THIS APRIL, THE SAN JACINTO BATTLEGROUND will once again hear the booming of cannons, the cracking of musket fire, and the shouts of “Remember the Alamo!” "Remember La Bahia!"
On Saturday, April 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the 2026 San Jacinto Day Celebration, presented by the San Jacinto Museum and the Texas Historical Commission, will be a day of fun, reenactments, and living history activities celebrating the 190th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. Reenactors dressed in period clothing will make the epic events of April 1836 come alive, and reenactments throughout the day will recreate the dramatic events that led to one of the most decisive and impactful military victories in the history of North America.
Battle of San Jacinto Reenactment
The Battle of San Jacinto and the surrender of General Santa Anna will come to life during the battle reenactment. Dr. Andrew Torget will narrate the reenactment at 11:00 a.m. and at 2:00 p.m.
The Road to San Jacinto
The Battle of San Jacinto didn’t happen in a vacuum. It was the final chapter of six months of fighting and debate about the future of Texas. Representatives from other major Texas Revolution sites will share their parts in the story that ended with the Battle of San Jacinto.
Living History
Step back in time to revolutionary Texas! Hands-on, participatory activities will let you interact with reenactors as they cook food, check weapons, and engage in the daily routines of soldiers and civilians from almost 200 years ago. All activities are family friendly and include fun activities just for kids. Drop in all day long.
Schedule
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Living History and Activities area open. Activities will pause during reenactments.
- The Road to San Jacinto presentations happening throughout the day.
- Vendor Market and Food Trucks/Booths.
- Battle of San Jacinto Reenactment.
Experiences
Activities
- Representatives from various Texas historic sites will provide activities throughout the day, offering engaging experiences that highlight the state's rich history.
- Runaway Scrape area + activities
Living History Activities
Crafts and Daily Life
- Cartridge Box Making - Learn how Texian soldiers prepared for battle.
- Haversack Packing - Pack like a soldier on the move.
Military and Frontier Skills
- Weapons Touch Table - Get hands-on with replica weapons and bullets used by the Texian and Mexican Army.
- Dress Like a Texian or Mexican - Step into the boots of the soldiers who fought for Texas's future.
- Battlefield Medicine and Medicine Making - Explore the medical practices and challenges of 19th century field medicine.
- Battle Beats - Listen to the music that inspired and lifted the spirits of soldiers.
- Flag Making - Craft flags that represent the diverse factions of the Texas Revolution.
- Badges and Buttons - Explore Texian and Mexican battle insignia and craft your own badge or button.
San Jacinto Day Lecture Series
Delve deeper into the pivotal Battle of San Jacinto and the Texas Revolution with a distinguished lineup of four renowned historians and scholars. This free and engaging lecture series offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the historical events that shaped Texas.
- 10:00 a.m. "Clash of...Which Cultures? with Dr. James Haley
- 12:00 p.m. "The Infamous Prisoner" with James P. Bevill
- 1:00 p.m. "Shadow of San Jacinto: The Day the World Changed" with Dr. Donald S. Frazier
- 3:00 p.m. "San Jacinto: The Anomalous Battle" with Dr. Stephen Hardin
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers play a key role in supporting the San Jacinto School Day and San Jacinto Day Celebration, helping ensure a smooth, welcoming, and engaging experience across both days.
Volunteer opportunities are available on:
School Day: Friday, April 17, 2026
- Shift 1: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Shift 2: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Celebration Day: Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Shift 1: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Shift 2: 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Shift 3: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Volunteer roles may include guest support, activity stations, school group flow, and general event operations. Assignments will be made by the event team based on day-of needs, and volunteers may support multiple areas during their shift.
Sign up to volunteer HERE
Market and Food Vendors
Market and food vendors are invited to participate in this annual event celebrating Texas history through living history demonstrations, hands-on activities, and family-friendly experiences.
We welcome a variety of vendors, including artisans, craftsmen, farmers, bakers, specialty food producers, local businesses, food trucks, and nonprofits. Vendors offering handmade goods, locally produced items, and products connected to Texas history or culture are especially encouraged to apply.
With thousands of visitors attending throughout the day, this event offers a great opportunity to connect with the community in a unique historic setting.
Vendor Fees
Market Vendors:
- $50 (10×10)
- $75 (10×20)
Food Vendors / Food Trucks
- Booth 10x10 - $75
- Booth 10x20 - $100
- Food Truck - $75
Vendor applications due by March 31, 2026:
Food Vendor: Food Vendor application
Market Vendor: Market Vendor application
Event Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities
Preserving and celebrating the state's history is crucial. Supporters are invited to join in this endeavor to help ensure that the spirit of San Jacinto Day lives on for years to come.
Thank you for considering a sponsorship or donation.
For sponsorship questions, contact Kali Ellis at kellis@sanjacinto-museum.org or call 281-479-2421 x018.