Memorial Day Events In VA Celebrate America’s 250th

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

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

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 Virginians 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.

National Memorial Day Concert: Actor Gary Sinese hosts a star-studded concert on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. at 8 p.m., on Sunday, May 24. The concert will be live-streamed by PBS and repeated at 9:30 p.m.

158th National Memorial Day Observance: Events to honor the country's fallen service members are scheduled throughout Memorial Day weekend at Arlington National Cemetery. Pre-event programming for Monday's commemoration ceremony begins at 10:45 a.m. at the Memorial Amphitheater, with the formal program starting about 12 p.m.

Alexandria Memorial Day Ceremony: The City of Alexandria and the Friends of Rocky Versace will host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26 at 11 a.m. at the Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, located outside the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave.

Great Falls Freedom Memorial Ceremonies: On Monday, May 26, 11 to 12 p.m., a ceremony to honor service members who made the ultimate sacrefice at the Freedom Memorial, which is located behind the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.

Memorial Day Ceremony: Fredericksburg Area Veterans Council is hosting its annual Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, at 11 a.m., at the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial Park, 531 George St.

Memorial Day Weekend is also often regarded as the unofficial start to summer. Activities on the lighter side of the holiday include the following:

• 2026 National Memorial Day Concert: Actor Gary Sinese hosts a star-studded concert Sunday, March 24, 8 p.m., at
• ViVa Vienna!: This three-day festival is open all weekend on the Town Green in Vienna, featuring amusement rides, vendor booths, live entertainment, and food.
• 44th Annual Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival: Spend Monday, May 25 in theCity of Falls Church for its annual parade and festival, which runs from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. The event includes a formal parade, community festivities, and live bands.
• 26 Annual Ride Of The Patriots: Patriot Harley-Davidson and the Fairfax VA Chapter, Harley Owners Group are hosting the annual Ride of the Patriots on Sunday, with staging beginning at 6:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 8 a.m., and a 9 a.m departure. Once the riders arrive at the Pentagon around 10 a.m., they'll participate in Rolling to Remember.
• Memorial Day Weekend At Commonwealth Brewing Co.: Enjoy fresh brews and live music all three days from 6 to 9 p.m. at Commonwealth Brewing Co., which is located at 10426 Main St. in Old Town Fairfax.
• 39th Annual Festival Argentino USA: Celebrate Memorial Day with an international experience of food, dance and Music on Saturday, starting at 3 p.m. The event will take place at the Kenmore Auditorium, 200 South Carlin Springs Road in Arlington.
• Prince William County Spring Carnival: Celebrate Memorial Day weekend at the Prince William County Fairgrounds in Manassas. The event will include horse rides, games, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the weekend.
• City Of Fairfax Memorial Day Ceremony: American Legion Fairfax Post 177 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8469 are hosting a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m., at Post 177, 3939 Oak St. in Fairfax.

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