Last updated: June 8, 2026
Thing to Do
Flag Change Programs
NPS/Tim Ervin
Fort McHenry is the first site to receive a presidential proclimation requiring that the site fly a flag 24/7, 365 days a year. Join park staff in the mornings or evenings as we change out our flags for the day and learn about the flag's significance to the park's history. Flag change programs occure daily. In the mornings the park raises a larger replica of a historic flag and in the evenings an overnight all-weather flag is raised over the fort.
*Flag changes are weather dependent. If there is precipitation, or of if the wind is below 5 mph/above 10 mph, the large garrison flag (30x42 feet) and storm flag (17x25 feet) cannot be flown.
The exact times of the flag change programs change seasonally and are listed below:
| Summer | Winter | |
| Morning | 10:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. |
| Evening (weekday) | 4:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. |
| Evening (weekend) | 5:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. |
Details
Duration
10-15 Minutes
Activity
Guided Tours
Pets Allowed
No
No pets are allowed within the historic zone (fee area).
Activity Fee
Yes
The flag change occures within the fee area of the park, it costs 15$ per adult to enter the area.
Location
Star Fort Historic Zone (Fee Area)
The historic star fort is located within the fee area of the fort.
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
The flag change programs are entirely weather dependent, meaning they are less likely to happen in the winter.
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The flag change programs occur in the middle of the star fort. The fort is accessed via paved pathways that are wheelchair accessible.