The US reenactment season runs year round, with the main events concentrated in spring, summer and autumn. Here is a working guide.
Quick answer. The US reenactment calendar includes major annual events: Revolutionary War at Yorktown (October) and Trenton (December); Civil War at Gettysburg (July), Antietam (September), Chancellorsville (May), Shiloh (April); French and Indian War at Fort Niagara (July); and Napoleonic at smaller sites. World War II events run through the year. Colonial Williamsburg maintains year round programs. The scale of American reenactment, especially Civil War, dwarfs the European equivalent.
Spring (April to May)
The season opens with Shiloh (April, Tennessee) and Chancellorsville (May, Virginia) Civil War commemorations. Fort Ticonderoga opens for the season in May with French and Indian War living history. Colonial Williamsburg runs year round but adds special events for spring. Revolutionary War tactical events begin across New England and the mid Atlantic. The weather is pleasant and crowds are small compared to summer.
Summer (June to August)
The great summer event is Gettysburg (early July), the single largest Civil War reenactment in the US. Thousands of reenactors converge on Pennsylvania for the three day battle anniversary (1 to 3 July). Fort Niagara (New York) runs major French and Indian War events in July. Fort Ticonderoga hosts major events through summer. In August, various state fairs and historical societies run Civil War events. The weather is hot and often humid; reenactors experience the physical reality of 19th century campaigning.
Autumn (September to November)
Antietam (September, Maryland) is the second largest Civil War reenactment. Yorktown (October, Virginia) commemorates the Revolutionary War victory with Continental Army and British units. Various fall harvest festivals run living history across the Northeast. World War I and II events pick up as the weather cools. The autumn colour makes for excellent photography and the events are well attended.
Winter (December to March)
The winter is quieter but not empty. Trenton (26 December) commemorates Washington's crossing of the Delaware with the famous Christmas night attack reenactment. Various indoor events (balls, dinners, museum lectures) run through the winter. Colonial Williamsburg continues living history year round. The Civil War community holds various smaller events in the Southern states where winter is mild. Serious reenactors use the winter for kit maintenance and training.
Civil War specific events
Civil War reenactment is the largest hobby in US living history. Major anniversary events include: Shiloh (April), Chancellorsville (May), Vicksburg (July), Gettysburg (July), Franklin (November), Chickamauga (September), Antietam (September), Fredericksburg (December). The three year sesquicentennial (2011 to 2015) brought the largest events in modern history. Current events typically draw hundreds to thousands of reenactors depending on the specific anniversary.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia runs the single most comprehensive living history program in the US year round. Dozens of trade shops, military demonstrations, political debates and household scenes are performed daily by professional interpreters in authentic 18th century dress. Williamsburg is more museum than reenactment, but it is the gold standard for 18th century American living history and worth a dedicated visit for anyone interested in the period.
Common questions
What is the biggest US reenactment event?
Gettysburg, early July. Thousands of reenactors across Union and Confederate impressions over three days.
Are events open to the public?
Yes. Most charge modest entry fees (typically 10 to 25 dollars). Colonial Williamsburg charges more as a full museum.
Can I attend as a reenactor without joining first?
No. Most events require pre registration through a group. Attend as a visitor first and join a group to participate.
What is the Trenton Reenactment?
A reenactment of Washington's Christmas night crossing of the Delaware and attack on Trenton (26 December 1776). Held each year at Washington Crossing State Park.
Where do I find event listings?
The National Reenactor Database, era specific society websites and the National Park Service for events at Civil War parks.