Photo courtesy of City of Alexandria
Green Machine Band will perform a Civil War concert at Fort Ward.
Celebrate Armed Forces Day on May 16, 2026 by enjoying a special outdoor concert of Civil War-era music on the lawn of Fort Ward Museum.
The 8th Green Machine Regiment Band, a historical ensemble sponsored by George Mason University, will perform a variety of popular songs of the Civil War on authentic 19th-century instruments.
The one-hour concert begins at 11 a.m. Suggested donation is $2 per person or $5 per family. The concert, sponsored by the Friends of Fort Ward, is weather dependent.
The 8th Green Machine Regiment Band
Attendees can also learn more about the essential role of music during this pivotal period of American history in Fort Ward Museum’s newly opened exhibit, “Buglers & Brass Bands: Soldier Musicians in the Civil War.” A variety of musical instruments and sheet music from the Museum’s extensive Civil War collection will be featured.
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in Alexandria. Fort Ward is the best preserved of the Union forts that comprised the Civil War Defenses of Washington. For more information, visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/FortWard.
About the Office of Historic Alexandria
The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
