Easton’s streets will come alive with the sights and sounds of 1776 on Saturday, July 12, as Heritage Day returns for a full day of music, history, crafts, and family-friendly fun. This festival marks the city’s special place in America’s story — one of only three sites where the Declaration of Independence was read publicly in July 1776.
Easton personal injury lawyers prepared this post to help you learn about the key events, hands-on activities, live music, parking, and why this day matters for our community.
Festival Details & Schedule
The excitement starts early — events run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. across Centre Square, North Third Street, and downtown Easton.
At noon, don’t miss the festival’s signature moment: the Declaration of Independence reenactment, echoing Easton’s original reading on July 8, 1776. This powerful ceremony connects modern residents to a pivotal point in American history.
Throughout the day, three music stages will keep Centre Square, Northampton Street, and South Third humming with performances, from classic Americana to blues. Families will find kid zones with crafts, face painting, and games, while artisan demos — blacksmithing, glass-blowing, colonial weaving — offer a look at centuries-old skills.
Historic Tours & Reenactors
Festivalgoers can explore Easton’s rich past through house tours, running noon to 5 p.m., at the Parker-Taylor House, Sigal Museum, Bachmann Publick House, and Mixsell-Illick House.
For those who want to dive deeper, local leaders like Representative Bob Freeman will guide walking tours at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., sharing stories of Easton’s role in early American history.
Church tours at Trinity Episcopal, First United Church of Christ, and St. John’s Lutheran (11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.) showcase stunning architecture and stained-glass artistry.
Throughout the festival, costumed reenactors bring history to life — from 18th-century militia and Grant-era soldiers to Lenape Nation storytellers. You’ll even hear period music on banjo and mandolin as canal-era guides share tales of the region’s waterways.
Artisan Demonstrations & Kids’ Fun
Heritage Day isn’t just for observing — it’s hands-on. Artisans will demonstrate blacksmithing, glass-blowing, flax-linen making, quill writing, spinning, and weaving with groups like the Second Saturday Spinners. Colonial limners will show how portrait artists worked in the 1700s.
For kids, interactive stations invite them to make clothespin dolls, decorate story-stones, and play traditional Lenape games like jackstraws or hoop-and-stick challenges. Levram the Great, a colonial-era magician, will perform tricks that wow young and old alike.
Animal lovers will enjoy the live animal area, where goats from Steinmetz Family Farm offer up-close farm fun.
Live Music & Performances
On the Heritage Stage in Centre Square and South Third, expect sets by the SwingTime Dolls, Antebellum Marine Band, Lenape Drum Circle, and Silas Powell, blending historic and contemporary sounds.
The Star-Spangled Stage on Northampton Street features artists like Bev Conklin & BC Combo and A Few Good Men, delivering energetic blues and rock.
Meanwhile, the Dance Stage will keep the afternoon lively with cultural performances: Middle Eastern, Salsa, Bollywood, and Irish dancers rotating sets to showcase Easton’s diverse community spirit.
For a quieter moment, catch canal-era songs and stories, where acoustic banjo, mandolin, and harmonica tunes transport listeners to 19th-century canal life.
Accessibility, Parking & Transit
Plan ahead: Fourth and Third Street garages offer $20 flat-rate parking. Due to downtown closures, street parking is very limited.
Cyclists and walkers can access the festival via the D&L Canal Trail (0.25 miles away) or the Karl Stirner Arts Trail (1.5 miles). Look for bike racks and a repair station near the Public Market.
Accessible restrooms are available at the Public Market, which also has water refill stations. The festival grounds are served by LANTA buses, and the compact downtown layout makes it easy to explore on foot.
Community & Economic Impact
Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP) organizes Heritage Day as part of its mission to energize the city through events, markets, and cultural programs. The festival draws thousands of visitors, giving a big boost to downtown shops, restaurants, and museums.
It’s a true community effort: volunteers from historical societies, arts organizations, and local businesses play hands-on roles making the day possible — from setting up stages to sharing stories of Easton’s past.
Why Heritage Day Matters
This festival turns downtown into a living classroom, giving everyone a chance to experience Easton’s unique place in American independence. It celebrates not only colonial settlers but also the region’s indigenous Lenape heritage, weaving multiple stories into one shared celebration.
With activities for every generation, Heritage Day brings families together, strengthens community bonds, and encourages pride in the city’s rich history. It’s also a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving Easton’s historic architecture and traditions for future generations.
Conclusion
Easton Heritage Day on July 12 promises a free, exciting day packed with reenactments, artisan demos, historic tours, live music, and fun for kids — perfect for families and history buffs alike.
Lehigh Valley Medical Malpractice Lawyers protects families from unseen risks, festival staff proactively ensure accessible, secure, and enriching experiences — so you can enjoy this priceless slice of American history with confidence.
Mark your calendar, plan your visit, and share your favorite Heritage Day photos and stories in the comments — we’d love to hear what makes this tradition special for you!