BISHOP HILL — The Bishop Hill Heritage Association will host the 2026 Bishop Hill Civil War Day on Saturday, May 16, as part of local events marking America’s 250th birthday. The free event will feature Union and Confederate encampments in the village park, along with programs throughout the day.
Organizers said a civilian encampment and sutler area, including a tin type photographer, will be set up near the Steeple Building Museum. Activities will include artillery demonstrations, a speech portraying Union General John Logan, a Civil War music concert, and a staged battle.
A full schedule of events begins at 9:30 a.m. with a drill at Coopers Field, followed by a parade, roll call and ration issue, and the Logan speech at noon. Additional programming includes a concert by the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band, an artillery demonstration, and a final battle reenactment.
An evening Civil War era ball will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bishop Hill Creative Commons. All Civil War Day activities are free and open to the public.
Other events will also be held in the village, including the Bishop Hill Quilt Show at the Colony School and Steeple Building Museum. The Vasa Archives will offer make and take hobby horses for $10, along with a jumping and racing course. A pulled ham sandwich stand by Operation Christmas will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. near the Colony Store.
More information is available through the Bishop Hill Heritage Association website, by phone or email, or on its Facebook page.
