Nevada City’s 59th Annual Constitution Weekend is a one-of-a kind event. This colorful celebration is the oldest and largest Constitution Day observance in the Western United States. The weekend kicks off with two days of Revolutionary War Living History demonstrations at Pioneer Park on September 19 and 20. There attendees can experience aspects of civilian and military life including camp set-ups, cooking, and period music. It’s an especially fun way to bring history to life for youth who can participate in interactive demonstrations and speak with the reenactors about what life was like in the eighteenth century.  

 On the afternoon of Saturday, September 19, there will be an open-air concert with the Nevada County Concert Band on North Pine Street in downtown Nevada City. This special performance brings back to life an era in American history when the local weekend band concert was a grand social occasion. The musicians will entertain attendees with a fine selection of family-friendly music.  

On Sunday, September 20, the Constitution Day Parade takes place on Broad Street in Nevada City. The parade starts off with a reenactment of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.  This year’s parade theme is “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness,” and will feature numerous marching bands along with floats, military groups, fire trucks, youth groups, and the perennial favorite–the Famous Marching Presidents of Nevada City, a humorous but reverent depiction of each U.S. president and first lady.  All activities are free to attend and open to all ages.

Nevada Union High School marching band performs down a street lined with spectators during a parade
People in colonial-era costumes with tricorn hats march down a street during a parade as spectators watch from the sidewalk
Overhead view of a crowd marching down a street, many carrying colorful signs reading "VOTE
People dressed as former US presidents in sashes gather for a rally, with a crowd behind holding signs reading Vote, We Wont Go Back, Votes for Women Rights, and Freedom of Choice
The Famous Marching Presidents. Photo YubaNet

KNOW & GO:

Saturday, September 20

  • 10am-5pm – Revolutionary War Living History at Pioneer Park
  • 4:30-6:30pm – Open Air Concert with the Nevada County Concert Band on North Pine Street (bring a chair)

Sunday, September 20

  • 10:00am-12:00pm – Revolutionary War Living History at Pioneer Park
  • 1:30pm – Reenactment of the signing of the U.S. Constitution at Broad & Pine St.
  • 2:00pm – Constitution Day Parade on Broad Street

More information can be found by visiting: nevadacitychamber.com

About the Nevada City Constitution Day Committee

The weekend festivities are brought to you by a partnership between the Nevada Lodge No. 13 Free and Accepted Masons, the City of Nevada City, and the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce.