For more than a century, one of Plymouth’s most moving traditions has quietly unfolded four Friday evenings at 6 p.m. starting Aug. 7, not with fireworks or fanfare, but with the steady beat of a drum and the measured footsteps of 51 people retracing a journey made more than 400 years ago.
The Pilgrim Progress, first established by the Town of Plymouth in 1921 as part of the Tercentenary celebration of the Pilgrims’ landing, returns once again to bring the town’s earliest history to life. The annual procession is more than a historical reenactment—it’s a living remembrance connecting generations of residents and visitors to Plymouth’s colonial past for more than 100 years.
“This tradition is especially meaningful this year as our nation celebrates its 250th birthday,” said Cheryl Doherty, director of Pilgrim Progress. “The faith and courage of the Pilgrims brought them to Plymouth, and the Mayflower Compact they signed before coming ashore became the first document establishing self-government in the New World. The Pilgrim Progress remains important because it connects us to the ideals of faith and self-governance that helped shape our nation’s beginnings.”
The event is based on an actual eyewitness account recorded in 1627 by Isaack de Rasières, secretary of the Dutch colony of New Netherland. During his visit to Plymouth Colony, de Rasières described the colonists gathering on the Sabbath and walking together from the settlement to worship.
While the reenactment portrays the 51 survivors of the Pilgrims’ first devastating winter of 1620-21—when half of the original settlers perished—the worship service itself reflects what de Rasières witnessed six years later. Although the colonists in 1621 were focused on survival, they faithfully observed the Sabbath under even the most difficult circumstances. The Pilgrim Progress blends those two moments in history, allowing today’s audiences to see the survivors while reenacting a documented event from 1627.
Each participant represents one of those 51 survivors. Volunteers come not only from Plymouth but from across the United States—and even overseas—with many returning year after year to portray the same historical figure. Together, they transform familiar streets into a scene that echoes the colony’s earliest days – a sight all should see which coincides with First Fridays.
The procession begins at the Mayflower Society House, where a lone drummer will lead the costumed participants through Plymouth’s historic district. From there, the group will pass Plymouth Rock before walking up Leyden Street—the site of the colony’s first homes—and continue to the summit of Burial Hill, where the original First Fort and Meetinghouse once stood.
There, participants and spectators will gather for a brief worship service inspired by those held by the Pilgrims. Psalms will be sung from Henry Ainsworth’s translation of the Book of Psalms, the same version used by the Separatists in Holland and later in Plymouth. Historical passages, often drawn from Gov. William Bradford’s writings and other colonial sources, will be read in the role of Elder William Brewster.
Pilgrim Progress reenactments are at 6 p.m. on the four Fridays in August. Anyone interested in participating as a costumed Pilgrim should contact the organization at pilgrimprogress1620@gmail.com. Sponsored in part by Plymouth Rock Foundation, General Society of Mayflower Descendants, and the Town of Plymouth Promotions Fund, the tradition continues to preserve one of Plymouth’s most enduring links to its earliest history. For more information go here.
Monday, July 27
The Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., will host “Ecological Gardening, Native Plants & Rain Harvesting” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Ecological landscape designer Marie Chieppo, co-author of “Guidelines for Cape-Friendly Landscapes” and co-owner of CFS Regenerative Design Studios, will discuss creating landscapes that support pollinators, restore ecosystems and conserve water through native plants and rain harvesting. For information, go here.
Historian Christopher Daley will present the virtual lecture “Taxation, Tyranny and Treason – The Road to the Declaration of Independence” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hosted by the Plymouth Public Library and presented via Zoom, the program traces the turbulent decade that transformed colonial protest into revolution, from the Sugar and Stamp acts to the Boston Massacre, Lexington and Concord, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Registration is required. To register go here.
The Plimoth Cinema, located at 137 Warren Ave., continues its run of The Odyssey through Thursday, July 30. Christopher Nolan’s sweeping adaptation of Homer’s epic follows Odysseus on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, bringing one of history’s greatest adventure stories to the big screen with an all-star cast that includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway and Zendaya. Showtimes are 4 and 7:15 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit Plimoth Cinema.
The Plimoth Cinema also continues showing The Invite through July 30. Directed by Olivia Wilde, the acclaimed dark comedy stars Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Olivia Wilde as a seemingly ordinary dinner party between neighbors spirals into an evening of unexpected twists, sharp humor and emotional revelations. Showtimes are 4:30 and 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit Plimoth Cinema.
Tuesday, July 28
New York Times bestselling author Dr. Marisa Franco will present the virtual program “The Power of Connection: Creating Lasting Friendships in an Increasingly Lonely World” from 2 to 3 p.m. Hosted by the Plymouth Public Library and held online, the discussion explores the science of friendship, attachment styles and building meaningful connections, based on Franco’s acclaimed book “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make – and Keep – Friends.” Registration required. To register, go here.
Project Arts Plymouth concludes its 30th annual Summer Concert Series at 6:30 p.m.with Total Strangers with Kim and Rachel Moberg opening at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 79 Water St. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and patronize the food trucks for the free concert overlooking Plymouth Harbor. For more information, go here.
The Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., continues its Rev250 Movie Series with a free screening of “The Patriot” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fehlow Meeting Room. Part of the library’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Revolutionary War drama stars Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger and follows a peaceful farmer who is drawn into the fight for independence after tragedy strikes his family. The film is rated R, and registration is not required. For more information, go here.
The Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., continues its summer exhibitions through Sunday, Aug. 9, including Ebb & Flow, exploring the movement and beauty of water through a variety of artistic media, and Celebrating New England, presented by the New England Watercolor Society. Registration for summer art classes is ongoing. The galleries are open throughout the week with free admission. For gallery hours and information, go here.
Celebrate the full moon with an evening of movement and nature during Full Moon Yoga & Hike from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wildlands Trust’s Davis-Douglas Farm, 675 Long Pond Road. Yoga instructor Grace Junek will lead a one-hour outdoor yoga session at sunset before participants set out on a guided two-mile night hike by headlamp through the Emery Preserve to the preserve’s majestic beech tree. The hike traverses steep, rocky terrain and is intended for experienced hikers ages 18 and older. Advance registration is required by July 28. For details go here.
Pilates for a Purpose combines fitness, shopping, and philanthropy on at 4 p.m. at Studio Uplift, 3 Village Green North. Presented by the Wildlife Restoration Foundation, the event features a Pilates class followed by a “stretch, sip, and shop” pop-up market showcasing local vendors, with proceeds supporting ocean conservation efforts. Participants are invited to enjoy an afternoon of movement, community, and shopping for a good cause. For more information, go here.
Friday, July 31
Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., invites visitors to step into a 17th-century colonial wedding during “The Wedding of Mary Warren and Robert Bartlett,” held Fridays through Sundays, from July 31 to August 16.Guests can help prepare for the celebration by decorating, cooking, setting tables and making flower crowns, learn traditional dances, and join other hands-on activities throughout the day. At 4 p.m., the wedding ceremony takes place on the Village Green in the museum’s 17th-Century English Village, followed by colonial music, dancing and games. All wedding festivities are included with museum admission. For more information, go here. Plymouth residents pay just $5 per person for entrance to the museum with proof of residency, or an annual family membership can be purchased starting at $60.
Two Dads who are stand-up comedians and lifelong friends – Jim Colliton and John Turco — come together for a hilarious night of comedy – Dad Bods Comedy Tour at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St. One married one divorced Jim and John share their stories of getting a lousy father’s day gift or paying the crazy high cost of college. These two comedians have been sharing the stage for the past 25 years and come together for an unforgettable night of comedy. They are two funny Dads, but no sit-ups were done for this show, the bodies you see on the poster will not be showing up. Show begins at 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. For information go here.
Fridays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North continues weekly, from 6 to 9 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music by Chris Ferrante. For information go here.
Saturday, August 1
Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., continues to invite visitors to step into a 17th-century colonial wedding during “The Wedding of Mary Warren and Robert Bartlett,” held Friday through Sunday. Guests can help prepare for the celebration by decorating, cooking, setting tables and making flower crowns, learn traditional dances, and join other hands-on activities throughout the day. At 4 p.m., the wedding ceremony takes place on the Village Green in the museum’s 17th-Century English Village, followed by colonial music, dancing and games. All wedding festivities are included with museum admission. For information go here.
Saturdays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North continues weekly, from 2 to 8 p.m. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music by Crit Harman from 3 to 6 p.m. For information go here.
Singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff will perform at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St. at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). Widely regarded as one of the premier songwriters of her generation, Bonoff penned hits recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt and Wynonna Judd, while earning acclaim for her own enduring solo career. For tickets and information, go here.
Sunday, August 2
The Alden House Historic Site, 105 Alden St., Duxbury, will celebrate the grand opening of the J. Alden & Virginia E. Keyser Center for Living History on Sunday, Aug. 2, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eight years in the making, the new interpretive center explores the story of John and Priscilla Alden and the Mayflower families who established Duxbury. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, hands-on learning spaces, and guided tours that illuminate the next chapter of Plymouth Colony’s history. Opening-day festivities include demonstrations by the New Plimmoth Gard, an appearance by Priscilla Alden, and the debut of the Center’s permanent exhibits. Admission is free. For more information, go here.
Anguillan singer-songwriter and guitarist Omari Banks brings his Caribbean-inspired blend of reggae, rock, soul, blues and jazz to the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St., at 3 p.m. (doors open at 2 p.m.). Part of the Spire’s Sunday Serenades series, Banks is known for energetic performances, soulful vocals and masterful guitar playing. For tickets and information, go here.
Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., continues to invite visitors to step into a 17th-century colonial wedding during “The Wedding of Mary Warren and Robert Bartlett,” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests help prepare for the celebration by decorating, cooking, setting tables and making flower crowns, learn traditional dances, and join other hands-on activities throughout the day. At 4 p.m., the wedding ceremony takes place on the Village Green in the museum’s 17th-Century English Village, followed by colonial music, dancing and games. All wedding festivities are included with museum admission. For information, go here.
Sundays at The Mayflower Beer Garden at The Pinehills Village Green, 3 Village Green North takes place from noon to 6 p.m. Pop up Artisan Market also runs from noon to 6 p.m. and Book Love Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m. to noon. The outdoor gathering space features Mayflower Brewing Company craft beer, food trucks and more. Live music with Dan Felix from noon to 3 p.m. For information go here.
ThreeV Sand Bar, 198 Loring Blvd., will host Shop N’ Sip from noon to 5 p.m., featuring a curated outdoor market of local artisans, makers and specialty vendors overlooking the waterfront. Visitors can browse handmade goods and unique gifts while enjoying food, drinks and ocean views. Live music follows from 1 to 8 p.m. with Steve Burke from 1 to 4 p.m., and John Connelly from 5 to 8 p.m. For information go here.
Wednesday, August 4
Book Love, 7 Village Green South, will host Book Talk with Debra Curtis from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Curtis will discuss her debut novel, “Laws of Love and Logic,” published by Jenna Bush Hager’s Thousand Voices imprint. Set in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the novel follows a woman torn between her first love and her devoted husband, exploring whether one heart can truly hold two great loves. Registration is requested. For more information or to register, visit Book Love here.
The Spire Center for Performing Arts continues its intimate Lobby Series with singer-songwriter Lisa Bastoni. Presented by The Antonia and Vladimir Kulaev Cultural Heritage Fund. Bastoni, a multiple New England Music Award and Boston Music Award nominee and winner of the Kerrville Folk Festival’s New Folk competition, is known for her poetic songwriting and has shared the stage with artists including Lori McKenna, Dar Williams and Regina Spektor. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Spire Center for Performing Arts.
Friday, August 7
The Pilgrim Progress begins its August weekly walk through town at6 p.m., beginning at the Mayflower Society House, 18 Winslow St. The annual reenactment recreates the Pilgrims’ walk to worship following their first difficult winter in Plymouth, continuing past Plymouth Rock and up Leyden Street to Burial Hill, where a brief worship service concludes the procession. The event also takes place on Aug. 14, 21 and 28. For more information, see the lead story or go here.
The Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 ½ Court St., presents The Music of The Beach Boys featuring Pet Sounds Live at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). More than a tribute concert, Pet Sounds Live recreates the landmark 1966 album that transformed rock music while weaving in narration, multimedia and behind-the-scenes stories from the recording sessions. The evening also features Beach Boys favorites including “California Girls,” “Surfin’ USA,” “I Get Around,” “Help Me, Rhonda” and “Good Vibrations.” For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Spire Center for Performing Arts.
Saturday, August 8
Jazz saxophonist, vocalist and composer Grace Kelly returns to the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St., for two performances at5 p.m. and 8 p.m. (doors open one hour before each show). An internationally acclaimed performer, Kelly has released 15 albums, performed at the Hollywood Bowl and served as a member of the band for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” For tickets and information, go here.
Sunday, August 9
Folk music legend Tom Rush will perform at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St., at 4 p.m. (doors open at 3 p.m.) A pioneering figure in the American folk revival, Rush helped launch the careers of generations of singer-songwriters and is known for classics including “No Regrets,” “Circle Game” and “Remember Song.” He will be accompanied by Brendan Cleary. For tickets and information, go here.