Americans didn’t always recognize Memorial Day with parties and retail sales. It started as Decoration Day on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery, to honor U.S. warfighters who died in the Civil War, and was later renamed Memorial Day through the 1968 Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which took effect in 1971. Paying tribute to fallen service members remains central to the observance, but the weekend has also become known as the unofficial kickoff to summer. That means barbecues, pool openings and a reminder to stock up on sunscreen. No matter what your vibe is, there’s an activity for you.
Rooftop Rodeo: Memorial Day Weekend Kickoff
Grab your cowboy boots and hat, and head to BOE, the country-western bar in Clarendon, on May 22, 7 p.m.-1 a.m. The high-energy, open-air party promises DJs spinning country hits, mechanical bull rides and themed cocktails from the rooftop tiki bar. Keep dancing May 23, 3-11 p.m., at the BOE Backyard Bangers: Memorial Day Bash. 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Memorial Day Weekend Rooftop Beach Bash
Clarendon Ballroom’s beach-themed rooftop will get the holiday weekend started with a party May 23, 3-10 p.m. Drink specials include $6 margaritas, $5 Tequila Sunrise shooters and beer. 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
ViVa! Vienna!
Vienna’s annual three-day festival returns May 23-25 with carnival rides and games, live performances and the BrewFest Beer Garden, which, despite the name, will have beer and wine. Admission to this family-friendly event is free, but games, rides, food and drink carry fees. Check the website for ticket information and times. 124 Church St., N.E., Vienna
Flowers of Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery
On May 24, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., place flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other sacred sites throughout Arlington National Cemetery. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation will provide the flowers. Visitors can also meet a tomb guard from 9-10 a.m. and learn about the history of Memorial Day from 10-10:30 a.m. at the Memorial Amphitheater. Then, take a tour of sites connected to Memorial Day’s history. 1 Memorial Ave., Arlington
2026 National Memorial Day Choral Festival
A chorus of 250 vocalists from across the country will join the Capital Wind Symphony to pay tribute to veterans in the nation’s capital. The program includes American hymns and patriotic works honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary, including Stars and Stripes Forever and America the Beautiful. Tickets to the May 24, 3 p.m., show are free but required. Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
National Memorial Day Concert
Actors Noah Wyle, Joe Mantegna, Gary Sinise and Jonathan Banks will join singers Andy Grammer, Alan Jackson, Blessing Offor and others for a star-studded tribute to those who have fought to protect the Stars and Stripes. Other performers include the National Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Chorus and the U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters. Catch the show in person May 24, 8 p.m., or on television. This concert is free and open to the public. West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
44th Annual Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival
Honor the nation’s fallen heroes and mark the 250th anniversary of the United States on May 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with a 3K fun run, parade and festival in The Little City. The VA250 Mobile Museum will be onsite, and the post-parade fun includes rides and local vendors. Admission is free. 300 Park Ave., Falls Church
Freedom 250 National Memorial Day Parade
Salute 250 years of American service at one of D.C.’s biggest gatherings. Opening ceremonies and performances start at 9 a.m. on May 25, and commemorations kick off at 10 a.m., followed by a parade along Constitution Avenue from Seventh Street, N.W., to 17th Street, N.W. Can’t make it downtown? Watch it live on TV or on YouTube.
National Memorial Day Observance
Arlington National Cemetery’s 158th National Memorial Day Observance on May 25 at noon, commemorates members of the armed forces with musical performances by military bands, a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and remarks by dignitaries. Admission is free. 1 Memorial Ave., Arlington
Memorial Day with Uncle Sam & Eagle at Shipgarten
Take the whole family out for an afternoon of summer fun May 26, noon-6 p.m. This seasonal kickoff event includes free face painting, arts and crafts, live music, moon bounces and food for purchase. Bring your pup—the celebration is dog-friendly. 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons