Photo by FlipMode79.
Hey, it’s almost Memorial Day weekend! And, in D.C., that means there’s a lot going on. Whether it be attending annual traditions like the National Memorial Day Parade and the Memorial Day Concert, or, you know, lounging in a pool all weekend and then grilling meat, there’s plenty of stuff to choose from.
Here are some suggestions for you. Happy (early) Memorial Day!
In D.C.
-As always, the National Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday along Constitution Avenue. The annual parade, which celebrates “all military and fallen heroes” takes place at 2 p.m.
-On Sunday, thousands of motorcyclists will gather at the Pentagon parking lot at 7 a.m. and descend upon D.C., riding through the streets for the annual Rolling Thunder rally. Of course, organizers have a lot of other things planned this weekend: there’s a candle light vigil at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Friday at 9 p.m.; Thundery Alley, featuring food, music, speakers, and more open all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; a wreath-laying ceremony Saturday at 11 a.m. at the U.S. Navy Memorial; and a post-ride “Saluting the Troops” at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Sunday.
-The annual free Memorial Day Concert, put on by actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise is happening on Monday at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol at 8 p.m. It will feature a bunch of speakers and performances, including Jennifer Nettles and the National Symphony Orchestra.
-Jazz in the Garden—annual summer concert series at the Sculpture Garden—returns on Friday, with Afrofunk band Elikeh kicking off this year’s festivities. Starts at 5 p.m. and is free, but bring some cash to by wine.
-Visit any number of D.C.’s monuments honoring millions of veterans throughout history: the World War II Memorial; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; the Navy Memorial; Arlington National Cemetery; and the Air Force Memorial
-Hey, it’s also pool season! Go get wet somewhere.
Elsewhere
-The National Harbor, which is looking to become a “fun” alternative to D.C., is opening their Capital Wheel to the public on Friday. So go check that out, if ferris wheels are your thing.
-The city of Rockville is having their annual Hometown Holidays celebration all this weekend, with a parade, live music, and festivities on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. All the info can be found here.
-If you feel like take a little bit of a road trip, the annual Delaplane Strawberry Festival takes place Sunday and Monday at Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, Va. Head to a less-crowded part of the Eastern Shore to Chestertown, Md. for the annual Chestertown Tea Party Festival, which is happening all weekend. Or, head to the not-so-far-away town of Alexandria, Va. on Monday for the Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival, which is taking place from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Waterfront Park (1 Prince Street Alexandria, Va.).
-Finally, you could always take part in the time-honored tradition of grilling a lot of meat in your yard and consuming said meat with cold adult beverages and good friends. Only if you want.
