Star-Spangled Spectacular Events: September 13th
Leap Frogs Jump at Harford County Airport: 8am-11am
The U.S. Navy Leap Frogs will jump into the Harford County Airport and be joined by U.S.S. Constitution Sailors, Navy recruiters and the Boys and Girls Club. The airport will open at 8:00 a.m.
Living History Area Program at Fort McHenry: 815am, 915am, 1015am, 1115am
Fort McHenry literally explodes with activity with living history presentations by the Fort McHenry Guard. Dressed as soldiers, sailors and citizens from 1814, Guard members provide a touchstone to the past by garrisoning the fort. Cannon firing, fife and drum music, cooking demonstrations, and children’s activities offer visitors a “total immersion” experience.
Flag Change Program at Fort McHenry: 915am, 415pm
Join a Park Ranger for this hands-on program about the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Unroll a 30-by-42 foot, full-size replica Star-Spangled Banner flag at the exact site where it flew in 1814 and help a park ranger raise/lower a reproduction of the flag over the fort (weather permitting).
Young Defenders Program at Fort McHenry: 10am-4pm
At these hands-on activity stations, young visitors can learn about soldier life at Fort McHenry and discover how average Baltimoreans contributed to the city’s defense from the British.
Star-Spangled Aircraft Display Festival at Martin State Airport: 10am-5pm
Martin State Airport is opening its doors for two full days of festivities. Visit the airport between 10 AM and 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14. Parking is free with shuttles running from parking areas to the festival all day. Handicapped-accessible shuttles are part of the fleet.
While Mary Pickersgill is credited with sewing the original Star-Spangled Banner, the flag was also worked on by her African American indentured servant, Grace Wisher. This 13-year girl is the inspiration behind the exhibition.
In Full Glory Reflected at Maryland Historical Society: 10am-5pm
The Maryland Historical Society proudly re-launches its critically acclaimed exhibit, “In Full Glory Reflected: Maryland in the War of 1812″ with new objects and artifacts, including the original pistol and spyglass owned by Commodore Joshua Barney, commander of the Chesapeake Bay Flotilla. These objects are on view for the first time ever from Barney’s descendants.
Federal Hill Park Historic Playground Dedication: 1045am
Celebrate the new Historic Playground on Federal Hill with Presiding Official Governor Martin O’Malley, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Honorary Chair Senator Paul Sarbanes, military units, and marching bands. Incorporating local historic icons, together South Harbor Renaissance and Baltimore City’s Department of Recreation & Parks have created an exciting play experience for children and their parents.
Fort McHenry Forever Stamp Release Ceremony: 11am-12pm
The U.S. Postal Service commemorates the 200th anniversary of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner with the official first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the new Fort McHenry Forever Stamp. The stamp depicts soldiers manning a cannon in defense of the fort.
Star-Spangled Spectacular Author Events at Barnes & Noble: 11am-4pm
Barnes & Noble will host a series of War of 1812 authors for book talks during Star-Spangled Spectacular. Authors will be available for readings and book signings. A full schedule is below:
Spectacular Festival Villages at Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry and Martin State Airport: 11am-10pm
The Star-Spangled Spectacular Village at the Inner Harbor will feature hands-on fun for kids, cooking demonstrations with farm-to-table flair, concerts, exhibits, festival fare, sponsor giveaways and other activities.
Pets on Parade at the Inner Harbor: 11am-12pm
Does Spot stand up and salute every time it hears “The Star-Spangled Banner”? Well, even if he doesn’t, you might want to consider entering your pet in the “Pets on Parade” contest. Pets can begin registering at 10 AM and the parade will start at 11 AM.
Demo Kitchen & Brew Garden at the Inner Harbor: 1230pm-10pm
Presented by Chef Spike Gjerde of Woodberry Kitchen and Scott Plank of WarHorse, the Chesapeake Bay Demo Kitchen and Brew Garden will run throughout the weekend of September 12th-14th, and will feature a fascinating lineup of chefs, brewmasters, winemakers, and cidermakers from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and beyond.
Anthem of Libery IMAX Film at Maryland Science Center: 1130am-430pm
See the story behind the song. “Star Spangled Banner—Anthem of Liberty” is a 25-minute giant-screen film exploring the events of the War of 1812, playing daily at theMaryland Science Center. Re-live the bombardment of Fort McHenry and the story behind the making of the flag that grew to symbolize the resolve of America.
Free Public Ship Tours at the Inner Harbor: 12pm-5pm
Star-Spangled Spectacular will feature more than 30 naval vessels and tall ships from the United States, England, Canada, Norway, Germany, Spain and Turkey. The ships will be open September 11 – 15 for public visitation. Ships berthed at the Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point and North Locust Point are generally open for touring from 12 noon until 5 PM.
Star-Spangled Spectacular Air Show: 2pm-4pm
The Star-Spangled Spectacular Air Show will feature precision flight demonstration acts from the U.S. Navy over a one-and-a-half-hour period between 2:00 and 4:00 PM on September 13 and 14. The featured act will be the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The air show will take place over the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River.
Red, White and Brew Festival at Broadway Square: 230pm-9pm
Celebrate the British invasion at “Red, White & Brew” in Fell’s Point, alongside the HMS Argyll. Walk historic Fell’s Point while enjoying shopping, food vendors and other area attractions. This free festival is also a great place to view the Air Show and the fireworks.
Star-Spangled Spectacular at Fort McHenry: 6pm-10pm
Observe the bicentennial of the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the spot that endured the British bombardment, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write what became our National Anthem. This evening program commemorates that historic event through patriotic music by the United States Marine Band “The President’s Own,” the Morgan State University Choir and others. The evening will also include performances by the Fort McHenry Guard, raising of the 30-by-42 foot Star-Spangled Banner, and remarks by elected officials. The evening will conclude with Baltimore’s largest fireworks display, celebrating the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem!
Star-Spangled Spectacular at Pier 6: 7pm-10pm
Star-Spangled Spectacular: Bicentennial of our National Anthem is a two-hour concert special at Pier Six Pavilion that will also be live broadcast on THIRTEEN’S Great Performances series on PBS. The live television event is a celebration of the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem. The special will be hosted by actor, musician and author John Lithgow and co-hosted by platinum recording artist and actress Jordin Sparks. The concert special will feature pop music artist Kristin Chenoweth, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, celebrated mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves-Montgomery, country group Little Big Town, American a cappella group Pentatonix, legendary singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Rogers, multi-platinum Grammy award-winning band Train and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
O’er the Ramparts at CCBC Dundalk: 730pm
“O’er the Ramparts” is an original patriotic musical pageant the will premiere at the John E. Ravekes Theatre at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). The production chronicles the events before, during and after the Battle of Baltimore though the eyes of a 12-year old and 15-year old sister and brother living in Baltimore County and in the midst of the action.
Firworks: 930pm
The Star-Spangled Spectacular Fireworks will tell a very American story of patriotism, unity and inspiration utilizing Fireworks by Grucci’s patented technical PixelBurst™ and SkyEtching™ technologies. Telling the compelling story through Francis Scott Key’s words, show elements will include “broad stripes and bright stars,” “rockets red glare and bombs bursting in air” and “twilight’s last gleaming,” among others.
