. This weeklong celebration of the rich maritime traditions of the Chesapeake Bay and the contributions of Marylanders to the defense of the nation is presented by Historic Ships in Baltimore in partnership with the United States Navy, the Maryland State Department of Commerce, Office of Tourism Development and the City of Baltimore, among others. The 2018 Title Sponsor for Fleet Week is Northrop Grumman Mission Systems which joins many additional sponsors and other participating partner organizations in supporting this event including Visit Baltimore, Waterfront Partnership, Sail Baltimore, Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts and Downtown Partnership.

This free, family-friendly event will include tours of United States, Canadian and British naval ships, US Coast Guard vessels and traditional sailing ships. It will also include a spectacular air show featuring the United States Air Force (USAF) Thunderbirds and other performers, the Fleet Week Festival at the Inner Harbor, various educational and community oriented activities, an Open House at Martin State Airport in Baltimore County and, NEW to the event this year, a 5K Run. For more information, log onto www.mdfleetweek.org, connect on social media channels through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or call 866-639-3526.

DETAILS: FLEET:
October 4-8 (1-6pm) – More than a dozen ships will participate in Maryland Fleet Week & Air Show Baltimore, including U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, Canadian and British Navy ships as well as sea service vessels and traditional sailing ships. They will be open for tours at the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Canton and Locust Point.

FLIGHTS:
October 6 & 7 (12-4pm) – Attendees will be able to view the most exceptional and expansive air show in the skies over Fort McHenry and Middle Branch! The USAF Thunderbirds will headline the event with flying demonstrations from the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Other performances will include the Canadian F-18 demo, the GEICO Skytypers (a flight squadron of six vintage WWII aircraft), a salute to the hometown team with the USAF A-10 Demo Group, Scott Francis (with his flying and daring MXS maneuvers) and much more. (Please note that performers, attractions and static displays are subject to change without notice due to many reasons which may include maintenance, weather or other circumstances)
FESTIVALS:
FLEET WEEK FESTIVAL- October 5-7 (Friday and Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4pm) – This year, the Fleet Week Festival will expand, stretching from Rash Field and the Maryland Science Center around the promenade to the National Aquarium, filling the Inner Harbor with exhibitors and vendors from maritime, military, cultural, and historical organizations. There will be hands-on activities, local food and drink, musical acts, and other entertainers!

FORT MCHENRY PARK EXPERIENCE- October 5-7 (11am-5pm) – This special part of Fleet Week programs will include ranger talks, living history demonstrations, food and entertainment.

MARTIN STATE AIRPORT OPEN HOUSE- October 6 & 7 (10am-5pm) – Once again, Baltimore County will participate in Maryland Fleet Week & Air Show Baltimore with an open house and festival at Martin State Airport and Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum that includes meet and greet sessions with the pilots, displays of military aircraft, musical entertainment, souvenirs and food vendors. At this location, visitors will be able to watch aviators take off and land.

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
October 3-9 (times vary) – Throughout the week, thousands of students will experience a variety of educational programs and activities with the U.S., Canadian, and British Navies as well as the Thunderbirds at area parks, schools and other sites. They will have an opportunity to tour ships, participate in “Navigate the Fleet Day,” and the “Salute to Schooners” event. In addition, Navy sailors will engage in community projects such as a shoreline cleanup at Living Classrooms’ Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, a field day event with local high schoolers and a special Young Athletes Program (YAP) – an initiative to introduce young kids to basic sports and teamwork skills.

MORE HAPPENINGS:
FLEET WEEK 5K- Sunday, October 7 (8am) – NEW to the event will be the Fleet Week 5K Race to benefit Historic Ships in Baltimore. More than 200 sailors and 1,000 local runners will participate in a 5K race that wraps around the Inner Harbor on Sunday morning.

WELCOME CEREMONY- Wednesday, October 3 (5 pm) – Local residents, tourists and businesses alike are welcome to join in for the official public welcome of U.S. and International Navies to Baltimore, Maryland. There will be performances by U.S. Navy Bands and special presentations. (Amphitheater, Inner Harbor)

MEET THE FLEET HAPPY HOUR- Friday, October 5 (5pm-8 pm)- Grab a cold beverage, take a Selfie with a Sailor and enjoy music at the Fleet Week Festival. (West Shore Park, Inner Harbor)