Community Events
Our passion for community engagement and historical education at Fort Buford stems from a
desire to celebrate, share, and safeguard the rich legacy of our past for the benefit of present and future generations.
Williston
Band Day Parade
Saturday, May 9th, 2026 | Parade starts at Noon
The 6th Infantry members, dressed in their 1876 Field attire, participate annually in the Williston Band Day Parade, showcasing historical military traditions and uniforms from the late 19th century.
Fort Buford
Flag Raising
Saturday, May 24th, 2026 | Noon
To kick off the tourism season, a historical 37-star US Flag is ceremoniously raised at noon CST, symbolizing the rich heritage and inviting visitors to explore the era it represents.
Fort Buford
Flag Lowering
Monday, September 1st, 2026 | Noon
To end the tourism season, a historical 37-star US Flag is ceremoniously lowered at noon CST, symbolizing the rich heritage and inviting visitors to explore the era it represents.
Fort Buford
6th Infantry Encampment
"Belt Plates & Box Nails" Ft. Buford, 1876
Saturday May 23rd- Sunday May 24, 2026
WILLISTON, N.D. — The public is invited to the 6th Infantry Living History Encampment and annual flag raising May 23–24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort Buford State Historic Site. The free, family-friendly event highlights the fort’s role during the 1876 campaign season and honors soldiers who served on the northern Plains.
In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the encampment has been moved to May to better reflect Fort Buford’s role as a key supply and staging base. Living historians will demonstrate how soldiers prepared for campaign, including packing supplies, issuing rations, and organizing equipment, along with interpretive talks on frontier Army logistics.
The weekend centers on the annual flag raising, marking the start of the tourism season.
Event Schedule (subject to change):
Saturday, May 23
9 a.m. – Roll Call and Morning Parade
11 a.m. – Marching and Rifle Drill
Noon – Flag Raising
1:30 p.m. – Barracks Inspection
2 p.m. – Campaign Supply & Equipment Demonstration
2:30 p.m. – Army Laundress Demonstration
4 p.m. – Mail Call
Sunday, May 24
9 a.m. – Morning Colors and Morning Parade
Noon – Flag Raising
This event is part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Fort Buford Cemetery
Ghost Walk
October 2026
Embark on a haunting journey through history with the Fort Buford Cemetery Ghost Walk. Explore the stories of those who lived, worked, and died at Fort Buford as you wander among the fort and hear tales of the past come to life.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of eerie encounters and intriguing history.
