Experience History: Bennington’s 2025 Battle Day Weekend

Bennington has been honoring the Battle of Bennington for nearly 250 years, making it one of the nation’s longest continuously celebrated Revolutionary War events. What started in 1778, just a year after the battle itself, has grown into a weekend full of parades, reenactments, music, food, and community spirit that locals and visitors look forward to all year.

The Battle for Bennington, as it’s sometimes called, wasn’t just a fight, it was a turning point. British forces targeted a Continental supply depot where the Bennington Battle Monument now stands, but Vermont militiamen and the Green Mountain Boys under Gen. John Stark and Col. Seth Warner repelled them on August 16, 1777, setting the stage for the British surrender at Saratoga.

The monument, standing 306 feet tall, remains Vermont’s tallest man-made structure and a striking reminder of the town’s pivotal place in history.

2025 Battle Day Weekend Schedule

Battle Day weekend in 2025 runs August 9 and August 14–17. Downtown Bennington and surrounding sites offer something for everyone, whether you’re here for history, family activities, or just to enjoy the energy of the community.

Downtown Bennington Highlights

• 8/9 – Basket Bingo – Elks Club, 5:30 PM doors. $15 entrance.
• 8/14 – Hemmings Cruise-In – 5–8 PM, Downtown Bennington.
• 8/14 – Partners Corn Hole Tournament – Kelli’s Tavern, 6 PM.
• 8/15 – Fireman’s Lunch – 11 AM–2 PM, 130 River Street.
• 8/15 – Chicken Barbecue – 4–6 PM, dine-in or take-out.
• 8/15 – Vegas Night – 6–9 PM.
• 8/16 – Kids Day – Vermont Veterans Home, 10 AM–1 PM.
• 8/16 – Food Truck Festival – 11 AM–7 PM, Downtown Bennington.
• 8/16 – USS Bennington Bell Ringing Ceremony – Noon–12:30 PM.
• 8/17 – Battle Day Parade – 12:30 PM step-off, line-up starts at 10 AM.

Bennington Battle Monument

• 8/16 – Annual 5K Race – 8:30 AM start, shirt pickup 7:30 AM.
• 8/16 & 8/17 – Encampments & Weapons Demonstrations – Experience cannons and muskets firsthand.
• 8/16 – Moodus Drum & Fife – Noon, free open-air concert on the Monument lawn.
• 8/16 – Seth Warner Historic Marker Unveiling – 4 PM.

Bennington Battlefield – Walloomsac, NY

• 8/16 – Guided Tours – On the hour, 10 AM–3 PM.
• 8/16 – Evening Commemoration Ceremony – 7 PM, with artillery salute and wreath-laying.