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If you are planning to visit Fort McHenry between June 24 and June 28, 2026, below is some information to help plan your visit to the park during the Sail 250 Maryland events throughout the Baltimore area. For more information about Sail 250 events, go to: https://www.sail250md.org/
Sail 250 Airshow and Flyover Schedule
June 26: Aerobatic teams rehearsal 12:00pm to 4:00pm
June 27: Airshow and flyovers 12:00pm to 4:00pm
June 28: Airshow and flyovers 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Parking and Transportation
Fort Avenue will be closed to all non-residential traffic at Andre Street on June 26—28, 2026.
No public parking will be available at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine on June 26—28, 2026.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation, ride share, or carpool due to limited parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Maryland Department of Transportation will provide bus services to the Fort McHenry stop. MDOT bus services are ADA accessible. For more information go to: Accessibility | Maryland Transit Administration
Transportation 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 at Andre Street 0.7 miles from the park.
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.
For more information about transportation options, visit the Sail250 website.
Security
Members of the public entering the Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center and Star carrying backpacks, daypacks, large handbags, packages, coolers, or other large containers are subject to search and inspection for weapons or items hazardous to visitors or staff.
Please note that in accordance with 36 CFR §2.4 and 18 USC § 930 firearms are prohibited in Federal facilities. These buildings include, but are not limited to, government offices, visitor centers, ranger stations, fee collection buildings, and maintenance facilities - including the Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center, and the Star Fort.
Keep personal items with you. Unattended items may be inspected or removed.
The lighting and maintaining of fires and/or possession and use of fireworks, firecrackers, and sparklers is prohibited.
Fort McHenry is a “No Drone Zone.” Launching, landing, or operating uncrewed aircraft such as drones is strictly prohibited.
State and local law enforcement agencies will be actively monitoring drone activity in flight restricted areas and will interdict and cite violators.
During Sail250 events there will be many opportunities for photographing the arrival of ships and aerobatic displays. Some photography may require a permit. To learn more about photography in the park, go to our quick guide.
Viewing area on southeast side of Fort McHenry NMHS
NPS/Tim Ervin
Be Prepared, Stay Safe
Weather
In June, average daily temperatures in Baltimore can range from highs of 80˚F to 87˚F and lows of 58˚F to 66˚F. In late June, temperatures may reach the low 90s with average relative humidity levels between 68% and 73%. Be prepared for heat, humidity, and possible showers.To protect yourself from the elements, sure to bring:
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to minimize exposure to the sun and prevent damage from UV light.
Bring enough water to drink with you for the duration of your trip. Water bottle filling stations are available along the Seawall Trail and at the Visitor Center.
Salty snacks help replace the electrolytes you lose through sweat during your activity.
Be sure to use ear protection. Some of the aircraft featured produce noise levels that range from 110—130 decibels.
Insects
Located on the edge of the peninsula, Fort McHenry is home to many different insects, particularly mosquitoes, so be prepared with insect repellant.
Airshow Viewing Area
Viewing areas for the airshow are located on Whetstone Point, the southernmost point of the park. The viewing areas will be indicated by a fenceline.
Stay in designated spectator areas and behind crowd lines at all times.
Follow all instructions from event staff and emergency personnel.
In case of emergency, call 911 or notify the nearest staff member immediately.
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Current Weather at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Keep a weather eye on the horizon as you plan your visit. In June, average daily temperatures in Baltimore can range from highs of 80˚F to 87˚F and lows of 58˚F to 66˚F. In late June, temperatures may reach the low 90s with average relative humidity levels between 68% and 73%. Be prepared for heat, humidity, and possible showers.
Visitors are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs into the park. The use of hammocks is not permitted.
Organized games and team sports may not be played in the park. This includes but is not limited to baseball, football, croquet, soccer, volleyball, and frisbee.
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 Center. Service animals are welcome in all areas of the park.
The Seawall Trail will remain open to recreational visitors for jogging, cycling, walking, etc.
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 Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center. Trash bins are located throughout the park.
Bring enough water to drink with you for the duration of your trip. Water bottle filling stations are available along the Seawall Trail and at the Visitor Center.
Restroom Facilities
Portable toilets will be available near the airshow viewing area
Public restrooms are also available inside the Visitor Center and Star Fort
Laws & Policies
Please refer to the Superintendent’s Compendium. for more information regarding recreation policies and restrictions.
