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Memorial Day Weekend in DC: Festivals, Day Trips, and More Things To Do

See elaborately decorated floats at Bowie's Memorial Day Parade. Photo courtesy of City of Bowie Gov't Staff
See elaborately decorated floats at Bowie's Memorial Day Parade. Photo courtesy of City of Bowie Gov't Staff
5/24/24 - By Jennifer Swope

Looking for the best things to do in DC this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

It's the official start of summer this weekend, and there are lots of events to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These include the National Memorial Day Concert on the National Mall and Flowers of Remembrance Day at Arlington National Cemetery.

This weekend also kicks off the season of summer festivals in the DC area, with fun options like ViVa Vienna! and the Hometown Holidays Music Fest in Rockville. This weekend is also the last weekend Big Bounce America is in the DMV, so don't miss it!

And don't forget—Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to take a summer day trip from DC.

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Enjoy patriotic performances at the National Memorial Day Concert. Photo courtesy of the concert
Enjoy patriotic performances at the National Memorial Day Concert. Photo courtesy of the concert

Top Things to Do in DC this Memorial Day Weekend with Kids

Splash City - Jump In, DC

Washington, DC - Friday, May 23
Free
Join Mayor Bowser and DPR for our annual party to mark the beginning of outdoor pool season. Enjoy free food, music, giveaways, and the first splash down of 2025! Admission is free, but an RSVP (here) is necessary. READ MORE

Bowie's Memorial Day Parade

Bowie, MD - Saturday, May 24
Free
Marching bands, performers, floats, local clubs and organizations, and much more are featured at this year's annual Bowie Memorial Day Parade, as members of the Armed Forces are recognized. READ MORE

Toddler & You Multi-Sports Day at Langdon Park Community Center

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 24
Free
This event will feature all of Langdon Park Community Center's offerings for little ones from 18 months to 4 years old. Admission is free, but an RSVP (here) is required. READ MORE

Hometown Holidays Music Fest (at RedGate Park)

Rockville, MD - Saturday & Sunday , May 24 & 25
Free
The city of Rockville presents a fun festival celebrating Memorial Day with two stages of entertainment by local acts, a Taste of Rockville, and activities for kids. READ MORE

Big Bounce America (at the Rosecroft Raceway)

Fort Washington, MD - Saturday & Sunday, May 24 & 25
The Big Bounce America—the world's largest touring inflatable event—returns to the DC area, featuring the world's largest bounce house (Guinness-certified!), a bouncy sports area, an inflatable obstacle course, slides, ball pits, and a 60-foot-tall maze. READ MORE

ViVa Vienna!

Vienna, VA - Saturday - Monday, May 24-26
Free
ViVa Vienna! is a three-day, fun-filled event celebrating community and honoring Memorial Day. Families can enjoy food, rides, music, children's activities, and more.  READ MORE

National Memorial Day Choral Festival

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 25
Free
Designed to honor our nation's veterans and fallen heroes through musical tribute, this concert features 200 singers representing choirs from throughout the US performing with the United States Air Force Orchestra. READ MORE

National Memorial Day Concert

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 25
Free
For more than 30 years, the National Memorial Day Concert has featured star-studded performances honoring the military service and sacrifice of men and women in uniform, their families at home, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States.  While aired nationally on PBS, the public is welcome to attend this free event. READ MORE

Air Force Band Honors America's Heroes Featuring The War and Treaty at MGM National Harbor

National Harbor, MD - Sunday, May 25
Free
 A collaboration of three of the United States Air Force Band’s performing ensembles and guest artist duo The War and Treaty will give a musical salute to service members this Memorial Day weekend. READ MORE

Flowers of Remembrance Day at Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, VA - Sunday, May 25
Free
Arlington National Cemetery is hosting a special Flowers of Remembrance Day ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate Memorial Day. READ MORE

National Memorial Day Parade

Washington, DC - Monday, May 26
Free
At the nation's largest Memorial Day Parade, fallen heroes are honored. The parade features personal stories of those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. Special celebrity guests and musical performers are part of this family-friendly event. Pre-parade festivities start at 1 pm. READ MORE

Rockville Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

Rockville, MD - Monday, May 26
Free
The Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade honors the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our freedoms. The event begins with a musical tribute at 9am, followed by the ceremony at 9:30am and a parade featuring military and community groups, marching units, dance troupes, and more at 10am. READ MORE

Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival

Falls Church, VA - Monday, May 26
Free
The annual Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival includes a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Falls Church Veteran's Council, a 3K Fun Run, food, vendors, live music, kids' entertainment, and a parade. READ MORE
Catch a movie under the stars. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
Catch a movie under the stars. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC

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Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Jennifer Swope
Jennifer Swope, a DC resident since 2003, transitioned from humanitarian work to freelance editing in 2012 to stay home with her two kids. This shift sparked her passion for finding fun ways to keep them entertained—and inspired her to contribute to Mommy Poppins. When she's not navigating DC's chaos with her kids, she and her husband love watching sports, planning their next trip, and attending concerts. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferswope.
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