Event
Defenders' Day
Fee:
Fort McHenry NM&HS requires an entry fee of $15 per adult (ages 16 and older) in order to enter the Historic Zone (where the historic star fort structure is located). The remaining park grounds, visitor center, and movie are free to visit. Entrance passes can be purchased at the park visitor center from 9 AM - 4 PM, or 9 AM - 5 PM in the summer. Park registers are cashless. Entrance passes are good for 7 days with a valid receipt.Repeating Event
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Type of Event
Description
Defenders' Day 2025
Join us September 12th—14th for special Defenders’ Day events commemorating the successful defense of Baltimore against British attack in 1814. and Celebrated since 1815, Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday and this year's activities will celebrate the generations of defenders who served at Fort McHenry and later fought to preserve the site as a National Monument and Historic Shrine.
Activities include ranger programs, War of 1812 encampment, historic weapons demonstrations, fife and drum performances, and more!
Schedule of Events
Saturday, September 13, 2025
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
This year, Fort McHenry celebrates its 100th anniversary as a National Park Service site! 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
This year, Fort McHenry celebrates its 100th anniversary as a National Park Service site! 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 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.
Sunday, September 14th
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.
More information
Reservation or Registration: No
Image Gallery
NPS/Tim Ervin