Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve announces the 2026 Battle of New Orleans Commemoration at Chalmette Battlefield

CHALMETTE, La. - On Thursday, Jan. 8, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve will host the 211th annual commemoration of the Battle of New Orleans at Chalmette Battlefield. This year's ceremony will also celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

The ceremony will feature brief remarks by guest speakers and is part of a multi-day commemoration that includes:

• Wreath-laying Ceremonies at Jackson Square and Chalmette Battlefield (Jan. 8)
• Memorial Illumination Driving Tour at the Battlefield (Jan. 10)
• Special programming at all five other Park visitor centers (Jan. 3-10)

For more information, including an event schedule, videos about the battle, and additional Park programs that share the story of this historic battle's impact throughout Southeast Louisiana, check out our website and social media, and visit the 2026 Memorial Illumination Driving Tour webpage.

Schedule of Events
All programs are free and open to the public. No reservations required.

Saturday, Jan. 3

• Chalmette Battle Game - Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, 1:30 p.m.
• Battle of New Orleans Talk - Chalmette Battlefield, 2:45 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 4 - Wednesday, Jan. 7

• Daily Battle of New Orleans Talks - Chalmette Battlefield, 2:45 p.m.
• Chalmette Battle Game - select days at Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center

Thursday, Jan. 8

• Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony - Chalmette Monument, 11:00 a.m.
• Chalmette Battle Game - Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, 1:30 p.m.
• Battle of New Orleans Talk - Chalmette Battlefield, 2:45 p.m.
• Read with a Ranger - Lafitte Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• 1812: March Through Musical History - French Quarter Visitor Center, 3:00 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 9

• Chalmette Battle Game - Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, 1:30 p.m.
• Battle of New Orleans Talk - Chalmette Battlefield, 2:45 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 10

• Cooking Demonstration - Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, 2-3 p.m.
• Battle of New Orleans Talk - Chalmette Battlefield, 2:45 p.m.
• Memorial Illumination Driving Tour - Chalmette Battlefield, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Public parking: Public parking at Chalmette Battlefield is available but limited. The Visitor Center parking lot will be reserved for ceremony speakers and special guests on the morning of Jan. 8. The Memorial Illumination Driving Tour on Jan. 10 is open to vehicular traffic only. Media parking is available with advance notice for this event.

About the Commemoration
This event recognizes not only the people of the battle 211 years ago, but supporters of the troops before, during, and after. Along with the battle and the sacrifice, we also commemorate the original peoples of this land and the free and enslaved African Americans, who also fought in this battle. National Park Service partners, who have worked over the centuries to preserve this history, include the National Society United States Daughters of 1812, the General Society of the War of 1812, the Order of Saint Ursula, National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, and Saint Bernard Parish Government.

About Chalmette Battlefield

Chalmette Battlefield, located roughly 6.5 miles east of New Orleans on St. Bernard Highway, is a unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve within the National Park System. The park is comprised of 145 acres of lands forming the core of the scene of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans.

Chalmette National Cemetery is also located on the former battlefield, established in 1864 and the final resting place for more than 16,000 interments from every major U.S. conflict between the War of 1812 and Vietnam. The Battlefield was the former home to the Fazendeville community. Long before the Battle, the land was initially used and occupied by many different Native American Tribes.