The Star Spangled Spectacular, on Defenders’ Day Weekend, is an annual benefit celebrating and supporting the important work of The Friends of Fort McHenry and the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.

Celebrate the successful defense of Fort McHenry and Baltimore from British invasion in 1814 by joining the Friends in a private tent in the shadow of the Star Fort for an impressive buffet dinner and open bar. Watch the National Park Service’s annual ceremony honoring the defenders of Fort McHenry, past and present, as you mingle with high level dignitaries, State and City leaders, and living history re-enactors. Cap the night off with a front row spot for a spectacular fireworks display over the historic star fort!

Individual tickets are available for $100. REGISTER

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September 13-14 is the 208th anniversary of the bombardment of Fort McHenry and
the writing of the Star Spangled Banner during the War of 1812. It was a truly pivotal event in our nation’s history and it occurred less than a mile from Silo Point. The anniversary celebration, Defenders Day, is Baltimore’s oldest holiday. This year commemorative events at Fort McHenry will take place on 9, 10, and 11 September.

The event kicks off Friday evening at 7:00 with the annual Fort McHenry parade from Tide Point, up Hull St. to Fort Ave., and to the Fort. Period fife and drum music and living history units are featured.

Saturday from 10:00 until 4:00 will be a full schedule of music, talks, tours, living history, and period weapons demonstrations. An evening program, beginning at 6:00, will include performances by the U.S. Army Drill Team, Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, Field Band, and Presidential Salute Battery. The evening finale will be fireworks with music at 8:25.

Sunday events will take place from 10:00 until 4:00. Defenders Day will conclude with a flag change at 4:00. Please see the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine page on Facebook for additional information and details. One admission fee will cover all Saturday and Sunday events.