Restoration NewsMedia

Battlefield schedules 2023 special events



August will bring artillery demonstrations to the battlefield. State Historic Site photo

FOUR OAKS — Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site holds several special events throughout the year.

Here’s the 2023 schedule:



Battle anniversary — March 18. The state historic site marks the battle’s anniversary on the third weekend in March, with large reenactments every five years. The 158th anniversary commemoration will include living history demonstrations throughout the day.

Bentonville in Bloom — April 15. This event showcases the natural resources of the battlefield and encourages visitors to enjoy the walking trail. 

Heavy Thunder — Aug. 19. This is Bentonville’s annual summer artillery program.

Fall Festival — Oct. 28. The day features historic demonstrations, old-time games, period music and food trucks.

Christmas Open House — Dec. 2. The event offers daytime historic Christmas demonstrations and evening candlelight tours of the Harper House, complete with Christmas caroling and period refreshments.

The state historic site is at 5466 Harper House Road, Four Oaks. For more information, go to historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/bentonville-battlefield or check out the battlefield on Facebook.