Military History Weekend 2026

September 12–13 at Dellwood Park

Step back in time at Military History Weekend, a powerful tribute to America’s military legacy. Held at Dellwood Park on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, this unforgettable weekend features live battle reenactments, pyrotechnics, vintage music, living history demonstrations, camps, vendors, food and beverages, and more.

Experience history from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, and Vietnam War through immersive camps, battlefield reenactments, music, and hands-on living history displays.

 

Tickets

Event tickets available online or onsite: $10 Adults | $5 Children (12 & under), Seniors (55+), and Veterans

 Volunteers & Re-enactors

 

 Schedule & Event Map

Full weekend schedule and event map available below.

Saturday, September 12

Gates open at 9:30 AM.

Saturday features roaming entertainment at Civil War camps, multiple World War II battle reenactments, a Civil War battle, a Vietnam War battle, live bandshell performances, and an evening LockRocks free concert featuring Made In America: A Tribute to Toby Keith.

Saturday Schedule

9:30 AM – Park Opens
10:30 AM–4:00 PM – Roaming Entertainment at Civil War Camps: Regimental Volunteer Band of Wisconsin
11:00 AM – World War 2 Battle
12:00 PM – Music at the Bandshell: Rhythm Makers Orchestra
1:00 PM – Civil War Battle
3:00 PM – World War 2 Battle
4:00 PM – Music at the Bandshell: The Fortunate Sons, A Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival
6:00 PM – Bridge Skirmish WWII
6:45 PM – Vietnam War Battle
8:00 PM – LockRocks Free Concert: Made In America, A Tribute to Toby Keith

11:30 AM–1:30 PM – Veteran’s Hospitality Tent (Located in the Beer Garden, Free Box Lunch and Beverages for Veterans)

Sunday, September 13

Gates open at 9:30 AM.

Sunday includes additional battle reenactments, a Vietnam bridge skirmish, a WWI battle, a Civil War battle, music at the bandshell, and a special WWII Girls Baseball living history demo with the Rockford Peaches.

Sunday Schedule

9:30 AM – Park Opens
11:00 AM – World War 2 Battle
12:00 PM – Music at the Bandshell: Ludy & His Lady, The Melodies of America Show — America’s 250th Birthday Tribute
12:00 PM – WW2 Girls Baseball Living History Demo with the Rockford Peaches at the Baseball Field
12:30 PM – Bridge Skirmish Vietnam
1:00 PM – Civil War Battle
2:00 PM – World War 1 Battle
3:00 PM – World War 2 Battle
5:00 PM – Camp Closes

11:30 AM–1:30 PM – Veteran’s Hospitality Tent (Located in the Beer Garden, Free Box Lunch and Beverages for Veterans)

 

Main Battlefield

Witness dramatic battlefield reenactments featuring authentic uniforms, vehicles, tactical demonstrations, pyrotechnics, and immersive storytelling.

Featured Battle Reenactments

  • World War I Battle
  • Multiple World War II Battles
  • Vietnam War Battle

Battlefield Amenities

  • Veterans VIP Seating near the Main Battlefield
  • Shuttle Service available for guests, including handicap-accessible and veterans transportation assistance

 

Civil War Battlefield

Experience large-scale Civil War battle reenactments on the dedicated Civil War Battlefield located on the western side of Dellwood Park. Guests can witness authentic military tactics, artillery demonstrations, battlefield maneuvers, and immersive combat scenarios that bring one of America’s defining conflicts to life.

 

Bridge Skirmish

Experience one of Military History Weekend’s most immersive and action-packed demonstrations at the Bridge Skirmish area along Fraction Run.

Set within the wooded creek crossing and bridge terrain of Dellwood Park, these live tactical demonstrations place guests in the middle of fast-moving combat scenarios inspired by World War II and Vietnam-era engagements.

Featured Demonstrations

  • WWII Bridge Skirmish
  • Vietnam Bridge Skirmish

Watch reenactors maneuver through creek beds, wooded terrain, and bridge crossings using authentic uniforms, gear, and battlefield tactics while pyrotechnics and live-action effects recreate the intensity of combat operations.

 

Living History Camps & Displays

Explore immersive living history camps and educational displays representing multiple eras of American military history. Reenactors and historians will share equipment, uniforms, vehicles, camp life, and stories from each time period.

Featured camps and displays include:

  • Civil War Camp
  • Commonwealth Camp
  • Vietnam Camp
  • Soviet Camp
  • Axis Camp
  • WWI Camp
  • WWII Camp
  • Living History Displays

Guests can interact with reenactors throughout the weekend and experience hands-on historical demonstrations across Dellwood Park.

 

Veterans Hospitality Tent

All veterans are welcome at the Veterans Hospitality Tent, open 11:30 AM–1:30 PM Saturday and Sunday in the Beer Garden.
Veterans can enjoy a free box lunch and beverages, sponsored by AARP, VFW Post 5788, and Jersey Mike’s Subs. 

 

Entertainment

Military History Weekend features live entertainment throughout the weekend with performances celebrating America’s musical heritage across generations.

Saturday Entertainment

Sunday Entertainment

  • Ludy & His Lady – The Melodies of America Show – A special America’s 250th Birthday tribute performance at the Bandshell

 

Bunker Bar

Take a break between battles and enjoy refreshments at the popular Bunker Bar, located near the main event area. Opens at 11am Saturday and Sunday. Guests 21 and older may enjoy alcoholic beverages while taking in the sights and sounds of Military History Weekend. Please drink responsibly.

 

Vendors and Concessions

More information coming soon!

 

Location

Dellwood Park
199 East Woods Drive
Lockport, IL 60441

Amenities

 

Event Sponsors

Military History Weekend is proudly sponsored by Citgo, Rogue FC, AARP, VFW 5788, and Jersey Mike’s Subs.

 

 

Event Links

     Click Here to See Video of Military History Weekend

     Podcast About Military History Weekend

 

 

 

 

 

Re-Enactor Information 2025

Interested in participating in Military History Weekend as a re-enactor or vendor? You’re in the right place!

Below you’ll find important resources including Re-Enactor FAQs, the Sign-Up Form, and the Vendor Application. Simply click each blue button to view or complete the corresponding information. Whether you’re a returning participant or new to the event, these links will guide you through everything you need to know.