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Learn about generations of Fort McHenry's defenders through the ages.
National Park Service/Tim Ervin
Join us on September 11—13, 2026 to commemorate Defenders’ Day. Celebrated since 1815, Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday which honors the successful defense of the city from British attack in 1814 and the writing of the national anthem. Through ranger programs living history demonstrations, and musical performances visitors can explore the stories and service of everyday Marylanders from the American Revolution at Fort Whetstone in 1776, through the generations of defenders who served at Fort McHenry from 1802 to 1945, and those citizens who took action to preserve the original “home of the brave” as a national monument in the early 20th century. Visitors can help park rangers hoist the “Star-Spangled Banner” over the fort, hear the roar of the drums and cannon fire, and learn about how the lives and sacrifices of soldiers, sailors, and civilians throughout Fort McHenry’s long history helped to establish and defend the United States and continue to inspire Americans today.
Schedule of Events
Friday September 11, 2026
10:00 a.m.—Morning Flag Change: Patriot Day, A National Day of Service and Remembrance
Join rangers and living historians of the Fort McHenry Guard for the morning flag change and help raise the Star-Spangled Banner o’er the ramparts of the historic star fort. A special ranger program will honor Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
11:15 a.m. Defenders Through the Ages
On this program we'll explore the many defenders of Fort McHenry, from those who protected Baltimore and inspired the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812, to the U.S. soldiers who preserved the Union during the Civil War, to those who led the movement to preserve Fort McHenry as a national park in the early 20th century.
4:00 p.m.—Evening Flag Change
Join rangers to close out the day and reflect on the meaning of the national symbol by bringing down the historic Star-Spangled Banner and raising up the modern 50-star flag of today's generation.
7:00 p.m.—Parade!
Join National Park Service rangers and the fifes and drums of the Fort McHenry Guard as we parade through Locust Point to kick off the weekend!
Park Ranger drives "History Machine" mobile visitor center in Baltimore
NPS/Tim Ervin
Tracing the Trail! Patterson Park near the observatory
On Friday, September 11 from 10am-2pm, join the Fort McHenry Guard at Patterson Park near the observatoryto kick off Defenders’ Day commemorations.
There will be living history demonstrations and musical performances to learn about the lives of the soldiers, sailors, and marines who served on Hampstead Hill during the Battle of Baltimore.
How to find us? We will be near the observation tower! You can also keep an eye out for our History Machine!
Visitors participating in evening flag change in Star Fort. Credit: NPS Volunteer Tim Ervin
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Throughout the day, join us for ranger programs and living history demonstrations highlighting the generations of Fort McHenry's defenders.
10:00 a.m.—Hoist the Colors!
Join rangers and living historians of the Fort McHenry Guard for the morning flag change and help raise the Star-Spangled Banner o’er the ramparts of the historic star fort!
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ongoing)—Baltimore, 1814
Explore the daily lives of men and women throughout Baltimore during the War of 1812 with living historians from the Fort McHenry Guard. Visit the tavern tent or sutler tent to learn about life in a port city.
11:15 a.m. Defenders Through the Ages
On this program we'll explore the many defenders of Fort McHenry, from those who protected Baltimore and inspired the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812, to the U.S. soldiers who preserved the Union during the Civil War, to those who led the movement to preserve Fort McHenry as a national park in the early 20th century.
12:00 p.m.—"Roar of the Drums”
Enjoy a musical performance by the Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps and hear the music and calls that woke, directed, and inspired the defenders of Fort McHenry through the generations.
1:15 p.m. Defenders Through the Ages
On this program we'll explore the many defenders of Fort McHenry, from those who protected Baltimore and inspired the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812, to the U.S. soldiers who preserved the Union during the Civil War, to those who led the movement to preserve Fort McHenry as a national park in the early 20th century.
2:00 p.m.—The Guns that Won the Battle
Join living historians from the Fort McHenry Guard, Ship’s Company, and the Chesapeake Independent Blues to learn about the lives and of soldiers, sailors, and marines and the skills and science used to load and fire artillery and muskets during the War of 1812.
4:00 p.m.—Defenders' Final Formation
Join rangers and the Fort McHenry Guard to close out the day with a full War of 1812-style final formation that includes raising of the troop, roll call, and trooping the line.
Evening event planning is underway. Check back soon for details.
Artillery demonstration
NPS/Tim Ervin
Sunday, September 13th
10:00 a.m.—Hoist the Colors!
Join rangers and living historians of the Fort McHenry Guard for the morning flag change and help raise the Star-Spangled Banner o’er the ramparts of the historic star fort!
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.—Baltimore, 1814
Learn about the daily lives of men and women throughout Baltimore during the War of 1812. Visit the tavern tent or sutler tent to learn about life in a port city.
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.—The Guns that Won the Battle
Join living historians from the Fort McHenry Guard, Ship’s Company, and the Chesapeake Independent Blues to learn about the lives and of soldiers, sailors, and marines and the skills and science used to load and fire artillery and muskets during the War of 1812.
12:00 p.m.—"Roar of the Drums”
Learn about the lives of musicians during the War of 1812 and enjoy a musical performance by the Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.—"The Guns that Won the Battle” Historic Weapons Demonstrations
Join living historians from the Fort McHenry Guard, Ship’s Company, and the Chesapeake Independent Blues to learn about the lives and of soldiers, sailors, and marines and the skills and science used to load and fire artillery and muskets during the War of 1812. Demonstrations continue throughout the afternoon.
4:00 p.m.—Evening Flag Change
Join rangers to close out the day and reflect on the meaning of the national symbol by bringing down the historic Star-Spangled Banner and raising up the modern 50-star flag of today's generation.
American field musicians in War of 1812 uniforms
NPS Volunteer Tim Ervin
Parking and Transportation
Free parking will be available at the park, but will be limited. All public parking is available on a first come, first served basis. Parking areas are closed to all vehicles whose passengers leave the grounds for more than one hour.
Visitors are encouraged to use alternate or public transportation. Some options include:
Bus – A public bus stop is located outside of the park main gate. Both Maryland Public Transit and Charm City Circulator buses pick up and drop off at the station.
Ride share – Visitors arriving by taxi or ride share may be dropped off in the main parking lot. Only buses are permitted to drop off in the designated bus lane. Vehicles are prohibited from dropping off and parking in the designated fire lanes, which are marked with red curb paint.
Water Taxi – The park is accessible by the Baltimore Water Taxi. Please note that tickets for the Water Taxi cannot be purchased at the park. Visitors must begin their Water Taxi trip at another station if they wish to board from Fort McHenry.
Bicycles - Bicycles are permitted within the park. Riders must adhere to the posted speed limits. Bicycles are not permitted in the historic zone. Bicycle racks are located in the main parking lot on a first come, first served basis.
Motorized Scooters - Scooters, including those part of a public ride share program, are strictly prohibited within the park. Fort McHenry is a restricted area for scooter and bicycle ride share drop off and pick up. Ride share vehicles cannot be left behind or unattended within the park boundary. A rack is available outside of the main gate to dock scooters.
For the safety of visitors and park resources, the use of skateboards, inline skates, and roller skates is not permitted within the park. Additional information on permissible activities within the park can be found in the Superintendent’s Compendium.
Food and Dining
The park does not offer full service or indoor dining facilities. Visitors are welcome to bring food into the park and enjoy the designated picnic areas on the East Lawn and in the Orpheus Grove near the main entrance gate. The use of fire, stoves, or grills is prohibited.
Vending machines offering beverages and snacks are available outside the Visitor and Education Center. Trash bins are located throughout the park.
Recreation
Visitors are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs into the park. The use of hammocks is not permitted.
Organized games and team sports cannot be played in the park. This includes but is not limited to baseball, football, croquet, soccer, volleyball, and frisbee.
Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft such as drones is strictly prohibited.
Pets are welcome in the park but must be on a leash not exceeding six (6) feet. Visitors must clean up after their pets. Pets are not permitted in the historic zone (Star Fort) or the Visitor Contact Station. Service animals are welcome in all areas of the park.
The Seawall Trail and West Lawn will be closed to recreational use at 5:30 p.m.
Please refer to the Superintendent’s Compendium. for more information regarding recreation policies and restrictions.
Admission Fees and Passes
The entrance fee to the historic zone (Star Fort) is $15.00 for adults 16 years of age and older; children 15 and younger are free. This fee provides the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. You must keep your entrance receipt to re-enter the park in the 7-day time period. America the Beautiful or Fort McHenry annual Passes are alternatives to the above fees. For more information on fees and passes, please click here.
Fees will be collected until 4:00 p.m.
Safety
The Visitor Center, Star Fort, and grounds may be closed to entry by the general public carrying backpacks, daypacks, large handbags, packages, coolers, or other large containers. These items are subject to search and inspection for weapons or items hazardous to visitors or staff.
Leaving property, including bags and strollers, unattended in the park is prohibited.
The possession and use of fireworks, firecrackers, and sparklers is prohibited.
