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Princeton 1776 Fest

Saturday, October 3 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Rain date: Sunday, October 4

A community celebration 250 years in the making, Princeton 1776 Fest will invite you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the history and culture of colonial Princeton with activities for families and people of all ages.

2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To commemorate this significant milestone, we invite you to step back in time and join us for a day exploring life in Princeton 1776. 

A community celebration 250 years in the making, Princeton 1776 Fest will feature live music with the Ragtime Relics, activities with community partners, living history interpreters and craftspeople, special exhibitions, and food and drink from McCaffrey’s Food Market and Triumph Brewery Princeton. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of colonial Princeton with activities for families and people of all ages.

Important Notes:

Ticketing

If you register for the event online, please note we do not offer reimbursement. That includes if the event is moved to the weather date (October 4) and you're no longer able to attend.

Weather

If the event is moved to the weather date (October 4), a decision will be made by 12:00 PM on Friday, October 2. All pre-registrants will receive an email and this website will be updated accordingly.

Parking

Free parking is available at the Princeton Theological Seminary Library lot across Stockton Street from the museum, in the municipal lot next to Morven's property at One Monument Drive, and along Library Place and Boudinot Street (2 hour street parking) in the surrounding neighborhood. Morven's parking lot will be closed to the public for this event.

Seating for Attendees

This event will have very limited seating on our Front Lawn for attendees. We encourage you to bring chairs and/or a blanket if you plan to stay for the music and enjoy food and beverages on the lawn during the event.

Museum Access

Morven's historic historic house will be open with half-priced admission during the run of the event, 12:00 to 3:00 PM. You can purchase tickets in the Gift Shop. If you're planning to visit the museum the day of the event, you must purchase a ticket for the Festival first upon entering the property.

Princeton 1776 Fest is hosted by the Princeton Battlefield Society, Historical Society of Princeton, the Princeton Chapter of the DAR, and Morven Museum & Garden.