Can’t Miss Memorial Day Event in Every State and DC

A three-day weekend is a good time to unwind, and what better way to do that than watching a hot air balloon race? That’s what Decatur residents have been doing on Memorial Day weekend since 1978, at the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic, the oldest race of its kind in the Mid-South. If watching the big, brightly colored orbs float through the sky is a little too mellow for you, check out the other activities on the schedule, including fireworks, a crafts fair, an auto show, and tractor parade, plus a variety of musical entertainment.

From now through Labor Day, active-duty military personnel and their families get free admission to museums across the U.S., thanks to the Blue Star Museums program. The program has been active since 2010, through a joint effort by the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America.

What better time to explore local options than a long weekend? Alaska has an exceptionally wide variety of choices, from the Oscar Anderson Home Museum located in one of the oldest houses in Anchorage; to the Fairbanks Children’s Museum’s camps, classes, and parties; to the native culture and heritage on display at the Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak.

Observe the true meaning of Memorial Day by remembering and honoring those who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. In Phoenix, hundreds of bikers show their respect by taking part in the Flags for Our Fallen Rally, now in its 13th year. Hundreds of participants line the road to the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona with 500 flags, creating an avenue of Old Glory for families to drive through on their way to visit the graves of their loved ones.

Downtown Little Rock is where the action is this weekend. Kick off the holiday with Friday night’s Made in Africa fashion show, featuring African designers and hors d’oeuvres. On Saturday, check out the third annual Africa Day Fest, a free, family-friendly community street festival to promote and celebrate African arts and culture. Music, food, performances, and dancing are on the lineup, along with a variety of activities for kids.

Expenses can add up fast on a holiday weekend, especially if you’re visiting a region that’s kind of pricey to begin with. If you’re looking for fun on a budget, check out the free walking tours around San Francisco. This weekend there’s something on the schedule for movie fans (Alfred Hitchcock’s San Francisco), architecture buffs (South of Market Architecture Stroll), outdoor enthusiasts (Japanese Tea Garden), art lovers (Coit Tower Murals), and others.

Check out an event that’s stood the test of time. The Boulder Creek Festival has been a must-attend happening each Memorial Day weekend for three decades. The festival features street dances, wellness activities, concerts, crafts, and food. To just scratch the surface, this year’s schedule includes a service for veterans, family-friendly activities like the Creekside Carnival, a fine art festival, and a beer bazaar.

There’s so much to do in the Nutmeg State this weekend, it’s hard to choose. Feel the need for speed? The TransAm Memorial Day Classic, which opens the racing season at Lime Rock Park, will fit the bill. Racing events for classic and modern cars are on the program, as is a car show with almost 300 vehicles on display.

Or consider delving into history on May 27 at the Mystic Seaport Museum, which is holding its annual Decoration Day tribute to soldiers lost in the Civil War. During a full day of activities there will be a procession, a performance by a fife and drum contingent, services for the fallen, and more.

The town of Bethany Beach celebrates all things aquatic at its eclectic Poseidon Festival, running Friday through Monday. Pirates and mermaids will be on parade, hermit crabs will race, and there will be educational opportunities from “pirate code” and “sword school” to marine science camp to presentations on potential coastal emergencies. There’s a VFW memorial service scheduled, as well as sand sculpting, a luau, and a Jimmy Buffett tribute band.

The Sunshine State offers a full range of holiday activities, including the Pensacola Beach Pride Party. Parties begin on Thursday night and continue throughout the weekend. There’ll be meet and mingle sessions; Glow, a blacklight paint party; Beachball, a swimsuit party, along with other festivities. Expect a different DJ at each event, plus lights, video, and lots of beach time.

Party fare, especially barbecues, can leave vegans out in the cold. That won’t be the case in Atlanta on Sunday and Monday, at the Memorial Day Vegan Fest party, held at the Omenala Griot Afrocentric Museum & Event Center. Festival participants can sample specialties by some of the city’s top vegan chefs and restaurateurs while networking and enjoying games, giveaways, and music from DJs.

On the mainland, it’s not unusual to honor and remember our late loved ones by decorating their graves with flowers and wreaths. In Hawaii, the honoring tradition involves the ever-present ocean. Since 1999, thousands have gathered on Oahu’s south shore on Memorial Day for the Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony, a water-borne way to remember and reflect. Participants write down memories, then launch them from the beach in a lantern shaped like a small boat. Individual and group lanterns float out to sea, their candles twinkling in the dusk and reflecting off the water.

Freeman Park in Idaho Falls will be graced by 1,000 flags this weekend, during the 7th annual Field of Honor flag display. Donors sponsor the flags to pay tribute to those who served. Besides creating a breathtaking visual with the array of flags, the event raises funds for local veterans groups, child abuse prevention agencies, and crime prevention efforts.

You’d love to go shopping this weekend, but maybe you think you should get outside or get some exercise. Why not do all of the above this Saturday and Sunday at the St. Charles Fine Art Show. Take a stroll along the Fox River, while perusing the wares displayed by about 100 juried artists. Among the treasures on offer are ceramics, fiber art, photography, watercolors, jewelry, and sculpture, to name a few.

Forgot to get Indy 500 tickets? You can still have a great time in Indiana this weekend, at Abbey Road on the River, in Jeffersonville, billed as the world’s largest Beatles-inspired music festival. More than 50 bands will rock out from Wednesday through Monday. The lineup includes ’60s-era faves like The Cowsills, The Grass Roots, and The Buckinghams, plus tribute bands, seminars and local heroes. If you get the munchies, there are plenty of food options, from gluten free to vegan to funnel cakes to brisket.

Now in its 28th year, the Iowa Renaissance Fest and Gathering o’ Celts, in Middle Amana, promises two weekends of fun, with free Memorial Day admission for current and retired military. In addition to familiar ye olde family-friendly activities like swordplay, jousting, crafts, and chowing down on hearty fare, a daily Royal Smoker is on the schedule with alcoholic drinks and “bawdy entertainment.”

Visit Beloit for its annual Through the Decades Homecoming and Memorial Weekend, complete with a self-described small town parade for which people are encouraged to dress up in garb from their favorite era. There’s a color run to raise funds to cure cancer, a gathering of grads from 1969, a picnic in the park, and tales from the past at the local historical society. Specialty autos will cruise down the main drag to a street dance, where everyone can show their best moves.

Flea market fans may think they’ve found heaven in Louisville this weekend. Perhaps you’ll finally track down that item that’s been missing from your collection, or maybe you’ll be inspired to start up a brand-new collection as you peruse the hundreds of booths. Whether you’re in the market for crafts, collectibles, antiques, clothing, or just inspiration, who knows what might catch your eye.

Visiting New Orleans is great, but there’s a lot to see — and hear — in Louisiana beyond the Big Easy. One of the best-kept secrets may be the Memorial Day Swamp Pop Music Festival, now in its 19th year at the Hidden Oaks Family Campground in Hammond. Even non-dancers may not be able to resist the rhythms as they check out regional music such as Creole and zydeco on its home turf. There are concerts on Friday and Sunday evenings, but the good times roll on Saturday with a 12-hour musical marathon.

Major league teams might have the stars (and the fancy food at their stadiums), but many true baseball fans swear by the fun they have at minor league games, including some good playing. You may give it a try over Memorial Day weekend, when the Altoona Curve (the Pittsburgh Pirates’ affiliate team) travel to Maine to challenge the Boston Red Sox affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs. Fireworks are scheduled for Friday night. Sunday is Superhero day, and fans are encouraged to don their favorite superhero garb for the occasion.

You never know what you might see on a woodland stroll, especially if it’s the FantasyWood Festival in Columbia. Tucked among the usual trees, rocks, moss, etc. are mermaids, a unicorn, and even a Tardis photo booth. Crafts vendors, entertainment, and dueling knights guarantee this will be no ordinary walk in the park.

On each Memorial Day weekend for almost a half century, boats have raced from Hyannis to Nantucket. More than 240 vessels are expected to compete in this year’s Figawi sailing regatta. Besides the 25-mile race, the event includes a parade honoring fallen military, merch vendors, and a black-tie charity ball. And if you’re wondering about the name, try saying, “Where the figawi?” as fast as you can.

This weekend, thousands of electronic dance music fans will flock to the Detroit, the birthplace of techno music, for the annual Movement Music Festival. Billed as one of the world’s longest-running dance music events, the lineup includes more than 100 DJs, producers, musicians, and artists. The fest takes place along the river in the historic Isamu Noguchi-designed Hart Plaza. Kids age 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a parent.

Going to a Native American event is an especially appropriate way to recognize Memorial Day. According to the Department of Defense, American Indians and Alaska Natives have one of the highest representations in the armed forces. Honor veterans past and present at the Memorial Day Powwow at Mille Indian Museum and Trading Post in Onamia on Monday. Sponsored by the Mille Lacs Band and AMVETS Post 53 & Ladies Auxiliary, the event is likely to kick off with the presentation of the colors, followed by performances from native drummers, competitions among dancers dressed in traditional Native American regalia, along with crafts and food vendors. Saturday’s American Indian Music Festival will feature a day of hip-hop, blues, and traditional flute music and other genres, performed by native musicians.

Anything Byhalia lacks in size it makes up for in blues power. Though its population is just a hair over 1,300, the town has played host to the Wall Hill Blues Fest for nine years running. This year, Sunday’s day-long fest will feature Jo Jo Murray, whom The Chicago Reader praised for his “sweet and gritty tenor that he complements with his fluid, sharp-toned guitar playing.” Also on hand will be Anita Love, Sir Charles Jones, Ronnie Bell, and others.

What happens when you get thousands of 10-13-year-olds together for a holiday weekend? If you’re in Branson, the answer, in this case, is a whole lot of baseball. This weekend, 5,000 players on 375 teams from 33 states and nine countries will gather for Ballparks of America’s Memorial Day Classic tournament. The event sounds like paradise for young jocks, each of whom is guaranteed to play in five games over four days on MLB replica fields.

Barbecue royalty from around the nation flock to Big Sky Country each Memorial Day weekend to take part in the meat-topia known as Montana Master Grillers in Greenough. In addition to a mouth-watering array of goodies prepared by top pitmasters, the weekend includes outdoor activities, craft beverages, local musicians, plus a Sunday performance by Austin Jenckes.

Step into the past at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer’s Railroad Town, where Memorial Day is observed 19th century style. Visitors can attend remembrance ceremonies and military tributes, tour historic homes and businesses, and get a sense of what life on the prairie must have been like. After lunch, it’s time to party like it’s 1899, as the Silver Cornet Band plays a rousing set of patriotic tunes.

What’s that old saying about things happening in threes? That could be the mantra of this party weekend billed as the largest event ever hosted in Vegas for open-minded partners. The three producers of this “world-class erotic gala” offer three daily pool parties, followed by three themed parties each night, promising three times the fun and debauchery. So channel your inner Rat Pack-er and don’t forget, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

It’s said that spending mindful time in the forest can benefit the immune system, blood pressure, moods, focus, energy level, and quality of sleep, so there’s a lot to recommend a weekend of camping in the New Hampshire woods. Activities on offer at the alcohol-free festival in New Boston cover a spectrum from cribbage, volleyball, and flag football to workshops on reiki, meditation, and financial awareness. Music, entertainment, campfire meetings, and fun for kids are also on the schedule for this family-friendly event.

For more than 100 years, Glassboro has been the site of a grand Memorial Day parade, and this year is no exception. Marchers will include veterans and military, marching bands, scouts, re-enactors, mummers, motorcycles, and much more. Trophies will be awarded to the best floats. Keep an eye out for pageant winners and live bands, and it’s a safe bet that a good time will be had by all.

Drink, eat and be merry this weekend, in any order you choose. Sample reds, whites, pinks, and bubblies produced by 20 New Mexico wineries; take your pick of treats from a fleet of food trucks; and enjoy live music while perusing vendors’ wares. Don’t drink? Don’t worry! Complimentary coffee and water is available for designated drivers.

There’s always a lot to do in the Big Apple, but Fleet Week has its own special charms, including the influx of a couple thousand service members into town. Numerous ships are open for tours, Navy divers will take a dip in a dive tank in Times Square, and military bands will hold free concerts around the city. Memorial Day observances and ceremonies are scheduled, as are a number of demonstrations and sporting events.

There’s more than one story of how white squirrels found their way to Brevard, and apparently their arrival in town provided another reason to celebrate. The multi-day festival includes a white squirrel photo contest, lots of folks dressed up like the namesake animal — and some of them take part in 5K and 10K fun runs, plus vendors, bands, and a parade.

A feast for the eyes since 1992, SkyFest is open to anyone wishing to fly a kite on Memorial Day weekend, or to those simply wishing to relax and watch the action at Fort Stevenson State Park, south of Garrison. Expect photo ops galore as an amazing variety of shapes, sizes, and stunning colors decorate the skies. Stunt kites, pro kite flyers maneuvering enormous models, kite-making workshops, candy drops, and bol (specialty kite) races are among the scheduled activities.

Culture and community will be on display at this popular festival, which has attracted crowds of about 100,000 in recent years. Dragon boat races, martial arts demonstrations, cultural exhibitions, plus classical, folk, and contemporary performances are among the activities at this 25th-anniversary fest, along with food and crafts vendors. There’s also a career fair, health pavilion, and more.

Git along, little dogies, straight to the Chuck Wagon Festival, set for this Saturday and Sunday in Oklahoma City. Live and breathe all things Old West with samples of chuck wagon cooking, trick ropers, re-enactors, and photo ops with longhorns. There will be butter-making and crafts demonstrations, and a chance to try your hand at decorating bandannas, making rope, and dressing up cowboy style. Live music will help set the scene.

Here’s a treat that’s hard to beat: Free admission for veterans, reservists, and active military. Superheroes and video games are the theme this weekend at Portland’s CityFair. The packed schedule includes fireworks and concerts, a Sunday afternoon ukulele jam (BYOU and join in!), and a Memorial Day scavenger hunt. Kids’ carnival, wine cabana, crafters, circus acts, and of course, food and music — three days may not be enough to do it all. If you don’t make it to CityFair over Memorial Day, don’t despair, it continues for the two following weekends.

Gone fishin’: Words that conjure images of a lazy day on the grassy bank of a stream. Catching something is a good thing, but if you don’t catch anything, you don’t have to move. It’s a win-win. The only thing that enhances the vision is not paying for a license. And that’s the Memorial Day treat in the state of Pennsylvania: On May 26, residents and nonresidents can legally fish on Pennsylvania waterways without a license. An offer we shouldn’t refuse.

Going to the beach is all well and good, but sometimes you have to take time out for the important things in life, such as food, music, and shopping. All of those necessities will be available in a lovely park setting at this free, family-friendly festival in Warwick. More than 100 artisans will display their wares, and there will be a food court, games, and activities for kids. In Rhode Island, you’re never too far from the water, so if the beach is a must on your weekend to-do list, you’re likely to find one nearby.

Charleston is renowned for its food, architecture, and culture. The town also has a unique way of honoring personal heroes over Memorial Day weekend — participants can dedicate a flag in memory of those lost in service to the U.S. The donations made for the dedication honor the living as well: Funds raised are used to support veterans and families in crisis, including through a housing program and vocational training.

Bikes, barbecue, and wide-open spaces — what’s not to like? You’ll find all that and more on Saturday, at the 18th annual Memorial Weekend in Mitchell for Cystic Fibrosis. There’s a car and motorcycle show scheduled, along with a poker run for riders, and the Smithfield BBQ Championship. Tractor pulls, a beer garden, inflatables, and games for kids add up to a place to feel good while doing good.

Nashville’s known as Music City USA, and it will more than live up to its nickname this weekend at the annual Nashville Boogie festival. The B-52s, Ronnie Specter, Wanda Jackson, Los Straitjackets, DJ Texas Hellkitten, and scores of others will entertain. There’s a Western fashion show, a pinup pageant, and a car show. Vendors offer an eclectic mix of items such as Bettie Page-inspired yoga DVDs, vintage vinyl, custom car paraphernalia, Bomber Betty cosmetics, cowboy boots, and retro furniture and clothing.

Where better to see a rodeo than in the Cowboy Capital of the World? That’s Bandera, Texas, set in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, and the site of the 36th annual Memorial Day ProRodeo. Just a few of the weekend events are mutton bustin’, bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and an appearance by seven-time rodeo clown of the year, Justin Rumford. Active and retired military and American Legion members are treated to free admission. On Friday night, high school seniors, too, are offered free admission; valid ID required for free admission. For anyone who’s ever wanted to participate in a rodeo, this could be your chance: Riders are invited to bring their own horse to ride into the arena during the grand entry.

Enjoy city and mountain views from the rooftop pool at this festive holiday event atop a posh apartment complex in Salt Lake City. BYOB if you’d like, to enjoy along with burgers and dogs straight off the grill. Play games, make new friends, dance to house tracks from the DJ, or just relax by the pool. You have to RSVP.

No chance anyone will run out of things to do at the Orleans County Fair. Demolition derby? Check. Baseball? Check. Crafts, food, face painting, horseshoe throwing tournament, and a horse show? Yep, all that too. Plus a wealth of agricultural displays, competitions, petting zoos, and more at this rustic fair that dates to 1867.

Does anything announce the arrival of summer as much as fresh-picked strawberries? Last year, more than 80,000 people showed up to this annual festival, now in its 36th year. Sounds like lineups will be long for sampling the delightful wares, such as strawberry pie, chocolate-covered strawberries, and strawberry tacos, crafted from locally grown fruit. There’s more going on at this family-friendly, alcohol-free event. Expect a parade, pony rides, music, amusements, and an armed forces display area.

Strictly judging from the numbers, the Northwestern Folklife Festival can’t fail to impress. Now in its 48th year, 5,000-plus performers will take to more than 20 stages to entertain an estimated 250,000 attendees. And don’t forget about the 200 vendors and the 500 volunteers. The Seattle Center is the site of this weekend’s celebration of music, arts, and heritage.

Our nation’s capital is a special place to spend the upcoming weekend. Perhaps nothing brings home the true meaning of Memorial Day more than visiting a military cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery in particular resonates on this day of remembrance, with traditions such as laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the observance program in Memorial Amphitheater. The National Memorial Day Parade is another special event, with hundreds of thousands of spectators expected to line the National Mall to pay homage to the fallen.

Military and first responders eat free at the celebration taking place on Monday at Triple-S Harley-Davidson in Westover. The event includes food, a live band, and a Bikini Bike wash by the International Bikini Team. Proceeds benefit Operation Welcome Home, which helps veterans find jobs and offers a meeting place for them to congregate and bond.

Food, fun, and fundraising are on the agenda in Madison this weekend — just about perfect holiday celebration. The event also includes an airshow at the county airport and guest speakers, with all proceeds benefiting Operation Homefront. Among the organization’s missions are helping veterans transition into post-military lives and assisting military families with home repairs, groceries, and other needs; 92% of Operation Homefront’s expenditures go to programs and services.

Rain is on the weather forecast this week for Gillette, sitting high but not dry at above 4,600 feet elevation. But don’t expect a little precipitation to stop the hearty folks in eastern Wyoming from having a good time at the fourth annual Show & Shine car show. Wander around downtown and enjoy live music and offerings from food vendors as you ogle the handsome autos on display. It’s free.