Advertisement
This is an event celebrating Defenders Day. There will be several activities going on throughout the day. Feel free to join in and participate as little or as much as you like. If you can't make it on Friday, there are activities on Saturday and Sunday, as well.Location:
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230
Also, Patterson Park along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail for 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.
Cost for entering the Star Fort:
Free for under 15 years old
$15 for 16 years old and older
Free if you have the America the Beautiful Pass (for the National Parks)
Schedule of Events - Friday September 12, 2025
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!
11:15 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.
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!
Event details: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/defenders-day.htm
no registration needed
limited parking on site but street parking is available
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine, Fort McHenry National Monument, 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230, United States
