7 Things To Do This Memorial Day Weekend in D.C.

For most, Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer. It is also a time to celebrate all the honorable men and women who have given their lives to fight for our country. Washington, D.C. has some of the best Memorial Day celebrations around.

 Memorial Day Parade

 One of the largest parades of its kind, the National Memorial Day Parade hosts marching bands, floats, and performers, and veterans. The procession marches down Constitution Avenue. The event will be televised for those who can’t get out to see it in person. The parade is scheduled to start at 2pm on May 28^th. Get there early for the best viewing spot!

 Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally

 This ride is to honor all POWs and MIAs who served during the Vietnam War. The rally brings motorcycle riders from all over the U.S. The freedom ride draws more than 900,000 riders. The ride starts on Sunday, May 27^th and riders begin their journey at the Pentagon, continuing through West Potomac Park.

 National Memorial Day Concert

 Airing on PBS, this Memorial Day concert salutes the sacrifices our military men and women have made. And those of their families. The concert is free and is held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. You can catch the concert on Sunday, May 27^th starting at 8pm. The concert will also feature celebrity performances and hosts, Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna.

 National Mall Memorials

 The National Mall offers plenty of areas to honor the men and women who have served our country.

 The National World War II Memorial sits along the central vista of the mall. It is free and open to the public 24 hours a day. The memorial displays 56 granite columns surrounding a giant water fountain.

 The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is also here. You can use a pencil and piece of paper to etch the names from this famous wall. Visitors can see their own reflection in the monument while searching for names. If you want to find a relative, make sure to do a name search before visiting.

 The Korean War Memorial is home to a giant wall with images of the troops moving by land, sea, and air. You will also find 19 stainless steel figures meant to depict the members from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

 These are just some of the memorials you can visit at the Memorial Mall. Let these serve as a reminder of the sacrifice these men and women made for our country.

 D.C. Rooftop Bar

 It wouldn’t be the official start to summer without adult beverages on a rooftop. You can find these bars scattered throughout the many D.C. area neighborhoods. Many include craft beer, cocktails, food, and music. Some of the best in the area are the POV Rooftop Lounge, Crimson View at the Pod Hotel, and Ellipse Rooftop Bar.

 Jazz at the Sculpture Garden

 The National Gallery of Art’s sculpture garden is the place to be on May 25^th. Starting at 5pm you can catch the jazzy tunes of Tony Craddock Jr & Cold Front. You can purchase food and drinks at the Pavilion Café, which is near the garden.

 Waterfront in Georgetown

 The waterfront in Georgetown is home to many family friendly events. Eat on the patio at Tony Joe’s Seafood Place. Children can splash in the water fountain. Watch boats and feed the ducks. Georgetown is also home to some of the best shops for those obsessed with fashion.