Annual Events

Numerous events take place in Burlington City throughout the year. For precise dates or additional information, please contact the City's Director of Public Affairs at City Hall, (609) 386-0200.

February

Black History Art and Essay Contest and Awards Ceremony

Held at the Captain James Lawrence School in late February. Sponsored by the Oliver Cromwell Black History Society.

April

Boat Ramp opens

The City's public boat ramp on the Delaware River opens for the summer season.

May

Spring Festival

Crafts, food and family entertainment along High Street between Broad Street and the Delaware River.

Memorial Day Parade

June

Historic Yorkshire Alliance Yard Sale

First Saturday in June

Slade-Valentine American Legion Post #336 Street Parade

Summer Concert Series begins

Last Thursday evening in June on the Riverfront Promenade - Free

July

Summer Concert Series continues

Thursday evenings on the Riverfront Promenade - Free

Lunch at the Movies

Classic movies presented at the Burlington County Historical Society's center. Bring your own bag lunch.

August

Summer Concert Series continues

Thursday evenings on the Riverfront Promenade - Free

Festival of Lights

Typically third Saturday in August. Concert, parade of lighted boats, and fireworks show. Concert begins at 7:00 PM, parade of boats around 8:00 PM, fireworks at 9:00 PM.

September

Summer Concert Series finale

Labor day evening on the Riverfront Promenade - Free

Wood Street Fair and High Street Art Show

A craft fair on Wood Street and art show on High Street. Crafts, art, food, entertainment, antiques.

October

Boat Ramp closes

City's public boat ramp closes for winter at end of month.

November

Veteran's Day Parade

High Street. Parade at 10:00, Ceremony at 11:00 on the lawn of the American Legion.

December

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

On the first Saturday in December, the City's annual Christmas Parade proceeds down High Street through town, ending with the lighting of the City's Christmas Tree at the Riverfront Promenade.

Home for the Holidays

Storefront Decorating Contest

Holiday House Tour (every other year)

Year-Round

Tour & Tea

Fourth Tuesday of the month. Tour of preserved historical houses and tea. $18 per person, starts at 1:00 PM. Sponsored by the Burlington County Historical Society.

The Purchase from the Lenape

In 1676, a series of meetings were held between representatives of the West Jersey Proprietors and Chiefs of the Lenape Nation. The English wished to purchase the land along the Delaware River below the falls at Trenton. The Lenape agreed to sell the land where Burlington is now located, and roughly fifteen miles of land along the river in each direction, in exchange for the following goods:

1. 150 pounds of gunpowder
2. 144 pipes
3. 100 fish hooks
4. 92 yards of duffleds cloth
5. 60 kettles (30 kettles, plus 30 more in lieu of wampum)
6. 36 rings
7. 30 blankets
8. 30 pairs of scissors
9. 30 guns
10. 30 axes
11. 30 awls
12. 30 knives
13. 30 needles
14. 30 mirrors
15. 30 pairs of stockings
16. 30 barrels of lead
17. 30 jews harps
18. 30 combs
19. 30 shirts
20. 30 bracelets
21. 30 bells
22. 30 flints
23. 30 steels
24. 12 tobacco boxes
25. 10 spoons of red paint