Star Spangled Spectacular in Baltimore
Between September 10 and 16, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor will be jam packed with Tall Ships, fast jets, air craft carriers, and, of course, tourists. The Star Spangled Spectacular is a show that you don’t want to miss, but in order to make sure you don’t waste your time looking for parking or waiting in lines, keep our guide handy.
Tall Ships Sink Brits. The armada of defenders arrives on Wednesday, September 10, and this is a great opportunity to see them under sail and flying colors. However, there is no set schedule for any of the ships, and public tours won’t begin until Thursday at noon. If you’re mainly interested in getting onboard, head up on Friday for ship tours between noon and 5 p.m., and then head over to a Meet the Fleet Happy Hour held in the Inner Harbor Village where you can meet visiting sailors and enjoy drink specials.
The Red, White, and Blues The Blue Angels are back! September 13 and 14 you want to find a place with unobstructed skyline views to watch flight demonstrations between 2 and 4 p.m. The air show takes place over the Middle Branch of the Patapsco, and while it’s possible to watch the Blues from the water, cruising is restricted near the air show box while the demonstration is in process.
The Coast Guard has issued a statement regulating all waters of the Patapsco within an area bounded by a line connecting position: Latitude 39 16'00" N, Longitude 076 36'30" W thence to Latitude 39 16'00" N, Longitude 076 33'00" W thence to Latitude 39 14'30" N, Longitude 076 33'00" W thence to Latitude 39 14'30" N, Longitude 076 36'30" W thence to the point of origin, located between Port Covington and Seagrit Marine Terminal at Baltimore. Download the full PDF from the Coast Guard by clicking here. As for watching the Blues from the ground, there are many options, but none are as great as one of the many rooftop decks around Baltimore. So we got in touch with Jess Mayhugh from Baltimore Magazine to find out where the hottest spots are right now.
L.P Steamers is a stone's throw away from Fort McHenry, and has a rooftop deck full of picnic tables for eating crabs and drinking beer. 1100 E. Fort Ave., 410-576-9294.
Bringing the boat? Head to Nick's Fish House which features multi-level decks overlooking the Patapsco and is a great place to get an orange crush or beer bucket to watch the Blues. 2600 Insulator Dr., 410-347-4123. More of a multi tasker?
Camden Yards Centerfield Bar will allow you to check out the Os and Yanks doubleheader with great views of an open downtown skyline. 333 W. Camden St., 410-685-9800. Baltimore Magazine has more ideas, so you don't get stuck in Baltimore with a lousy view! Check 'em out at baltimoremagazine.net
Sing it loud, sing it proud! September 13, two concerts bring out the big guns. Starting at 6 p.m., Fort McHenry hosts the U.S. Marine Band and the Morgan State University Choir, who will entertain while the 30-foot by 42-foot Star Spangled Banner is hoisted into the skyline. Our tip: get there early, as the bag check and security will be tight. Starting at 7 p.m. at Pier Six Pavilion, a two-hour long concert hosted by John Lithgow will feature many international stars. Tickets run between $79 and $175 and can be purchased online at piersixpavilion.com. In addition, the whole concert will be broadcast on PBS live.
Fireworks! The fireworks will be launched from six barges stretching three miles between the Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry. The 20-minute show should start around 10 p.m. While your best bet is to catch them around the Inner H arbor, Canton Waterfront Park, and Fells Point, if you’re stuck watching from home, we recommend tuning in to the KeyCam, one of four cameras set up in the East Harbor, Key Bridge, and the West Harbor. You can watch the fireworks show as Francis Scott Key himself saw the city.
More! More! More! Other cool events are happening around the state. September 6-7, Civil War re-enactors will descend upon North Point State Park to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of North Point. Interested in your own genealogical connections to the War of 1812? Check out "Finding Your War of 1812 Ancestors" held September 6 at 9 a.m. at the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood.