New Brunswick, NJ

Local Events

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

Upcoming This Year

Jul

Ceremony

Fourth of July Celebration and Revolutionary History Program

Boyd Park / Downtown New Brunswick, NJ

New Brunswick's annual Independence Day celebration includes patriotic ceremonies and historical programming that acknowledge the town's significant Revolutionary War history. Past events have featured readings of the Declaration of Independence, historical talks about Washington's encampments along the Raritan, and family activities in city parks near historic sites.

FreeJuly 4 or nearest weekend. Contact the City of New Brunswick or New Brunswick City Market for specific programming details.

Oct

Festival

Crossroads of the American Revolution Heritage Weekend

Various historic sites in New Brunswick, NJ

Part of New Jersey's broader Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area programming, this event highlights New Brunswick's pivotal role as a contested crossroads between New York and Philadelphia. Activities include walking tours of Revolutionary War sites such as the Henry Guest House site and First Reformed Church, living history interpreters, and lectures on Washington's retreat through New Brunswick and the subsequent British occupation.

FreeThe Crossroads of the American Revolution NHA sponsors events throughout the year across New Jersey; contact crossroadsoftheamericanrevolution.org or local partners to confirm New Brunswick-specific programming dates.More info →

Oct

Guided Tour

Rutgers Revolutionary War Walking Tour

Old Queens Campus, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

Guided walking tours organized through Rutgers University or local historical groups tracing the Revolutionary War history of the campus and surrounding New Brunswick. The tour covers the Old Queens Building, sites associated with Washington's headquarters and retreat, and the First Reformed Church, explaining how the college and town were caught up in the conflict. Often offered during Rutgers Homecoming weekend or Alumni Weekend.

FreeTypically offered during Rutgers Homecoming or special heritage weekends in fall. Contact Rutgers Special Collections or the New Brunswick Historical Club to confirm scheduling.

Earlier This Year

Jun

Guided TourFeatured

New Brunswick Heritage Day at Buccleuch Mansion

Buccleuch Mansion, Buccleuch Park, New Brunswick, NJ

Annual open house and heritage celebration at Buccleuch Mansion, a colonial-era home that served as quarters during the British occupation of New Brunswick. Features guided tours of the mansion, period demonstrations, and exhibits on New Brunswick's role during the Revolutionary War, including its time as a British supply depot and headquarters.

FreeBuccleuch Mansion hosts periodic open houses, often in late spring or summer. Contact the Jersey Blue Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution or the City of New Brunswick to confirm dates.

Feb

Lecture

Forage War Lecture Series at the Guest House Site

Henry Guest House site area / Middlesex County historic venues, New Brunswick, NJ

A lecture or living history program focusing on the 'Forage Wars' of early 1777, when American militia harassed British foraging parties throughout central New Jersey, including the New Brunswick area. Presented by local historians or the Crossroads of the American Revolution NHA, the program explores how irregular warfare around New Brunswick helped weaken the British grip on the region after their occupation of the town.

FreeThe Forage Wars took place in January–March 1777. Programs may be offered in winter months. Contact the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission or local historical societies to confirm dates and venue.