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Memorial Day Weekend 2024 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.

And don't forget—Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to take one of 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

CoComelon Party Time in Baltimore

Baltimore, MD - Friday - Sunday, May 24-26, 2024
Families are invited to an all-new, first-of-its-kind, kid-centric event at CoComelon Party Time. This immersive experience takes visitors inside the colorful world of CoComelon where children can explore their way through a variety of interactive party experiences. Play games in the Cuddly Corner, get creative in the Activity & Coloring Center, dance on the light-up dance floor, and more. Best of all, kids get to interact with the favorite CoComelon friends like JJ and Cody. READ MORE

Mindbender Mansion at National Children’s Museum

Washington, DC - Daily (except Tuesdays), May 25 - September 2, 2024
Solve puzzles, decipher codes, and engage in interactive challenges that promote STEAM education for every age! The answers found in the 11 individual brain teasers and three group activities will lead visitors through each themed room of the mansion. The innovative challenges found in this whimsical exhibit are fun for the whole family and promote problem solving, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills. READ MORE

Bowie's Memorial Day Parade

Bowie, MD - Saturday, May 25, 2024
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

Hometown Holidays Music Fest (at RedGate Park)

Rockville, MD - Saturday & Sunday , May25 & 26, 2024
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

Pinocchio (The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Park)

Glen Echo, MD - Thursdays - Sundays, May 25 - June 23, 2024
A young puppet goes on a journey to become a real boy. First seen on stage at the Smithsonian Puppet Theater, The Puppet Co. brings the original rod-puppets back to the stage to tell Carlo Collodi’s tale. Celebrate 50 years of Allan Stevens’s Pinocchio. READ MORE

Big Bounce America (at the Rosecroft Raceway)

Fort Washington, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, May 25 - June 9, 2024
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 25-27, 2024
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 26, 2024
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 26, 2024
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 26, 2024
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 26, 2024
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 27, 2024
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. READ MORE

Rockville Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

Rockville, MD - Monday, May 27, 2024
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 27, 2024
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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