FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2026
Mayor Noble Announces the Burning of Kingston Will Return October 15-18, 2026
KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce that the Burning of Kingston will return to Uptown Kingston for a weekend-long series of events and re-enactments from October 15-18, 2026.
The Burning of Kingston commemorates the plight of New York’s first capital during the American Revolution, as well as colonial life and times. This year’s event also celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the American colonies’ Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Mayor Noble said, “The Burning of Kingston is one of our city’s signature events, telling an important story of our history, including its hardships, resilience, and determination to rebuild. It’s also a fun weekend with something for everyone. Visitors to this year’s Burning of Kingston can expect to be entertained and encouraged to look at events from 250 years ago in new and unique ways as well as more familiar interpretations.”
This year’s theme, The Many Faces of Revolution, reflects the programming, which showcases perspectives of the many peoples involved in the Revolution, including combatants from all sides, civilians, indigenous, enslaved and indentured servants, women, elderly, children, and people of different classes and trades. Programs will include the cultural context of the Revolutionary Period, including its music, art, literature and crafts. This year’s event will feature performances, numerous re-enactments including street battles, film-screenings including Hamilton, public displays, stories, Grand Ball, and more.
“As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, this year’s Burning of Kingston weekend offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the vital role Kingston played in the American Revolution,” said Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck. “With the theme Many Faces of the Revolution, the commemoration will highlight the often-underrepresented individuals and communities whose contributions helped shape our independence, reminding us that the diversity of experiences and voices at the nation’s founding is a defining strength of America—then and now.”
Burning of Kingston events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. All events will take place in the Stockade District. For more information visit www.burningofkingston.com.
Burning of Kingston 2026 is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, the Ulster County Office of the Clerk, and by the event’s signature sponsor Basch, Keegan and Spada.