This uniquely New England holiday, traditionally celebrated only in the states of Massachusetts and Maine, is always on the third Monday in April. Patriots' Day celebrates the beginning of the American Revolution with the first squabble that took place on April 19, 1775—famously known as the "shot heard 'round the world" in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Fights broke out in Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts that day between the local colonialists and British overseers, leading to the Revolutionary War.

Initially, Patriots' Day was celebrated each year on April 19: the anniversary of this pivotal event in American history. In 1969, however, the celebration of Patriots' Day was changed to the third Monday of April so it always creates a three-day weekend.

Patriots' Day Dates

Monday, April 20, 2020

Monday, April 19, 2021

Monday, April 18, 2022 (also Easter Monday)

Monday, April 17, 2023

Monday, April 15, 2024

Monday, April 21, 2025

How to Celebrate Patriots' Day in New England

There are several major events and many other activities that take place during Patriots' Day Weekend in Massachusetts and Maine, which was part of Massachusetts until it achieved independent statehood in 1820.