Muskets coming out for Old Fort Erie battle reenactment

It’s still three months away from Halloween but things are about to get bloody at Old Fort Erie very soon.

On August 12 and 13, the fort will reawaken with Canada’s largest and longest-running battle reenactment weekend, the 38th annual Siege of Fort Erie.

In a demonstration of nation-building history along the Niagara River, hundreds of reenactors will recreate an authentic military encampment and vividly portray how this site became known as Canada’s bloodiest battlefield, with multiple live battle reenactments set to take place over the weekend.

The annual Siege weekend is packed with activities for all ages, such as the Mini Militia kids’ experience, historic weapons demonstrations, and live skirmishes.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the Fort and military camps, including Merchant’s Row — where visitors can browse the wares of merchants and sutlers (those allowed to follow and supply the army) dressed in period costume as they carry on business as they did in the 1800s.

Old Fort Erie opens to the public at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. each day, with hourly guided tours available until 4 p.m. and evening lantern tours available Saturday at 9 p.m.

Battle reenactments and camp areas are free to the public. All battles take place in the South Field behind the Fort.

Here’s the schedule for Saturday, August 12:

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Fort Open, hourly guided tours until 4 p.m. (except during battles)
• 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Welcome Centre Open
• 11 a.m. – A skirmish for Major Buck’s Surrender of the Fort
• 2 p.m. – Battle reenactment in commemoration of Chippawa and Lundy’s Lane
• 3 p.m. – Mini Militia programming for kids
• 7:45 p.m. – Musical Performance
• 8 p.m. – Night Assault Battle
• 9 p.m. – Candlelight Tours (separate admission ticket required)

Here’s the schedule for Sunday, August 13

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Fort & Welcome Centre Open, hourly guided tours until 4 p.m. (except during battles)
• 1 p.m. – A battle reenactment of the Sortie
• 2 p.m. – Mini Militia programming for kids