Memorial Day Weekend 2016 in Washington, DC

With the holiday weekend among us, we’ve chosen a few well-known picks that pay tribute to Memorial Day in addition to some familiar events. We’ve also put together a short list of suggested Day Trips that won’t keep you and your family in the car too long but will get you “away”. An obvious and free pick is to visit the various memorials along the Mall.

Washington Nationals play this weekend against my home team the St. Louis Cardinals. Bring your pup to the park on Friday or catch a giveaway game on Saturday day game or a Sunday day game!

Friday-

4:00pm-10:00pm: MarketSW Seasonal Launch Party
(4th and M St SW)
MarketSW, the monthly Night Market across from Waterfront Metro Station is back for the summer! Every Fourth Friday, the District’s quirkiest and funkiest artists, makers, and vintage pickers will set up on the LOWSW, the corner of 4th and M St SW.  Come for the Vendors, stay for the Music, Beer Garden, Cigar Lounge, and Lawn Sports!

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
(Between 3rd and 9th Streets, along Constitution Ave)
19th Street Band will be kicking of the 16th season. If The 19th Street Band could be summed up in a phrase, it would be “old school.” From their folk instruments (upright bass, fiddle, and acoustic guitars), to their approach to music and performance, The 19th Street Band has followed the traditions of The Carter Family and The Kingston Trio while also integrating modern elements of Americana, Country, and Rock ‘n Roll. Bring a picnic and purchase drinks and food on premises.

9:00pm: Rolling Thunder
Candlelight Vigil followed by a Wreathlaying Ceremony and their annual roaring Memorial Day Parade motorcade through downtown. Complete schedule here.

Saturday-

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814)
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. Featured story: Cha Cha Chimps.

Sunday-

11:00am-12:00pm: Family Yoga at Bloombars
(3222 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001)
This family class will explore the practice of yoga through music, dance, relaxation and play. Families will have the chance to connect in a meaningful and fun way, while also giving each family member the chance to breathe, stretch and relax. This community-based class will inspire connection and awareness in a nurturing and playful environment. Make the time to share mindful and heart-opening practices with your family, no matter the age or experience level. Come breathe, move and play with us every Sunday!

12:00pm: Rolling Thunder Demonstration
Bikes leave North Pentagon parking lot to begin their run through the Mall area. After the run, police will direct riders to West Potomac Park, where they will oay tribute to their fallen brothers and sisters. Complete schedule here.

2:05pm: Candy Drop at Bowie Baysox Game
(4101 Crain Highway Bowie, MD 20716)
The Helicopter Candy Drop is BACK! Be part of the excitement when a helicopter will drop thousands of pieces of candy onto the field after the game! All kids 12 & under at the game will come onto the field and be able to participate! It’s also Louie’s Birthday Bash and the first 500 kids ages 3-12 through the main gates beginning at 1:00 pm will receive a Louie Baysox T-shirt.

6:00pm: Monsters Inc Movie on the Potomac
(165 Waterfront Street National Harbor, MD)
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages!

8:00pm: National Memorial Day Concert at the Capitol
(West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol)
On the eve of Memorial Day, a star-studded lineup will grace the stage for one of PBS’ highest-rated programs. This multi-award-winning television event has become an American tradition, honoring the military service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Monday-

2:00pm:  Memorial Day Parade
(Begins at corner of Constitution Ave and 7th St NW)
Marching bands and veterans’ units from all 50 states.

Saturday, Sunday & Monday-

Theatre performances

Viva! Vienna!
Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-10:00pm and Monday 10:00am-6:00pm
(245 Maple Ave. W, Vienna, Va)
Rides, music, crafts, children’s stage, street vendors, food and Memorial Day Tribute. Entertainment event schedule here and full festival schedule here. Admission is free and presented by the Rotary Club of Vienna, with all proceeds going to charity.

Rockville Hometown Holidays
Saturday and Sunday- 12:00pm-10:00pm, Monday- 9:00am-1:00pm
(30 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850)
Over 30 bands will perform this weekend at HTH. Check out the kids activities as well; The Uncle Devin Show and ¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés! will play on the Town Square Stage. The Taste of Rockville at Hometown Holidays will have food, beverages and desserts from some of Rockville’s best restaurants. Each ticket is $1.25 and can be purchased at a Taste of Rockville ticket booth.  There will also be a Memorial Day Parade beginning at 10:30am on Monday.

Day (or overnight) Trips-

Shenandoah National Park

North Shore Beach

Harpers Ferry

Luray Caverns

And of course the kids haven’t let you forget the pools open this weekend. Here is a list of Washington, DC pools with hours and addresses. All outdoor pools will open Memorial Day weekend – May 28, 29 and 30 from 12 pm to 6 pm. All pools will operate on a weekend schedule from May 30 through June 18 (Saturdays and Sundays only) from 12 pm to 6 pm. Spray parks will open on Saturday, May 28 and will operate daily, from 10 am to 7 pm, through Monday, September 5.

Not a pool person? Let your child run around and splash in the spray parks or hit a waterpark (see the bottom of the list). A few sprays in DC are The Yards Park and Georgetown Waterfront Park and a list of spraygrounds in Arlington.