America marked 250 years of independence in 2026, but here in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the story has never belonged to a single day.
Each November, Gettysburg returns to one of the defining moments in the American story: President Abraham Lincoln’s visit in 1863 and the words he delivered at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. In just 272 words, the Gettysburg Address looked back to the nation’s founding ideals while asking what they demanded of a country divided by Civil War.
This November, experience the commemorations, traditions, stories and community events that continue to make Gettysburg a place for remembrance, reflection and discovery.
On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln stood in Gettysburg to help dedicate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, a final resting place for Union soldiers killed in the Battle of Gettysburg.
His remarks lasted only minutes.
The ideas within them have endured for generations.
Lincoln connected the Civil War to the promise of equality expressed at the nation’s founding and described a “new birth of freedom.” He also spoke of the “unfinished work” left to the living—a phrase that continues to give the Gettysburg Address meaning far beyond the moment in which it was delivered.
More than 160 years later, November remains a significant time to visit Gettysburg. Annual traditions including Dedication Day and Remembrance Day bring people together to honor the past, while museums, historic sites, programs and community events offer opportunities to explore the people and stories that shaped the nation.
In America’s 250th year, that connection carries particular meaning. July celebrated the nation’s beginning. November brings us to Gettysburg, where generations later, Americans confronted what those founding ideals meant—and what remained unfinished.
Three signature experiences anchor this year’s November commemorations in Gettysburg. Discover a once-in-a-generation recreation of Lincoln’s 1863 visit alongside traditions that have brought visitors and the Gettysburg community together year after year.
Gettysburg’s November story extends beyond its signature commemorations. Throughout the month, museums, historic sites, cultural organizations and community partners offer living history, special programs, performances, talks, tours and gatherings that explore history, remembrance, freedom, sacrifice and the stories that continue to shape our understanding of the past.
Some stories are better experienced than explained.
Hear the Gettysburg Address. See the traditions that return each November. Meet the people who continue to preserve and share these stories. And discover why, more than 160 years after Lincoln arrived in Gettysburg, visitors continue to gather here.
November’s signature events will bring special programming (and changes) to downtown Gettysburg. Planning details for November's commemorative events are still being finalized. We'll continue updating this guide as official information becomes available. For event-specific schedules and announcements, use the official event links provided under 'At the Heart of November.'
There’s more to experience before and after the commemorations.
Turn your November visit into a Gettysburg getaway with historic attractions, museums, locally owned restaurants, shops, craft beverages, countryside experiences and places to stay throughout Gettysburg and Adams County.
There is always more to the story.
Go deeper into the people, places and moments connected to Abraham Lincoln, the Gettysburg Address, the Civil War and the community that has preserved these stories for generations. Whether you’re preparing for your first visit or returning to Gettysburg, these stories can help you understand more of what you’ll encounter while you’re here.
November marks one of the most significant moments in Gettysburg’s history. President Abraham Lincoln arrived in Gettysburg in November 1863 to participate in the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. On November 19, he delivered the Gettysburg Address, connecting the sacrifices of the Civil War to the nation’s founding ideals and what he called a “new birth of freedom.” Today, Gettysburg continues to commemorate that history through Dedication Day, Remembrance Day and other programs and traditions held throughout November.
Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish is a special America250 commemoration taking place November 18–19, 2026, in downtown Gettysburg. Organized by the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania and Gettysburg National Military Park, the event recreates elements of President Abraham Lincoln’s historic 1863 visit to Gettysburg. Programming includes the arrival of a steam train carrying a Lincoln actor and entourage on November 18, followed on November 19 by programming at Seminary Ridge and a procession from Lincoln Square to Gettysburg National Cemetery for Dedication Day.
Dedication Day is held annually on November 19 to commemorate the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery and President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863. In 2026, the Dedication Day ceremony is planned for noon to 2 p.m. at Gettysburg National Cemetery following the Lincoln at Gettysburg procession. Tickets are not required for the cemetery ceremony, although larger-than-normal crowds are expected and space and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
No. They are separate experiences connected by Gettysburg’s November history. Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish is a special 2026 America250 commemoration recreating elements of Lincoln’s 1863 visit. Dedication Day is the annual November 19 commemoration of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery dedication and Gettysburg Address. Remembrance Day is a separate annual tradition centered on Civil War remembrance. Together with other programs happening throughout the community, they make November one of Gettysburg’s most significant times for commemoration and reflection.
It depends on the event. Some Lincoln at Gettysburg activities require reservations even when admission is free, including the Square Dance and November 18 programming on Lincoln Square. The Live on Lincoln Square concert on November 20 requires a paid ticket. Tickets are not required for the Dedication Day ceremony at Gettysburg National Cemetery on November 19. For the latest reservation requirements and availability, visitors should check the official page for the individual event before arriving.
Yes, but visitors should expect significant changes to traffic and access. Restaurants, shops, cafés and attractions are expected to remain open during the commemorative week, although individual businesses may adjust their hours. Pedestrian access to downtown businesses will remain available even within the event area. Road closures, parking restrictions and large crowds will affect how visitors move through downtown, so planning ahead and allowing additional travel time is strongly recommended.
Visitors should plan to use satellite parking and shuttle transportation for the largest events rather than driving directly into downtown Gettysburg. The event organizers have identified satellite parking and shuttle service for November 18–20, including locations at HACC, Gettysburg Area High School, the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg and Wyndham Gettysburg. Parking in downtown Gettysburg will be limited, and access to the Racehorse Alley Parking Garage will be restricted during portions of the commemoration.
Yes. Temporary accessible parking is planned in downtown Gettysburg for vehicles displaying a valid state-issued disability parking placard or registration plate. The Borough of Gettysburg has identified temporary ADA parking areas on Chambersburg Street and York Street. Because event logistics may continue to change, visitors who need accessible parking or transportation should review the latest Know Before You Go information before their visit.
November weather in Gettysburg can vary considerably. Visitors should prepare for cool temperatures and the possibility of rain or even snow. Dressing in layers, wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing hats and gloves as needed are recommended. Visitors should also expect to do more walking than during a typical Gettysburg visit because of downtown road closures and limited parking.
The Juneteenth programs highlighted on this page are organized by the Gettysburg Juneteenth Committee in partnership with local community organizations and historic sites. Additional Juneteenth-related events may be hosted independently by community organizations throughout the Gettysburg area.
Event details and logistics are still being finalized, so visitors should check current information shortly before traveling. For schedules, reservations and details specific to Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish, visitors should also consult the official event website. The organizers’ current FAQ notes that additional transportation maps and livestream information are still forthcoming.
On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln came to Gettysburg to help dedicate a cemetery. He left behind 272 words that asked Americans to look beyond the battle that had been fought here and toward the work that remained. More than 160 years later, Gettysburg remains a place to explore that story, not because every question has been answered, but because history gives us a place to keep asking them. America's 250th year invited us to look back at where the nation began. Gettysburg reminds us that the story didn't end there.
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