August,1814 was a defiant time for Maryland. So celebrate the bicentennial of The Battle of Bladensburg with the Undaunted Weekend Festival.
Venues around Prince George's County will be celebrating the area's history with live actors, historical recreations and educational discussions.
The festival coincides with a wider array of events that run through fall, to commemorate the bicentennial of The War of 1812. The Undaunted Festival is already underway and runs through Aug. 24.
The war was still raging when British troops marched on Prince George's County, fought American volunteers at Bladensburg and burned Washington's public buildings. Defiance is the overarching theme of the festival -- but there's plenty of fun to be had across the county.
The Bowie Baysox Minor League Baseball team are getting in on the action with a family fun night on Thursday at Prince George's Stadium (Ballpark Rd.) Expect 1812 trivia, games and a special rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.
The Undaunted Weekend begins with a "John Bull Roast" at Riverdale House Museum (4811 Riverdale Rd.) on Friday evening. John Bull was a common British caricature during the war, so come with tongues planted firmly in cheeks, and greet actors portraying British troops.
You'll be rewarded for your bravery with a barbecue, live music and fireworks. Tickets cost $20 for residents of Prince George's County and Montgomery County, or $24 otherwise.
The Scene
The most fun things to do and places to be in D.C., Maryland and Virginia
On Saturday a new monument to commemorate the Battle of Bladensburg will be unveiled at noon in Monument Park (4901 Annapolis Rd.)
Later in the day the Undaunted Weekend festival opens. At about 3 p.m. a huge battle reenactment will be held, which will lead into games, music and a D.C. food truck rally.
Sunday opens at 8 a.m. with two Bladensburg Races, at Bladensburg Waterfront Park and the Historic Congressional Cemetery. Cool off after that between noon and 4 p.m. with boat tours on the waterfront and a free trolley to Historic Homes in the area, which are open for tours. Find out more information here.
There are other events across the county and in the District. For full details check out the Undaunted Weekend Festival site.
