Memorial Day weekend marks more than just the start of summer; it’s a time to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the country. At the same time, the long weekend offers an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, enjoy the outdoors, and make the most of the warmer weather. Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway, hosting a backyard barbecue, or exploring something new in your area, there are many ways to remember the importance of the holiday while still soaking in the spirit of the season.
National Memorial Day Parade: (Washington, DC)
- One of the largest Memorial Day parades in the U.S.
- Held along Constitution Avenue with veterans, active-duty troops, and marching bands
- Attracts massive national crowds and TV audience
National Memorial Day Concert: (Washington, DC)
- Free concert on the U.S. Capitol lawn
- Broadcast nationwide on PBS
- Draws thousands in person while millions are watching live
Rolling to Remember (formerly Rolling Thunder): (Washington, DC)
- Massive motorcycle rally honoring POW/MIA soldiers
- Tens of thousands of riders and spectators each year
- One of the largest Memorial Day gatherings in the country
Large Festivals & Entertainment Events
California Roots Music & Arts Festival: (Monterey, CA)
- A laid-back mix of reggae, hip-hop, and rock across multiple days.
- Set at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, it draws big crowds with live music, art, and food vendors.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival: (Jacksonville, FL)
- One of the largest free jazz festivals in the U.S.
- Draws huge downtown crowds over multiple days
Hyundai Air & Sea Show: (Miami Beach, FL)
- Major military demonstration with jets, ships, and special forces
- Attracts very large beach crowds
Huge Races & Sporting Events
Bolder Boulder 10K: (Boulder, CO)
- One of the largest running races in the U.S.
- Over 40,000 participants and tens of thousands of spectators
Regional Festivals with Major Attendance
Fleet Week / Intrepid Museum Events: (New York City)
- Navy ships, air shows, and public tours
- Draws large crowds across NYC waterfronts
Artscape (when scheduled over Memorial Day): (Baltimore, MD)
- One of the largest free arts festivals in the U.S.
- Huge attendance when aligned with Memorial Day weekend
Virginia Beach “Salute to Summer”: (Virginia Beach, VA)
- Free concerts and beachfront events
- Large crowds marking the unofficial start of summer
NorthWest Folklife Festival: (Seattle, WA)
- Large Cultural Festival with music, dance, arts and crafts
- 400+ performances
- Free (donation based)
Other Notable Weekend Events
Chestertown Tea Party Festival (Chestertown, MD): A tea tossing reenactment in the Chester River, crafts, music & a parade
Palatka Blue Crab Festival (Palatka, FL): Family friendly, waterfront festival with lots of blue crab seafood, contests, music and entertainment
Spoleto Festival USA (Charleston, SC): Large 17 day arts event featuring artists from around the world with opera, classical music, dance, theater, jazz and outdoor performances
Patriotic Festival (Norfolk, VA): Major military tribute and country music lineup that takes place at the Scope Arena
Whether you’re drawn to meaningful tributes like the National Memorial Day Parade or lively gatherings such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and Fleet Week New York, the weekend is full of ways to connect, explore, and celebrate. Whatever your plans, it's important to honor the purpose of the holiday while enjoying the start of summer.