While a three-day Memorial Day weekend in Washington D.C is a good an excuse as any to enjoy time with your friends and family in the sun, it’s also an opportunity to pay tribute to America’s war heroes and active duty military. Combine the two and enjoy the countless Memorial Day events with your loved ones throughout Washington D.C. – all just minutes away from Liaison Capitol Hill!
WATCH THE LARGEST MEMORIAL DAY PARADE IN THE COUNTRY
When: Monday 27 May, from 2pm to 4pm
Where: Starts at the corner of Constitution Avenue NW, proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the National Mall and the White House, ending at 17th Street NW
As the largest Memorial Day parade in the country, it would be a hard one to miss if you’re in D.C. Find a spot an hour or so before kick-off to get a decent view. Expect to see marching bands, historic re-enactments and musical performers (to name a few!) alongside veterans and troops currently serving the country.
Photo credit: Military.com
FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT
When: Sunday 26 May 8pm
Where: The West Lawn of the U.S Capitol
Potentially the highlight of the Memorial Day celebrations, the award-winning outdoor concert returns for another year on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol! The uplifting event unites the country in remembrance of its fallen heroes while showcasing the talents of its star-studded line-up. For those wanting to hang out with the locals and avoid the crowds of tourists, there’s a dress rehearsal on the Saturday night which is also free to watch.
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CHORAL FESTIVAL
When: Sunday 26 May 3pm
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
Prepare to be blown away by the stunning 300 (yes – 300!) voice choir within the walls of the Kennedy Center, accompanied by the U.S Airforce Orchestra. Sing along in honor of America’s heroes. This will be the Kennedy Center's 11th annual concert; a tradition like nothing else and definitely something to experience in person if you get the chance. If you haven’t managed to bag some tickets, any unclaimed bookings are given away at the venue box office.
ENJOY A WEEKEND OF BASEBALL AT THE NATIONALS PARK
When: Friday 24 May to Monday 27 May
Where: Nationals Park
The Washington Nationals are taking on the Miami Marlins in a four-game tournament over Memorial Weekend. A ball game is a perfect day out for the whole family, with plenty of restaurants and bars nearby to head to once it’s all over.
Photo credit: Ball parks of baseball
REFLECT AMONG THE NATIONAL MALL MEMORIALS
When: Open all year round, 24 hours a day
Where: Between Independence and Constitution Avenues from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial
Home to some of the United States’ most recognisable and significant monuments, the National Mall can be a place of true remembrance for lost loved ones or honouring fallen servicemen and women. It can get pretty busy over the upcoming weekend, with over 24 million visits in total each year! So make sure you’re prepared to queue or get caught in a crowd because this is a great one to do if you’re only here for the weekend.
DO SOME ROOFTOP HOPPING
After a long day of exploring Washington D.C and enjoying the various events throughout, it’s important to treat yourself to a cocktail (or three). There are plenty of rooftops to check-out and are the perfect setting to take you from day to night. Our favourite is the Liaison Capitol Hill, just minutes away from all the action.
