An international parade of ships will sail into Baltimore on June 13 for Star-Spangled Sailabration, the national launch of the three-year commemoration by the U.S. Navy and the State of Maryland of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the penning of "The Star-Spangled Banner".
Star-Spangled Sailabration features seven days of free entertainment including ship tours, a Blue Angels air show, patriotic fireworks, memorial ceremonies and much more.
More than two dozen ships including U.S. Navy, British and Canadian warships and tall ships from countries including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States will flank Baltimore's famed Inner Harbor during Star-Spangled Sailabration. Both the tall ships and naval vessels will offer free, daily tours from June 14 - June 18.
Other highlights of the festival include:
- A Star-Spangled Air Show featuring the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, on Saturday, June 16, and Sunday, June 17
- The Celebration of the American Flag event at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine on Saturday, June 16, complete with fireworks and concerts
- A Star-Spangled Festival at Martin State Airport featuring U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine and U.S. Coast Guard aircraft on display along with autograph opportunities with the Blue Angels pilots on Saturday, June 16, and Sunday, June 17
- A concert featuring the premiere of a new symphonic work on Sunday, June 17 at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Some of the war's greatest artifacts can be found in Baltimore, with more than 10 sites boasting a direct tie to the War of 1812. The festival winds down with the official 200th anniversary of the Declaration of War on Great Britain event and a celebration of two centuries of peace on June 18 followed by the Parade of Sail departure on June 19.
Star-Spangled Sailabration is just the start of Baltimore and the State of Maryland's bicentennial experiences. For the latest updates on these events visit www.StarSpangledBaltimore.com.
For more information about top events in Maryland take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maryland.