Explore the Sights, Sounds, and Tasks of Summer
Summer at Old Sturbridge Village means more sun, fun, and celebration of the season. A visit to the largest living history museum in New England is an ideal summer getaway for all ages. Whether you come to meet our farm animals, marvel at the skills of our artisans, stroll through the gardens, listen to historical music, learn about New England history, or any combination thereof, no two visits are alike.
Summer was a busy season for early 19th-century New Englanders. There were field crops to cultivate, gardens to tend and weed, hay to cut and bring into the barns, milk to turn into cheese, and freshly sheared wool to card, spin, and weave. Our costumed historians will be busy with these and many other tasks throughout the summer. Early New Englanders also found time for fun, though - and guests are invited to try their hands at historical games.
PLUS: Don't miss it – this summer only, experience our exciting new public art exhibit! Old Sturbridge Village welcomes the world-renowned CowParade! From June through September, life-sized cow sculptures will grace the historic grounds, each transformed into a unique piece of art by talented local artists.
Plan your visit and purchase tickets
During the summer OSV is open Wednesday - Sunday
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Upcoming Summer Events:
CowParade
NOW OPEN!
Included with standard daytime admission or membership
Visitors at Old Sturbridge Village love seeing our heritage breed cattle at the Freeman Farm, and this summer, visitors can also enjoy artistically decorated cow sculptures throughout our scenic, historical landscape! Cows featuring designs focused on life in New England, American 250, and more will go “on parade” at the Village this summer. Learn more and purchase tickets!
Independence Celebration
July 4th – 6th
Included with standard daytime admission or membership
Join us for three days of historical and celebratory fun in honor of Independence Day! Experience fife and drum music, cannon demonstrations, games, a parade, and more. Learn more and purchase tickets.
Churn Back Time: Dairy Discovery Days
July 19th -20th
Included with standard daytime admission or membership
Stroll among the vibrant CowParade art installations, then watch costumed interpreters hand-churn butter, craft cheese, tend to milk cows, and prepare traditional dairy products using historic tools and methods. Learn more and purchase tickets.
Shrub & Grub
July 19th
Pre-registration required.
Enjoy a delicious 4-course meal including a salad, appetizer, lunch entree, and dessert served with coordinating shrub drinks crafted by the owner of Wicked Bess, Will Caines! Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Learn more and sign up.
An 1830s Wedding
July 26th
Included with standard daytime admission or membership
Join us as we showcase what an 1830s rural New England wedding would have been like. Visitors can watch as the bride prepares for the occasion in the Salem Towne House, smell the sweet aroma of cake baking in the kitchen, and witness the simple, brief ceremony in the Towne Garden. Learn more and purchase tickets.
Redcoats & Rebels
August 2nd – 3rd
Pre-registration is highly recommended; tickets will go on sale soon! Also included with membership.
Immerse yourself in the history of the American Revolution with Redcoats & Rebels, featuring hundreds of costumed Revolutionary War reenactors portraying both soldiers and civilians. Visitors can not only explore our exhibits, and galleries, and talk with our costumed historians about everyday life in early New England, but also witness recreated skirmishes and battles, and hear fife and drum music. Learn more.
Traditions in Trades: Artisan Showcase
August 16th
Pre-registration is highly recommended; tickets will go on sale soon! Also included with membership.
This exciting new event aims to celebrate the craftsmanship of today’s artisans alongside our costumed historians, who will be demonstrating the trades and arts of early 1800s New England. We are curating a select group of regional artisans whose craftsmanship is of the highest caliber and whose work embodies the spirit and tradition similar to our own work here. Learn more.
Seasonal Highlights
August 30th
Included with standard daytime admission or membership
To supplement the meager armed forces, most early 19th-century farmers and craftsmen were required by law to serve in local militia units – the forerunner of today’s National Guard. Militia musters often saw the various militia companies of several towns coming together for a regimental muster. These would have been grand spectacles with townspeople coming out to view visiting militia companies in their dashing uniforms. Come and join us for our muster day and cheer on your favorite militia company! Learn more.
Seasonal Highlights
Included with standard daytime admission or membership
Every day at the Village is an opportunity to see, learn, and discover something new! During the summer months, see the farmers bringing in one of the most important crops of the season: hay. Catch a demonstration of our water-powered Sawmill, Gristmill, and Carding Mill (demonstrations vary by day and are weather-dependent). Stop by the Scoop Shop for a sweet treat. Check the daily schedule for the latest happenings at the Village.
Shop New England-Made
Take home traditional rural New England treasures like Village-made redware, OSV-exclusive spice mixes, books, toys, home decor, and more! Shop in-store at the Ox & Yoke Mercantile and the Miner Grant Store, or the Old Sturbridge Village online store.
