Defenders' Day
Defenders' Day 2026
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.
Activities include ranger programs, War of 1812 encampment, historic weapons demonstrations, fife and drum performances, and more!
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. American Anthem: 250 Years at the Home of the Brave
Join a ranger for a 45-minute walking program exploring Fort McHenry’s history of service, community, and defense, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Explore the site and stories that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner” as you reflect on how past generations shaped the nation and how each of us shapes its future.
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!
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.— Baltimore's Defenders (ongoing)
Explore the daily lives of men and women throughout Baltimore during the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II with living historians from the Fort McHenry Guard. Visit the tavern tent, guard house, and barracks to learn more.
11:15 a.m.— American Anthem: 250 Years at the Home of the Brave
Join a ranger for a 45-minute walking program exploring Fort McHenry’s history of service, community, and defense, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Explore the site and stories that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner” as you reflect on how past generations shaped the nation and how each of us shapes its future.
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.— American Anthem: 250 Years at the Home of the Brave
Join a ranger for a 45-minute walking program exploring Fort McHenry’s history of service, community, and defense, from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Explore the site and stories that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner” as you reflect on how past generations shaped the nation and how each of us shapes its future.
2:00 p.m.— The Guns that Won the Battle
Join living historians from the Fort McHenry Guard 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.
6:45 p.m.— Roar of the Drums
Enjoy a musical performance by the Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps and hear the music that directed and inspired the defenders of Fort McHenry through the generations.
7:00 p.m.— Evening Concert Featuring the Maryland Military Band
Join the Maryland Military Band for a musical journey through the history of Fort McHenry and our nation as we commemorate 250 years of American history! From the War of 1812 through World War One and beyond, hear various historical renditions of our national anthem as well as other patriotic music celebrating America.
8:00 p.m.— "O'er the Ramparts We Watch"
Listen for the signal gun and fife and drum as we recreate the morning of September 14, 1814 by raising the Star-Spangled Banner garrison flag above the fort.
8:01 p.m.— Fireworks!
Enjoy a fireworks show sponsored by The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Maryland!
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's Defenders (ongoing)
Explore the daily lives of men and women throughout Baltimore during the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I, and World War II with living historians from the Fort McHenry Guard. Visit the tavern tent, guard house, and barracks to learn more.
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
Join living historians from the Fort McHenry Guard 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.
Fees
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.
Schedule
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Contact Information
Shannon McLucas
Contact Us
Event Type
- Guided Tour
- Living History
- Performance
- Talk