Revolutionary War Re-Enactment July 4 At East Jersey Old Town Village In Piscataway

Meet historical re-enactors of George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette; see a demonstration of Colonial-era cannons and muskets.

By Carly Baldwin, Patch Staff

Jun 16, 2026 12:00 pm EDT | Updated Jun 17, 2026 11:25 am EDT

PISCATAWAY, NJ — In celebration of the 250^th anniversary of America’s independence, Middlesex County will host "Independence Day on the Raritan" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4 at East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway.

East Jersey Old Town Village is a collection of 16 historic buildings from the U.S. Revolutionary War. The day is a free, family-friendly event.

Learn the rich history of the founding of the United States of America, including patriotic arts and crafts, live music, history interpreters, food vendors and more. Kids can meet historical re-enactors of George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette.

The day ends at 4 p.m. with a grand finale demonstration of Colonial-era muskets and canons.

East Jersey Old Town Village is located at 1050 River Road in Piscataway, NJ 08854.

Schedule of the day:

8:30 a.m. Revolutionary Celebration 5K run – George Washington will meet participants at the finish line.
9:30 a.m. 5K awards ceremony – Come cheer on participants and celebrate the winners in front of the barracks.

Music:

Pack a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a day of patriotic melodies at the Front Lawn.

10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., New Jersey Fifes and Drums – playing 18th century music.
10:30 a.m., 19th Century Patriotic Music – Experience the evolving sounds of American pride.
2 p.m., Mark Heter and His Band – Toe tappin’ lively performance of classic patriotic favorites.

Theater on the center stage:

10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Liberty Madness – Catch this live performance by Thinkery & Verse inside the historic Indian Queen Tavern. Seating is limited; reserve a ticket here.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. “Tall Tales of Young George Washington” and “A Pearl for Martha” – Join Robert Mouland at the Smallytown Schoolhouse for his original stories told through his dancing marionettes, fiddle, flute and flageolet.

Meet historical re-enactors from the Revolutionary War:

Step inside the Three Mile Run Church to hear the “Music of the American Revolution” and meet the legendary figures who shaped the nation:

10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Meet the Marquis de Lafayette – Learn from the brave Frenchman about how he became an American hero.
Noon and 3 p.m. Meet George Washington – Listen to the Commander-in-Chief's perspective on the fight for independence.

4 p.m. Historical Weapons Demonstration – Head to the Village Green to see (and hear!) the power behind the American Revolution with a live demonstration of period-accurate weapons.

The American Revolution unfolded across the towns, villages and countryside that is modern-day Middlesex County. Come learn about the political upheaval, divided loyalties and the long process of rebuilding that ultimately led to the birth of a new nation on July 4, 1776.

Check out Middlesex County's newest exhibit "Caught in the Crossfire: Divided Loyalties in Middlesex County." 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at The Cornelius Low House, featuring never-before-seen artifacts from the American Revolution. Take the free shuttle there from the village.

The county will provide a free shuttle between East Jersey Old Town Village, the Cornelius Low House and the Metlar-Bodine House Museum that day.

Learn more at middlesexcountynj.gov/250