Dunvegan’s War of 1812 Weekend – celebrating 16 Years of bringing the early 19th century to life!
Living history reenactors will gather in Dunvegan, Ontario to recreate early 19th-century Upper Canada on September 20 – 21, 2025. Visitors of all ages are welcome to come to the museum to learn more about the original American – Upper Canadian conflict in a historical setting that is like stepping back in time.
Living up to its name as one of the best kept secrets of the region, this 16th edition is the last big event of the 2025 season at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum. All the museum buildings will come alive as reenactors portray various aspects of civilian, business and military life in this region during the War of 1812.
Surrounding the buildings, tented encampments will be scattered across the grounds offering behind-the-scenes glimpses of military and civilian life. Tour around to see what’s cooking over the fires, hear live historical music being played, pop into the one-room schoolhouse to meet the school mistress, have your children take part in a children’s military muster. Trades such as blacksmithing, rope making, weaving, and leatherwork will also be taking place.
If shopping is on your list, bring some cash as unique vendors offering historic wares are always a mainstay of this event. Vendors will be offering an array of historical reproductions and clothing, leather goods, cast-iron cookware, maple syrup, fresh vegetables and fruit for sale. One of the biggest hits of the event is heading to the Star Inn Tavern to visit our lively, widowed tavern keeper, Brigit Gallagher. Stay and have an ale or two, but be mindful of the Tavern rules, or she will be charging you extra.
The historic Star Inn tavern will be featuring microbrewery, Brauwerk Hoffman’s line of ales, as well as Stonehouse Vineyard wines. If there is a chill in the air, hot apple cider will also be available at the bar (non-alcoholic). Other food and refreshments will be available all weekend at the museum’s canteen, “Flora’s Kitchen”.
Although some programming is still being finalized, some of the event’s favourites are making a return such as the Fashion Show, where various types of historical clothing and equipment will be highlighted, and the ever-popular age-appropriate children’s military muster. Here’s your chance to learn what “mutton chops” were and why they were important on the battlefield.
Over the weekend Ottawa’s 100th Regiment’s Fifes & Drums will add a splash of period music to the event. The Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Highlanders Pipe Band will also be making a return. The military skirmishing and battles will take place both days, weather depending, at 3:00 pm on Saturday and 2:00 pm on Sunday. Be sure to plan extra time when arriving.
The Glengarry Pioneer Museum will be open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday and until 3pm on Sunday. The cost to attend the War of 1812 event is $12/adult, $6/student, $30/family or 50% off for members of the museum. Children five and under are free. Did you know that your membership is good for one year from when you purchase it? That means new members will enjoy half off now, and through all of next summer. Payment on the weekend can be made by cash, debit or credit upon arrival; or ahead of time through the museum’s website. This event happens rain or shine, please dress for the weather and we ask that you please leave your pets at home. For event enquiries, please email info@glengarrypioneermuseum or call the museum at 613-527-5230. More details can also be found at www.glengarrypioneermuseum.ca
Disclaimer: Event dates, times, and activities can change without notice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please verify all details directly on each event’s official website and social media channels before making plans.
