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Valley Forge, PA

Local Events

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

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Upcoming This Year

Dec

19

CeremonyFeatured

March-In Anniversary Commemoration

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Annual ceremony and living history program commemorating the Continental Army's arrival at Valley Forge on December 19, 1777. Park rangers and reenactors in period uniforms lead guided walks, musket demonstrations, and interpretive talks about the hardships soldiers faced during the encampment. Wreath-laying ceremonies honor the approximately 2,000 soldiers who perished during the winter.

FreeHeld on or near December 19; exact programming varies by year. Check NPS website for details.More info →

Jul

4

Festival

Independence Day at Valley Forge

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Annual Fourth of July observance featuring patriotic ceremonies, musket and cannon demonstrations, readings of the Declaration of Independence, ranger-led tours of the encampment grounds and soldier hut reconstructions, and family programming. The event connects the sacrifices made at Valley Forge to the broader cause of American independence celebrated on July 4th.

FreeHeld on or near July 4; programming may shift to the nearest weekend. Check NPS event listings.More info →

Jul

18

Reenactment

Art in the Park Outing - Valley Creek and Iron Bridge from Wilson Road Parking Lot

Meet in the Wilson Road parking lot.

<h2>Art in the Park Outing at Iron Bridge along Valley Creek</h2> <h3>Sunday, Jul 19, 2026 at 8am</h3> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Bring your camera, paints, or sketch pad to explore the Iron Bridge and Valley Creek with park rangers and the Art in the Park program. Discover new ways to see the landscape and express your creativity!</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">This program is free and open to all ages and abilities. Program is weather and staffing dependent.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>

FreeMore info →

Aug

14

Reenactment

Pop-Up Art Show at Muhlenberg's Brigade

The Pop-Up Art Show is located at Muhlenberg's Brigade (2220 N Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia). Artwork will be hung on the exterior and interior of the reconstructed log soldier huts.

<h2>Pop-Up Art Show at Valley Forge</h2> <h3 style="padding-left: 30px;">When: Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 11am to 3pm</h3> <h3 style="padding-left: 30px;">Where: Muhlenberg's Brigade</h3> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW101293604 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW101293604 BCX8">Join the Valley Forge Art in the Park program for a pop-up art show! Bring your original photographs, drawings, sketches, paintings, and prints of Valley Forge or Hopewell Furnace to Muhlenberg's Brigade to share your work, get inspired, and meet other artists, photographers, creators, and Valley Forge lovers!</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW101293604 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p> <h3>What art is accepted?</h3> <ul> <li data-leveltext="" data-font="S

FreeMore info →

Sep

4

Reenactment

Artillery Firing Demonstration

Artillery firing demonstrations take place at the firing range behind the reconstructed log soldier huts at Muhlenberg's Brigade.

<h2>Artillery Firing at Valley Forge</h2> <h3>When: Saturday, September 5, 2026</h3> <h3>Where: Muhlenberg's Brigade (tour stop #2)</h3> <p>Learn about the cannons and artillery used during the American Revolutionary War and watch park rangers in living history clothing demonstrate a cannon firing.</p> <p>Artillery firing demonstrations take place at the firing range located behind the log huts at Muhlenberg's Brigade. Programs begin at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3PM, and run for about 30 minutes.</p> <p>All demonstrations are weather and staff dependent.</p>

Free

Sep

5

Reenactment

Art in the Park Outing - Wayne's Woods Picnic Area

Meet in the Wayne’s Woods parking lot near the restrooms.

<h2>Art in the Park Outing at Wayne's Woods</h2> <h3>Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 8am</h3> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Bring your camera, paints, or sketch pad to explore the Wayne's Woods area with park rangers and the Art in the Park program. Discover new ways to see the landscape and express your creativity!</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">This program is free and open to all ages and abilities. Program is weather and staffing dependent.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>

FreeMore info →

Oct

2

Reenactment

Artillery Firing Demonstration

Artillery firing demonstrations take place at the firing range behind the reconstructed log soldier huts at Muhlenberg's Brigade.

<h2>Artillery Firing at Valley Forge</h2> <h3>When: Saturday, October 3, 2026</h3> <h3>Where: Muhlenberg's Brigade (tour stop #2)</h3> <p>Learn about the cannons and artillery used during the American Revolutionary War and watch park rangers in living history clothing demonstrate a cannon firing.</p> <p>Artillery firing demonstrations take place at the firing range located behind the log huts at Muhlenberg's Brigade. Programs begin at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, and run for about 30 minutes.</p> <p>All demonstrations are weather and staff dependent.</p>

FreeMore info →

Oct

30

Reenactment

Art in the Park Outing - Sunrise Over Meadows from Steuben Parking Lot

Meet in the General von Steuben Statue parking lot.

<h2>Art in the Park Outing for Sunrise Over the Grand Parade Meadow</h2> <h3>Sunday, October 31, 2026 at 7am</h3> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Bring your camera, paints, or sketch pad to explore the Grand Parade meadows at sunrise with park rangers and the Art in the Park program. Discover new ways to see the landscape and express your creativity!</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">This program is free and open to all ages and abilities. Program is weather and staffing dependent.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>

FreeMore info →

Nov

21

Reenactment

Art in the Park Outing - Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Meet in the parking lot outside the visitor center at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.

<h2>Art in the Park Outing at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site</h2> <h3>Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 9am</h3> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Bring your camera, paints, or sketch pad to explore Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site with park rangers and the Art in the Park program. Discover new ways to see the landscape and express your creativity!</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">This program is free and open to all ages and abilities. Program is weather and staffing dependent.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>

FreeMore info →

Dec

5

Reenactment

Art in the Park Outing - Artillery Park

Meet in the Artillery Park parking lot near the restrooms.

<h2>Art in the Park Outing at Artillery Park</h2> <h3>Sunday, December 6, 2026 at 8am</h3> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Bring your camera, paints, or sketch pad to explore Artillery Park with park rangers and the Art in the Park program. Discover new ways to see the landscape and express your creativity!</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">This program is free and open to all ages and abilities. Program is weather and staffing dependent.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>

FreeMore info →

Earlier This Year

Jan

1

Reenactment

Valley Forge Orientation Film Screening

Film is screened inside the Theater at Valley Forge, located near the visitor center building.

<p>The 19-minute park orientation film <em>Determined to Persevere: The Valley Forge Encampment</em> is shown daily on the hour and the half-hour in the Theater at Valley Forge. The first screening is at 9:30 AM and the final screening is at 4:30 PM.</p> <p>The movie, narrated by Laura Linney, tells the story of the winter 1777-1778 encampment of the Continental Army at Valley Forge, and was filmed on location in 2018 and 2019.</p> <p>If you are unable to attend a screening of the orientation film during a visit to the park, you can always watch it online!</p> <h4><a id="CP___PAGEID=3564668,videos.htm,29972|" href="https://www.nps.gov/vafo/learn/photosmultimedia/videos.htm">Watch the park orientation film online</a></h4>

FreeMore info →

Feb

Reenactment

Valley Forge Revolutionary War Reenactment and Living History Weekend

Valley Forge National Historical Park, Grand Parade Ground and Muhlenberg Brigade area

Large-scale living history encampment featuring hundreds of Continental Army and British reenactors demonstrating camp life, military drilling in the style of Baron von Steuben, musket and artillery firing, period cooking, and civilian trades. Visitors can tour reconstructed soldier huts and interact with costumed interpreters portraying historical figures from the 1777–1778 encampment.

FreeTypically held on a weekend in February or early spring to coincide with the encampment period. Contact Valley Forge National Historical Park to confirm dates.

Feb

Guided Tour

Washington's Birthday Celebration at Valley Forge

Washington's Headquarters (Isaac Potts House), Valley Forge National Historical Park

Special programs at Washington's Headquarters (the Isaac Potts House) honoring George Washington's leadership during the Valley Forge encampment. Events typically include ranger-guided tours of the headquarters, living history interpreters portraying Washington and his staff, readings from Washington's wartime correspondence, and family-friendly activities exploring 18th-century military leadership.

FreeHeld on Presidents' Day weekend, near Washington's February 22 birthday. Contact the park for specific programming.More info →

May

27

Reenactment

Bike Rental

Valley Forge National Historical Park

<h2>Rent a Bicycle</h2> <h4>Where: The Visitor Center at Valley Forge</h4> <h4>When: <strong>9am to 3pm Thursdays thru Mondays </strong>(closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) <strong>from</strong> <strong>May 28 to September 7</strong> </h4> <p>The Encampment Store offers seasonal bike rentals for those who want to explore Valley Forge on two wheels, weather permitting. Rental hours are<strong> 9am to 3pm</strong> for rentals, final returns accepted until <strong>5pm.</strong></p> <p>Bike rental includes a helmet and bike lock. Please note that bike rentals are weather dependent. Bike rentals must remain within park boundaries.</p> <p>For more information, please email <strong>info@encampmentstore.org</strong> or call the rental desk directly at <strong>(610) 551-7870 </strong>during rental busi

Rental Prices (Fees do not include sales tax): Adult Pedal Bikes: $20 for one hour / $35 for 2 hours / $45 for 3 hours / $55 all day Electric E-Bikes (must be 16 years of age to ride with guardian and 18 years of age to ride solo: $25 for one hour / $45 for 2 hours / $55 for 3 hours / $65 all day Child Bikes and Trailers: $10 for one hour / $15 for 2 hours / $20 for 3 hours / $30 all dayMore info →

Jun

7

Reenactment

Daily Trolley Tours

Trolley tours depart from the front of the visitor center, follow the encampment tour route and make extended stops at Muhlenberg's Brigade and the Washington's Headquarters area.

<p>Take a 90-minute guided tour of Valley Forge National Historical Park following the <a id="CP___PAGEID=4029987,encampmenttours.htm,26861|" href="../../vafo/planyourvisit/encampmenttours.htm">Encampment Tour route</a>. Trolley tours depart from the front of the visitor center and make extended stops at <a id="/places/muhlenbergs-brigade.htm|" href="https://www.nps.gov/places/muhlenbergs-brigade.htm">Muhlenberg's Brigade</a> and <a id="/vafo/learn/historyculture/washingtons_headquarters.htm|" href="https://www.nps.gov/vafo/learn/historyculture/washingtons_headquarters.htm">Washington's Headquarters</a>. Trolley Tours are ADA accessible and administered by <a id="https://encampmentstore.org/trolley-tours/|" href="https://encampmentstore.org/trolley-tours/" data-remote="/common/commonspot/c

Adults: $22, Students / Seniors (62+) / Military: $20, Children 11 & Under: $12More info →

Jun

19

Ceremony

March Out / Alliance Day Celebration

Valley Forge National Historical Park, Grand Parade Ground

Annual program celebrating the pivotal moment when news of the French Alliance reached Valley Forge in May 1778, and the subsequent June departure of a revitalized Continental Army. Programs include musket salutes, feux de joie firing demonstrations recreating the original celebration ordered by Washington, ranger-led talks on the diplomatic triumph, and interpretive programs about how Baron von Steuben's training transformed the army.

FreeHeld on or near June 19, the anniversary of the army's departure. Check NPS event calendar for exact date.More info →