Fire & Freedom Festival at Haley Mansion

Fire & Freedom Festival at Haley Mansion invites visitors to spend a day celebrating American history, community, and service on Sunday, July 5. Held on the grounds of the historic Inn at Mystic, this special America 250 event honors the nation’s veterans while commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding through reenactments, demonstrations, music, food, and family-friendly activities.

The day begins at 9 a.m. with a ceremonial Veteran Torch Relay departing from Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park. Carried through a series of community checkpoints, the torch symbolizes the enduring flame of liberty first ignited during the American Revolution. The relay concludes at Haley Mansion around noon, where the torch’s arrival officially opens the festival with a ceremonial bonfire lighting in honor of the courage, service, and sacrifice of American veterans.

From noon to 4 p.m., the grounds transform into a Revolutionary-era celebration featuring historical reenactments, live entertainment, artisan demonstrations, colonial trades, educational workshops, carriage rides, sing-alongs, children’s activities, and local vendors. Guests can browse handcrafted goods, enjoy food and refreshments, meet farm and craft vendors, and explore interactive experiences designed to bring Revolutionary America to life. The festivities conclude with an optional ticketed, period-inspired dinner, offering guests the chance to enjoy a meal reflecting the flavors and traditions of the colonial era. (See separate event, “The Patriot’s Table at Rocks 21” for more information and tickets).

Event Details

Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Haley Mansion at the Inn at Mystic

Highlights

• Veteran Torch Relay from Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
• Ceremonial bonfire lighting
• Revolutionary War reenactments
• Live music and entertainment
• Colonial trades and artisan demonstrations
• Educational workshops
• Carriage rides
• Children’s games and activities
• Arts and crafts
• Food vendors
• Tavern sing-alongs
• Optional period-inspired dinner

Featured Vendors

• Associated Light Horse
• Dirty Knees Heritage Farm
• Hickory Forge Blacksmithing
• Pewter Pot Chocolate
• Thyme for Tea
• Wedges of Time
• Xen’s Critters
• Allegra Farms