Carlisle, PA

Local Events

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

Upcoming This Year

Jul

Festival

Fourth of July Celebration in Carlisle

Downtown Carlisle (Courthouse Square area)

Carlisle's annual Independence Day celebration includes a patriotic parade through the historic downtown, live music, and community festivities. Given the town's deep Revolutionary War heritage — as home to Molly Pitcher, the site of Dickinson College (founded by Revolution-era figure John Dickinson), and a key Continental Army supply depot — the celebration often incorporates historical themes and readings of the Declaration of Independence.

FreeJuly 4th or the nearest weekend; contact the Borough of Carlisle for exact schedule.

Date

TBD

Lecture

Cumberland County Historical Society Colonial Heritage Programs

Cumberland County Historical Society, 21 North Pitt Street, Carlisle

The Cumberland County Historical Society offers periodic lectures, exhibitions, and heritage programs exploring Carlisle's pivotal role in the American Revolution, including topics such as the Carlisle rifle companies that marched to Boston in 1775, the Hessian prisoner-of-war camp, and the Sullivan-Clinton Expedition. Programs are held at the society's headquarters and museum in downtown Carlisle.

Varies; some programs free for membersPrograms held throughout the year; check the Cumberland County Historical Society calendar for specific dates.More info →

Earlier This Year

Jun

Guided TourFeatured

Carlisle Barracks History Walk and Living History Day

U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, Army Heritage Trail, Carlisle Barracks

The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) at Carlisle Barracks hosts living history programs along its outdoor Army Heritage Trail, featuring reenactors portraying soldiers from various eras including the American Revolution. Visitors can walk among reconstructed historical encampments and learn about Carlisle's role as a critical military supply depot during the Revolutionary War.

FreeLiving history events typically held in late spring/summer; check USAHEC website for exact dates each year.More info →

May

Reenactment

Army Heritage Days at USAHEC

U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, Carlisle Barracks

A major annual living history event at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center featuring hundreds of reenactors and military history enthusiasts portraying soldiers from the American Revolution through modern conflicts. Revolutionary War encampments with period weapons demonstrations, drill exhibitions, and interpretive displays highlight Carlisle Barracks' origins as one of the oldest military installations in the United States, dating to its role as a powder magazine and supply center during the Revolution.

FreeTypically held over a weekend in mid-to-late May; check USAHEC website for exact dates each year.More info →

Jun

Ceremony

Molly Pitcher Day / Mary Hays McCauley Commemoration

Old Public Graveyard (Molly Pitcher Grave), East South Street, Carlisle

An annual ceremony honoring Carlisle's most famous Revolutionary War figure, Mary Hays McCauley — known as 'Molly Pitcher' — who served at the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778. The event typically includes wreath-laying at her gravesite in the Old Public Graveyard on East South Street, readings about her life, and presentations by costumed interpreters. Carlisle is where she lived after the war and where she is buried.

FreeHeld on or near June 28, the anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth. Contact the Cumberland County Historical Society to confirm exact date each year.