Spend a Day Exploring Arlington, VA’s Military Sights
Arlington has an unmistakable connection to the U.S. military. Not only is it home to Arlington National Cemetery and many…
Memorial Day
Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Arlington and D.C. where the area’s many military memorials form a dramatic, symbolic backdrop.
The Arlington and Washington, D.C., areas are among the most meaningful places to honor our country's fallen heroes on Memorial Day, the last Monday of May. Indeed, they host the nation’s largest Memorial Day salute to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Every year Arlington hosts special events that day. From the rolling green hills of Arlington National Cemetery to the awe-inspiring Air Force Memorial, Marine Corps War Memorial, National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and Military Women’s Memorial, few places are more symbolic to experience Memorial Day. Here are the key events you can attend.
Arlington National Cemetery Ceremony
Arlington National Cemetery hosts an annual remembrance ceremony, including music by the U.S. Air Force Band and a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, for some 5,000 visitors. The U.S. president typically delivers an address at this event, sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. Volunteers place a flag by every tombstone, monument and columbarium row in the cemetery.
Military Women’s Memorial Event
The Court of Valor of the Military Women’s Memorial, meanwhile, is the site of formal military honors, where a woman from each military service tells her story and pays tribute to women who have served before.
National Memorial Day Concert
Across the Potomac River in D.C., witness a star-studded lineup honoring military service and sacrifice at the National Memorial Day Concert at the U.S. Capitol. Taking place on the eve of Memorial Day, it kicks off with the national anthem and ends with “God Bless America.”
National Memorial Day Parade
Salute America's military and fallen service members at Washington's National Memorial Day Parade, which kicks off at 2 p.m. Watch participants strut and stroll down iconic Constitution Avenue to commemorate the shared values of service and sacrifice that have brought Americans together throughout our nation’s history. Attend a special pre-parade musical program on Constitution Avenue.
Rolling to Remember
Finally, you can show a display of support for military veterans, those missing in action, prisoners of war and suicide victims during Rolling to Remember, when thousands of motorcyclists rally in the nation’s capital during Memorial Day Weekend.
More About Memorial Day
RELATED STORIES
3 Reasons Arlington is an Ideal Destination for Military Groups and Reunions
There’s no better place to honor the service and legacy of veterans than the historic U.S. capital region.
May in Arlington
Spring is in full swing, and Arlington is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful weather.
Support Arlington’s Veteran-Owned Businesses
Arlington is best known as the home of Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon and several other famous military memorials and…
More Annual Events
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The iconic National Cherry Blossom Festival turns D.C. pretty in pink each year, as it offers visitors a lineup of fun flower-themed events. Experience a…
Pride Month Celebrations
Honor the DC region’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community with concerts, parties, parades, food and dancing during the Pride Month.
Armed Forces Cycling Classic
The capital region’s premier biking event, the Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic draws professionals and amateurs for a spirited racing faceoff.
Quarterfest Crawl
Sip and savor the best of Arlington’s vibrant culinary scene at the Quarterfest Crawl, a Ballston neighborhood food, beer and wine festival.
Rolling to Remember Memorial Day Bike Rally 2025
A high-profile motorcycle rally in the streets of D.C., Rolling to Remember spotlights U.S. POWs and MIAs, as well as the mental health and wellbeing…
Columbia Pike Blues Festival
Groove to the music of the largest blues festival in the D.C. metro area with national headliners, great food, unique vendors and family fun.
4th of July
Celebrate the birth of the USA in the nation's capital, an the best place to be on July 4th!
Arlington County Fair
Food and fun draw thousands to the annual Arlington County Fair, one of the largest free events on the East Coast. This year's events will…
Rosslyn Jazz Fest
Groove to the smooth sounds of jazz at the annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest, a popular community event full of food, music and fun.
Marine Corps Marathon
One of the world’s largest marathons and the only one without prize money, the Marine Corps Marathon draws runners and spectators alike.
Veterans Day
No place is more meaningful to honor our nation’s vets on Veterans Day than at the many military memorials in Arlington and Washington, DC.