Today’s Events at Fort Mackinac

October 5 – October 24, 2026

Rifle Firing Demonstrations and programs take place on the Parade Ground. Cannon Firing Demonstrations take place at the Upper Gun Platform. 

9:30 a.m.
Morning Cannon Salute/Fort Mackinac Open for the Day
Here’s your chance to add your name to the record books!

A logo showing America250, 13 stars, and a colonial soldier.10:00 a.m. – An America250 Event! 
Rifle Firing Demonstration followed by Changing Face of Fort Mackinac Program
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration! Then, learn how Fort Mackinac has changed architecturally over from its founding during the American Revolution to its last year in 1895. 

11:00 a.m. 
Cannon Firing Demonstration, followed by Mackinac National Park Program 
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Fort Mackinac was headquarters to the United States’ second national park, in existence 1875-1895. This program will introduce the rise of tourism on Mackinac Island and how the island and fort have been preserved. 

12:00 p.m.
Rifle Firing Demonstration, followed by the Army of the 1880s Program
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration! Then, head with an interpreter for a deeper look at the army of the 1880s.

1:00 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration, followed by the People of Fort Mackinac Program 
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! Then, take a tour of Fort Mackinac while learning about the various people who called Fort Mackinac home.

2:00 p.m.
Rifle Firing Demonstration, followed by Soldier’s Uniform and Equipment Program
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration! Then, learn about the equipment issued to soldiers in the 1880s and learn more about the Quartermasters’ Storehouse.

3:00 p.m.
Cannon Firing Demonstration 
Experience the boom of the iconic Fort Mackinac cannon! 

3:30 p.m.
Rifle Firing Demonstration
Learn about the changing technology of the US Army and find out why the army put an emphasis on marksmanship and changing tactics. Includes a live demonstration!

4:00 p.m.
Fort Mackinac Closed for the Day

A downloadable version of the events schedule can be found by clicking here.