--When is Memorial Day weekend? Friday May 22 to Monday May 25 2009 --
The long weekend with the last Monday in May is unofficially the start of summer. Parades and other special events celebrate Memorial Day itself, whose purpose is to remember those who've died in war. Meanwhile, to kick off the summer season, some cities throw festivals, and many resorts and hotels dream up Memorial Day Weekend packages. (For a look at the significance of Memorial Day-- first widely observed as "Decoration Day" in 1868 after the Civil War- see Memorial Day - history.)
Memorial Day Weekend ideas - Friday May 22 to Monday May 25 2009
-- you may also be interested in Fourth of July celebrations--
- New York City
During Fleet Week, families can tour ships, watch ships parade in the harbor, see competitions and musical performances by sailors; Memorial Day service is a highlight. Other events in the Big Apple, too.
- Queens, NY: Memorial Day Parade: The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade is billed as the largest Memorial Day Parade in the nation.
- Washington DC: Special events include a National Memorial Day parade.
- Chicago: one of the largest parades in the country begins with a wreath-laying ceremony.
- Colonial Williamsburg: Memorial Day Ceremony
A Commemorative Program in Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area includes procession with Fifes and Drums and a service at the Governor’s Palace, which was a field hospital during the 1781 siege of Yorktown. Participants honor the graves of Revolutionary War dead. The service is open to the public; also, during Memorial Day Weekend, Colonial Williamsburg offers admission passes to active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans and their families.
- Southeast US
Dozens of events, such as free outdoor concert and fireworks in Vienna, in northern Virginia; affordable Freedom Weekend Aloft in South Carolina, with 100 hot-air balloons, amusement rides and games; patriotic laser and fireworks show at Stone Mountain Park; and more.
- Milwaukee, WI: Parade: the 144th consecutive Memorial Day Parade, Monday May 25 2009.
- Texas: Memorial Day Activities: Folk Festival, Polka Festival, Crawfish Festival, and more.
- Seattle, WA: Northwest Folk Festival: held every Memorial Day weekend at the Seattle Center; free (but donations appreciated.)
- San Francisco
Typical of San Francisco, events come in all flavors. For the traditional spirit of Memorial Day: a Parade at the Presidio, and formal ceremony, on the Monday of the weekend. At SF's WWII submarine, the USS Pampanito (at popular tourist spot Fisherman's Wharf): a ceremony to remember veterans and boats lost at war, with bell tolls and bagpipes; free, and open to the public. On the USS Hornet, a memorial ceremony, and tours of the ship are available. Also during the weekend: free opera in Dolores Park; Civil War battles and encampment; and Caribbean-themed Carnaval San Francisco Festival and Grand Parade.
Many resorts and hotels cook up special weekend packages for Memorial Day. Here are a few:
Rocking Horse Ranch, New York State: Memorial Day Packages
This family resort, just 90 minutes from NYC, has an annual Memorial Day Weekend special with fireworks.
TX: Barton Creek Resort & Spa: 4000 acres in rolling hills near Austin; a pick of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast; top-rated golf; kids' club, family movie night, arts and craft center, junior and teens night. See Memorial Day Weekend package.
CO: YMCA of the Rockies: this great destination has so many activities for families. Check what's offered for Snow Mountain Ranch for Memorial Day Weekend 2009: low price typically includes two nights in a lodge plus meals and many activities. YMCA of the Rockies is a top "family camp".
-- Continue to more Memorial Day Weekend Packages: family-friendly resort in the Catskills; Family Getaway with many activities in Vermont; Memorial Day Weekend special rates plus free events (kids activities, concerts, fireworks) at Sandestin Resort in Florida; and more.
