A flotilla of more than 40 tall ships and naval vessels from 12 countries around the world will sail into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point and North Locust Point today, June 13, starting at 8 a.m. for Star-Spangled Sailabration.
At eight different times throughout the morning, starting at 8 a.m., there will be a 21 gun salute between Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine and the arriving ships.
Between June 14-19 the city of Baltimore is hosting the Star-Spangled Sailabration Festival at the Inner Harbor and beyond.
The festival is the national launch of a three-year commemoration for the War of 1812 Bicentennial and penning of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The international maritime and air festival features free entertainment including regional bands, orchestras and choirs, public tours of ships, air shows, aircraft displays, fireworks, sporting events and many more exciting activities for the whole family.
As part of the June 13 kickoff, U.S. Navy Elite Parachutists “Leap Frogs” will jump into Clifton Mansion Lawn at noon and Patterson Park at 6 p.m.
The festival beginning June 14 will feature live music concerts, street theater, children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, exhibits, sporting events, food, beer and wine. In addition, the Inner Harbor village includes guest services, first aid, portable restrooms, ATMs, bike parking, and locations on-site to purchase souvenirs and merchandise. The Inner Harbor village is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sunday and Monday. It operates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The music concerts will consist of a variety of local, regional and military bands in the Inner Harbor Amphitheater and West Shore Park. Highlights for the Transamerica West Shore Concert Stage include Donegal Express, Irish rock; Andy Poxon, blues; Swingin Swamis, Latin; Guayas – Ecuador Tropical+ Band, tropical; 8 OHMs, funk; IghQ The Band, reggae and world; The Corporates, jazz and R&B, and Old Man Brown, blues. Highlights for the Inner Harbor Amphitheater are US Navy Commodores, jazz; US Navy Cruisers, popular music ensemble; Indonesia – Dewaruci Naval Cadet Marching Band and US Navy Concert Band, wind ensemble.
For a list of events for the commemoration this week and ongoing over the next few years check out our article on the War of 1812 commemoration.
