History Comes Alive in Ohio – Reenactments
Take time this year to experience history. This summer hundreds of reenactors will take over area fields and beaches to share our history’s most brutal battles. These reenactments offer visitors a glimpse of the battlefields and camps. Visitors will get to view battles, see demonstrations, and learn about history.
Listing by dates and locations.
FEBRUARY
Battle of Anzio
Geauga County NE OH
Dates: February 28, 2026
Time: 9am-5pm
Location: Century Village Museum
14653 East Park St., Burton, OH 44021
440.834.1492 | centuryvillagemuseum.org
APRIL
Fort Laurens Hosts WW1 Reenactors
Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Fort Laurens
11067 Fort Laurens Rd., Bolivar, OH
fortlaurensmuseum.org
The reenactors will make a small encampment on the site and guests can interact with the reenactors to learn more about the American army during this major world conflict.
Visitors can also enjoy presentations from the Bolivar Historical Society and the Maps Museum throughout the event. The museum and gift shop will also be open on this day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MAY
OHIO CIVIL WAR SHOW
Richland County NE OH
Dates: May 2-3, 2026
Times: Saturday 9am-5pm | Sunday 9am-3pm
Location: Richland County Fairgrounds
750 N Home Rd., Mansfield, OH 44906
Admission
ohiocivilwarshow.com
Century Village Civil War Encampment
Geauga County NE OH
Dates: May 23-24, 2026
Location: Century Village Museum
14653 E Park St., Burton, OH 44021
website
Revolution on the Tuscarawas
Tuscarawas County NE OH
Date: May 23-24, 2026
Time: Saturday 10am-5pm | Sunday 10am-4pm
Location: Fort Laurens, 11067 Fort Laurens Rd NW, Bolivar, OH 44612
330.874.2059 | fortlaurensmuseum.org
BOLIVAR, Ohio – May 1, 2026 – The site of Ohio’s only Revolutionary War-era fort, Fort Laurens, is hosting its annual Revolutionary War reenactment, Revolution on the Tuscarawas, on Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We’re excited to welcome visitors back and experience the story of Fort Laurens in such a dynamic way,” said Site Coordinator Tracy Britton. “This event offers something for all ages and is a wonderful opportunity to connect the community with Ohio’s Revolutionary War history.”
Revolution on the Tuscarawas is the area’s largest Revolutionary War reenactment, where visitors can watch a mock skirmish for American Independence with volunteer reenactors from the Brigade of the American Revolution.
Visitors can further learn about 18th-century American life from a variety of different demonstrations, including cooking, medicine and discussions with Colonial and British soldiers.
Food, vendors, musical entertainment, kids’ games and many other family-friendly activities will also be available.
Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under, with all the proceeds going towards the preservation and educational efforts of Fort Laurens. All event activities and access to the Fort Laurens Museum are included in the ticket price. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.
For more information, contact Fort Laurens at 330.874.2059 or visit the website at www.fortlaurensmuseum.org.
Grand Tactical 1812 Reenactment
Wood County NW OH
Date: May 23-24, 2026
Time: 9:30 am-5:00 pm
Location: Fort Meigs
29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551
website
JUNE
Ohio Valley Frontier Days
Jefferson County NE OH
Dates: June
Location: Historic Fort Steuben
120 South Third St., Steubenville, Ohio 43952
oldfortsteuben.net
Every year Historic Fort Steuben – a reconstructed 18th century fort built on its original site overlooking the Ohio River – opens its mighty wooden gates for two special days to reenactors, demonstrators, musicians, storytellers, artists, crafters, and visitors of all ages for its family-friendly Festival. Within the picket walls, the soldiers set up camp and demonstrate the loading and shooting of muskets as well as the daily life of the enlisted men who inhabited the Fort in 1787. Surveyors replicate their tools and techniques for surveying the Ohio frontier.
MILITARY HISTORY DAY
Date: June 20, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: 381 Main Street, Smithville, OH 44677
(330) 669-9308 | website
JULY
EARLY AMERICAN LIVE 1890 REENACTMENT
Ashtabula County NE OH
Dates: 2nd Saturday and Sunday in July
Time: Saturday 10AM-5PM | Sunday Noon – 5PM
Location: The Jefferson Depot Village, 147 East Jefferson Street, Jefferson, OH
website
1890 becomes “ALIVE” as you enter the gates into the historic 19th Century Jefferson Depot Village at 147 East Jefferson Street, Jefferson, Ohio. (Ashtabula County) Walk in your Ancestors Footsteps.
HISTORIC LYME VILLAGE CIVIL WAR WEEKEND
ERIE COUNTY (NW OH)
Dates: July 25-26, 2026
Location: 5001 State Route 4, Bellevue, OH 44811
419.483-4949 | lymevillage.org
Experience military life with Civil War soldiers. Walk through the camps and interact with soldiers from the North and South as they go about their daily activities. Observe cooking demonstrations, learn about what soldiers did in their spare time, including games and sports. Adults and children participate in Civil War drills with soldiers. Artillery and rifle firing demonstrations throughout the day.
SAR Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Date: July 31 & August 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 11067 Fort Laurens Rd NW
Bolivar, OH 44612
fortlaurensmuseum.org
The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) will perform a traditional D.C.-style Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We kindly ask attendees to keep quiet and avoid interruptions during the ceremony. This event is free to attend.
AUGUST
AMERICAN HERITAGE TIMELINE – America 250
Date: August 1 & 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 11067 Fort Laurens Rd NW
Bolivar, OH 44612
fortlaurensmuseum.org
Come meet American soldiers spanning across several pivotal wars, notable people from the Revolutionary War, and key signers of the Declaration of Independence at Fort Laurens, Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort. Additionally, enjoy a duel between General Lachlan McIntosh vs. Button Quinette.
Civil War Reenactment at Hale Farm & Village
Dates: August 8-9, 2026
Times: 10am-5pm
Location: Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd, Bath, OH
website
Experience the largest annual Civil War Reenactment in the state of Ohio. Relive one of the most significant events in our nation’s history through a reenacted battle, speeches by “President Lincoln,” cavalry mounted drills, artillery demonstrations, Camp Chase Fife and Drum Corps performances, and shopping on Sutler’s Row, alongside a thousand Civil War soldiers and civilians.
Pictured above: Union troops move into place to join the battle at Hale Farm & Village for 2018’s Civil War Reenactment August 11 & 12. Photo compliments of Nancy Balluck.
D-DAY Conneaut
Ashtabula County NE OH
Dates: August 13-15, 2026
Rain or shine.
Location: Conneaut, OH
For directions click here.
Once again D-Day Ohio, Inc. will invade the Lake Erie shores of Conneaut, Ohio, and stage the largest D-Day (1944) living history reenactment in the country. Featuring over reenactors from across the US and Canada, spectators will witness men, women, and their machines perform a living tribute to the veterans of WWII through dress, mock battles, and living history displays.
Since 1999, this annual recreation of the amphibious Allied landings upon the beaches of Normandy, France, has thrilled thousands of spectators. The event occurs within the beautifully kept grounds of Conneaut Township Park, Conneaut, Ohio, and assembles over 1,200 re-enactors from across the United States and Canada. Remarkably, the 250 yard long beach and sloping adjacent terrain closely resemble Omaha Beach in Normandy, France.
For visitor information visit
Ashtabula County Convention & Visitors Bureau
FORT JENNINGS FORT FEST
Putnam County NW OH
Dates: August 14-16, 2026
Location: 100 East 1st Street, Fort Jennings, Ohio 45844
website
Free family fun and entertainment.
“This three day event features exhibits from all over the United States including the Vietnam era helicopters of the Huey 369 Organization.”
The 60 years’ war for Ohio: American Revolution
Wood County NW OH
Date: August 22-23, 2026
Location: Fort Meigs
29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551
Admission: website
SEPTEMBER
Commemoration of the Battle of Lake Erie
OTTAWA COUNTY (NW OH)
Dates: September 11-13, 2026
Admission: Free
Location: Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial
Put-in-Bay, Ohio
millerferry.com
All events are free, open to the public, and held at Perry’s Victory and international Peace Memorial unless otherwise noted.
Historic encampment with hands-on learning stations, music and historic weapon firings will be set up on the lawn.
Miller Ferry can get you to the Island. For more information click here.
HISTORIC ZOAR VILLAGE CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT
Dates: TBA
Times: Sat 10am-5pm | Sun 10am-4pm
Location: Historic Zoar Village
historiczoarvillage.com
OCTOBER
Brigade Napoleon – European Reenactment
Date: October 10-11,2026
Time: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Fort Meigs
29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551
website
At this Napoleonic Era encampment, visitors can experience Napoleonic camp life, weaponry, history, and more. Take special guided tours to learn more about the conflict the engulfed the world prior to and during the War of 1812.
Pictured above: Fort Meigs Cannon credit to Fort Meigs Historic Site.
Photo credit to Elizabeth Raymond
NOVEMBER
ANNUAL MARCH-IN
Date: November 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: 11067 Fort Laurens Rd NW
Bolivar, OH 44612
fortlaurensmuseum.org
Come to Fort Laurens and celebrate the anniversary of the Continental Army’s arrival at the site of Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort.
Reenactors in period dress will march into the site of Fort Laurens just as the Continental forces did 250 years ago. Greet the soldiers as they march in, enjoy historically accurate demonstrations, and learn about 18th-century weaponry, tools, and living practices.
The Fort Laurens Museum and gift shop will be open and offering special sales from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum is $6 per person, with all the proceeds going towards the preservation and educational efforts of Fort Laurens.
For more information, contact Fort Laurens at 330-874-2059 or visit the website at www.fortlaurensmuseum.org.