May 16, 2026 – May 17, 2026

Event Schedule

Start Time: 10:00 AM

End Time: 3:00 PM

Occurrence: Once

5/16 • Fairhaven Village Militia encampment open to the public at 10:00 AM, featuring living history throughout the day. • Festival at Grimshaw Park 11:30 AM–6:30 PM. • Cannon firing planned for around sunset, around 7:00 PM. 5/17 • Fairhaven Village Militia encampment open from 9:30 AM–3:00 PM.

Location

Fort Pheonix

Green St, Fairhaven, MA 02719

Fairhaven, MA

The Fairhaven Village Militia Encampment will be held at the Town-owned lot at Fort Phoenix, at the end of Fort Street. Discover Fairhaven’s Saturday festival will take place at Grimshaw Park, behind the tennis courts on Green Street, with limited accessible parking available on Green Street.

Celebrate a pivotal moment in the American Revolution at Fairhaven’s waterfront! Experience a Revolutionary War encampment, food trucks, cannon fire, a 10-gun salute, and more as part of Massachusetts’ 250th Anniversary celebration. History comes alive—don’t miss it!

Join us for MA250: Harbor of Courage, commemorating the first naval engagement of the American Revolution and one of Massachusetts’ defining moments. Set on Fairhaven’s scenic waterfront, this event will bring history to life with:

  • A Revolutionary War encampment showcasing period life
  • Food trucks offering treats and bites for all ages
  • Cannon fire and a 10-gun salute, recreating the drama of the era
  • Hands-on history experiences, demonstrations, and more surprises

This special MA250 celebration honors the bravery, strategy, and spirit of those who shaped the nation. Families, history buffs, and waterfront enthusiasts alike are invited to witness, learn, and experience a day of American heritage like no other.

Co-hosted by the Fairhaven Village Militia and Discover Fairhaven with support from SRPEDD and BayCoast Bank — come see history in action at the very spot where courage met the sea!

Additional notes:
The Fairhaven Village Militia Encampment will take place on the Town-owned lot at Fort Phoenix, located at the end of Fort Street near the hurricane barrier entrance and historic cannons. Discover Fairhaven’s Saturday festival will take place nearby at Grimshaw Park, in the grassy area behind the tennis courts on Green Street. During the busy Saturday schedule, limited accessible parking will be available on Green Street—please check in with the on-duty police detail officer for assistance.

Exhibitions Food & Drink Kids & Family