Defenders’ Day / Star Spangled Banner Weekend at Fort McHenry 2021 is September 17-18.

The event starts on Friday, September 17 at 6:30pm with a parade down Hull Street to Fort Avenue and ending at Fort McHenry’s gate.

On Saturday, September 18, Fort McHenry will be open with raising of the large Flag, multiple musical performances, dress parade, Ranger-led walks to experience living history of the 1814 Defenders with both Citizen and Soldier encampments, musket and cannon firings, and evening flag change.

Saturday night is the Main Event, with a Luminary Opening at 7:30pm. There will be 1213 luminaries lit — one for each soldier and sailor who defended the Fort & Baltimore in 1814, encircling the property. Starting at 8 pm, there will be self-guided tours of the Living History encampments, which will be lit by campfires and lanterns. The night will end with “1814 Tattoo” performed by the Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps and a flag change.

Here is more information from the National Parks website.

What a terrific event to commemorate the Star Spangled Banner and Baltimore as well as Fort McHenry!