Baltimore, MD

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

List Calendar

Upcoming This Year

Sep

– 14

CeremonyFeatured

Defenders' Day at Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, 2400 E. Fort Ave., Baltimore

Annual commemoration of the September 1814 Battle of Baltimore and the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' The event features War of 1812 and Revolutionary-era living history demonstrations, artillery firings, period music, wreath-laying ceremonies, and ranger-led programs. While rooted in the War of 1812, programming often contextualizes Baltimore's broader military heritage stretching back to the Revolution.

Free (standard park entrance fees may apply)Weekend closest to September 13–14; exact dates vary by year. Check NPS website for current schedule.More info →

Apr

Guided Tour

Westminster Hall Burying Ground History Tours – Revolutionary War Notables

Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, 519 W. Fayette St., Baltimore

Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, the final resting place of several notable figures from Maryland's Revolutionary era including James McHenry (signer of the Constitution and Secretary of War), offers guided cemetery tours highlighting the lives and contributions of Baltimore's patriots. Seasonal tours and special programs around Patriots' Day and Independence Day explore connections between the burial ground's interred and the American Revolution.

Varies; some tours free, others ticketedTours offered seasonally, typically spring through fall, with special Revolutionary-themed programs in April and July. Contact Westminster Hall to confirm dates.More info →

Jul

Festival

Star-Spangled Banner Flag House Independence Day Celebration

Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, 844 E. Pratt St., Baltimore

The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House hosts a Fourth of July celebration honoring America's founding and Baltimore's patriotic legacy. Activities include colonial-era demonstrations, hands-on crafts, tours of the 1793 home of Mary Pickersgill (who sewed the famous garrison flag), readings of the Declaration of Independence, and family-friendly programming connecting the Revolution to Baltimore's later role in the War of 1812.

Check website for event-specific pricingJuly 4th or nearest weekend; contact venue to confirm programming dates.More info →

Aug

Ceremony

Maryland Line at the Battle of Long Island Commemoration

Fort McHenry National Monument or Maryland Center for History and Culture, Baltimore

An annual remembrance ceremony honoring the sacrifice of the Maryland 400—soldiers of the Maryland Line who fought a desperate rearguard action at the Battle of Long Island on August 27, 1776, enabling Washington's army to escape. The program includes historical lectures, a wreath-laying, and presentations on the Maryland Line's legacy. Events are organized by local historical organizations and may take place at Fort McHenry or other Baltimore heritage sites.

FreeHeld on or near August 27; this event may be organized intermittently by local historical groups. Contact the Maryland Historical Society or Fort McHenry to confirm.

Earlier This Year

Mar

Guided Tour

Maryland Day at Mount Clare Museum House

Mount Clare Museum House, Carroll Park, 1500 Washington Blvd., Baltimore

Mount Clare Museum House, the 1760 Georgian mansion that served as home to Charles Carroll, Barrister—a patriot leader and member of Maryland's revolutionary conventions—hosts Maryland Day programming in late March. Events include guided tours of the historic house and grounds, talks on Carroll's role in the independence movement, and living history interpreters portraying colonial-era Marylanders. Programming highlights Baltimore's connections to the Continental Congress and Maryland's revolutionary governance.

Check with venueHeld on or near Maryland Day (March 25); contact Mount Clare Museum House to confirm dates and programming.