Full Memorial Day Weekend Events Guide For Northern CA

With America celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, Memorial Day events in the Bay Area could have a more patriotic bent than in previous years.

Memorial Day Weekend runs May 23-25, with the holiday itself falling on Monday, the 25th.

Memorial Day is traditionally a somber recognition of soldiers who died in the Revolutionary War and the American Civil War, fought to establish and maintain freedom and liberty for all, and in every war with U.S. involvement since.

A National Moment of Remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time, and Northern Californians are encouraged to pause wherever they are for one minute of silence and join other Americans in honoring the men and women who died in U.S. military service.

Memorial Day Commemoration at San Francisco National Cemetery

When: Mon, May 25, 2026 at 10:30 AM

Where: San Francisco National Cemetery, 1 Lincoln Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94129

Details: The largest Memorial Day commemoration in the Bay Area, hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the 108th year running. The formal program runs 10:30–11:30 AM and includes speakers, a 24-gun salute, Color Guard, a Coast Guard helicopter flyover, Gold Star Family wreath presentation, bagpiper, and musical performances. The cemetery — the oldest national cemetery on the West Coast — will have flags at every grave all weekend. Free and open to all, with parking available inside the cemetery gates off Lincoln Blvd. Following the ceremony, a meditative organ concert will be held at the Presidio Chapel beginning at 12:15 PM.

Memorial Day Lost Boat Ceremony — USS Pampanito

When: Mon, May 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Where: The Triangle at Historic Pier 45, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133

Details: A deeply moving waterfront ceremony established by WWII submarine veterans to honor submariners lost in WWII and peacetime. The heart of the event is a solemn roll call of all submarines on "eternal patrol," each vessel's name and fate recounted aloud, followed by the tolling of a muted bell and a ceremonial flag dip. An official military color guard, guest speakers, and a flower-dropping tribute into the bay round out the program. Hosted by the SF Maritime National Park Association and the USSVI Mare Island Base. Free, but RSVP is recommended. Note: Pier 45's historic ships have been closed since late 2024 for major renovations — confirm the exact ceremony location with the organizers before attending.

Golden Gate National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

When: Mon, May 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Where: Golden Gate National Cemetery, 1300 Sneath Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066

Details: The VA hosts an annual public Memorial Day commemoration at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, one of the Bay Area's major veterans' burial sites and a resting place for thousands of service members. Ceremony format typically includes a Presentation of Colors, wreath-laying, rifle salute, and speakers. Free and open to the public. Confirm ceremony details closer to the date by calling the cemetery directly at (650) 589-7737.

Danville Memorial Day Ceremony at Oak Hill Park

When: Mon, May 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Where: Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd, Danville, CA 94526

Details: A community remembrance ceremony in the East Bay with American flags lining the road into the park. The program includes live music, guest speakers, and tributes to fallen service members, wrapping up around 2:00 PM. A fitting local option for Contra Costa County residents who want a smaller, community-centered ceremony with a patriotic atmosphere. Free and open to all.

Mill Valley Memorial Day Ceremony, Parade & Concerts on the Green

When: Mon, May 25, 2026 starting at 10:00 AM

Where: Begins at Lytton Square, then Old Mill Park → downtown Mill Valley → Miller Ave → Tam High School, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Details: One of the more complete Memorial Day experiences in the North Bay. The morning opens with a Veterans Ceremony at Lytton Square at 10:00 AM, featuring a student K–8 essay contest ("What does Memorial Day mean to me?"). The parade steps off at 11:00 AM from Old Mill Park, winding through downtown and ending at Tamalpais High School. After the parade, Concerts on the Green run from 12:30–5:00 PM. Free for all.

USS San Francisco Memorial Ceremony

When: Sun, May 24, 2026 at 11:30 AM

Where: USS San Francisco Memorial, Lands End, El Camino del Mar, San Francisco, CA 94121

Details: A quieter, intimate ceremony honoring the heavy cruiser USS San Francisco, which sustained heavy damage and casualties during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. A section of the ship's bridge is preserved at Lands End as a permanent memorial. RSVP required — contact the CA-38 Foundation at ca38foundation@gmail.com to attend.

Chinese American Memorial Day Service

When: Sun, May 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Where: St. Mary's Square, California St & Quincy St, San Francisco, CA 94108 (Chinatown)

Details: An annual Memorial Day remembrance honoring Chinese American veterans, hosted by the American Legion Cathay Post #384 and VFW Chinatown Post #4618. St. Mary's Square, which features a statue of Sun Yat-sen, is the heart of SF's Chinatown and a meaningful setting for this community tribute. Free and open to all.

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