D.C. Memorial Day 2018: Parades, Concerts, Motorcycles And More

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Washington comes alive with patriotic cheer Memorial Day weekend, complete with marching bands, motorcycles, a parade, a concert and more.

Read on to find out what's in store for May 25-28.

Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom

The celebration kicks off Sunday with thousands of motorcycles roaring out of the Pentagon parking lot at noon and riding into the city for the 31th annual Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom. The event honors POW and MIA service members and attracts thousands of bikers and spectators from across the nation.

The rally will begin at 7 a.m. in the North and South Pentagon parking lots before the motorcyclists ride off at noon. The bikes will leave the parking lots and make their run through the Mall area. After the run, police will direct riders to West Potomac Park for speakers, a musical tribute to veterans and the Memorial Day concert at the Capitol.

National Memorial Day Concert

Sunday night, PBS's National Memorial Day Concert salutes the men and women in uniform, as well as their families. The free concert is held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and will take place from 8-9:30 p.m.

Actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise will host the proceedings.

Performers include: Leona Lewis, the National Symphony Orchestra, U.S. Army Chorus and Army Voices, U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, Soldiers' Chorus and more.

Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony and Concert

About 5,000 people are expected to attend this event, sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. The event begins at 11 a.m. with a wreath-laying ceremony and concert at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The National Memorial Day Parade

The country's largest Memorial Day parade, held annually along Constitution Avenue, will take place from 2-4 p.m. Monday, May 28.

This televised parade honors those who have and do serve in the U.S. military. It is organized by the American Veterans Center & World War II Veterans Committee and is celebrating its 14th year. Spectators can expect marching bands, youth groups, performers, floats and veterans marching down Constitution Avenue.

>> Looking for more Memorial Day Weekend events in the D.C. area? Check out the following:

• On the Bus (Dead Tribute), 7 p.m. Friday at Gypsy Sally's
• Friday Night Concert Series, 7 p.m. Friday at Yards Park
• 9:30 Club & Trillectro Present Jussie Smollett w/ Victory Boyd, 7 p.m. Friday at U Street Music Hall
• Hamiltunes NOVA Sing-A-Long, 12 p.m. Saturday at George Washington's Mount Vernon
• ViVa! Vienna!, 10 a.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Vienna Town Green
• Willie Nelson & Family and Sturgill Simpson, 6 p.m. Sunday at The Anthem
• Akua Allrich & The Tribe presents "A Tribute to Mother," 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Blues Alley Jazz
• Memorial Day Pig Roast Tiki Party, 11 a.m. Monday at City Tap House Dupont