Revolutionary Valley: An Emerald Gem
The 21 cities and towns that comprise the Revolutionary Valley north of Boston are filled with natural beauty, tasty cuisine, vibrant culture and a proud history and multi-ethnic heritage.
In 2026, the City of Lowell celebrates the 200th anniversary of its founding and ethnic traditions, which began when Irish immigrants came here in the 1820s to build canals, factories, main streets, and boarding houses for a new industrial town called Lowell. Their hard work helped spark America’s Industrial Revolution.
Successive groups and nationalities also made the region their home – starting with French Canadians, Greeks and Eastern Europeans, and more recently with immigrants from Southeast Asia, Central America and Africa.
The region’s Irish season shines every March during St. Patrick’s Day. Riverdance, the globally-acclaimed Irish dance and music revue, kicks off the celebrations on March 2-4 at Lowell Memorial Auditorium. It is the show’s only New England appearance, so expect fans from across the region to turn out for Riverdance’s 30th anniversary. Visitors can grab a meal or a pint at nearby Cobblestones Restaurant, Tavern on the Green and the Worthen House Café.
Speaking of pubs, Owen & Ollie’s Restaurant & Pub in nearby Dracut offers Irish Night Socials on March 5, April 2 and May 7. And its popular Shamrock Room hosts special events for up to 90 guests.
Also in Dracut, the annual Wild Rover Irish Clover Road Race on Sunday, March 8 consists of three Irish themed races of three, four and five miles, with plenty of music, medals, food and fun.
The Annual Lowell Irish Cultural Week, March 8-15 presents a rich schedule of cultural and heritage events centered around St. Patrick’s Church on Suffolk Street, a long-time gathering spot for the Lowell Irish. A mass with Archbishop Richard Henning takes place on March 8, followed by a procession to City Hall and Irish flag raising. On Tuesday, March 10, enjoy Lowell Irish Trivia night at Owen & Olle’s in Dracut, and on March 14, public historian David McKean gives a walking tour of the Irish Acre, starting at the National Park Visitor Center on Market Street. Lowell Irish Week finishes on Sunday, March 15, with a Ceili featuring the Heavey Quinn Dancers and Caeltish Traditional Irish music at Mount Pleasant Golf Club.
Springtime
Revolutionary Valley blossoms in spring with storied events celebrating the history, heritage and culture of the region.
The Annual Patriots’ Day Observances on April 18-20 in Lexington and Concord are special this year, as the nation celebrates America 250. Highlights include the Battle of Lexington reenactment on Saturday, April 18, followed by a parade and a concert at Cary Memorial Hall. On Monday, April 20, Concord holds its annual Patriots’ Day Parade, and Concord Museum offers free admission, featuring a Minutemen encampment and family-friendly activities.
From April 30 to May 2, the Annual Town and the City Festival in Downtown Lowell is held each year in the spirit of native son and noted novelist Jack Kerouac. The multi-day music and arts festival takes place in outdoor spaces, bars, cafes and galleries, offering a creative mix of musical genres and artistic disciplines to suit every taste.
Don’t forget to visit the brand-new Visitor Center at 115 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852, a welcoming space for visitors and locals alike.
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