Ninety Six, SC

Local Events

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

Upcoming This Year

Oct

Guided Tour

Autumn Candlelight Tour at Ninety Six National Historic Site

Ninety Six National Historic Site, Ninety Six, SC

A special evening guided tour of the Star Fort and historic grounds by candlelight. Park rangers and living history volunteers in period dress interpret the story of the backcountry during the Revolution, including life in the village of Cambridge, the divided loyalties of settlers, and the military engagements that shaped the site. The atmospheric nighttime setting provides a unique perspective on the earthworks and siege lines.

FreeTypically held on a Saturday evening in October; contact Ninety Six National Historic Site to confirm dates.

Nov

Ceremony

Battle of Ninety Six First Shot Commemoration

Ninety Six National Historic Site, Ninety Six, SC

A ceremony and interpretive program recognizing the November 19, 1775 Battle of Ninety Six, considered the first land battle of the American Revolution in the South. Rangers and guest historians discuss the skirmish between Patriot and Loyalist militia at the site of the old stockade and jail, highlighting the bitter civil war that engulfed the Carolina backcountry long before the major British campaigns of 1780–1781.

FreeHeld on or near November 19, the anniversary of the 1775 battle; contact Ninety Six National Historic Site to confirm.

Earlier This Year

Jun

ReenactmentFeatured

Siege of Ninety Six Anniversary Commemoration

Ninety Six National Historic Site, Ninety Six, SC

Annual living history program commemorating the 1781 Siege of Ninety Six, the longest field siege of the American Revolution. The event features ranger-led battlefield walks, weapons demonstrations, period encampments with Continental and British soldiers, and interpretive programs explaining Nathanael Greene's 28-day siege and the dramatic final American assault on Star Fort.

FreeTypically held in late May or early June near the anniversary of the June 18, 1781 final assault; contact Ninety Six National Historic Site for exact dates each year.More info →

Apr

Festival

Junior Ranger Day and Colonial Life Program

Ninety Six National Historic Site Visitor Center, Ninety Six, SC

A family-friendly educational event at the Ninety Six National Historic Site Visitor Center and surrounding grounds, designed for young visitors to learn about the American Revolution in the backcountry. Children participate in hands-on activities such as quill pen writing, leather working, military drilling, and earning Junior Ranger badges while learning about the diverse people — Patriots, Loyalists, enslaved people, and Cherokee — who shaped Ninety Six's history.

FreeOften held during National Park Week in April; contact Ninety Six National Historic Site Visitor Center to confirm dates.More info →

Aug

Reenactment

Ninety Six National Historic Site Anniversary and Living History Weekend

Ninety Six National Historic Site, Ninety Six, SC

A weekend of living history demonstrations and interpretive programs marking the establishment of the national historic site and honoring the significance of Ninety Six in the Southern Campaign. Activities include musket and artillery firing demonstrations, colonial camp life presentations, blacksmithing, period cooking, and guided walks along the siege lines and Star Fort earthworks.

FreeTypically a weekend in August near the August 19, 1976 park establishment anniversary; contact Ninety Six National Historic Site for exact dates.More info →