DC Thrifty Mom’s
FREE Happenings in the DC Metro Area:
Memorial Day Weekend
May 24 – 26, 2014
Fenton Street Market
Veteran’s Plaza ∙ Silver Spring
Saturday, May 24 ∙ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturdays on the Plaza (through October 25) they’ve got lots of vintage vendors and live music! It’s a perfect way to spend your Memorial Day weekend. Community Programming- 10:30am – 12:30pm: Live Music by Brass Band ∙ 1:00 – 3:00pm: Live Music by Majesty. Free Admission
ViVa! Vienna!
Along historic Church Street in Vienna, Virginia
Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25 ∙ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Monday, May 26 ∙ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday & Monday ∙ Vendors 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
A family and community oriented celebration of Memorial Day and the greater Vienna Community spirit. Amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors and entertainment – fun for all ages! Vendors include handcraft artisans, retail vendors, professionals, political parties and candidates, and community and non-profit organizations. View the 2014 Entertainment schedule here. A Memorial Day tribute is held at noon on Monday. FREE Admission.
Preparing Your Spring Garden
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
Saturday, May 24 ∙ 10:30 am
Join TV personality Derek Thomas of WTTG Fox 5 (the Garden Guy) as he leads a workshop on the ins and outs of creating a luscious and productive home garden for the upcoming spring season. For more information or to attend, call 202-633-4866.
FREE Summer Saturdays ∙ Paper City
Corcoran Gallery of Art
Saturday, May 24
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., North Atrium
Help to create a large-scale 3D city of our dreams. Use paper, tape, and a few surprise materials to bring it to life.
11am, 12, 1:30, and 3pm: Guided Tours
Kids Walking Tour
Vietnam Veterans Memorial | Map
Saturday, May 24 ∙ 11:00 am to 1200pm; 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Earn a Jr Ranger badge and learn about this countries veterans on a walking tour of the Vietnam and WWII memorials. Also consider The Memorials of the National Mall Walking Tour (Saturday-Monday) and/or Bike Tour (Saturday & Sunday).
Celebrate National Fitness Month ∙ The Art of Yoga
Montpelier Arts Center
Saturday, May 24 ∙ 11:00 am
Enjoy an hour-long yoga class in the beautiful galleries of Montpelier Arts Center. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. Following the class, explore the art exhibitions in the galleries or discover the gorgeous grounds of Montpelier. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
C&O SPRING FESTIVAL ∙ Music, History and Fun on the Canal.
Great Falls Tavern
Saturday, May 24
Maritime Voices sing at 11:45am and 2:15pm; Boat rides at 11,1:30 and 3
Join the Washington Revels Maritime Voices as they sing at the Great Falls Tavern on the C&O Canal. They will be the centerpiece of a full day of activity celebrating the life of the Canal during the 19th Century – featuring music, rides on a mule-pulled full-scale replica of the boats that plied the canal, games and crafts from the period, and visits from the Park Service’s mules and costumed re-enactors. Maritime Voices will present songs of the canal and the ships that carried its products out to sea. It’s all family-friendly and kids will love it as much as the adults. Free and open to the public — Boat rides are $8.00 for adults (ages 16-61), $6.00 for seniors (ages 62 +), and $5.00 for children (ages 4-15). Children aged three and under ride free.
Washington D.C.’s Department of Parks & Recreation
Outdoor pools open this weekend!
Starting Saturday, May 24 ∙ 12:00 pm
DPR’s outdoor aquatic features (Outdoor pools, Children’s pools and Spray parks) will open on Memorial Day weekend: May 24th, 25th & 26th (Sat, Sun & Mon). Features will operate each day on their regular weekend schedule.
All outdoor aquatic features will operate on a weekend hours schedule (Sat & Sun) from May 31st through June 22nd.
All outdoor aquatic features will operate on their regular 2014 Summer schedule starting on Monday, June 23rd, 2014. Pool passes are required for all non-residents; access to DPR pools is free for residents, but you need proof of residency. Locate a recreation center and outdoor pool near you here.
Create with Gara Cloth
African Art Museum
Saturday, May 24 ∙ 1 – 3:00 pm
Come create your own “Gara cloth bag.” Gara dyeing is said to have been brought to Sierra Leone by Mandingo traders between 1840 -1900, from nearby Guinea. In the past, woven cloth was used by chiefs and warriors for ceremonial dress, for bridal dowry, burial cloths, and gifts for important visitors. Today, the word gara is used to describe the dyeing process and products, which have become a status of national identity of Sierra Leone.
Portrait Story Days: Romare Bearden
Portrait Gallery
Saturday, May 24 ∙ 1 – 4:00 pm & Sunday, May 25 ∙ 2 – 5:00 pm
(for ages 5 and up with adult) Drop in to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. Today, learn about African American artist Romare Bearden (1911-1988).
Hometown Holidays
Rockville Town Center
Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25 ∙ 2 – 10:00 pm
Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade on Monday, May 26 ∙ 9 am – 1:00 pm
Hometown Holidays is Rockville, Maryland’s annual street festival celebrating Memorial Day. The three-day event features dozens of entertainers performing on seven stages, children’s rides, teen activities, VisArts Fine Arts Festival, an environmental expo, the Taste of Rockville, and the Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade.
The Memorial Day ceremony includes music by the Rockville Concert Band and Chorus, a wreath laying led by American Legion Post 86, and 21-gun salute and presentation of colors by American Legion Post 86 Color Guard. The Memorial Day Parade includes drill teams, marching bands, community groups, military units, and more.
Military Summer Concert Series: US Air Force Band ‘Max Impact’
National Harbor ∙ Plaza
Saturday, May 24 ∙ 6 – 7:30 pm
Max Impact is the premier rock band of the United States Air Force. The band’s six members perform exciting classic and current rock and country hits, as well as patriotic favorites and original music. For more information, please visit Max Impact’s website. Not free but consider a spin on the Capital Wheel!
National Memorial Day – Full Concert Dress Rehearsal
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Saturday, May 24 ∙ 8 pm [Gates will open to the public at 5:00 pm]
There will be a full concert dress rehearsal for the National Memorial Day Concert scheduled for Sunday, May 25th at 8pm. Free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary.
The Memorials by Night
World War II Memorial | Map
Saturday, May 24 ∙ 8 – 10 pm
After the sun goes down, see the memorials in a whole new light. Take an illuminating walk through American history at night. <2mi Contact: Ranger Station (202) 426-6841
Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally
Sunday, May 25
Departure from the Pentagon at 12 p.m. Speaker Program and Musical Tribute 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues.
Memorial Day Flag Making
Palisades Library
Sunday, May 25 ∙ 2:30 – 4 pm
Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who lost their lives while serving. Come to the Children’s Room and make a patriotic firecracker flag to hang on your porch or by your window all year long! This is a drop-in craft. All ages are welcome! View a complete list of DC Public Library Kids Events.
Air Force String Orchestra
Kennedy Center Concert Hall
Sunday, May 25 ∙ 3 pm
Join us for the 7th National Memorial Day Choral Festival. The Air Force Symphony Orchestra will perform with civilian choristers from across the nation to remember those who have served our country with an uplifting program of American music. This year’s Festival will specifically recognize and remember the 70th Anniversary of D-Day and the march to victory in WW II.
There is free admission to this event, but tickets are required. Tickets are available from the Music Celebrations International Presenter only. For further information, please call 800-395-2036.
Movies on the Potomac – Theme: Animated Academy Awards
National Harbor ∙ Plaza
Sunday, May 25 ∙ 6 – 9:00 pm
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. The 2014 season runs from Sunday, May 25th through Sunday, September 28th.
Meet at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of ocean breezes and all-ages fun! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show! Tonight’s movie is Up!
National Memorial Day Concert
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Sunday, May 25 ∙ 8 pm [Gates will open to the public at 5:00 pm]
Celebrate Memorial Day on the U.S. Capitol lawn with the National Symphony Orchestra’s annual tribute concert, hosted, as ever, by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. Scheduled performers include Sugarland vocalist Jennifer Nettles, Academy Award- and Emmy-winning actress Dianne Wiest, former “The Voice” contestant Danielle Bradbery and singer Megan Hilty. Free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary. Read the Frequently Asked Questions for event details.
2014 Summer Blast Off with Fireworks!
Wolf Trap
Sunday, May 25 ∙ 8 pm [Gates will open at 6:30 pm for Lawn]
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will launch Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts’ summer season with a program of concert band favorites. A fireworks display will follow the concert.
Fireworks viewing area opens: Following the performance, at approximately 9:30 pm
Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45 pm FREE!
National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery
Memorial Amphitheater
Monday, May 26 ∙ Opens at 8 am
A prelude concert by the United States Navy Band will begin in the amphitheater at 10:30 a.m. A wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11 a.m. and will be followed by an observance program in the amphitheater. Space is limited to standing room only for the wreath-laying ceremony and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the amphitheater. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure access to these events and should plan to be seated no later than 9:30 a.m. Arlington will open at 8 a.m.
Free parking is available all day in the Welcome Center parking lot. A free shuttle service will provide transportation from the Welcome Center to the Memorial Amphitheater. The last shuttle will leave the Welcome Center at 10:15 a.m., or when the Memorial Amphitheater is full.
33rd Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival
Falls Church City Hall [Directions]
Monday, May 26 ∙ 9am - 5 pm
Festivities include a Veterans ceremony at the Falls Church Veterans Memorial, a Don Beyer 3K Fun Run, contests, and a lively parade down Park Avenue. There is something for everyone throughout the day: Amusement Rides, Pony Rides, Arts and Crafts Booths, Food Vendors, Civic and Business Booths & Live Entertainment. FREE Admission.
City of Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival
Waterfront Park, 1 Prince St.
Monday, May 26 ∙ 1 – 6 pm
37th Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival commemorating Memorial Day. Performances by a variety of Jazz Artists, with food and beverage sales. The U.S. Army Blues, from The U.S Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will kick off the festival, followed by Ocho De Bastos featuring Latin Fusion; Earl Carter featuring Phillip Martin, with Smooth Jazz; then the Blue Crescent Syncopators with Dixieland Jazz and concluding with Seth Kibel & Bay Jazz Project with Straight Ahead and Swing. FREE Admission.
National Memorial Day Parade
Constitution Avenue between 7th & 17th Street NW
Monday, May 26 ∙ 2 pm
The National Memorial Day Parade will commence at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW. It will proceed west down Constitution, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. Participants will pass by the nation’s monuments, museums, and hundreds of thousands of spectators waving their flags and cheering for our country’s heroes – the men and women who wear the uniform of our armed forces.
From the American Revolution up to present day conflicts, the Parade will commemorate the American spirit and the sacrifices of those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who serve so we can live in the Land of the Free. The parade will include floats, high school marching bands, veterans, service members, local and national celebrities, service organizations and clubs, and much more!
Enjoy the unofficial start to SUMMER!