Revolutionary Germantown Festival Returns to Cliveden on Oct. 3 With Free Family Activities
PHILADELPHIA — This Saturday, October 3, the grounds of Cliveden of the National Trust will travel back nearly two and a half centuries. The annual Revolutionary Germantown Festival returns from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, inviting visitors of all ages to experience the 1777 Battle of Germantown where it actually happened.
Admission is free.
Now in its latest edition, the festival commemorates the 249th anniversary of the October 4, 1777 battle, with Cliveden — the stone Chew House that stood at the epicenter of the fighting — as its centerpiece. It arrives just as Philadelphia begins its countdown to America’s 250th birthday, giving the day an extra layer of meaning for history lovers.
What to expect
Living history interpreters portraying British and Continental soldiers will fill the grounds throughout the day. Visitors can witness a court-martial reenactment, try their hand at candle dipping, paper making, flax making, and basketweaving, and watch blacksmiths at work.
Guided tours of the Chew House will run during the festival, with interpreters speaking about life during the British occupation of Philadelphia. One of the day’s signature moments: a portrayal of General George Washington returning General Howe’s dog after the battle — a small, true story of civility amid war.
Two memorial moments will pause the festivities: at noon, honoring the soldiers who lost their lives in 1777, and at 3:45 p.m., honoring victims of gun violence in Philadelphia in 2026 — a quiet bridge between past and present.
Food and local flavor
Local vendors will serve food and refreshments all day, including Boomers Kitchen Catering, the Frosted Fox Cake Shop, Malelani Cafe, and Young American Hard Cider. Freshly baked bread from Half Crown Bakehouse and a commemorative chocolate bar from Asher’s Chocolates — a longtime Philadelphia chocolatier — round out the offerings.
If you go
- What: Revolutionary Germantown Festival
- When: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (rain or shine)
- Where: Cliveden of the National Trust, 6401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
- Cost: Free
- More info: cliveden.org/revolutionary-germantown-festival
