163rd Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg

Wednesday, July 1 – Friday, July 3, 2026

The 163rd Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg takes place Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 3, 2026, at Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, PA. Commemorating one of the most significant turning points in American history, this three-day observance features free family programs, battlefield walks, campfire presentations, and guided talks led by National Park Service Rangers and Licensed Battlefield Guides.

Visitors can explore the landscapes where the Battle of Gettysburg unfolded while gaining a deeper understanding of the soldiers, civilians, and events that shaped the nation during the American Civil War. Family programs offer hands-on activities designed for younger visitors, while in-depth battlefield walks examine key actions and locations from all three days of fighting. These guided experiences provide unique opportunities to connect with the history, terrain, and stories that continue to define Gettysburg.

Special anniversary programs take place throughout Gettysburg National Military Park, including historic farms, battlefield tour stops, Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Evening campfire programs at the Park Amphitheater in Pitzer Woods along West Confederate Avenue bring personal accounts of the battle to life through letters, diaries, and firsthand recollections from those who experienced Gettysburg in July 1863.

In addition to the anniversary schedule, Gettysburg National Military Park continues its regular Summer Ranger Program series throughout the season, providing even more opportunities to explore the battlefield and learn about the history of Gettysburg through guided interpretation and educational programs.

All anniversary programs are free and open to the public. Schedules remain subject to change, and weather-related modifications or cancellations may occur during periods of severe storms or extreme heat.

https://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/battle-anniversary.htm