The Guide To Star-Spangled Spectacular

The Daily Meal Staff|

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — If you're looking to head over to Star-Spangled Spectacular this weekend at the Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry — you may need to know some basic information to make sure your visit is as smooth as possible.

Whether you're a tourist or a Baltimorean, you'll want to know what to expect with parking, security, events and fireworks.

Before you head over though, you may want to know more about the event.

It's the 200th anniversary of the birth of the national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key the morning after the Battle of Baltimore at Ft. McHenry in September 1814. After a night of 'bombs bursting in air,' Key wrote the anthem when he saw the garrison flag still waving. It's to the tune of a British anthem.

Read: 5 Things To Know About 'The Star Spangled Banner' or Watch: 'The Story Behind The Star Spangled Banner'

GETTING THERE

If you're hoping to drive to the event, you can buy parking passes ahead of time through Parking Panda. Click here for more information.

You can also take public transit, walk or bike.

SECURITY

With more than a million people expected to come Baltimore this weekend for the event, security is also going to be a big deal. According to the event's website the policy only applies to visitors headed to "the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Martin State Airport and when visiting any naval vessels, domestic or foreign, at North Locust Point, on Under Amour Pier, in the Inner Harbor or on Broadway Pier." The policy does not apply to the tall ships.

So what does that mean? It means leave your big purses or backpacks at home.

Visitors will only be allowed one clear bag per person similar in size to a gallon freezer bag. Also only a small clutch the size of a hand will be allowed. Exceptions will be made for medical items like oxygen tanks, medical devices and aids — after inspection.

Strollers, sunblock, blankets, umbrellas or ponchos will be allowed. For a full list of what is prohibited, go to the event's website.

EVENTS

There's a lot to do this weekend and a lot of ground to cover. If you're not sure where you want to start, check out this handy map.

Here are some of the highlights:

The Air Show is always a great option. The Blue Angels will fly over between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Visit the tall ships and the others vessels in the harbor anytime between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Here's a list of visiting ships from around the world and another handy map.

To experience history, your best bet is to go visit Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, where there will be canon firings, flag raisings, drum concerts and other demonstrations.

Click here for a full list of events.

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