CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - History will come alive at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation this weekend as more than 1,000 reenactors gather to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Westchester County will host Rev Fest 250 on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Cross River park. The free, family-friendly festival will feature Revolutionary War battle reenactments, military demonstrations, historical performances, live music and interactive activities.
The centerpiece of the two-day celebration will be a large-scale reenactment of the Battle of White Plains, which took place Oct. 28, 1776, between Gen. George Washington's Continental Army and British and Hessian forces.
More than 1,000 volunteer reenactors representing 75 historical military units are expected to participate in the battle demonstrations, which will conclude each day's festivities.
“We’re proud to welcome visitors and residents to experience the living legacy of Westchester’s pivotal role in America’s founding,” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said. “REV FEST 250 is an immersive large-scale festival that’s great fun for the whole family, connecting our County’s roots to the modern day, showcasing how Westchester is a place where history lives on.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore Continental and British Army encampments, meet reenactors portraying soldiers and civilians, and witness military drills, musket and artillery firing, cavalry demonstrations and traditional artisan trades.
More than two miles of immersive exhibits and activities will stretch across Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, offering a glimpse into everyday life during the Revolutionary War.
The festival will also feature an extensive lineup of live entertainment, including performances by West Point's Benny Havens Band, the Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensemble and New Rochelle's Charles W. Dickerson Drum, Fife and Bugle Corps.
Other attractions will include a "Hamilton" sing-along and storytelling performances highlighting Westchester's Revolutionary War history.
Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk will share tales of the region's Revolutionary past, while theatrical presentations will explore the infamous conspiracy involving Benedict Arnold and British Maj. John André.
Another performance, "A Revolution of Her Own! Deborah Sampson," will tell the story of the woman who disguised herself as a man to serve in the Continental Army and later received an honorable discharge.
The event is being organized in partnership with Revolutionary Westchester 250 and the Brigade of the American Revolution, organizations dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Revolutionary era.
“REV FEST 250 is a unique opportunity to bring the history of the American Revolution to life in Westchester—engaging people of all ages and interests through immersive experiences, dynamic storytelling, and a deeper appreciation of our nation’s roots,” said Constance Kehoe, president of Revolutionary Westchester 250.
Food trucks will be available throughout the weekend, and visitors are encouraged to bring picnic blankets. Leashed dogs are also permitted.
Although admission is free, parking will not be available at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation during the festival.
Instead, attendees can park at three designated locations: Bedford Hills Train Station, Lot 4, on Railroad Avenue; John Jay Homestead at 400 Jay St. in Katonah; and Katonah Train Station, Lot 3, at 50 Woods Bridge Road.
Free shuttle buses will transport visitors to and from the festival, beginning at 9 a.m. each day. Accessible shuttle service will be available from John Jay Homestead.
Visitors can also take Metro-North Railroad's Harlem Line to the Katonah or Bedford Hills stations and board a free shuttle to the park.
The final shuttle buses to the train stations will depart at 4:50 p.m., while the last buses to the off-site parking areas will leave at 5 p.m.
For additional information, including the full entertainment schedule and transportation details, visit visitwestchesterny.com/250/revfest-2026.
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