Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine
2400 E. Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230
Defenders' Day - The Star-Spangled Banner Weekend!!
Join us for Fort McHenry's flagship event! This three-day encampment and extravaganza is celebrated with over 100 War of 1812 reenactors, parades, military bands, fireworks, a symbolic ship-to-shore bombardment and much more! The Star-Spangled Banner Weekend honors Defenders' Day, Baltimore's oldest holiday commemorating the bombardment of Fort McHenry and the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner!" Events begin with a Friday evening ceremonial procession of War of 1812 "soldiers" from the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House to the Inner Harbor, followed by a ceremony at the amphitheater. After the ceremony the reenactors will board sailing boats and return with the 30'x42' replica flag to Fort McHenry. Saturday and Sunday, activities include children's programs, historic boats, military encampments/demonstrations and a "privateer's auction" of "captured goods." Saturday evening's program, beginning at 6:00 p.m., features a concert, a musket firing tactical demonstration with volunteer reenactors from all over the country (narrated), a symbolic ship-to-shore bombardment and evening fireworks show.
http://www.nps.gov/fomc