Military History Weekend 2026

Saturday & Sunday, September 12–13 at Dellwood Park,
199 E. Woods Dr., Lockport, IL

Content below this point may reflect previous information and may not be current.

Step back in time at Military History Weekend, a powerful tribute to America’s military legacy. This unforgettable weekend features live battle reenactments, pyrotechnics, vintage music, and living history demonstrations representing the Civil War, WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War.

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

Premium Immersion Tours — Limited-access, in-depth encounters featuring a WWII Trench Tour and Civil War Immersion Tour. Only 250 tickets available! (More details below)

🗺️ Map & Full Schedule

Event map and full weekend schedule available below.

 

 

Event Highlights

September 6–7 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 6 and Sunday, September 7, this unforgettable weekend features live battle reenactments, pyrotechnics, vintage music, and living history demonstrations representing the Civil War, WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War.

New in 2025

This year’s event introduces exciting new experiences, including:

  • Premium Immersion Tours — Limited-access, in-depth encounters featuring a WWII Trench Tour and Civil War Immersion Tour. Only 250 tickets available! (More details below)

  • A special Rockford Peaches night game

  • A completely new Civil War battlefield experience

Saturday Highlights – September 6

Gates open at 9:30 AM

Enjoy a full day of programming on Saturday, including multiple WWII battle reenactments, a powerful Vietnam War battle, and live music performances by Sweet Reminder and The Fortunate Sons. The evening concludes with a special LockRocks concert at 8:00 PM featuring Silver Bullet: A Tribute to Bob Seger.

Sunday Highlights – September 7

Gates open at 9:30 AM

Sunday’s schedule features additional WWII battle reenactments, a stirring WWI battle, a dramatic Civil War reenactment, and a daytime appearance by the Rockford Peaches with a WWII Girls’ Baseball living history demo.

Veterans Hospitality Tent

All veterans are welcome to stop by the Veterans Hospitality Tent, open both days from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM in the Beer Garden. Enjoy free meals and beverages, generously sponsored by AARP, VFW Post 5788, and Jersey Mike’s Subs. (Meal ticket required at entry gate)

Event Amenities

• Food Trucks

• Bunker Bar

• Vendor Booths

• Living History Camps

🎟 Ticket Information

Tickets available online or onsite:

$10 Adults

$5 Children (12 & under), Seniors (55+), and Veterans

🤝 Sponsored by Citgo

A proud community partner of Military History Weekend.

đź”—Important Event Links

CLICK HERE FOR MHW TICKETS

CLICK HERE FOR IMMERSION TOUR TICKETS

Click Here to See Video of Military History Weekend

Podcast About Military History Weekend

Click here to print flyer

 

New for 2025: Military History Weekend Immersion Tours

MHW Tickets must be purchased with Immersion Tour Tickets


An Exclusive, Premium Experience

Step deeper into the past with our Immersion Tours, designed for guests who want to connect more meaningfully with the stories, skills, and sacrifices that shaped America’s history.

Limited to just 250 participants, this premium offering supports veteran reenactor groups and honors those who serve — with a portion of proceeds benefiting these communities.

What’s Included:

WWII Trench Tour (30 minutes): Step into a recreated WWII trench and experience life on the front lines. This guided 30-minute tour includes demonstrations of WWII-era artillery tactics, combat strategy, and battlefield communication.

Civil War Immersion Tour (1 hour): Join a living history unit for an interactive experience in a Civil War encampment. Learn to “fall in,” practice military drills, and explore life as a soldier, civilian, or camp follower during the era.

Premium Ticket Info

Price: $8 per person (ages 6+) | Includes both the WWII Trench Tour and Civil War Immersion Tour. No on-site ticket sales.

Tour Time Selection Required at Checkout:

WWII Trench Tour Times: (30 per slot)

• 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM (Saturday & Sunday)

• 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM (Saturday & Sunday)

• 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM (Saturday only)

• 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Saturday only)

Civil War Immersion Tour: (130 per slot)

• 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (Choose Saturday or Sunday)

All ticket holders must attend their selected time slot. Rescheduling is not guaranteed, but we’ll do our best to accommodate in case of emergencies. 

Please note: Tours involve walking on historic, uneven terrain and may not be accessible for all mobility levels.

 

Accessibility Notice for Immersion Tours

Immersion Tours takes place on uneven, natural terrain designed to replicate real-life conditions of historic battlefields and war zones. While we are committed to making our events as inclusive as possible, these tours are not wheelchair accessible and may present difficulties for individuals with mobility limitations. Please be advised that participants must be at least 6 years old to enter the tour. Expect extended walking, loud noises, limited seating, and variable weather conditions.
We appreciate your understanding as we strive to provide an authentic and respectful historical experience.

Participants should expect:

  • Walking on grass, dirt paths, and through wooded areas
  • Navigating steep hills, narrow trenches, and unpaved or rugged surfaces
  • Climbing stairs and ascending/descending inclines
  • Limited opportunities for seating or rest along the route
  • Exposure to sudden loud noises, simulated smoke, and extended periods of standing

We appreciate your understanding as we strive to deliver an authentic and safe historical experience. For those with mobility concerns, please contact us prior to the event to discuss alternative ways to enjoy Military History Weekend.

Re-Enactor Information

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.

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