Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May — this year May 25 — so the weekend prior is full of fun celebrations. Make the most of the long weekend by checking out these family-friendly events and festivals in the Washington, D.C. area!
Friday
SYC Presents: Made in America | North Bethesda, MD
The Strathmore Youth Chorus will be celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a special concert at The Music Center at Strathmore at 7:30 p.m. Friday to honor America’s history and diverse culture. It’s a great way to ring in Memorial Day weekend!
$16-$26 | strathmore.org
Sunday
Reston Chorale’s Star-Spangled Salute Concert | Reston, VA
The Reston Chorale is holding a free outdoor concert from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday as part of Reston’s Memorial Day festivities! Grab a lawn chair and head to Reston Town Center for an evening of patriotic tunes, with instrumentation provided by Brass of the Potomac. Families are also encouraged to bring approved items for military care packages.
Free | restontc.org
Monday
Rockville Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade | Rockville, MD
This annual parade in Rockville Town Center Park has been a tradition in Rockville for 80+ years, and it’s extra special this year for America’s 250th. In addition to the parade itself, which features dance and music performances, marching soldiers and more from 9 a.m. to noon, there will also be plenty of America 250 -themed entertainment and giveaways.
Free | rockvillemd.gov/services/memorial-day-ceremony-and-parade
Memorial Day with Uncle Sam & Eagle | Tysons, VA
This kid-friendly celebration from noon to 6 p.m. at Shipgarten features several Memorial Day -themed activities, including photos with Uncle Sam and a bald eagle mascot, themed crafts and more. There’s also no shortage of food and drink available for adults, and the venue is even dog-friendly, making it a perfect Memorial Day outing for the whole family.
Free | shipgarten.com
National Memorial Day Parade: Honoring Heroes with a Century of American Military History | Washington, D.C.
The largest Memorial Day parade in the U.S., this parade kicking off at 1 p.m. along Constitution Avenue draws in hundreds of thousands of people every year and features participants from all 50 states. This year’s event also celebrates the Semiquincentennial anniversary of the U.S., and if you can’t make it in-person, it will be streamed online and broadcasted on TV.
Free | avchonors.com/nationalmemorialdayparade
