Memorial Day 2022: Where To Find Events Around DC

WASHINGTON, DC — Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, bringing numerous special events to enjoy with the family. The holiday is also a solemn occasion to reflect on those who have died serving in the armed forces.

National Memorial Day Parade will take place from 2-4 p.m., on Monday, May 30, on Constitution Avenue, from 7th-17 Street, Northwest in Washington, D.C. The free event is hosted by the American Veterans Center. The parade will be streaming on the American Veterans Center’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

Memorial Day of Observance at the Wall is scheduled for 1-2 p.m., on Monday, May 30, at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, 5 Henry Bacon Drive, Northwest.

Lincoln Memorial 100th Anniversary Celebration is Monday, May 30, at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

In Vienna, the largest event of the weekend will be ViVa! Vienna!, a three-day festival hosted by the Rotary Club of Vienna from Saturday, May 28 to Monday, May 30. The event features rides, entertainment, vendors and new Backstage BrewFest. A Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the ViVa! Vienna! main stage on the Town Green.

Below are other events to check out during Memorial Day weekend near Washington, D.C.

Thursday, May 26, 2 p.m.

Flags In at Arlington National Cemetery

Flags In is a tradition where the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (the "Old Guard") places American flags at graves of service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The flags are placed at 228,000 headstones and 7,000 niche rows in the cemetery's Columbarium Courts and Niche Wall. In addition, the Sentinels (members of the Old Guard) place flags at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Army chaplains put flags in front of the headstones and four memorials on Chaplains' Hill. Visitors can watch but may not place flags.

Sunday, May 29

Wolf Trap Blast Off with "The President's Own" United States Marine Band

This free event launches Wolf Trap's summer season with a performance by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band. The band will entertain the crowd with performances of concert band favorites. The show will be followed by a fireworks show at approximately 9:45 p.m.

The event will have limited availability with first come, first served seating. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks viewing areas will open around 9:30 p.m.

Monday, May 30

Falls Church Memorial Day Ceremony, Festival and Parade

The City of Falls Church has a day full of activities planned for Memorial Day. The Memorial Day Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Hall and Community Center grounds with civic, merchant, craft and food vendors, live music and kids entertainment. A fun run will also start at 9 a.m. at Great Falls Street and Little Falls Street. At 11 a.m., a Memorial Day ceremony will be held at Veterans Plaza by the Community Center with keynote speaker Capt. Shaw H. Cohe, SC, U.S. Navy (retired).

At 2 p.m., the parade will begin, running on Park Avenue between West Street and Little Falls Street. The grand marshal is Chet De Long, who was chosen for his service to Mary Riley Styles Public Library.