Memorial Day weekend is here. A time to remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our great country. Being so close to our nation’s capital means easy access to the various memorials where you can honor our fallen heroes. On Monday, many of the memorials in DC, and Arlington National Cemetery will hold wreath-laying ceremonies. Also on Monday at 2pm, the National Memorial Day Parade will commence at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW. It will proceed west down Constitution, past the White House, ending at 17th Street.
If you don’t want to venture downtown, there are plenty of options throughout
Northern Virginia to keep you busy this weekend, including a number of free concerts!
ViVa Vienna! Festival: Saturday-Monday, May 23-25 - A family and community oriented celebration of Memorial Day and the greater Vienna community spirit. There will be amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors and entertainment. Admission is free, and 100% of proceeds go to charitable, community and humanitarian organizations.
Memorial Day Weekend Concerts at Fairfax Corner: Saturday-Sunday, May 23-24 - Enjoy free concerts starting at 4pm on both days. The U.S. Army Band "Downrange" will perform on Saturday, bringing you a wide range of music from the 80’s through today. On Sunday you can enjoy a country-bluegrass performance by The United States Navy Band "Country Current."
Wolf Trap Summer Blast-Off: Sunday, May 24 - "The President's Own" United States Marine Band will launch Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts' summer season with a program of concert band favorites. A fireworks display will follow the concert. Gates open: 6:30 pm for Lawn (90 minutes prior to curtain)Fireworks viewing area opens: Following the performance, at approximately 9:30 pm. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45 pm
34th Annual Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival: Monday, May 25 - A fun filled event for residents and visitors alike. Festivities include a Don Beyer 3K Fun Run, contests, and a lively parade down Park Avenue. There will be amusement rides, pony rides, arts and crafts booths, food vendors, and live entertainment.
38th Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival at Riverfront Park in Old Town Alexandria: Monday, May 25 - This event will include entertainment by various bands, starting with a performance by The Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, from the U. S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”. This is a free event and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Memorial Day Ice Cream Social at the Spindle Sears House: Monday, May 25 – Enjoy a traditional 1940s Memorial Day Ice Cream Social! Activities include tours of the Sears house, displays about Centreville and Fairfax during World War II, horseshoes, tug-of-war, hoops, egg races, radio shows and music of the 1940s, frozen ice pops, and homemade vanilla and chocolate ice cream.
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your long weekend!
