Annual reenactments in the Mid-Atlantic

By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com

Just about everywhere you go in Virginia, you will find reminders of battles, mostly from the Civil War. Historical markers, battlefields, and commemorative events abound, and it’s no wonder: with more than 2,000 “military events” recorded in Virginia during the Civil War, the commonwealth, in all its regions, is rich in military history. Attending a reenactment is a great way to connect with history to better understand our past.

The markers, sites, and occasions you see throughout our area make Virginia a great place for history buffs and students who want to see up-close where soldiers of the past lived, trained, and fought. Museums and battlefields offer access and educational programs year-round, and at large reenactments and “living history” programs visitors can watch battles, tour military camps, and even try some hands-on activities. These programs include soldiers from various military regiments plus other costumed characters (families, farmers, and medical workers, for example) to demonstrate how life was long ago. Some events are free and others charge admission; due to the firings in battle (especially canons), battles can be loud.

Though most reenactments in Virginia are about the Civil War, history buffs also will find large events focused on other major battles from the Revolutionary War, World War II, and more. Below we have compiled a list of nearly 20 of the largest such events, which feature firing and drilling exercises, canons, and skirmishes; these are some of the reenactments you can attend in 2018. This list includes reenactments in Northern Virginia as well as other major events nearby (in areas between one and three hours away) that are good for a day trip. Have any to add to our list? Let us know!

2018 Reenactments and Major Living History Events

Revolutionary War
Sunday, February 18: Revolutionary War Reenactment
Fort Ward Park, Alexandria, Virginia
An official event of the City of Alexandria’s annual George Washington Birthday Celebration, this Revolutionary War Encampment brings together more than 250 troops from reenactment units along the Atlantic Coast that represent authentic regiments from the American and British sides. Each regiment gives camp and tactical demonstrations, participates in battle reenactments, and has a comprehensive educational program.

Civil War
Saturday, April 28, 2018: Fairfax Civil War Day
Historic Blenheim Estate, Fairfax, Virginia
An annual day of tours, exhibits, talks and presentations, wagon rides, games, living history presenters and displays, and more, presented by the City of Fairfax.

Revolutionary War
Saturday-Sunday, May 5-6, 2018: Revolutionary War Weekend at Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Mount Vernon, VA
This two-day event features one of the largest Revolutionary War reenactments each year! Guests will see more than 700 Continentals, Redcoats, Hessians, cannon, and cavalry in action on the estate. Other Revolutionary War themed activities including music, dancing, and demonstrations, take place over the weekend.

World War II
Saturday-Sunday, May 5-6, 2018:  WWII Weekend
Freedom’s Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (3 hours away)
Reenactment units set up camp for the weekend and engage in a mock battle on Saturday and Sunday, with the Keith House setting the scene as a small farm in occupied France in 1944. There also will be music (including an 18-piece swing band), an Abbott & Costello comedy show, a period display of military vehicles, and more.

Civil War
Saturday-Sunday, May 19-20, 2018: 154th Anniversary Battle of New Market Reenactment
Virginia Museum of the Civil War, New Market, Virginia (1.5 hours away)
The oldest continual reenactment in the nation, this event takes place on an original 1864 battlefield. Visitors will experience Civil War soldier life through demonstrations and living history presentations prior to and after the battle each day. Guests will see the sights and sounds of signal corps, artillery, cavalry, musket firing, camp life, medical corps, and more.

Civil War
TBA (usually in May):  Falls Church Civil War Day
Cherry Hill Farmhouse, Falls Church, Virginia
Learn how the Civil War affected Falls Church as re-enactors portray both civilians and soldiers from the period. Watch soldiers conduct firing and drilling exercises, listen to stories from General Robert E Lee and Ladies from the Sanitary Commission and period music, and enjoy activities for kids.

Civil War
TBA (usually in June):  Civil War Camp Day at Fort Ward
Fort Ward Park, Alexandria, Virginia
Union and Confederate reenactors interpret Civil War military activities in camp settings, present drills and firing demonstrations, and civilian impressions.

Civil War
TBA (usually in June):  Fairfax Station Civil War Events
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, Fairfax Station, Virginia
The museum presents two distinct events to teach guests about the Civil War era. On Saturday, Civil War reenactors will demonstrate what life was like for soldiers, with live firings, exhibits on camp life, and more activities throughout the day. On Sunday, members of a Victorian dance ensemble will perform ballroom dances and teach visitors commons steps from the Civil War period Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for kids, and free for children ages four and younger.

Civil War
Saturday, July 21, 2018: First Battle of Manassas Commemoration
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, Virginia
Join park staff to commemorate the 155th anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) with a variety of historian led walking tours and living history demonstrations.  All ranger-led walking tours will last 60-90 minutes. The park also hosts a commemoration of the Second Battle of Manassas in August and living history programs throughout the year.

Civil War
Thursday-Sunday, July 5-8, 2018:  Battle of Gettysburg
Near Eisenhower National Historic Site, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (1.5 hours away)
This annual commemoration of the Battle of Gettysburg is one of the largest reenactments in the country. Activities include fiery artillery demonstrations, daily battles, cavalry presentations, period worship services, dancing, and music.

World War II
TBA (usually in July):  World War II Weekend
Sully Historic Site, Chantilly, Virginia
Allied and Axis reenactors gather for a weekend of demonstrations in this living history event. Guests get an up-close look at what life was like for soldiers and civilians and talk to them about their jobs, living quarters, food and life in the 1940s.

Civil War
TBA (usually in July): Anniversary of the Battle of the Crater
Petersburg National Battlefield Park, Petersburg, Virginia (2 hours away)
Lasting nine and a half months and resulting in 70,000 casualties, the Siege of Petersburg represents the longest military event of the Civil War. The most famous battle of the Siege of Petersburg was the July 30, 1864, Battle of the Crater, which this event commemorates. Along with infantry and artillery drills, living historians and park rangers will present special programs.

Civil War
Friday-Sunday, August 24-26, 2018: Second Battle of Manassas Commemoration
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, Virginia
Join park staff to commemorate the 156th anniversary of the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) with a variety of historian led walking tours and living history demonstrations.  All ranger-led walking tours will last 60-90 minutes. The park also hosts a commemoration of the First Battle of Manassas in July and living history programs throughout the year.

French and Indian War
Saturday-Sunday, August 25-26, 2018: French & Indian War Muster
Fort Frederick State Park, Fort Frederick, Maryland (1.5 hours away)
French, British, and American Indian reenactors assemble at Fort for three days of 18th century living history demonstrations and battle reenactments. Period crafts and food vendors also will be available.

War of 1812
Saturday-Sunday, September 15-16, 2018: Defenders’ Day Weekend
Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland (1 hour away)
Fort McHenry hosts the annual Defenders’ Day Weekend with fife and drum performances, flag talks, living historians, children’s activities, author talks, special demonstrations and more. Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday commemorating the bombardment of Fort McHenry and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the war of 1812.

World War II
Saturday-Sunday, September 15-16, 2018: WWII Weekend at Eisenhower National Historic Site
Eisenhower National Historic Site, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
This huge World War II living history weekend features two days of authentic recreations of Allied and German army camps, complete with original World War II vehicles. Hundreds of reenactors will portray military personnel from the European Theater in 1944. There will be presentations on WWII medical services, weapons and equipment, communications, military vehicles, and the life of the common soldier.

Civil War
Saturday-Sunday, October 6-7, 2018: Fort Frederick in the Civil War
Fort Frederick State Park, Fort Frederick, Maryland (1.5 hours away)
To commemorate Fort Frederick’s role in the American Civil War, reenactors will assemble for a weekend of living history demonstrations and tactics demonstrations.

Civil War
TBA (usually in October): Battle of Bristoe Station Anniversary Weekend and Luminary
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, Bristow, Virginia
Join Battlefield Park staff for the anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station. Tour a Civil War encampment, watch artillery firing demonstrations, and tour the site of the third and final battle that took place in Prince William County. On Saturday evening, visit the battlefield for a rare treat to see over 2,000 luminary candles for every soldier who died at Bristoe Station.

Civil War
Friday-Sunday, October 20-21, 2018:  Reenactment of Battle of Bull Run-Manassas at Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek Battlefield, Middletown, Virginia (1 hour away)
In Commemoration of the 154th Anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Creek, originally fought on October 19, 1864, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation will host this historical event on the original fields in Middletown, Virginia.

Civil War
Saturday, November 17, 2018: Gettysburg Remembrance Parade
Gettysburg, Virginia (1.5 hours away)
Annual event held in conjunction with the Gettysburg Address anniversary. The event honors the soldiers and civilians of the American Civil War with a parade featuring living history groups.