As communities across the nation prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Plymouth will honor the occasion with a public ceremony connecting the nation’s founding ideals to the town’s place in American history.
A Plymouth Community Ceremony for America’s 250th will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, in Town Square, bringing together residents, students, local officials, historians, musicians, and reenactors for a community-wide observance of the anniversary.
At the heart of the ceremony will be a multi-voice public reading that spans three defining moments in Plymouth’s story. Participants representing residents of 1620, 1776, and 2026 will read foundational documents, culminating in a community reading of the Declaration of Independence. Costumed interpreters portraying both Pilgrim-era settlers and Revolutionary-era Plymouth patriots will help bring those periods to life.
For Patrick Browne, chairman of the Plymouth 250th Commemoration Committee and executive director of the Plymouth Antiquarian Society, the event will highlight a chapter of local history often overshadowed by Plymouth’s association with the Pilgrims.
“Plymouth has a unique place in the American story, beginning with the Mayflower Compact’s early expression of self-government,” Browne said. “This ceremony is important because it connects America’s 250th anniversary to the people of Plymouth who lived through the Revolution and helped sustain the cause of liberty in many different ways.”
He noted how Plymouth played a significant role in the years leading up to independence.
“Plymouth was on the leading edge of resistance in Massachusetts, from James and Mercy Otis Warren sharing Revolutionary ideas with influential figures, to the town’s early support for committees of correspondence and organized opposition to British rule,” Browne said.
“Plymouth’s Revolutionary history is vital, yet sometimes overlooked, and this ceremony is an important way to remember our town’s role and sacrifices.”
The program begins with the tolling of the town bell and a flag-raising ceremony conducted by the American Legion Honor Guard, followed by the National Anthem. Remarks will be made by Select Board Chair Deborah Iaquinto, and State Rep. Michelle Badger will present a state citation recognizing the anniversary.
The ceremony will then move through a series of readings tracing the evolution of self-government in Plymouth and the nation. Members of the Select Board will read the 1620 Mayflower Compact, followed by a presentation of the 1776 Plymouth Instructions associated with Gen. James Warren and Mercy Otis Warren. Community members will then read the Declaration of Independence, while Plymouth students present Reading of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The Pilgrim Festival Chorus will perform selections including “Chester,” the Revolutionary-era anthem composed by Boston composer William Billings and will lead the audience in singing “America the Beautiful.”
“Pilgrim Festival Chorus is honored and thrilled to be a part of Plymouth’s America 250 event,” said Artistic Director Elizabeth Chapman Reilly. “As Plymouth’s resident chorus since 1999, it is especially appropriate that we support this event.”
The ceremony is free and open to the public, offering residents and visitors a chance to reflect on the ideals of self-government, civic participation, and community responsibility that have shaped both Plymouth and the nation for 250 years. For parking and information go here.
Monday, June 22
At Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave., Disclosure Day imagines a world transformed by definitive proof humanity is not alone in the universe. Blending science fiction with philosophical questions about society, government, and human identity, the film explores how people might respond to one of history’s greatest mysteries: Are we alone? Starring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, and Eve Hewson, the film screens through June 25, at 4:30 and 7:05 p.m. For information and tickets: Plimoth Cinema.
Also at Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave., music and friendship collide in “Power Ballad,” screening through June 25. The film stars Paul Rudd as a wedding singer whose life changes after an encounter with a fading boy-band star played by Nick Jonas. Written and directed by John Carney (Sing Street, Once), the comedy-drama explores ambition, creativity, and the cost of recognition. Shows at 4:30 and 7 p.m. For tickets go here.
Tuesday, June 23
Historic fashion takes center stage at Hedge House Museum, 126 Water St., when the Plymouth Antiquarian Society presents “Dressed for Daily Life: What People Actually Wore,” a historic clothing parlor talk exploring the garments once worn for work and everyday and now among the rarest survivals in historic clothing collections. The talk takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. For information and tickets, go here.
Author Andrew Botieri will be at Book Love, 7 Village Green South, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss his new novel, “The Magical Espresso Machine,” a multigenerational love story spanning nearly seven decades, from World War I-era Italy to present-day Plymouth. Blending romance, Italian history, and magical realism, the book explores themes of enduring love and family connections across time. Registration is required. For details and tickets, go here.
Wednesday, June 24
Project Arts returns for the summer with its first free concert at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 16 Water St., on the waterfront, featuring Fat City Band with Irish Step Dancers opening, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Come early and have dinner from a food truck. For information and schedule go here. Free concerts will take place every Wednesday through August 26.
Thursday, June 25
The Plymouth Public Library Foundation’s Garden Tour and Fair begins with a free sustainability fair in the Dr. Richard M. Shiff Garden, 132 South St. from 10 a.m. to noon. Talk to a master gardener, have your soil tested and talk to sustainability partners including Wildlands Trust, Mass Audubon, and the Open Space Committee, as well as vendors selling garden-related items, raffles, and more. The self-guided garden tour will be at five Plymouth gardens from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets for the garden tour are $30 in advance or $40 on the day. The garden tour will feature a variety of unique local gardens, with a Plein Air artist at each site. For more information and tickets go here.
Plymouth Farmers Market at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. features fresh, local, seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods sourced locally for Plymouth residents and visitors. Every Thursday through October from 2:30 to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Storytime on the front lawn is at 4:30 p.m. For information go here.
Friday, June 26
Music history takes center stage at Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave., in “Peter Asher: Everywhere Man,” a new documentary chronicling the remarkable career of producer, performer, and manager Peter Asher. The film traces his journey from Swinging London and Beatlemania to the rise of the California singer-songwriter era, featuring connections with artists including Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, and Barbra Streisand. For tickets go here.
Fridays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North from 5 to 9 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music 6 to 9 p.m. with Josh Ayala. Information: The Pinehills Events Calendar.
Fridays on Shirley Square is back with live music at the See Plymouth tourism headquarters in downtown at the corner of Court and North streets. Fridays on Shirley Square will have live music on Fridays all summer long from 4 to 6 p.m., June through August, and ending with First Fridays in September and October. For information go here.
Blues fans can expect an evening of fiery guitar work and soulful vocals when Albert Cummings takes the stage at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 ½ Court St. Influenced by blues greats including Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, and Jimi Hendrix, Cummings built a devoted following with his blend of traditional blues, rock, and modern songwriting. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has shared stages with legends including Johnny Winter and Buddy Guy, earning a reputation as one of contemporary blues music’s most dynamic performers. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Information and tickets: Spire Center for Performing Arts.
Saturday June 27
The Plymouth Salvation Army, 52 Long Pond Rd. invites the community to satisfy their sweet tooth while supporting a good cause at its Pie Sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shoppers can choose from a variety of homemade savory and sweet pies, all baked with care by members of the Plymouth community. Proceeds support the Salvation Army local programs.
The Town of Plymouth will host residents and visitors in Town Square, 1 Town Sq., at 1 p.m. for a special community ceremony, Revolutionary Plymouth, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. For information see the lead story. Free and open to the public. For information go here.
Saturdays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North. Live music 3 to 6 pm. with Dan Byrnes. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks, artisan markets, lawn seating, and Book Love bookstore’s seasonal pop-up book and gift crate. For information go here.
At Book Love, 7 Village Green South, join author Samantha Keller signing copies of her novel “The Light Remains” on from 3 to 4 p.m. Set against the sweeping landscape of 1960s South Africa, the novel follows Eve Hunter as family tragedy uncovers long-buried secrets. The book explores grief, identity, and the difficult paths between duty and desire. For information, go here.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra performs at Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., at 7:30 p.m. to kick off summer with It’s Tropical Rock, a beach-party-inspired concert featuring the music of Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, The Beach Boys, Bobby McFerrin and more. Tickets and information are available through the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra.
Singer-songwriter Livingston Taylor brings more than five decades of music, storytelling, and stagecraft to town when he performs at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St. at 8 p.m. Best known for songs including “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running,” Taylor has built a career spanning folk, pop, jazz, and gospel while sharing stages with artists such as Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, and Jimmy Buffett. Taylor is celebrated for his warmth, humor, and engaging live performances. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the concert begins at 8 p.m. For tickets go to: Spire Center for Performing Arts.
Sunday June 28
Pilgrim Hall Museum is having a free public day to celebrate its completed restoration.
Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court St., will celebrate the completion of a major restoration project with a free public day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore the nation’s oldest continuously operating public museum while viewing restored galleries, upgraded historic spaces, and newly conserved artworks, including two monumental Pilgrim paintings. The event will also feature a special display of Revolutionary-era documents from the museum’s collection, including a letter signed by John Hancock to his wife, Dolly, during his service in the Continental Congress. Admission is free. For information go here.
Sundays at the Mayflower Beer Garden continues at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks, lawn seating, and Book Love bookstore’s seasonal pop-up book and gift crate. Book Love will host a Farmer’s Market from 9 to 12 p.m. every other week and Sunday Artisan Pop-up Shops at Village Green North. Live music 12 to 3 p.m. with Chris Ferrante. For more information go here.
Authors Stacey Lindsay and Judy Lannon will discuss their work and meet readers during a joint author signing at Book Love, 7 Village Green South, from 1 to 2 p.m. Stacey Lindsay, author of “Being 40: The Decade of Letting Go—and Embracing Who We Are,” is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared across national media. She has interviewed figures including Lisa Ling, Reese Witherspoon, and Jodi Picoult. Joining her is Lannon, a Cape Cod novelist whose acclaimed novels “Nine Days” and “The Making of Genevieve” have earned praise for their nuanced portrayals of women’s lives and resilience. To sign up go here.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra performs at Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., at 3 p.m. to kick off summer with It’s Tropical Rock, a beach-party-inspired concert featuring the music of Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, The Beach Boys, Bobby McFerrin and more. For more information see the lead story. Tickets and information are available through the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra.
Plymouth Pride returns to Nelson Memorial Park, 235 Water St., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free annual festival will feature more than 100 vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and a beer garden hosted by Untold Brewing. Families can also enjoy the park’s beach access, splash pad, and playground throughout the day.
The celebration continues with an official afterparty from 5 to 9 p.m. at Hotel 1620, 180 Water St., featuring a live DJ, dancing, and a cash bar for guests 21 and older. Organizers note that Nelson Park parking will be closed during the festival. For information or to donate, visit https://www.plymouthprideinc.com/.
Plymouth Tea Dance, billed as the South Shore’s first queer afternoon dance series, debuts at 36 Cordage Park Circle. Created by Kelly Bearer, also known as DJ Sosan, the event aims to create a welcoming gathering space for the local LGBTQ+ community through music, dancing, and connection. Bearer, who moved to Plymouth in 2025 after years DJing queer events in Colorado, plans to expand the concept into a rotating series of pop-up events throughout town. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Advance purchase is recommended. For information, visit www.plymouthteadance.com.
Tuesday, June 30
Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., will celebrate its supporters during Member Appreciation Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day honors museum members whose support helps sustain educational programs, collections, and living history experiences throughout the year. Activities include live music by local musician Abby Vail, lawn games, an ice cream social, Polaroid photo opportunities, and a museum-wide scavenger hunt. Members can enter a drawing to win a free year of membership. The event is free for current members; nonmembers are invited to join and enjoy a year of benefits. For information, visit www.plimoth.org.