some French-Canadian traditions! Merry Music Hear the sounds of familiar seasonal songs and sing along! Village favorites such as “Up on the Housetop” and others were written in New England in the 1800s. PLUS, embark on a musical journey through the 19th century with Upon a Midnight Clear – An Acoustic New England Christmas presented by ClockJack Productions! Santa, Storytelling, and More Meet Old Saint Nicholas and Mrs. Claus in their charming cabin. A great photo opportunity! Hear the tiny whistle of tiny trains and watch a full display of model trains. Children of all ages can also enjoy classic holiday stories. Shop for Unique Gifts From Village-made pottery and tin, to candy, spices, and ornaments, bring home a memory from your visit. Plan to check off your shopping list, as there are many stocking stuffers and unique items to discover. Ox &amp; Yoke Mercantile, located right outside the Visitor Center, opens at 1:00 p.m.! Or shop online today for delivery in time for the holidays. Creative Crafts See our tinner at work, visit with the printer, watch the potter spin clay, see stockings being knit, and the cabinet makers crafting wooden toys. Plus, there will be free craft kits for you to take home!

Come experience the history of Christmas festivities at Old Sturbridge Village. Relish old traditions and create new ones as you watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, stroll through the decorated Village and Christmas Tree Trail, listen to stories and live music, sample sweet treats, and more. We hope your family will join us, as we celebrate a very special time of year. Sparkling Sights &amp; Festive Decorations Come see the Village decorated for the season! Glowing lanterns and twinkling string lights will guide you as you stroll through dozens of historical buildings, along the Christmas Tree Trail, and across the Wish Bridge. Every night there will be a lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Plus, take a ride on the horse-drawn carryall while singing the songs of the season! Cozy Christmas Traditions Discover the origins and evolution of traditions like nutcrackers, Christmas stockings, Christmas gifts, toys, and more. Sample sweet treats like mulled cider and gingerbread. See a spectacular miniature nativity featuring 600+ pieces. Explore the history of other winter holidays as well! PLUS: One of the traditions of Christmas by Candlelight is exploring Christmas traditions from a different culture each year in one of our historical buildings, this year we will highlight some French-Canadian traditions! Merry Music Hear the sounds of familiar seasonal songs and sing along! Village favorites such as “Up on the Housetop” and others were written in New England in the 1800s. PLUS, embark on a musical journey through the 19th century with Upon a Midnight Clear – An Acoustic New England Christmas presented by ClockJack Productions! Santa, Storytelling, and More Meet Old Saint Nicholas and Mrs. Claus in their charming cabin. A great photo opportunity! Hear the tiny whistle of tiny trains and watch a full display of model trains. Children of all ages can also enjoy classic holiday stories. Shop for Unique Gifts From Village-made pottery and tin, to candy, spices, and ornaments, bring home a memory from your visit. Plan to check off your shopping list, as there are many stocking stuffers and unique items to discover. Ox &amp; Yoke Mercantile, located right outside the Visitor Center, opens at 1:00 p.m.! Or shop online today for delivery in time for the holidays. Creative Crafts See our tinner at work, visit with the printer, watch the potter spin clay, see stockings being knit, and the cabinet makers crafting wooden toys. Plus, there will be free craft kits for you to take home!

Phantoms by Firelight

The Cyrkus Vampyr is Leaving Town “It's eerie. It's different. It's fun for the whole family.” - New England’s Best Halloween Attraction as voted by readers of Providence Journal As nightfall cloaks the Village in darkness, the line between past and present fades, and history’s shadows come alive. Wander fire-lit paths and step inside historic buildings, gather by the crackling bonfire for eerie tales, and revel in the dazzling spectacle of fire dancers, soaring acrobats, and haunting melodies. Step into a world of flickering lanterns, whispered secrets, and the magic of Halloween like you’ve never experienced before. Be amazed by the talents of Cyrkus Vampyr, featuring performances by acclaimed artists. The night sky ignites with dazzling fire dancing, acrobatics, juggling, hand balancing, and more. Stay until the final hour—you won’t want to miss the grand finale that will leave you talking about it long after the night is over. PLUS, new this year, enjoy the musical stylings of popular local band Fox and the Dragon! Witness our cabinetmaker as he assembles a final resting place—more than just a bed, it’s a coffin crafted with care for those whose time has come. Inside the blacksmith’s shop, sparks fly as they forge tools as grim as they are necessary. Experience the somber and chilling atmosphere of an 1830s wake. Be mesmerized by the intricate weave of human hair as strands are crafted into flowers in memory of the dearly departed. Plus, discover the unusual remedies used to balance the body’s humors and cure disease before delving into the origins of Jack-o-Lanterns and Halloween traditions. Set out on a hunt across the Village with Clues and Candy! Unravel riddles and collect stamps at multiple locations to piece together a ghostly image. Finish the card and be rewarded with a treasure trove of sweet treats. It’s Halloween fun for souls young and old! Celebrate the grand finale season of Phantoms by Firelight featuring Cyrkus Vampyr this year with thrills, chills, and delights for all ages. This is your last chance to experience the event that will haunt your memories long after the last ember fades.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

World Cup Watch Parties 🎉⚽️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

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Trending 📈

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Where

oldsturbridgevillage

Experiences

Voices of a Revolution

Songs of Liberty

Independence Celebration

Redcoats and Rebels

Summer, Sounds & Sparks

Kids Free April

Family Field Days

Celtic Celebration

Maple Days

Love History! Buy One, Get One Half Off General Daytime Admission

Washington Remembered: Founding Father, Forever

Knox Train of Artillery

Christmas by Candlelight

Christmas by Candlelight

Phantoms by Firelight